Bikram Yoga Student Testimonials & Success Stories

Motivation – Like many first time Bikram students I came to the studio because of a “bad back/bad neck/bad knees”. My physical therapist recommended the class as a way to increase my flexibility. I have since learned from Bikram RVC teachers that we don’t have “bad” body parts just ones that need attention and rehab. I started Bikram five years ago because my neck /back stiffened up during my mother’s stay in the Burn Unit of Nassau Medical Center. I was visiting her every day and the stress of sitting there and wondering if she would recover put lots of strain on my body. I had difficulty turning my neck or reaching for anything. Thankfully she has made a full recovery; but I always thought that it was interesting that I started my yoga practice in a hot room due to caring for my mother from a burn.

Quality of the facilities – Since starting Bikram five years ago I have started practicing wherever I travel. I have taken classes in San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, Boston, Hong Kong and all over New York City. But Bikram RVC has some of the nicest facilities with three showers, four bathrooms, lots of changing rooms and two big well-maintained studios. The location is easy to find-well lit and located.

Quality of the teachers – The quality of all the teachers at Bikram RVC is high. They all have gone through extensive Bikram training. (I have taken “hot yoga” classes where the teachers are not as well educated on technique). But more importantly they are completely approachable to ask questions and genuinely care that you get the most out of your practice. They give corrections and encouragement during class and don’t just recite the dialogue so it is truly an interactive yoga class. The studio also has created a real sense of community. Many of the students have attended class for many years so we all get to know each other but the great thing is that we all are very encouraging of new students. For as long as you practice you remember your first few classes but by having your fellow students be accepting and provide kind words before and after it encourages you to continue your practice.

Bikram’s begining yoga class has been, for me, a “Godsend”, pure and simple. Simply put, I feel like a different person. The day that I happened to walk into my first hot yoga studio on the recommendation of a friend, I was struggling with fatigue and plagued by embarrassing memory slips in my high school Spanish classes. In addition I was struggling with uncharacteristic mood swings and a ravenous appetite as an effect of taking oral chemotherapy following a diagnosis of breast cancer and two lumpectomies. Despite a costly vitamin habit and a regular meditation practice, the stress of high school teaching and going on few hours of sleep for several years had taken their toll. My concern was compounded by the fact that my beloved husband has Multiple Sclerosis, hence, we are very much dependent upon the income received from teaching. Our future seemed anyones guess! One has to experience the amazing restorative effects of Bikrams Beginning Yoga Class to appreciate its power to transform a person at virtually every level! After a year of practice, from 3 to 6 days a week,I feel like a new person. Not only has my energy level soared, but I find my cheerful nature has returned, my appetite has become regulated, my body has re-distributed its fat to more desirable spots. In general, as long as I continue to attend class regularly, I feel not only that everything is working right, I feel in radiant health. I jokingly tell my friends that thanks to my yoga practice I have become a specimen. But the truth is, I usually dont have to say anything they themselves comment upon the change that they see in me! Our teachers are the gift which has no price. To me, all of the Bikram trained teachers whom I have encountered are like the different planes of a vast prism. While the class is the same, each teacher brings some fresh inspiration or insight which expands our understanding of the spiritual path. I see my teachers at Bikram Yoga RVC as young in years and old in wisdom. What inspiration I have received from the dedication, discipline, compassion, sweetness, humor, wisdom, steadfastness, tranquility, energy and knowledge of Yolanda Solla.

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I abruptly had to stop practicing Bikram Yoga for about 8 months. Prior to that, I was practicing 3-4 days a week for 6 months and I can honestly say I have never looked or felt better. About a month and a half ago, I was able to start practicing, but I felt very timid and reluctant to begin again. I was fearful about having to start over. I was scared that I would be weak and that all the progress I had previously made would be gone. Would I be strong enough? Would I remember the postures? Would I still be able to endure the class? These thoughts swam around my head and prevented me from taking a class for about 2 weeks. When I finally did come back and teake my first class, I was greeted with smiles by instructors who were happy to see me. That immediately put me at ease. My first class back was amazing!!! Although I could not go as deep into the postures as I use to, and my endurance had gone down a bit, non of that mattered. I felt so proud that I had overcome my fears! I guess you could say its kind of like riding a bike… everything came back to me so fast!!! After about a week it was as if I had never left. I can see and feel my body changing with each passing class. I cant say enough about Bikram Yoga. It continues to enhance my life physically, mentally, and spiritually. I hope to never have to stop again. But if I do, I will have no reservations about coming back!!

