Bikram Yoga Annapolis / Crofton / Severna Park Student of the Month

1) How did you discover Bikram Yoga?

I used to run and lift on a pretty much daily basis and as a result I was sore, tight, and had my share of injuries.  I first started practicing yoga at the gym on an irregular basis as a means to restore my range of motion and supplement the rest of my workout. Fast-forward a couple of months and I was in Orlando with my knees hurting from running. So I was looking for a way to help ease stress on my knees, improve my overall flexibility, keep up my level of exercise, and sweat.  A little internet research later, and the obvious answer was to go to the Bikram studio in downtown Orlando.

2) How has the yoga changed your life?

Physically the yoga has made me more lean, flexible, healthy, and overall more relaxed.  It has also made the sort of changes in my life that I would have scoffed at before had someone told me that they would occur.  My entire life has altered to account for daily practice, I eat mostly vegetables, I drink less coffee (of course that still accounts for ~8 cups a day), I take fewer supplements, and in general I find that I am content with a more simple life.  Mentally though is where I have seen the most benefits.  I truly believe that if not for the yoga I would have experienced a mental breakdown over the last year due to stress.  However I've made it through thanks to these lessons: breathe, sometimes less is more (still working on this one), and of course breathe.

3) What is your most challenging posture? Why?

Dhanurasana.  There just seems to be so many parts to get in sync. Kick your legs up, but don't pull with your arms, keep your wrists straight, relax your shoulders, lift your head up and look at the ceiling, roll forward, keep your knees and feet in.  No matter how great the rest of class has felt I get here and something always seems to be off.  I never am quite able to wrap my head around all the parts and get them to integrate smoothly and it always leaves me feeling uncomfortable and like I am straining to stay in the posture.

4) What is your favorite posture? Why?

As much as Dhanurasana is my least favorite, Dandayamana Dhanurasana is definitely my favorite.  I would be lying if I said it was easy, or comfortable, but that is why I like it so much.  It is probably the single most physically demanding posture for me in the series, but I always feel like I am working hard and accomplishing something.  One day I will be able to get parallel, balance, and not have it hurt like hell.

5) How would you like your experience to help others?

I know that for most people, when they start practicing they look at others and think I will never be able to do that.  And if there is one thing I would like for everyone to to understand is that is not true. When I started practicing I could not lift my arms over my head and straighten my arms, now I can (next step: get my hands together).  And along the way I could not even say when this changed.  But it did, and I am sure that it will continue to do so.  One day I know I will look in the mirror and see myself emulating what I thought I would never be able to do, and the best part is, that  I won't even notice.

1) How did you discover Bikram Yoga?

Laurie: I discovered Bikram Yoga almost two years ago. I was very athletic throughout my high school and college years. Then I found myself with two full time jobs, my professional career and showing Shetland Sheepdogs. Between my day job and on the show circuit year around, my exercise consisted of hoisting dog equipment and crates in and out of the car. After Ed and I were married, I retired from the dog world. I tried running and gyms but, nothing seemed to stick. Then, someone mentioned Bikram Yoga. I did some research and decided to give it a try. My first class was with Michelle McGrath. I remember thinking that it was hot but not too bad. Then about three hours later, I felt like I was hit by a Mack truck. But I came back the next day. At first I practiced three days a week, then a little summer break. By the fall of 2010, I had convinced Ed to start and so here we are, making every effort to be there every day. And the changes are just amazing!

Ed: Yeah, Laurie introduced me to Bikram Yoga. My first class was on Saturday, October 16, 2010. Kaitlyn Baker taught it. When I signed in, she seemed so nice and laid back. I’ll never forget walking into the hot room and that class. We started with Pranayama breathing, in through the nose, out through the mouth. I thought, “Okay, this isn’t so bad. Maybe Laurie was exaggerating when she told me what a workout Bikram Yoga was. You know the 105 degree heat and all.” Well, the next posture, Ardha-Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose), really humbled me. I thought, “This 90 pound woman is going to kill me!” But she didn’t. In the end, it was a great class. I was most impressed with the discipline of the class; no one talked, except the teacher. And no one left for the entire 90 minute class. I returned the next day and I think Emily taught. She demonstrated some posture and I thought, “O.M.G.; how excellent.”

2) How has the yoga changed your life?

