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