Ask anyone of my friends or family members and they will tell you (and not because I told them to) that Bikram yoga has saved my life. I started doing yoga tapes at home a little over two years ago in order to help my leg heal after a running injury. After a few months I wanted to try the real thing and a friend suggested Bikram.
I went and hated my first class. I suffocated for an hour and half, but I had bought a month long membership so I made myself come back. I did again and hated it still. Finally after my third class Karen sat down with me to see why it was that I was there. I wish I could have said I wanted to find peace, and balance, or something profound but really I wanted to lose some weight.
I have always been very athletic. I have always worked out, and I have always been in shape. I also have always held onto weight in my lower body in spite of my over active lifestyle. Karen told me to give her one month of just doing this yoga. I was not to run or lift weights. I was just supposed to practice the yoga, and then see how I felt without any other variables. I agreed and by the end of the month I felt better than I had in years.
Now over a year and a half later I feel better than I ever have. The best part is that I got what I wanted with my weight loss, but even better after a few months it became so much more for me than the physical change. I began to change as a person. I was more focused at school and work. I became happier and felt a stronger connection to myself and what I was doing. And yes I completely believe that this yoga is the reason for all of that. I was born with a serious health problem and this yoga has been the only thing in my life to help do what doctors could not. I have not been to a gym since and I do not miss it at all. I am in the best shape of my life.
After I graduate I plan on going to teacher training and leering how to give back to others what I have been so grateful to have been shown. I could go on forever telling people how amazing this yoga is in so many ways. I am much honored to be the student of the month. It really means a lot to me. Thanks you to all of the Bikram yoga staff and students. I cannot imagine my life without you!