Laurie: Yoga has truly helped to shape my life and reclaim my body. I think one of the most significant changes is my sense of calmness. Trust me, I can still get spun up, but I now have “worth it” and “not worth it” buckets. Yoga class is the one place I can go and alter my definition of perfection. What I can do on that day is perfect to me. My most recent accomplishment was dealing with Vertigo during my 30 day challenge. I made it, including 3 back to back doubles! But without a doubt, my most cherished experience is sharing yoga with my best friend – that would be Ed! It is so cool to be able to support one another, trade tips and rag on who had the better class.

Ed: I started surfing when I was a kid and have always loved it. It’s so exhilarating. As I got older, I had lost some of my physical strength, balance, patience and endurance. So my real motive for doing yoga was to improve my physical abilities for surfing. What a success. Last summer at Assateague, I surfed and rode the standup paddle-board all day long. I mean I couldn’t stay out of the water. It was as though I was a kid again. But yoga is not just about working to improve your physical body. It also develops my mind-body connection. When you realize that you can turn off all that mental-chatter, you are really making a big change in your life. That change is a return to here and now. Oh, and did I mention that I’ve lost weight and feel great!

3) What is your most challenging posture? Why?

Laurie: All of the postures are challenging to me. They seem to evolve over time. First it was good, then you try to tweak, then it is a new challenge. This year I learned that I need to turn my foot in slightly to help with locking my knee. A eureka moment! After knee surgery in the spring, the third part of Awkward and Fixed Firm are my latest challenges. My all time challenge is Standing Head to Knee. I get so excited when I get my leg up and semi straight that I fall out. And someday I WILL get my heels in Camel.

Ed: Yes, every posture is challenging because of the intense focus required. Take Savasana, a posture that seems so simple on the surface, but deep down, requires immense meditation. It’s like peeling an onion. No matter how far you go, there is always room for improvement. But my “hardest” posture is certainly Camel. I almost always get dizzy and light headed, no matter how hard I focus on that one spot on the ceiling. Balancing postures and Triangle on my right side are also difficult. Maybe it’s my misalignment.

4) What is your favorite posture? Why?

Ed: Is that a trick question? I suppose Awkward and most of the spine-strengthening series, except for Floor Bow. These are my favorites because I think I am getting into them correctly from the start. Standing Bow is on the short list becoming a favorites. Mary Ricards taught me how stretching my arm up, and getting my lift and balance, before grabbing my foot would help me. That was a quantum leap for me in Standing Bow. Thanks Mary.

Laurie: My current my favorite postures are Triangle, Separate Leg Stretching, Locust, and Hands to Feet. I can really feel the changes and improvements over time. Wait 6 months and I will have a new list!

5) How would you like your experience to help others?

Laurie: We are a testament to "you are never too old or too broken". I look at my discovery of Yoga as a special gift. A gift I was able to share with my husband. Now, we look forward to aging gracefully together. We are also very grateful for all our yoga friends, who we fondly call our “Yoga family”. I would personally like to thank everyone at the Yoga studio for your continued support and encouragement.

Ed: She said what? Aging gracefully together? That’s exactly what I’m fighting against. I will not go gentle into that good night! But yes, I too am grateful for all that Emily, Phil and our teachers have done for us. They are well trained, thorough and make it a wonderful experience. I’d just like to add that I do not consider the yoga I practice in Annapolis to be a sport or a game or an exercise. It’s much more. No matter how well I might execute or not, I still know I’m progressing with our “Yoga family”. Thank you.

I took my first class almost two years ago with my best friend, Gloria Mullervy.  Emily taught and I loved it, but I was still a gym rat addicted to spin, Pilates, and boot camp classes.  I admired Gloria for how she would talk about the yoga, and the her arms were so defined! So almost exactly a year later, I attended class again.  I have been practicing regularly ever since.  :)  I dropped the gym (which I loved and still do). Now I only run and practice Bikram.  I run 3 days a week and try to take 5 yoga classes a week.  I am a distance runner who does not take the time to stretch, which makes Bikram a perfect complement to my running.  It makes me stretch!  Last year I was sidelined by a stress fracture, and just this fall I have been able to run 2 marathons, 1 ultra marathon, and complete all of our long training runs with no injuries!  Before practicing regularly, I always had lower back pain at the end of my long runs. This season, I have not experienced any post race pain, and I owe that all to Bikram and that nice, hot room! Physically, the benefits are clear to me, but I have also received great rewards mentally and emotionally from this practice.  I have 2 young, active daughters, a full time job, training, and volunteer work, but I can totally release when I step foot into the Annapolis studio.  I so enjoy the friendly, smiling, helpful, encouraging faces of all of the yoga teachers and my fellow students.  It is such a positive environment where we all support each other.  I have had a difficult last few months and I truly felt the love and support from BYA that really kept a smile on my face.  I especially love the classes where all of the teachers are present.  I always go through my head and think about one way that each one has helped my practice.  Plus, their postures are inspiring!  What a great group! My most challenging postures are Standing Head to Knee and Standing Bow Pose (sorry to all of those that I am standing next to in this one!).  One day...I will get them both...

