.::Bikram Yoga College of India

I believe yoga postures click in your life when they are supposed to. They are keys to your new path in life. Life to me is a hall we pass through on our way to the ultimate good.

People truly have no idea what this yoga can do on sooo many levels. I have been practicing for 7 years and can't imagine life without it. You know, you tend to love and respect yourself more. I, for one, quit my job at an insurance company this past summer because of the constant abuse I experienced at work.

The company has a sick relationship with its abused employees and one day, from my car to my office, I said "today, I will quit". I quit without having any financial compensation from them, but, I knew it was the right thing to do for me and for my future.

It was tough, sure, but it was soooo worth it. Now, I am in a much better place. I swear, thanks to my yoga classes this summer, I didn't cut my wrist! Between the yoga and my mother's support, I am still here. Living proof that self love is always worth the changes it requires. It was a long term vision and now I am seeing positive results: no abuse, no migraines. and greater professional benefits!

I love your studio. You have a great team and a fantastic dynamic.

May yoga be with us all...

Thank you Joani!!!

Ana

After I completed my first "10 lessons in 30 days" package deal at the South Boulevard location, I knew that I had finally found what my body has needed for so long: a comprehensive breathing, stretching, relaxing and strengthening fitness regime. I saw more results with yoga during that short period of time than I ever had during many months spent in the gym lifting weights and running on the treadmill. My waist became smaller, my posture straightened up, my feet became more in tune with the ground and I became more balanced. In addition, I stopped sleeping with a pillow and just relaxed into the corpse pose to fall asleep instantly. My body looks different: I have lost weight, my legs are becoming stronger and slimmer, my arms too. I drink more water, I eat quality food to fuel my efforts during class and of course, I feel fantastic!

I'm working my way up to the "60 day Challenge" which I will start in January of 2008 and I know that if I can do that, I can do anything!

Kristina Ireland

For the past year I have been attending daily classes at Joani Nunez and Mike Winter's Bikram Yoga located at Fountainviewand South Blvd. They offer a wide variety of class schedules so it is simple to fit the 90 minute workout into my schedule. I've been training inside gyms my entire life. Since I've been attending Bikram's hot yoga I feel I receive everything I need for total body conditioning. I find it gratifying to learn something new about myself from each instructor. Its like having my own personal trainer. I've leaned down 10 pounds, stand taller and have never felt better! Bikram Yoga brings a new found peace to my life. It's the missing piece to the puzzle I didn't realize I'd been searching for.

Joani, as I come upon my fourth anniversairy of practicing Bikram Yoga I'd like to share with you some of the many benefits that I have experienced from my practice.

As you know I am an avid golfer and have been playing sinceÝI was nine years old. Flexibility and strength are key for golfers and as these decline, most golfers scores start to rise. Balance is also important, as loss of balance makes hitting a golf ball harder. At an age when most people are lossing strength, flexibilty, and balance Bikram Yoga is allowing me to increase each of these.

My core strength has improved which allows me to hit the ball further and my concentration is also much better. An average round of golf takes four hours; concentrating on one thing for this length of time is a challenge, even for the mentally tough. I could go on and on. Thank You for providing a wonderful venue for Bikram Yoga.

God Bless,
Tim Clay

Dear Joani,

I believe yoga has helped keep me sane and has made me a better mother.

I have a two-year old daughter, and I have just started the process of getting a divorce. It has proven to be a very nasty process, and I've been so very saddened by the whole thing. Between that and working full-time and going to school and mothering a child, I honestly felt like I was going to lose my mind a few months ago. I got tension headaches that kept me awake at night. I was just surrounded by this malestrom of negative energy and stress. I decided that rather than give in to various addictive vices like cigarettes and alcohol (which were both quite tempting), I would instead try something a little healthier. I promised myself that I would do yoga at least three times a week.

I feel infinitely better now that I've been coming consistently for three months. I have not had one tension headache since I've been practicing regularly, and I feel so much more at peace. Sometimes yoga class is the best "alone time" I get all day, even though I'm in a class full of people. I still have days where I feel like I'm about to crack into a million pieces... but I know that feeling is temporary and I know what I can do to help manage it.

