Testimonials
Come by the front desk and encourage your fellow yogis by writing about your yoga practice progress and breakthroughs in our BYFH Journal.
Phenomenal Teachers Delivering Dramatic Results!!!! If you need to read more... I've worked with physical trainers, participated in IronMan's, weight trained, took pilates, seen osteophath's, chiropractors, doctors...the list goes on (at least I'm trying:)), however nothing has produced better results - faster than my time at Bikram Yoga Forest Hill.
My strength, flexibility and balance have improved immensely over a period of three months. I know i still have a long way to go, but for me, I know I'm on the right path to get their with greater efficiency than alternatives. I'll still participate and engage in other fitness activities, but having Bikram Yoga Forest Hill as the foundation will make everything else easier, feel better and more enjoyable.
Most importantly, I have more energy and range of movement to run around and play with my four children.
Now for the mental impact - the language and philosophy of Bikram has allowed me to excel in my business and personal life. I have benefitted by winning more high stakes negotiations, being of greater service to my clients and more available to my friends and family. Physical, emotional and mental - Bikram Yoga Forest Hill delivers noticeable results on all these key elements.
All of this however, would not be possible, if not for Janice and her team of teachers. They are always so accommodating, supportive, friendly, encouraging and very knowledgeable. Each time I practice with any of them, I learn something new and they allow me to move along my practice at a good pace. They ultimately make the experience as good and effective as it is.
I thank each of you for your commitment and look forward to continued results.
P.S. the taste of the M & M's at the end of the class is a nice benefit as well:).
Kenny Solway
My name is Fareeda, and I was born in Sri Lanka and turned 67 this year.
In December 2005 during the Christmas holiday season while walking on the side walk I had a fall in the soft snow, I got up and continued my walk and several months later I realised that I tore the ligaments in my right knee quite badly. I had an arthroscopic surgery mid 2006 but it did not seem to help me at all, and my doctor prescribed a total knee replacement. The knee replacement surgery took place in February 2007. The recovery time was slow and difficult, and I was not happy with the progress I was making. I had had a fairly active lifestyle before my surgery and felt myself slipping into depression from the inactivity. The surgery left my body completely out of alignment, and the muscles in my leg atrophied, causing my hips to be completely unbalanced. Following my doctor's instructions to go to rehab, I underwent physiotherapy at the hospital, but the period for which it was provided was quite short.
Throughout 2008, my insurance coverage allowed me to continue with physiotherapy, but by that time I felt stiff and my joints were quite painful. I'm impatient. I wanted to see quick results, but the process was long and tedious because of my limited insurance coverage. One day while waiting for my physiotherapist, I read an article in Reader's Digest (the December, 2008 edition) about a young woman named Tara Moore who had made an astonishing recovery doing Bikram Yoga following a horrific parachuting accident. I decided to try an alternative way to strengthen my body by following in her footsteps and took courage and determination to make my way to the Forest Hill Bikram Yoga studio.
I started in July 2009; the first five classes were among the most physically and mentally challenging things I have ever experienced. I realized how unbalanced all the muscles in my body had been, even before my surgery. My hips were out of alignment, my lower back ached and I had tight hamstrings and shoulders. I knew I needed help. I cannot (yet!) say that I have reversed everything and have a perfect body in such a short time, but I am happy to report that I am still working extremely hard to achieving the maximum benefits and am proud to say I have seen vast improvements medically (including stabilized blood sugar levels from day to day and reduced blood pressure to 117/74 Pulse 81 an average of 4 readings on March 15, 2010 from 185/85) and physically (I lost 15 lbs and lost 3 inches all around).
After each 90 minutes class I feel fantastic. I continue to attend classes 2 to 3 times a week. With every class I can feel and see my body getting stronger and stronger. I credit this to the Forest Hill Bikram Yoga Studio, run by Janice and her wonderful teachers who take pride in what they do and just to let you know from across the room you may hear "Fareeda, head up, chin up, arms straight up to reach the ceiling and bend further a little more, more, more and freeze " You need to focus on the instructions given by the teachers to achieve the results and they know every student by their first name. They are an amazing bunch. I appreciate and thank you for making me look forward to a healthier body and happier life. That is why I am so passionate and have become addicted to Yoga!!!!
