Bikram Hot Yoga Houston Blog

Almost eight years ago, when a friend recommended yoga to relieve stress, I was overweight, out of shape, in turmoil... and brunette! Much has changed.

It's amazing I stuck with Bikram Yoga, because I'd never been athletic.  I hated gyms and jogging. I wasn't good at following through on commitments, either.

But one reason I kept at it was the instruction during savasana, as Bikram says: "Complete relax!"  Bikram class was one place I could relax. When our instructor reminded us to just sink into the floor: "The floor is holding you up; it isn't going anywhere," I felt supported and safe--although it was hotter than hell.

In class, I learned to breathe normally through difficulty. That came in handy, since life is full of difficulties.  Gradually, my yoga, my body, my life started changing for the better.

One day, my fingertips touched the floor. Then I grabbed my heels, locked my knees and my forehead grazed the floor. I felt proud of myself for sticking with it and could appreciate something about each class. On days balance is bad, flexibility is good. When flexibility is bad, strength is good. When everything is bad, I congratulate myself for staying in the room.

I started to make better choices. Healthier foods appealed to me. I quit eating meat and drinking alcohol. I gravitated toward positive and happy people, as I steered away from negative people who tore me down.

One day, the instructor told us to keep a happy, smiling face throughout class. "It's like biofeedback," he said. "Smiling tells your body everything is ok, and you naturally relax."

Looking into my own eyes and smiling at myself for 90 minutes, slowly I started liking and even loving myself. I'd been my own worst critic. Now I was becoming my own best friend.

Confidence built inside the room gave me courage to stand up for myself and venture outside my comfort zone.  I've taken Bikram classes in many other cities. It is delightful knowing I'll be welcomed by my extended yoga family, wherever they are.

I met a wonderful man who quickly took to Bikram Yoga. Lying in final savasana after class, my upturned palm spooning inside my sweetheart's, I feel peaceful, happy and thrilled to be alive.

Today I am a 48-year-old grandmother who feels great about my body-without lifts, tucks, or lipo!

And I am living proof that as Bikram says, "It's never too late, it's never too bad, and you're never too old or too sick to start from scratch once again." If your practice has plateaued, renew your commitment. If you are just starting, stick with it!