My favorite postures are Floor Bow because I really feel the strength, and Camel.  I love Camel because that was a huge hurdle to me.  Every time I get into that posture I think about how hard that one was in the beginning (as I suffer from vertigo) and it reminds me that we can do anything, as long as we keep practicing. I try to pass the word to others about the physical, mental, and emotional benefits that come with this practice.  Bikram brings me peace and strength, plus I get to practice with my best friend!

1. How did you discover Bikram Yoga?

I discovered Bikram Yoga in the usual way, a friend dragged me to the Crofton studio.  I remember struggling with the heat and also being challenged by the poses.  I started out coming now and then, here and there for awhile.  Then my husband died four years ago and I had to figure out a way to pick up the pieces and create a new life.  That's when I really discovered Bikram.  It challenged me, it was good for me, and it gave me a goal of achieving a better practice to work toward, all of which moved me forward to a new life.

2. How has Yoga changed your life?

There are many ways that Yoga has changed my life, but the one for which I am most grateful is the peace and calm that started in the Yoga room and has radiated out into my everyday life.  Akin to the ability to feel peaceful and calm, is the ability to accept what is, and let things go.  In class, I have heard over and over again to accept each pose as it is. When it's over, let it go. Some of the other changes have been not having Trigger Finger anymore, losing 20 pounds, and having increased flexibility and balance.

3. What is your most challenging posture?

You know, because I've been coming around for awhile, I grasp more of the details and mechanics of the postures which opens my eyes even more to what I can't yet do.  This would be true for all of the postures.  Another challenge for me is to maintain even, calm breathing throughout class.  I focus so hard on making adjustments that I forget to breathe and then I am winded.  Having said that, the posture that I get the least is Eagle.  I'm looking forward to the day that I can get each leg wrapped around the other leg.

4. What is your favorite posture?

My favorite postures are Standing Bow and Triangle because they are aesthetically appealing to me.  I think they're beautiful.

5. How would you like your experience to help others?

I'd like for others to know that it's true that you're never too old. I didn't start Yoga until I was 55 and today at 59 I am still going strong and able to do things that I couldn't do before.

I guess you could say I found Bikram Yoga by accident and came in the back door! It was summer of 2010, July 23 to be exact. I was on my way to work that morning (my grueling commute from Severna Park to the White House area of DC) and I checked my email while on the train like I always did; I was getting married that afternoon so I was a little distracted. Groupon! Yoga! I want to do yoga! I tried it once about two years before and didn't really like it; I was in bad shape physically at the time and thought it might help me with my bad spine. It didn't, but I was willing to try again.

In the fall of 2009 I was two months away from turning 53 and I could hardly walk, sit, or stand without pain; even laying down hurt some days. My weight had reached a very unhealthy 195# (I am only 5'1") and due to much trauma to my spine over the years, compounded by a fall earlier that year, I was at a point that physical therapy was no longer helping and the doctors wanted to do surgery to fuse my spine. I knew I had to do something about it, but it hurt to exercise. I was so inflexible that bending was practically impossible and forget doing stuff with my four kids! Murphy, I was a mess! (movie reference! ;) In January of 2010 I consulted my doctor who prescribed something for my depression (who wouldn't be depressed!) and suggested I start slowly with exercise. My body started to respond, shedding the pounds slowly and the pain was easing a bit; massage therapy was a big part of it, too. I spent the summer that year reacquainting myself with my body.

So, back to Bikram. I signed up while on the train, went to work, got married and THEN looked up what the deal was. OMGOSH! Really? Heat? Humidity? NINETY MINUTES??? What had I done? I told my husband I knew I had to go the next morning or I would never do it.

I hauled my overweight, tired self out of bed for the eight o'clock a.m. class. This is the conversation in my head:
My body, "OH COOL! Up early means YARDsaling!!!!!!"
Me, "Ummmm, no, it means we are going to work out."
My body, "WTH!!"
Me, "Shut-up and get in the car."
My body, "You never take me anywhere fun. pthththththttttt!!!"
 
