What are people saying about Bikram Yoga?
I have been practicing Bikram yoga for the past 6 months, and I lost 50lbs within 4 months of practice. Bikaram yoga has changed my life and daily outlook.
Tri
Since attending Bikram Yoga classes, I have found more space in my joints and muscles which has freed me from daily aches and pains such as lower back pain, foot pain, and neck pain. When I am consistent with my yoga practice, my mind is calmer (even in the hustle & bustle of Manhattan!) and my body is stronger yet more supple. I look forward to practice every time I go, and I naturally crave water, healthy foods, and nutrition filled snacks instead of sweet or salty ‘junk’, or nutritionally void, foods.
Katherine
I've been out of shape because of a torn IT Band. I tore my IT Band because I wasn't involved in yoga.
For me, as a runner (not competitive but long distance for fun) I need the mixture of yoga and heat in order to really address very tight muscles in my body.
Therefore, I've chosen to do Bikram once a week to help out with my stretching and get me in the best shape.
Devon
"I've only been doing Bikram for a few months, but already I feel better, sleep better and my clothes fit better. I also have been eating a healthier diet. After working so hard for 90 minutes to improve my well-being, I just don't want to put junk food into my body.
Thanks,
Patricia
"My name is Lisa Blythe Perlman, and Bikram Yoga NYC is where I go to achieve “mommy-sanity.” I was a devoted yogi, and practiced 6 to 7 times a week before my pregnancy. I was pursuing the arts and stand–up comedy, and Bikram yoga was what I needed to unwind at the end of a less than stellar day. As a mommy, I knew that there were going to be many facets of my former life I would have to give up--Bikram yoga was not one of them. I still go almost every other day and my son benefits by getting a relaxed and sane mommy afterwards! It is not always easy to get the babysitter and get to class, but I make it a priority… up there with shaving my legs and watching The Bachelorette. By the 26th posture, I am so happy and only wish Bikram created a 27th posture that dealt with toddler tantrums!
Truthfully, I am forever grateful for Bikram Yoga NYC, the sweating, and the community of yogis I have met through the years. I was honored to host this past year’s yoga championships, and as I watched the competitors, I realized what a gift it is to practice with such a strong group of people. As a New Yorker, Jen and Donna gave me a space to relax, and as a mommy it gives me the perfect “me” time. I wholeheartedly say that as a mother, 90 minutes of sweat makes up for her 90 hours in sweatpants…now if they could expand the studio to throw in a pedicure chair and a wine cellar, it would be truly perfect mommy time ;) "
Lisa Blythe Perlman
www.lisablytheperlman.com
"I'm fairly new to working out and got into running to spend more time with my boyfriend who is an avid runner... turns out I wasn't so bad at running and starting to love it, except for the toll it takes on your legs and knees. Bikram is the perfect remedy for running aches and pains, it allows me to get a deeper stretch which helps my muscles recover after long runs as well as help with my breathing and overall core strength.
It has also helped in every day life with holding on and protecting my inner peace when life/work get in the way :)
"
Raffaella Fornarelli
"I just started doing Bikram yoga in early April. Despite my continuing struggles as a twig when I'm trying to do "tree," I'm very grateful for the benefits that I've already gleaned. An avid runner, I had developed shin splints that were so painful, there was no question of running for me, beginning in about September of last year. Physical therapy, swimming, etc -- and I still wasn't comfortable on the road again. But after my third month of Bikram, I dipped back into the pleasure of running and have found my stride."
Jinny St. Goar
"I have only been practicing Bikram for a month but I absolutely love it! I was flexible as a youth (in fact I was relatively physically active) but in my adult years, which have included often with stretches of sedentary living, a lot of this flexibility is reversed. In addition, when I started to get back into heavy physical activity (running in particular) I injured my knee. As a result the range of movement in the knee was greatly reduced. To add to my maladies, I was starting to develop a slouchy posture. So I was looking at ways to improve my posture and live a more healthy lifestyle.
I had been told about Bikram for a number of years but was a little reluctant to participate for fear of fainting. About a month ago I bit the bullet and joined my first class. I was excited and apprehensive at the same time. Yes the class was intense but I immediately felt the results. So I went back during my introductory week. The pain in my knee is greatly diminished and I am feeling fantastic.