One of the things I have tried to do in class (and this sounds a little silly) is to really focus on being kind to myself. That is the intention I usually set. When I'm taking class, I feel like I am nurturing my body as well as a part of my spirit that desperately needs it right now. I look at myself in the mirror and really try to put aside all the self-criticisms and hard things I tell myself throughout the day. It helps me manage all the difficult things I'm working through right now to be able to put aside all the negative thoughts and to treat myself with grace. Yoga class provides me with the perfect opportunity to practice this.

When I go home to my daughter in the evenings, I am a much more relaxed, loving mother to her. I don't feel as drained and I have much more patience for all the things that come along with being a mommy to a toddler.

Thank you for creating a studio with such a welcoming, peaceful environment. I can't tell you how much I have needed it!

Blessings,
Jennifer Shannon

Dear Joani and fellow classmates at Bikram's Yoga College of India,

I discovered that I might have an issue to deal with about four years ago when I took my first Bikram Hot yoga class with Tony... fear. I realized I was filled with fear.

I went to my first yoga class oblivious of what I was committing to. Ignorance is bliss, so they say. When I first arrived at the studio, I was surprised to find that it was a "heated" class. Not 100% certain what that meant, I reassured myself with the notion that, "Heck, I live in Houston. How hot can this be?" Somehow, I had not truly processed the fact that I would be in 105+ degree temperatures for at least 90 minutes. An hour into the class, I said out loud to the person closest to me, "How long is this class, anyway?"

What really hit home was CAMEL-and that's where the fear thing comes into play. After completing the first of the two camel poses, I was overwhelmed by a sense that I had been covered in a cloak of black. I could barely breathe. I could not see. Fear had literally enveloped me. "Wow," I thought. "I had better pay attention. This is not the norm." Tony reassured us that whatever emotions we might be feeling were normal, and not to worry. I thought otherwise.

Since that time, many emotions have surfaced, or have not surfaced. The past four years have truly been a journey. Here is what I have noticed:

I am stronger-on the inside and out.
I am stronger-on the outside and in.

Sometimes, I am more flexible, sometimes I am thinner, sometimes fatter and/or less flexible, but always, I am stronger. And definitely, I am no longer afraid. I never feel the cloak of enveloping fear. I know I can handle whatever comes my way. This yoga has been my salvation.

The journey of a thousand camels...

Once, after camel, I had the experience that my body was filled with shooting stars. I just loved that class. Another time, I felt really, really angry. Furious. Beyond the beyond-but it went away in just a moment, so that was good. For a period of several weeks, during the camel pose, I found myself very annoyed, wondering, "Who would have the audacity to smoke during a yoga class?" The smell was so strong and so distinct that it seemed to be coming from myself or someone right next to me in the yoga studio. As I seemed to be next to a different person each time I took a class, and have never, ever smoked anything in my entire life, I asked Joani, my totally favorite person in the world after my husband, mom, dad and daughters. With smiling eyes, she said in her wise and gentle way, "You are releasing toxins. Did anyone near to you ever smoke?" "Well, yes," I said, "My grandmother smoked. But, she died in 1988." Joanie assured me that this was probably where the smell was coming from. Wow. Some days, I have this warm, abiding sense of love for all humanity. Really. It's one of the reasons I keep coming back. It gives me hope.

But in truth, I am just waiting for the day that I can have the kind of camel result that Tony had the first time he performed this pose-unstoppable joy and laughter. What wellspring did that come from, Tony? Each time I come out of camel, I try to hurry into Savassanah (sp?) to see what might surface. Most days, I just feel hot and sweaty and sore. I try to focus on healing. I never, ever feel afraid. And for this, I am truly, eternally grateful.

Your fellow Yogini,
Kate Lowrey Henninger
katehenninger1@gmail.com

Hi Joani!

I have been doing Bikram Yoga for about 6 years and believe me, it has been the best decision I have taken in all my life. Before that, I had never exercised. I was also not living a very healthy life style but its really true, Bikram Yoga naturally changes many aspects of your life.

I put myself to the test a couple of years ago and decided to stop drinking any form of alcohol for 2 years and I did it! Persistence and trust in myself is what I learned. Its incredible how people are prejudice about those who don't drink, but, that did not matter to me. Not a drop for 2 years was good! Now I have a glass of wine or a beer, but, I no longer abuse my body the way I used to.