Fareeda
From Berlin to Buenos Aires, Janice's teaching represents the best assimilation of Bikram's teachings I have come across, which is combined with her own unique appreciation for the psychological journey inherent in every class. Her approach is positive, passionate and strong, and her love for the practice is apparent through every posture. In Janice's studio, she's not satisfied unless you're in the room, conscious of what you're doing, and striving for your personal best. It isn't about perfection or being someone you're not, it also isn't about where or what Janice thinks you should be, it's only about keeping your dristy (focus), loving where you are at, and pushing yourself just a little further every time.
Mitch Smolkin
When I came to my first class in July I was looking for a big change. I play hockey and run, but I just couldn't keep weight off and had never felt fit. Six months later the change has been amazing. I have lost over 25 lbs, I can run for an hour, and most importantly I am scoring goals in hockey (a truly wondrous feat for a player of my poor caliber!). I can't tell you how thankful I am to you and all the wonderful instructors at the studio. I know I still have a long way to go in perfecting my practice. Both my Fern and I look forward to classes every week.
Yours truly,
Ian Sandler
As a student of Bikram Yoga, I have tried many other styles but nothing could compare to the benefits of Bikram Yoga. The Bikram series does much more because you work the entire body inside and out. In 90 minutes, you will feel energized and revitalized and a feeling of well-being that I can understand. I should, I have had the feeling now for 29 years doing Bikram Yoga in Los Angeles, Florida and Toronto with actors, athletes, doctors and lawyers, husbands and housewives. You’re missing out on something special in your life if you don't do it and if you choose to do it, you will enjoy a full life and some surprises along the way. Just try it. DO GOOD LOOK GOOD AND FEEL GOOD!
Student Tom Bennett, Toronto
Initially I was very timid about taking YOGA (yuck), I was into resistance and football training. Than I started to hear and see the difference Bikram was making in peoples lives around me. I began to see their glowing skin, admiring their strong postures and great outlook on life.
It was then that I decided to investigate a bit further. I discovered that many athletes that I admire have used Bikram yoga to supplement their workout. Athletes such as Jerry Rice exclusively practiced Bikram in the off season, Ricky Williams was an advocate and the New York Giants also practiced in the off season as an OTA (Official Team Activity) . So I figured if it's good enough for the NFL it's good enough for me too at the very least try it.
I'll never forget my first class I went in at 210 lbs sat out half the class and swore I'd never go back. I returned for my second class (heck it was free) and while getting changed after class set an intention to put an honest effort into the practice. I purchased 20 classes and tore through 20 classes in about 25 days. I noticed my weight was dropping at an alarmingly fast rate. I abandoned the gym membership, and was hooked.
I now practice 3-4 times a week and completely surrendered my life to the practice. I lost around 25 lbs since I started, without changing a single thing from my diet. I can't imagine if I ate healthy. The fellow practitioners and teachers are always supportive and great people to be around (yoga lifestyle I guess). Some days I dread going but I ALWAYS leave with a feeling of accomplishment and an energy like I can take on the world.
For me Bikram Yoga isn't an exercise in fitness but an exercise in life!
Namaste,
Tiffen Williams Student
Throughout my twenties I have suffered from stress induced anxiety and crippling panic attacks. My stress was evident in my skin showing itself in the form of breakouts and on more than one occasion has panicking affected me in social situations. Since beginning Bikram yoga I have felt nothing but great every day. I sleep in a way that I have never experienced and wake up clear headed and ready for the new day; my digestion has become a well oiled machine. By investing ninety minutes a day, three to four days a week, I am giving myself time to forget and let go of the things that would have previously caused me to go into a tailspin. I focus on my breathing and always finish the class feeling rewarded and satisfied. My fiancee has commented on my new relaxed, go-with-the-flow perspective and how my skin looks healthier than it has over the last four years. I have only been practicing for a short while but I am addicted to the high that comes with knowing I am doing great things for my body and mind. Bikram yoga has become a great part of my life.
Jesse-Lyn Fleming, student