Half hour into the 90 minute session (did I mention it is 105 DEGREES? ... NINETY MINUTES?) I started to whimper (okay, cry) but got it under control. I was not able to do most of the positions but I did stick with it. The wisp of a young woman who led the class was encouraging and kind and called me by name. Part way through I was convinced I was going to hurl. Never got dizzy but did think I was going to throw up, yep. More sweating than I can ever remember. I did NOT sweat, as a rule. Nope. I'd get clammy but that was about it. I started to cry after the first set of Camel; I remember crying at the end of class, in the dark, but I think it was endorphins at that point. My instructor met me on the other side of the door, hugged me and told me how proud she was of me for staying in the room and not giving up. (Emily says we always remember our first instructor ... I will forever remember and be grateful to this girl for her part in my journey) All I could do was thank her, nod my head and try to keep my quivering muscles under control. I literally cried all the way home. I showed up at home a sobbing, sweaty, snotty mess. My husband looked at me, "Look at you!" he said. "How was it?" "Awful." I managed to get out. "So, when are you going back?" "Tomorrow!" And, I did. In just one class, I was hooked. As hard as it was, my body responded in ways it had never before to any sort of exercise I had tried. 30 days later my husband bought me a one year membership.

That was a year ago and I have never looked back. One of the things that really helped me early on was buying Bikram's books. I dove into them and devoured the information as I learned to sweat, bend and stretch. I have accomplished things I never thought I would (both in class and in my personal life) and I am healthier than I have been in years. Some of the postures are still challenging but I don't give up easily and I don't cry anymore. Well, hardly; I did cry the first time I touched my forehead to my knee and the first time I lifted my heels off the floor in stretching. 

My most challenging postures are any that I have to bend forward for, such as Pada-Hastasana, Hands to Feet Pose and Sasangasana, Rabbit Pose (ah, my love affair with the rabbit!) The reason is that they press on my diaphragm but that will change as I get even more flexible. And, that is happening more and more. I started the September 2011, 30 day challenge full of expectations. And, even though I won't make all thirty classes, my practice has improved dramatically in just three weeks. And, that's good enough for me as I learn to honor my practice each day I show up.

My favorite postures are Ustrasana, Camel Pose, Ardha-Chandrasana, Half Moon Pose and the very sexy Trikanasana, Triangle Pose. Any type of back bend has a two-fold attraction for me; it heals my bad spine and it proves the doctors wrong! I loved back bending from my very first class, even though I know I was only tilting my head back and looking at the ceiling. Back bending makes me SMILE! I do have goals for each and every posture, and as I meet them I push out further. I used to have a magnet on fridge that read, "Unless you risk going too far, you will never know how far you can go." I know what that means now.

With unending encouragement from the caring staff at both studios, I have blossomed over this last year. Coming into the studio after work each day being met with a, "Hey, how you doin' today!" helps set the stage for a great class; yes, no matter how it goes, it is ALWAYS a great class. Putting myself in such capable hands was the best decision for my health I ever made. This yoga has not only changed my life, I truly believe it saved me from the fate that my mother faced after back surgeries. She was disabled from three surgeries and I was so afraid I was headed in the same direction. I would love to be able to tell everyone about Bikram Yoga. My story is not unique, I am sure. I hear it every time a new student signs up; we each have our own story, just like we each have our own practice. I tell my friends and family I will buy them their first class, I am that positive it can help them. I have my confidence back, I am able to do things with my kids I couldn't before and I am truly happy with my life. And, as Bikram said in one of his books, "EVERYTHING gets better with this yoga." Yes, Everything.

Someday, I will send the good doctor a picture of me in Camel with the caption, "FUSE THIS!"

I started doing Bikram yoga about 2 years ago. After winning the North American Naga Championship (Submission Fighting) and the Grapplers Quest North American Championship (Submission Fighting) and Gold and Silver in the Pan Ams, my coach told me that even though I was at the top of my game as a fighter, I still needed to improve. One large area of weakness that he saw in me was my flexibility. He showed me a couple of things to prove his point and then he dragged me to a Bikram Yoga class. Wow… was I shocked! Even though my coach and I are highly conditioned athletes, we were not prepared for the challenge of Bikram Yoga. My first class really was a challenge and highlighted everything my coach was talking to me about. I could barely get into any of the postures, let alone the balancing ones. When I did locust pose, I could not even get my arms underneath my body because of an old shoulder injury, and I could not even lift my feet six inches off the floor! I was amazed as I watched those around me with grace, finesse, and endurance get into each posture and hold them. I was inspired as well to continue to work on my weaknesses. The heat was a definite shock to me mentally and I really had to push myself to finish class and stay in the room.