My dietary habits have also drastically changed. It didn't take that long to change either. I would say, within a couple of months of beginning to practice Bikram Yoga, you unconsciously just start eating better, naturally eating more of your greens and more and more fruits. It's amazing what this yoga can do!

I also saw changes in my personal life. I suffer from migraines. I tend to be a nervous person and stress had been my number one problem for years. This yoga decreased my migraines and I control my nerves better. Some things have been very hard for me, but, it can be done. Itís amazing to see that your own body starts rejecting any form of medication because all the medicine you need is 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises! Now I am a total anti-pill person. When my migraines get strong, I just do some yoga and they get better, its true!!!

Yoga makes you choose what is right for you. It makes you more understanding towards others and more patient. I lacked patience and yoga has taught me that. Your brain tends to think differently, in a more positive way! I know my mother is more than glad Bikram yoga has come into my life. Now if I could only get her to go too...

Thank you Joani for a great studio and for having the best team in Houston! And thank you for what you do for all of us, the students!

Yours truly,
Ana Jabive Serrano

My first day at BYCOI's Fountainview studio was in the middle of July 2004 and I've been a regular from day one. I like to attend 5 days a week, with the exception of a yearly 60 Day Challenge.

I had a total hysterectomy in January 2006 (then age was 51). I was very concerned about the incision as the doctor would have to cut through my core muscles, which are the bedrock of yoga. My doctor assured me that by cutting vertically instead of horizontally I would have zero problems.

I was back at yoga 2 weeks after the surgery. I was able to do every posture except ones that required a backbend (cobra, full locus, camel, and floor bow). I rolled to the side instead of doing the sit up. 3 weeks after the surgery, I was back doing everything 100%.

This yoga helps keep me in shape. It gets rid of my negative energy. The people at the studio have become my extended family. Where else can you go and get a genuine smile and a warm hello? Beside, the director, Joani Nunez, is an amazing warrior woman. She is a gifted teacher and an enlightened being. I am so blessed to count her among my friends.

Please feel free to call me if you'd like to hear more.

Allison Shapiro

On January 27, 2007 I began my Bikram Yoga experience. It has been the most wonderful thing I have ever done for myself. Today after 43 classes, I have lost 25 lbs and 2.5 inches around my waist. Besides the physical differences, the other benefits are far more reaching for me.

Before Bikram Yoga I was using Advair once a day and a puffer three times a day for my asthma. After 3 weeks of classes I no longer needed the inhalers I was using. I am diabetic and have found myself needing to use less than half the insulin I was using before. I think as I continue my Bikram Yoga journey I will be totally off of the insulin one day.

My friends tell me my eyes are brighter and my complexion is smoother. I feel better and have energy to burn. I find I don't need as much sleep to feel rested and I certainly don't need a sleeping pill to fall asleep at night!

Bikram Yoga has been a God-send for me. Even though I haven't yet completed the 60 day challenge, I already have a new body, a new mind, and a new spirit. I am so grateful.

Gary Devine

Dear Joani,
Hello! I'm Amy Johnson and I attended my first class at the South Blvd location Wednesday night, subsequently signed up for the 10 classes in 30 days, and went again last night.

Whew! I have to say that's one of the most challenging things I've done in a while. I am training for the MS150 and have really started pushing myself on my bike with hills in the Texas Hill Country (shorter rides) and a Spin class at the downtown YMCA.

I think these classes are really going to round out the state of my physical fitness, plus give my mind a workout. During my recent bikerides, I've really been pushing myself, breaking though mental barriers as I break through my fitness barriers - it's a trip!

I'm 32 and I haven't felt this athletic since high school! I think the Bikram Yoga classes really ignited something in my brain, along with my body, too. Just wanted to say the first 2 classes were "great" and I look forward to my next 9 classes. I attended with two friends, and they are just as excited about this as I am. Also, one of my intentions for the Bikram Yoga classes is to improve my digestive system. We'll see! Thank you for providing this wonderful class. -Amy Johnson

P.S. I would also like to say that the staff is really friendly and made me and my friends feel so welcome. The instructors are "excellent" at explaining things, especially towards the end of the class when my brain isn't exactly working correctly...
Amy Johnson MS RD LD

I did notice that there were no testimonials on your website from first timers. I think (hope) my testimonial will definitely encourage people to come and give it a try. I'm still feeling the exciting, peaceful effects of my back-to-back Wednesday/Thursday classes. It's really, really amazing. I'll be back for the Monday class. -Amy