Due to my physical activity schedule, I am only able to practice Bikram once to twice per week but now and into the future I am determined to incorporate Bikram into my fitness and lifestyle regime.
I. Dawson
"My decision to do the 30 day challenge was motivated by an upcoming birthday... my 30th birthday. I started the challenge exactly 30 days before my birthday so I could enjoy the final class on that special morning. The experience was life-changing.
Doing anything for 30 days straight in New York City is tough. You have to plan when to sleep, when to drink, when to leave work, and when to eat. So the first couple days were about struggling with logistics. Soon, however, the experience quickly transcended those surface concerns. My practice started becoming less combative and aggressive. I could feel a consistent breath throughout the hour and thirty minutes. Then, I started to align that breathing with the poses without needing a prompt from the instructor. By slowing down my breathing, and being less gung-ho, the heat became a non-issue. Without sounding too corny and cliche, I felt my practice get to the next level ... and to my surprise, it was not what I had imagined it to be. It was freer and less intense, almost playful. Bikram went from being "that crazy yoga in the boiling room" to an almost invisible, fluid, energetic experience.
Towards the end of the challenge, I had some disruptions to my schedule. On the last morning, on my 30th, I did a double class on very little sleep. I have to admit I rushed out of class on "namaste", but I was greeted by friends and loved ones outside the studio. I highly recommend this experience!! "
John Cutler
"The challenge was a true testament of will power and dedication. After the 8th day, I knew the next 22 days would be okay, for me, the bigger challenge was traveling from Queens to Midtown. The benefits were worth it. I slept better at night and went from a size 10 to a size 5. Bikram Yoga has put my body back in sync and the 30 Day Challenge was the best way to jump start a healthier lifestyle. "
Carol Demby
"I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to work-study at the Flatiron Studio after my cancer diagnosis and during the treatments. I have to admit the whole process was not an easy task (treatments), but being around the studio and taking the few classes that I did helped me keep a very positive attitude and outlook on many occasions during the process.
The advice I received from you and some of the instructors is very much appreciated and I always keep it in mind. It's been two months after my last surgery and I am recovering quite well. Doing yoga now is like starting all over again from the beginning but I enjoy the challenges and spiritual growth as I see myself moving forward to where I used to be before cancer."
"I began practicing Bikram Yoga a year because of severe back pain. It was recommended to me by a friend and I have been attending 3-5 classes per week ever since. Any physical pain is completely gone, but I have discovered many mental benefits of the yoga as well. At work I can handle stress better than ever and I am more focused and happy at work."
"Practicing Bikram Yoga has affected everything simultaneously. I have more control over my emotions, physical cravings, and it has made my body stronger and more flexible. This is not like an activity. It is more like a therapy that cures all my ailments. It gives me faith and good hope that I can actually live my life without using any drugs and without having mental dysfunctions. I can learn to control my mind and my body."
"I NEVER thought that I would ever be practicing YOGA. I recently spent a few months in NYC and had the opportunity to begin practicing Yoga at Bikram 8th Ave. I weigh 200 lbs and I am about as flexible as a log. Yoga HAS changed my life, and I feel great. I am back in Miami and trying to find the closest Bikram Yoga studio to my home."
Art Rojas
"I would like to take a moment to thank you all for your hard work, dedication and caring at Bikram Yoga NYC. It's been an amazing six months for me. I'm no longer planning to get a knee operation, my elbows are on the ground in fixed firm and I have a big old smile on my face whenever I'm in your presence (though you may not always see it). So thank you all from the bottom of my heart."
John Klein
"Four months ago I bought 14 nicotine patches and decided - not knowing how, that I was going to quit smoking. My dear friend told me that she had heard of Bikram Yoga and that you really detox super fast, she suggested I try it. I signed up immediately, and started with 2 classes a week. After 2 weeks I was looking so forward to each class. A few times my coworkers said to me - Belinda you seem a little stressed isn't it time for your Bikram class. The withdrawals from smoking were terrible at first, but Bikram Yoga really pulled me through. After taking a class I feel a sense of calm and inner peace. Mostly I am so proud that I can be in a 90 minute class and improve a tiny bit every time. And I feel so proud that I can say no to cigarettes. I have learned to respect my body and honor it."
