Had you practiced yoga before coming to Thavma Bikram Yoga? If so,What other Styles of Yoga had you practiced?
I had played around with some online yoga and P90x yoga, but had never attended an actual yoga class before coming to Thavma.
What Made you decide to do Thavma Yogas 60 Day Challenge?
I had been a Thavma regular for over a year, but had never done a challenge. I felt like I was missing out and needed to dedicate myself to a challenge to see if I could push past the limitations I had in my mind.
What did you want to accomplish from your 60 Day Challenge?? Did you achieve your goal? I lost my Dad to cancer a year ago and am still sorting through feelings of immense grief and anxiety. I always felt less anxious after attending class, so I wanted to see how a daily practice would help with my emotions. The challenge kept me accountable on those days I felt tired, depressed, and wanting to shut the world out. I ALWAYS left class feeling emotionally released and it helped rewire my brain to understand that when I begin to feel anxious or emotional, I need to get on my mat. As a homeschooling mom, wife, and running a part time business, doing something for myself is usually last on my priority list. Committing to the challenge forced me to put my needs first for once and it benefited my entire family as they got a happier and more calm mom and wife.
What changes did you see during and after your 60 days of Thavma Bikram Yoga?
I certainly experienced physical changes such as weight loss. Most importantly I feel mentally stronger and more calm. I’m eating better, staying more focused on hydration and don’t have near the cravings or the appetite that I used to.
What did you learn/gain from doing Bikram yoga regularly?
Before starting the challenge, I was attending 4-5 days a week. Having been a runner for years, I was concerned that it would be difficult to attend daily with no recovery days each week. I quickly found that I was getting an amazing daily workout without causing the stress on my joints and muscles that made me require those running recovery days. Seeing measureable improvements in my strength and flexibility while achieving postures I was previously unable to was exciting.
What did you love most from doing the Challenge?
The most inspiring part of this challenge is knowing that I set an example of health and commitment to my children. My 9 year old daughter often practices with me, was keenly aware of my challenge and wasn’t about to let me miss a day. My seven year old son has not been ready to take a class yet and has been telling me that a yoga class is ALL he wants for his upcoming birthday (well, and maybe some Legos). I love that at a young age, they can already recognize the benefits of a regular yoga practice because they see what it has done for their mom.
What’s your favorite posture!?
My favorites have changed from beginning the challenge to the end. I now love triangle, which I previously dreaded. After gaining a better understanding of proper form and alignment, I now feel my spine stretch apart and click into alignment regularly while in triangle. It’s awesome!
What do you think about our Studio?
I feel incredibly blessed to have Thavma right around the corner from my home. All of the instructors are SO wonderful, encouraging, knowledgeable and supportive. It’s refreshing to be surrounded by such kind people and just get that sense of “ahhhh” when I walk through the door.