It has been one year this month since I first entered the Fountainview studio. The changes that I have noticed in my body are just fantastic!! I can now bend my left knee (which 6 months before walking into the studio had come into direct contact with a car bumper when I was a victim of an auto-pedestrian accident). I have also noticed a definite increase in my flexibility, strength, and much better moods since beginning my practice. I have also completed the Bikram Challenge once, and am in the process of my second time around as of this message. I have also noticed a slimmer waistline, more tone in my legs and rear as well. Many thanks to those instructors, whom have encouraged (and corrected) me along the way. I am now trying to do "doubles" (just as a goal for myself) each of the days I come to the studio. As a result of this I feel so much better.

Andrea

To Joani and all the wonderful instructors at Bikram Yoga Houston,

I started Bikram Yoga at the Fountain View location in the Fall of 2004 and immediately felt invigorated by the heat, sweat, pain, and all the energy and vitality that goes with it!!

In early 2005 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and needed to undergo radiation therapy. When I asked my physician and technicians if I could continue my yoga class, they were so perplexed. "No one exercises, much less sweats, while undergoing radiation..." . The biggest concern was how the excessive perspiration would affect the markings required for the radiation therapy. So, I was a guinea pig and found out that the ink holds up well, at least a week at a time. I also feel that my practice helped to fend off the fatigue that is associated with radiation. I never experienced anything out of the ordinary. So, anyone out there faced with the same dilemma, there's no problem! Keep up your practice!

In the summer of 2006, I also faced some surgery, having a complete hysterectomy. I remember going into surgery, announcing that I was doing my "yoga breathing". I was back to work within 5 days, and back in yoga class inside 2 weeks! My stamina was 100%, and I was able to participate in every position within 4-6 weeks. My doctor was so pleased, and I'm confident that my yoga practice was most instrumental in such a quick recuperation.

So to those fellow Yoginis who are faced with medical issues, I have to say that this practice is a healer, and, it prepares your body to handle stressful events in a remarkable way. If anyone has questions concerning any treatment they may be facing, please don't hesitate to contact me personally. And, thanks to everyone at Bikram Yoga!

Lorna Henderson

Joani,

I have been taking Bikram since October 2005 and have definitely noticed an improvement in my flexibility since first coming to Bikram. I came to the practice with good strength and general conditioning, but I was certainly in need of added flexibility.

One other benefit I received which I didn't expect was a cure for the carpal tunnel in my right hand. I noticed carpal tunnel symptoms after the birth of my daughter seven years ago. There was little relief for me, and I was reluctant to undergo surgery. I have noticed a definite improvement in the symptoms I experienced previously from carpal tunnel. I also noticed that when I missed a week of Bikram due to vacation, some of the symptoms returned, so a maintenance dose is certainly required!

I never thought I would be a yoga student- I thought it was too easy and not enough exercise/cardio. I have definitely found a wonderful, physical practice in Bikram! It is also a great pairing with the cycling and weight lifting I still do. On that note–I was lifting weights about 3–4 times a week before coming to Bikram. I have been able to maintain the tone and strength in my arms and legs through steady practice of Bikram and lifting only 1–2 times a week. I am a believer!

Take care and Namaste,

Barbara Duganier

Dear Joani:
I wanted to write and tell you how much I have enjoyed the Bikram Yoga classes I've enrolled in the past month. I'm a 23 year—old recent survivor of Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

After adding Bikram Yoga to my fitness routine, my blood counts (Hemoglobin/Hematocrit) have risen, I am less fatigued, and I am experiencing less pain and numbness in my legs caused by chemotherapy—induced neuropathy. Also, my pulmonary function (lung capacity) has increased. The difference in my physical health is remarkable, and I find the practice to be a great, natural remedy for stress and anxiety.

I would be very excited for other cancer patients/survivors to know my story because only recently have supplementary therapies like yoga been documented as beneficial practices for those with cancer.

Thank you so much! Rachel A.

To Bikram Yoga/Houston Staff:

I started Bikram Yoga in December of 2005. I have been trying to come to classes at least 3 days a week and decided to write to tell you how wonderful this new activity has been for me and my career.

