Jim Chaltas has always been athletic, having played football from childhood through college, then getting into running.
As is the case with many runners, he eventually damaged his knees and back and went to the treadmill.

Then his neighbor introduced him to Bikram yoga -- poses taught in 105-degree temperatures.


Lesley Young/Special to The Commercial Appeal

Jim Chaltas, 64, of Germantown started taking classes at Bikram Yoga on Sanderlin five years ago as a present to himself for his 60th birthday.
"She told me she may have found something I'd really like to do," said the Germantown resident.

After trying his first class, he decided to give it three months and see what happened.

"I was 59 and wanted to get healthy as a gift to myself for my 60th birthday," said the logistics salesman, now 64.

Five years later, he still visits the studio on Sanderlin in East Memphis three days a week.

When he braved the studio, he was taking five different medications and had high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

These days he's down to two medications, he has lowered his cholesterol by 46 points, and he checks in with low blood pressure.

"I also have a short sleep cycle. I wake up at 4:30 to walk my dog, who's my best friend, and I'm wide-awake," Chaltas said.

He says the practice has helped him at work as well.

"It's helped me with my 'MBA' -- mind, body and attitude," Chaltas said.

And at play: The avid golfer reduced his handicap by six strokes.

"I think it's the focus factor," he said. "It helps me to concentrate more on what I'm doing. It's focus in golf that has a lot to do with your success."

Even his arthritis doctor is impressed.

"I'm eaten up with arthritis. I was showing my doctor what exercises I've been doing, and he said they were exactly what my physical therapist would have me do," Chaltas said.

This year he decided to add healthful eating habits to his focus on health, and he started attending a men's Weight Watchers group.

Since January, Chaltas has dropped 24 pounds and has had to take in his pants 21/2 inches.

"My goal now is to lose 6 more pounds," he said.

When he first joined the classes at Bikram Yoga in East Memphis, many times he was the only man, but since the practice has added a male instructor, he finds himself in good company with other men willing to give it a try.

"The thing I like about Bikram Yoga is they practice what they preach. Not only do they teach it; they do it. They live it," he said. "It's easier to buy into the program when the instructors are involved in it as much as you are."

At this point the former football player is hooked.

"I will never live in a town that doesn't have this. If I ever have to move, the prerequisite is they have to have Bikram yoga," he said. "I am going to do this the rest of my life."

Have you lost weight and kept it off, adopted better eating habits, started exercising or had success living a more healthful lifestyle? E-mail your story to sunyata00@gmail.com.

Jim Chaltas