Bikram yoga has improved my quality of life in so many ways. At 15 years old I was diagnosed with scoliosis, and while I am fortunate that the curve of my spine is slight in comparison to many cases, it has caused me much pain and discomfort over my adolescence/early adulthood. I became used to restless sleeps, painful backaches in the morning and aches and pains throughout my days. I went to many doctors and specialists, saw chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists and acupuncturists, and while some of these therapies felt great and helped with the immediate discomfort I was feeling none of them seemed to get at the root of the problem for me. Now, at 22, having practiced Bikram yoga for over 2 years I sleep soundly, do not awake with back pain and have less aches and pains throughout the day. Bikram yoga has not only helped with my chronic back pain, but it has helped heal the ankles that I have sprained numerous times from years of playing soccer, helped to improve my asthma, my flat feet and my general well being. As a student I became so engulfed with exams, papers and assignments that I would get multiple ulcers in my mouth at a time from the stress. The yoga has helped me to de-stress immensely and I have not had any stress-induced ulcers since I began my practice. I am so grateful to have found Bikram yoga at an early age and I know it will be a lifelong practice for me.

Discovering the practice of hot yoga five months ago has improved my quality of life in ways I never thought possible. After years of severe migraines, muscle and joint pain, anxiety and fatigue I was no longer able to work and was struggling to get through the day. Having a background in healthcare I turned to conventional medicine for help. The medical approach focused on treatment of my symptoms using prescription medications such antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications along with strong pain relievers. I was convinced this was the best way to treat my health issues. After many years, almost a decade, of trying several medications without any improvement it was becoming clear that this approach was not working for me and was in fact making things worse as I often had adverse reactions to the medications. I was desperate for help.

This desperation left me searching for alternative solutions I would not have considered before. I knew I had to try something completely different and decided to keep an open mind.

Having heard about hot yoga my initial reaction was, "no way" . This was way out of my comfort zone. I was not flexible at all, had very little energy, and the thought of being in a hot room for 90 minutes was daunting to say the least. I also was dealing with recent weight gain and a poor body image. The thought of wearing "yoga clothes" in public was frightening. I was intimidated.

I also realized that to make any kind of change, you must start with how you think. I bought a mat and decided to give it a try.

The first time I walked into the studio, I knew this was going to be different. The staff were welcoming and the facilities were great. Entering the heated room I immediately felt my body relax as I started to warm up. Looking around, the first thing I noticed was the different variety of people in the class. Young and old, men and women, both in shape and not so much. Real people, with real bodies who appeared very comfortable. This was definitely not a "gym" atmosphere but a much more inclusive place for those wanting to improve their health.

The first class was unlike any form of exercise I had done before. A systematic approach to every muscle, joint and organ in the body. No impact, no equipment, no competition. A practice designed to focus on your body's own ability to heal itself. It was challenging and relaxing at the same time. A perfect balance between mind and body. The required concentration allowed me to focus on my body and breathing which gave my mind a break from all the thinking I like to do. Ninety minutes of not worrying about anything, just breathing. I was not expecting this. I actually didn't think it was possible to go 90 minutes without thinking about all life's little problems. I actually understood for the first time what the concept of meditation was. Not analyzing your issues, but taking a break from them by being fully present in the moment. Not doing, just being.

After class I was expecting to feel like I used to after other forms of exercise. Tired and sore. This was not the case at all. I felt like I had a good cardiovascular work out but also felt like I had just had a massage, with all my muscles relaxed and not aching for the first time in years. Instead of being tired, I felt energized. My mind was clear and calm, and my ability to concentrate had improved dramatically.

I knew this yoga practice was what I had been searching for. I practice five days a week now and have never felt this well. My headaches are much more manageable and less frequent, I no longer ache and do not need to rely on medications for the relief of anxiety. This practice has done what conventional medicine was unable to do for years, improve my health. The changes were so impressive my conservative husband was intrigued to try it. Needless to say, he is just as hooked as I am and it is now something we do together to improve our health and quality of life.

Sometimes we have to try everything that doesn't work before we are willing to try something completely different. My only regret in starting this practice was that I didn't do it sooner. I will be forever grateful to staff of Bikram Yoga Sidney for showing me that sometimes the greatest chances we take in life offer the greatest rewards.

“…in January of this year I committed myself to a one year membership at Sidney Bikram Yoga…I joined for a number of personal reasons; however my main motivation was a chronic hip flex or injury I had been nursing with little success for a number of years…..after 5 months of moderate weekly practice I have not only noticed and felt significant improvement in the area of my physical injury, but I have benefitted in more ways than ever expected….i feel stress melt and tension become relaxation, I see good in things I didn’t before, and most of all I feel the beginning of a balance in all areas of my life…for me Bikram Yoga is not just a physical commitment – it is college of self-guidance….”

"I started practicing hot yoga with the fabulous and dedicated crew at Bikram Yoga Sidney about 3 years ago...initially on a whim at the suggestion of friends. I thought it would improve my flexibility! Well it did that, but there were a myriad of unexpected benefits that I never would have conjured up in my mind...

I'm 40 now, but have never been at this overall level of fitness ever in my life. In many ways I feel younger than in my 20's; my strength, flexibility, and balance have improved immeasurably. There have been incredible mental and spiritual benefits as well...focus, building resolve to overcome things, and the ability to shed stress. Every now and again, clarity, and the revelation of things never before imagined come to me in the intense heat of practice. They aren't given to you, but you earn them as a result of where you go while practicing. There are few other everyday places you can go to experience this sort of escape and self actualization...

Lest you think I'm some sort of new age, alternatively-oriented type, think again! I'm an airline captain, and the practice of yoga has been the perfect complement to the physical and mental aspects of my professional life.

I would encourage you to try it, and stick it out for a little while. The benefits take time. Expect a positive and encouraging experience on your journey with Wendy and the excellent instructors at the Sidney studio!"


Chris

Bikram Yoga Sidney

I was searching for an exercise routine to rejuvenate my aging body when a colorful flyer arrived in my mail box promoting Hot Yoga in Sidney. At the studio, I met Wendy, one of the instructors whose friendly, happy, smiling face answered my questions and encouraged me to give it a go.

I started my classes and began to learn about Hot Yoga. Now 3 months later, I am attempting 26 postures on a regular basis to the best of my ability.

Circulation has returned to my toes and my feet are significantly warmer. My lung capacity has increased, allowing me to breathe much better. Learning to meditate and relax my body has given my mind, time to catch up and slow down. I feel that not only have I stopped, the aging process, I can put it in "reverse". I think I'm making very good progress for a beginner.

I know Hot Yoga is much more than a get fit program of performing postures. I find as I understand the purpose of the bending and stretching I gain the flexibility of working my body and mind. Each day I can move forward with spring in my step.

In November I attended a lecture by the man himself, Bikram Choudhury, a fluid and purposely driven man who demands commitment and concentration not only of himself but of all his yogi teachers. The skillful staff at Sidney Hot Yoga does him proud. Each "Sidney by the Sea" instructor has a uniquely individual style that moves the class determinedly through the postures.

The rest is up to me.

Bob Earle