I am a golf professional here in Houston, teaching full time in the heat and humidity. I always felt like I was in adequate shape, but found myself tiring after a long day of teaching outdoors. I knew I had to do something to improve my health as I got older so that I could continue teaching in this part of the country. I am glad to have found Bikram Yoga.

The class/workout is amazing. A challenge, yes, but a wonderful sense of accomplishment hits you at the end of the 90 minutes. I am pleased with my gains in flexibility, strength, and balance, even though I have quite a long way to go to achieve mastery. This class has helped my endurance for teaching in the heat which quite simply seems to be a lot easier this summer! I have an improved sense of well-being physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Thank you:

For an educated, competent, motivating, inspiring, and friendly staff
For a clean and well-appointed facility
For your patience
For your sensitivity and encouragement
For your kindness
For your passion and interest in health and well-being
For paying this wonderful world of Bikram Yoga forward, as I will do.

Cheers!
Deb Vangellow

Joani,
I was in Houston for business last week. Fortunately, I got several chances to visit your studio and the great band of people who work there. Donna's teaching and spirit was wonderful and Jack's kindness and assistance made me feel welcomed right away. Thank you for putting together a quality team and I look forward to attending classes again at your studio when I return to Houston.
Regards,
J S
President/Incorporated

Hi Joani,
It is Andrea Jackson, age 42, now having practiced at the Fountainview location for almost 4 months. I can truthfully say that I have gained flexibility that I have not had in a long time (if ever) and gained more focus in my daily activities.ÝI also want you to know that your staff and teachers are wonderful and very encouraging.ÝYou have gained yet another lifetime "yogini". ––Andrea Jackson

I started Bikram Yoga in July of 2005, mostly to try and heal a very sore and troublesome achilles tendon. Six months later my achilles tendon has not healed, however the rest of my body is transforming itself into a limber and flexible machine!

So far I have lost more than 10 lbs, I can bend and stretch like I could in high school (maybe even better), and, my hips are beginning to open and loosen up after years of being frozen.

Maybe the best of all result is the clarity I am achieving in my personal life. On a daily basis, life and -what is important in life- are becoming much clearer to me!

John Nelson age 52

I was almost 41 and had never done any yoga when I started Bikram yoga. I was out of shape and 15 pounds overweight, but I didn't come for my physical health. I was newly in recovery from alcoholism and my life was in turmoil--I was getting divorced, selling my house and my business, starting a new job and my son was suffering from a life-threatening disease--and I desperately wanted to find some peace and serenity.

It is hard to describe how much the yoga has done for me, but I will try.

I love yoga and the instructors in Houston are so wonderful. My 18 year-old daughter, who is an athlete but does not do yoga, says I look better in a bathing suit than she does. (It's not a competition, but it's nice for a 43-year-old woman to hear!) I became a vegetarian. I sleep soundly and peacefully every night. I met the love of my life and he does Bikram yoga with me--an amazing way to feel close to someone you love.

Now, thanks to Bikram yoga, no matter how chaotic my life becomes, (and my life is so much calmer now), there is a place I can go to unwind, feel peaceful and let it all go, without having to resort to chemicals! Getting a whole new body in the process was an unexpected bonus.

Thank you, Mike and all the wonderful Houston instructors.

Anonymously Grateful

I started Bikram Yoga on Dec. 26, 2005 and after only one class I knew that I had found something that would forever change my life!

I was stricken suddenly in February of 2005 with a rare autoimmune disease called Guillain–Barre Syndrome. It is a nerve disease that comes on without warning and can cause pluralization and the lungs to stop breathing.

I was hospitalized for a week and sent home with a care taker for the next few months. I was unable to do almost anything, walk, talk, write, cut my own food, wash my hair, etc. I was plagued with fatigue and pain everyday and night. I was slowly getting better but not anywhere near normal.

I was at an end, and the doctors told me that there was nothing left for them to do. I was going to live my life in constant pain and fatigue, taking boatloads of pills everyday! That's when I decided that I need to find something better. I found Bikram Yoga, and it has changed my life! I now am almost 100% better, I have no fatigue or pain, I have lost 10 lbs, I have been able to go back to work and I am pill free!!! I feel great and I have my life back. Bikram's Yoga has truly been a miracle for me. Thank you and your staff for saving my life!