As I continued doing Bikram Yoga, I've noticed my body begin to change. Not only has my flexibility improved, but lots of other things too. My shoulder pain disappeared. I had surgery 20 years ago on my shoulder for a third degree separation and was receiving cortisone injections bi-annually to relieve severe arthritis build up. After one year of Bikram Yoga, my shoulder pain has totally disappeared. My back pain has disappeared. My knee pain has disappeared. I turn 43 this month, and I can say that after years of football, wrestling, jiu jitsu, mix martial arts fighting, and many other extreme sports that have definitely taken their toll on my body, that I have no pain after two years of practicing Bikram Yoga.

As a business man who has about 60 employees and a lot of stress, I have also found that this yoga is a chance to de-stress and re-group after a hard days work. I leave the yoga room in a different frame of mind than when I came in. I feel so much better after having stretched and circulated blood to all parts of my body, having done breathing exercises, and having exhausted myself physically from the postures. I can go home and not take any stress or business home with me after class!

I travel occasionally when I do business and have had opportunity to visit several yoga studios around the country. I have to say, having seen many other yoga studios, that Bikram Yoga here in Annapolis and Severna Park under Phil and Emily is yoga at another level. The attention to detail in the postures as well as the great coaching and encouragement that is provided here is unparalleled from any other Bikram studio that I have seen. Even after two years, every time Emily teaches, I still learn something new! I have the privilege of serving as the Head Coach of the Naval Academy Jiu Jitsu team and I always tell my fighters that they will only be as good as their training partners and their coaching. You have to surround yourself with high level training partners and good coaches if you are going to improve in any sport. Here at Bikram Yoga in Annapolis and Severna Park, we have the awesome privilege of being under, in my opinion, some of the best training partners and definitely some of the best yoga coaches in the country. I love when I am in class and I am feeling weak and don’t know if I can keep going… and then I look around… and there are so many of you guys still going strong!!! There is always the encouraging, gentle voices of the instructors as they push us, focus our minds, and inspire us to “take it to another place where we’ve never been before”. This practice that is here in Annapolis and Severna Park is truly yoga at another level. I always look forward to class and exclaim that I am going to “Crush some yoga postures today!"

I would like to take this brief moment to thank Phil and Emily and all of the staff as well as all of you who train here. Thank you for inspiring and pushing me, and helping me to grow in a huge area of weakness for myself. I still have a long way to go but already, I have seen such huge improvements and have reaped so many benefits. Thanks again for the teaching, coaching, and the inspiration!

How did I discover Bikram yoga?
One of my assistants told me about this new yoga class.
I was a runner and lifted weights, I tried a yoga class
at my gym and thought it was boring. So, I went one Sunday morning in 2006 to Bikram yoga in Crofton at the time. I was hooked. It was the only workout that gave me a "high" like running. I had already injured my
left knee which required surgery. It just did not make
sense to me to pound pavement running and then stand at my job for 8 to 10 hours a day. Being a hairdresser is hard on the body as it is. Now for the last four years all I have done is Bikram yoga.

How has Bikram yoga changed my life?
I arrange my work and life around my yoga. I am such a better person, wife, mother, and friend when I can do that. It so true when you give to yourself you have so much to give to others. Bikram yoga gives me cardio, flexibility, strength and most of all a calmer mind. Its my Prozac. It's teaching me just to "be in the moment"
throughout my day.

Most Challenging postures?
They are all challenging on any given day. I suffered with Sciatica for about 2 years. Any posture that I had to stretch my right leg I thought I was going to die it hurt so bad, like hands to feet pose. Yoga has taught me everyday is different. And my Sciatica is much better now along with my left knee.

My Favorite postures?
Again they are all my favorite depending on what day it is. Such as, wow my balance was great today in standing head to knee. Yesterday not so good. Tomorrow hopefully even better. Back bending is one of my faves now at first not so much.

