Had you practiced yoga before coming to Thavma Bikram Yoga?

I had tried hot yoga a few times and regular yoga at the YMCA but had never done any consistently or long term.

What Made you decide to do the 30 Day Challenge?

 I had several people and doctors suggest over the years that I should try yoga to help manage stress and improve tightness from lack of proper stretching with regular exercise. I knew I hadn’t stuck to a yoga program in the past and figured a challenge would make me give it an honest chance rather than just attending a few times and then deciding it was not for me. 

What did you want to accomplish from your 30 Day Challenge?? Did you achieve your goal?

 I hoped to increase my flexibility. Yes. In the beginning some shoulder and hip injuries really bothered me. By the end of the program they were noticeably improved. I also noticed more flexibility and less pain in my hips.

What changes did you see during and after your 30 days of bikram yoga?

 I had less general pain and stiffness throughout the day than what I had experienced in recent years. I felt better overall and also was unconsciously making better choices in terms of sleep and nutrition so I would feel my best for class and get the most out of it.

What did you learn/gain from doing Bikram yoga regularly ?

One thing I noticed was the ability to rest easier and to change my focus if something came up with work or family life. Bikram forces you to clear your thoughts and focus on your goal of doing a posture or getting through a class even when you are uncomfortable with the heat or tired. I noticed myself doing that throughout the day and my stress level and blood pressure readings were better. I typically have big spikes in blood pressure when I get “stressed” during a regular day.

What did you love most from doing the Challenge??

       I like to challenge myself. Again, with some hip and foot injuries sustained it has been a few years since I have been able to exercise 7 days a week without feeling pain. It was nice to be able to exercise day after day with sometimes some soreness but not physical pain caused by exercise to a joint. I also do not care to be warm at all…so doing Hot Yoga and sticking to it for 30 days straight was good to prove to myself that I can do anything I decide to do.

What’s your favorite posture!?

My favorite posture is the standing bow. While definitely not the best at it, it is one that seems daunting at first but you feel a sense of accomplishment every time you hold it, lean further, straighter etc. Good to remind yourself just how much your body is capable of doing.

What do you think about our  Studio! 

Studio was fantastic. Marina and the other instructors could not have been better in terms of helping me with the postures and motivating me to stick with it. The atmosphere is the same in the classes because of the instructors. Everyone is very supportive and enthusiastic about the class and being courteous to one another.