Sara Dimitt

Since January 2004, I have practiced yoga consistently - 4 to 5 times weekly (I was hooked after my first class). I have suffered from asthma and lower back pain most of my adult life. I inhaled steroids twice daily, carried a rescue inhaler, took allergy medicine and allergy shots. Each year I could look forward to having pneumonia at least once and many bouts with colds and allergy symptoms.

This year, thanks to Bikram Yoga, I am medication FREE!!!! I no longer take ANY medication for asthma, and my allergies are gone. Not only am I free from steroids, inhalers, and allergy shots, I have not had pneumonia, colds, or the flu. Bikram Yoga has also strengthened my back so that I am now completely pain free.

I am 57 years young and have participated in many types of exercise (aerobics, weight training, etc.) throughout my lifetime. I can honestlysay that Bikram Yoga has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. It has taught me patience, given me endurance, and completely restored my health.

Thanks to my friend, Lynn, for suggesting that I give this a try, and thanks to all the instructors and many friends I have made as a result of practicing Bikram Yoga. See you in class!

Gay Stallones (Fountainview Location)
gstallones@houston.rr.com

Hi Joani,

I am amazed at how after less than a week back I feel like I never left!

I started Bikram yoga with only moderate yoga experience. Although I enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere of the classes I had taken previously, I never "fell in love" with the yoga experience. I had attended regular yoga classes only a couple times a week because I didn't feel like I got a good workout, and would intersperse my yoga days with taking aerobics at the gym. What a shock I had at my first Bikram class! It was several classes before I could even make it through class without having to "take a knee" every other posture, but the instructors continued to encourage me both during and after class. This really made a big difference and I am grateful to all of them for helping me stick with it. In just a few weeks, I was totally hooked!

When I started Bikram, I was undergoing fertility treatments and was restricted by my doctor to attending in 2 week cycles ("2 weeks on/ 2 weeks off"). Just when I finally would get used to the heat and intensity of class, I would take 2 weeks off and have to start all over again. Again, the encouragement I received by the staff was so helpful and I would always return knowing how good I would feel after a class or two. Aside from all the physical benefits, I know that Bikram has been immensely helpful in dealing with the stresses of daily life.

Happily, I got pregnant last year and have just had a beautiful baby girl. I was restricted from taking Bikram for almost a year due to both my history of miscarriage and some complications early in my pregnancy. I finally returned last week (3 weeks after giving birth) and after just a few classes I already feel like I never left...I am amazed that after almost a year with little or no exercise I am able to participate in the entire class (even triangle and cobra!) It seems like my body just remembers what to do. I have never had this experience with any other type of exercise after being away for even as little as a few weeks. I know that Bikram Yoga will play a huge role in helping me lose my "baby weight" and get back into shape after such a long absence, and I can't wait. I am very grateful to be back!!

Namaste, Laura Licato, age 36

Hi Joani,

It's Natasha, recently devotedÝyoga student! Just wanted to let you know that I really love your classes. I was actually referred to yoga by my doctor. I've been having stomach/digestive problems, and he doesn't want to treat me with medicine right now, he thinks it's all stress/anxiety related and told me to try out yoga. I've been attending your classes for a few weeks now, and I'm enjoying it so much. I can't wait until the end of the day when I get off work and come to class. It's really the only time that I completely focus on myself, I don't think I've ever done that. Your classes are not only physically challenging me, but also emotionally challenging me in that I'm finally learning how to relax and let everything else go.

The entire staff is so nice from the time I walk through the door and sign in, to the time I leave. It's not very often people feel so comfortable in a new environment and experience, but you guys do the job! Thanks for everything.

Natasha Paster

Hi Joani,

About 2 months ago I fell down the stairs and sprained my elbow. I struggled through yoga for 6 weeks not being able to straighten out my arm. The injury did not feel like it was getting better. I felt discomfort in almost every posture, but excruciating pain when I tried to put full weight on the joint in locust pose ‚ so I stopped doing it correctly. I was lifting my legs, but my arms were at my side, not underneath my body. Ky caught me one day and asked about the injury ‚ He suggested that instead of lifting my legs, I should just focus on getting my elbows underneath my body and making that my posture. It made sense and I gave it a try. I had to cross a pain barrier the first time, and my arms were only slightly tucked under, but I did it. With each practice, although I still had to endure pain, my elbow felt significantly better every day. It has been three weeks and I have re-gained almost complete mobility. I attribute the recovery to Ky's good advice and of course hard work. I appreciate you and all of your staff ‚ you guys do great work!