Since starting yoga about a year ago, I have seen tremendous improvements in a number of areas. Most significant is in the area of flexibility. Prior to starting yoga I was unable to touch my toes. Now I reach my toes with ease. This improvement in flexibility has also translated into more efficient running. As an avid runner, yoga has improved not only my stride but also my breathing pattern. Running to me seems easier, less strenuous. Not to mention the pain in both my knees and back have subsided. Yoga has also helped me mentally. By the end of class I feel calm, loose and energized. Initially yoga was a way to give my body a break from the constant pounding it took from the years of sports. Little did I know that I would fall in love with it, I look forward to class every day.

I have benefited both physically and mentally. Not only lost 10lbs, Im firmer and Im happier. People always say to me What are you doing, you look great. You have a 27 year old daughter, no way! I have more energy and Im more patient with my family and strangers, no road rage. I have family and friends doing Bikram now because I encourage everyone to try it. I am a Bikram enthusiast. As to injuries and ailments, my carpal tunnel syndrome on my left hand is gone. My right knee with repaired meniscus no longer hurts and my right hip with its arthritis is becoming less and less painful everyday.

I was a passenger in a head-on auto collision in 1962. I fractured my left humorous, my left fractured femur had a steel pin inserted, and my right leg that ripped open has 75 stitches. I had to learn to walk over again. Doctors informed me of a proneness to arthritis in the affected limbs. I developed arthritic knees and ankles for which prescription drugs were necessary for pain. Thereafter, I developed high blood pressure became pre-diabetic and obese. Ive been taking various blood pressure medications for over thirty years. Six months ago, I decided to become a member of Bikram Yoga RVC to lower my blood pressure. Ive become conscious of many positive subtle changes going on in my body and thoughts. I can walk up and down stairs normally now instead of one step at a time, in discomfort, grasping the banister for dear life. As said, I joined Bikram Yoga RVC to reduce blood pressure levels and WOW, I got a bonus! I started loosing weight, I weaned myself off medications over a year period and turned to herbal substitutes. A glance in the mirror today reveals a more balanced, a much less stressed person, physically and mentally. I give all honor, praises, and glory to my Creator for directing me to Bikram Yoga. I commend you and your staff for making us believe in the strengths within us. We will triumph!

As a professional fitness instructor, I have a lot of past injuries in my hips and groin areas. Bikram yoga has enabled me to open up those areas so much! On a spiritual level, I have a full time job as well in sales so this allows me to focus and meditate on myself, the teacher. As a result, the stress of life is not stressful! Ive learned to breathe through trying times in my life. Overall, Bikram yoga is a wonderful physical and emotional experience for me. I cant imagine life without it. I would also like to credit my instructors: Ed, John, Yolanda and Georgia. They are so professional and motivating. They make the class very challenging and fun as well.

Bikram yoga makes me feel amazing! My hips used to be very tight and lacked flexibility, but now they have an openness to them that they never had before. I have noticed that my thighs appear to have lengthened, and also have a sleeker look to them as well! I feel at peace when I leave class, and I have noticed that I am so much calmer in my everyday life.

Bikram’s begining yoga class has been, for me, a “Godsend”, pure and simple. Simply put, I feel like a different person. The day that I happened to walk into my first hot yoga studio on the recommendation of a friend, I was struggling with fatigue and plagued by embarrassing memory slips in my high school Spanish classes. In addition I was struggling with uncharacteristic mood swings and a ravenous appetite as an effect of taking oral chemotherapy following a diagnosis of breast cancer and two lumpectomies. Despite a costly vitamin habit and a regular meditation practice, the stress of high school teaching and going on few hours of sleep for several years had taken their toll. My concern was compounded by the fact that my beloved husband has Multiple Sclerosis, hence, we are very much dependent upon the income received from teaching. Our future seemed anyones guess! One has to experience the amazing restorative effects of Bikrams Beginning Yoga Class to appreciate its power to transform a person at virtually every level! After a year of practice, from 3 to 6 days a week,I feel like a new person. Not only has my energy level soared, but I find my cheerful nature has returned, my appetite has become regulated, my body has re-distributed its fat to more desirable spots. In general, as long as I continue to attend class regularly, I feel not only that everything is working right, I feel in radiant health. I jokingly tell my friends that thanks to my yoga practice I have become a specimen. But the truth is, I usually dont have to say anything they themselves comment upon the change that they see in me! Our teachers are the gift which has no price. To me, all of the Bikram trained teachers whom I have encountered are like the different planes of a vast prism. While the class is the same, each teacher brings some fresh inspiration or insight which expands our understanding of the spiritual path. I see my teachers at Bikram Yoga RVC as young in years and old in wisdom. What inspiration I have received from the dedication, discipline, compassion, sweetness, humor, wisdom, steadfastness, tranquility, energy and knowledge of Yolanda Nash.