Thanks
Anne Todd

I've been doing Bikram Yoga for about 8 months or 200 times. I have bad knees and am soon to be 54 years old.

Benefit bullets:

humility
strength
kindness
patience
cleanliness
tenacity
mental acuity
self confidence
eternal youth
comradery
life simplification
world chuckle

Not perfection but my right knee is better.

Peace and see you soon!
Tim

I have been practicing yoga on and off for 5 to 6 years and began attending your studio 2-1/2 months ago. At that time wasn't feeling all that great, my back and knees were pained and my weight was stuck at 172 lbs - about 10 lbs over optimal for me.

After taking classes 5 or 6 days/week for almost 3 months I feel more vital, my weight has dropped to 162 lbs and the pain I felt has diminished considerably. Also, my appetite has changed for the better. My body seems to gravitate more towards fruits, veggies and whole grains and away from caffeine and meat. In all I feel pretty good, really better than I have in some years. It seems your yoga classes deserve the credit.

You and your cadre of instructors do an exceptional job. Thanks for providing an opportunity for me to reclaim some healthier energy and for making it enjoyable in the process.

Keep up the good work! Many thanks. Best, Lee Hill

I am writing this with the intention of letting you know how Bikram yoga has affected my life. This is the first yoga type I have ever tried and I was lucky that it just happened to be on my way home one day and I decided to stop in (Fountainview location) - not aware that it would involve anincredible amount of heat or that I would have to invest in many new towels and detergent..... my only requirement was that there was no chanting - not my thing...

I became curious about yoga because people had in the past told me that it reduced stress (which I had a lot of due to my demanding job which I was beginning to hate) and also since I was a runner, it would help me with my flexibility. The first class killed me, too hot I thought, but I liked the feeling of my heart pounding and the challenge it gave me. I was sore for days, it took me a week to come back and I wasn't sure if I was Bikram material. But when I started coming more often, several things convinced me that this a was good thing.

First, it's like "Cheers", where everyone knows your name. It's a great feeling for me to come in and have the instructors remember my name - I felt wanted and knew I would be missed if I didn't show up next - well, at least they would know I wasn't there, missed may be too much (but I'd like to think so...). Then it was seeing all of the different people that attended - all ages, weights, and personalities. I felt like I was part of a dynamic group. I had just lost my job, I broke up with my boyfriend of 14 months, and I was going through personal issues.

After one month of yoga, I felt a difference. I slept much better, I drank more water, I felt a sense of achievement every time I finished a class - you know how you ask "What do you want to get out of this class?", I always say to myself "Finish and not pass out - or pass gas..." Every day is a new experience and all of the instructors are so friendly (Radi, Amy, Jessica, Tony, Robin, you) that you guys have become my 90 minute family. I mean that. I don't know what I'm going to do when I get a job - my 4:30 PM class is a ritual for me now!

If anything, not only is this good for my health, but I feel like I'm part of something good and worthwhile. I just want to say thank you for providing such a positive environment - your kind words sometimes are just what a person needs that day and I know you have a life outside of yoga, but when you're there (all of the instructors) - you all seem focused on us and that is truly admirable. It's just what I needed in my life and I'm truly grateful. When you said "your camel rocks", inside I felt so good, now it's my favorite pose. Someday I'll manage the locked knee - I hope.

I have recommended this class to everyone I meet. The patience and balance it has brought to my life is something that I want to share with everyone. Thank you again.Iris Munoz

Hi, I visited your beautiful, clean studio in May. I am a 70-year-young woman who had been introduced to Bikram's yoga by our son, Carl. He sent me the tape and book because we live far from the nearest studio. He worked on my postures long distance and kept encouraging me. I enjoyed having the opportunity to be in a real studio with real instructors. What a difference it makes!! Both Tony and Joani were friendly, helpful and comfortable to be with during this new adventure. Carl is now working toward becoming an instructor himself. I am sure he will be a great one. It has been his passion and we are happy he is having your encouragement to go for it. namaste' dorhuhta@pasty.com - Hancock, Michigan

Unbelievable! The best thing I could have done for myself. Bikram Yoga is incredible. I came to the class totally out of shape, not having exercised in over 18 months. The instructors, Joani in particular, are so knowledgeable and encouraging. I wanted to come every day, and would if I didn't have to drive an hour plus each way. If you want to do the best thing possible for your body and soul, EXPERIENCE BIKRAM YOGA!! Thanks Everyone, Jan Understein — Fountainview location

I'm very new to Bikram Yoga, but already I have experienced a remarkable change in my health. For the past 12 years I have lived with the daily effects of a hiatal hernia, stomach ulcer, and irritable bowel syndrome. Normal life is a challenge when your entire digestive system is a mess! I came to this yoga because I have wanted to try it for some time and thought it might be the right form of exercise for me. I did not come to this yoga with any preconceived notion that it would heal my ills. And yet now, I am not experiencing any trouble with my digestive system! Also, I have always had limited lung capacity. Climbing a single flight of stairs left me breathless, with my heart pounding. But since I started practicing Bikram Yoga I can climb stairs with ease. These are MAJOR life changes for me. Thank you very much! Kat Jordan — South Blvd Location

Bikram Yoga is slowly but surely changing my body for the better. When I started, I was knock-kneed and completely flat-footed. Now my legs are beginning to straighten, and arches are forming in my feet. These seem like small things, but I am amazed that Bikram Yoga is actually changing my body's structure! My weight loss has been more dramatic. In about five months of practice, I have lost over 20 lbs. This yoga is the only exercise I do. It makes me want to eat less junk food, drink more water, and be more aware of what I allow into my system. I now practice a much healthier lifestyle, and my body is showing it, thanks to Bikram Yoga! Elizabeth Walen — 25 years old - Fountain View location

I had heard about Yoga for years and had tried regular Yoga a handful of times over the past 5 years, but was never really motivated by any class I attended. I also had/have limited time to devote to exercise, was a runner until recently, and didn't want to give up my running for Yoga as I wasn't seeing the same physical results. After I had my second child in May of last year, I immediately went back to running and the working out in the gym, but wasn't seeing the results I wanted quickly enough. A friend had mentioned Bikram Yoga several months back and when I consulted a trainer at the YMCA, he suggested Yoga as well. I also went to a chiropractor/ accupressurist, Dr. John Rice, after my baby was born for back and neck pain. He said I could keep spending money to come in and see him or I could take up Yoga. I was doubtful, but on the way home from the store one day, I saw the new Bikram studio on Fountainview and decided to give it a shot. After one class, I was hooked. I felt like I was floating when I walked out of the first class and couldn't wait to come back the next day. Not only did I feel and see almost immediate physical benefits, I felt much more relaxed and better capable of being a mom for two small kids under the age of two! The 90 minutes away is very re- energizing for me and a time where I can focus on myself and unwind. I also find that 3 days a week is sufficient for me to keep in shape and feeling good ( even though I would like to come more!), whereas when I was a runner I felt the need to run every day (which is hard to do with kids). I have lost 45 pounds since I had my baby in May, and at least the last 15 pounds and 2 clothes sizes of which I attribute to Bikram. I never run anymore, as I don't need to before. I have a history of scoliosis and back pain after 2 kids, which the Yoga has completely eliminated. I have turned on several friends and three family members to Bikram Yoga and talk about it wherever I go to whoever will listen! I cannot recommend it highly enough. Thanks for giving me this opportunity; it is definitely a way of life for me now that I will never change. Gabrielle Welch — 31 years old - Fountain View location

Joani— I wanted to thank you and the staff at BYCI for the thoughtful card- this thank you is SO late, and I apologize for not sending it sooner! I have been having dreams about Yoga every week since I had to stop classes, and it made me feel so wonderful that you all were thinking of me! Secondly, I wanted to pass along a second thank you to Bikram Yoga- I am officially 9 months pregnant tomorrow and I can STILL bend down to pick things up off the floor! I can still squat, and my hips are in great shape- all due to my Bikram Yoga practice! I cannot wait for the day when I can return to class - my body misses how it felt when I was practicing regularly. (The maternity yoga video helps, but nothing can beat the real thing.) I hope all is well with you and all the staff at both studios- please tell everyone I say hello! Take Care, Kari

For testimonials, pregnancy guidelines and other information regarding Bikram Yoga, please visit Bikram Choudhury's web site at www.bikramyoga.com.