How would I like my experience to help others?
I talk about Bikram yoga all the time. I even had someone ask me if I was on the pay roll. Until they went to class some, not all, got it. One day I hope to go to teacher training. I also have met some fantastic yogi's
that have helped me with my yoga practice, eating healthier and in life's journey. A special thanks to Emily my Mentor and Beth my yoga BFF.

How did you discover Bikram yoga?
A friend of mine who worked with Emily at a local gym - Emily was still doing massages at the time, asked me to check out this new yoga with her. I was looking to add yoga to my workout routine as I really needed something that included stretching and flexibility exercises since all of the other workouts I was doing at the time involved constant pounding and/or compression. I joined her on a Sunday morning in March 2007 in the old Crofton studio. For the first few years I practiced 3x or so a week while still doing competing in running and biking races. Now I practice at least 5x a week. I was lucky to have Emily as one of my first instructors - she hadn't been teaching all that long so I have seen her practice blossom asw well and I also was able to enjoy Sue's classes fresh out of teacher training!!

How has yoga changed your life?
Aside from the obvious physical benefits that Bikram yoga has, the mental benefits are far greater. Some of my mantras that I have taken from the yoga room to my everyday life are - no expectations, live in the moment and acceptance. Anyone who has done Bikram yoga knows how important all three of these things are within class, even if you still struggle with them, you still strive for them. But it is these things that have helped in my everyday life dealing with family, work and everyday life. I know that every class is going to be different - some days it will be tough, some days it will be easier (never easy!) Isn't this how everyday life is? Some days I'm better at staying present in class and not think about that iced coffee I'm getting after class or what's on my to do list. It is those days that I usually fall out of the balancing postures more and find myself not listening to what the teacher is saying - just going on auto-pilot. I also have to accept that some days I will do a great Standing Head to Knee and then the next day I'm barely able to stay balanced on one leg. I have to tell myself that every set of every posture is a new start. Just because my first set of Standing Bow really sucked doesn't mean that my second set won't shine! This the the approach that I like to take in my everyday life - today is today and tomorrow is a new day with a fresh start!

Most Challenging Posture?
Well, this changes all of the time. Over the past four years every posture has been on deck as my most challenging. Right now though I have to say it's Standing Bow - it is my nemesis! (Even if others may think it's good I'm trying to get to the next level - as we all are with some posture.)

Favorite Posture?
Mixed feelings on this one - Padahstasana, or Hands To Feet Pose. Why? Because I have worked really hard at this posture over the years, gotten my hamstrings loose and also my back. I have finally been rewarded with a pretty good posture! I also enjoy Standing Head to Knee if you can believe it! I like this one because it is really tough but oh so rewarding when you get it.

How would like your experience to help others?
I just want everyone to know that you are never too old, too big, too out-of-shape too whatever to do Bikram yoga. I started in my mid-40s and have improved my overall physical and mental well-being 100x over. I have met so many great people at the studios and have cemented so many great friendships. I have been injured and haven't been able to do all of the postures but I still come to do what I can do. I am continually amazed at all the cool people I meet at the studios. I love the instructors and know they truly care about us, the students. If you couldn't already tell, I'm in this for the long run so I hope to see all of you real soon in the "torture chamber."

I discovered Bikram Yoga through some friends. They knew I did yoga at the local gym and invited me to try Bikram. I started out with my first Bikram class over two years ago. I would go two or three times a week, but when I realized how great I felt after, I started going six-seven days a week. I will continue to do Bikram Yoga for the rest of my life. I have traveled all over the US and now every time I travel, I look for the local Bikram Yoga studios wherever I go. I have been to Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, and Pennsylvania.

Bikram has changed the way I look at life and how my life feels. Yoga gives me 90 minutes to myself everyday. No matter how hectic my day is, I look forward to yoga at the beginning or end of it. I used to have constant pain in my back and knees, but since starting the yoga, they do not hurt me anymore-- it's completely gone! Bikram Yoga keeps me in shape to enjoy my day. I feel great physically and mentally. My job requires me to be fit and in shape, and luckily Bikram Yoga helps me reach these goals. I've completed 30, 60, 90, and 100 day challenges all at different times, and I can't tell you how good it feels to reach a personal goal. It's funny, sometimes people ask, "What prize do you get for completing the challenge?" The reward is knowing how hard you have worked, and seeing/feeling the results.

My most challenging postures are Eagle and Standing Head to Knee. Eagle is challenging because it's really hard for me to get my foot behind my calf and continue to sit down. Standing Head to Knee is challenging because I can't get my raised knee locked yet. I continue to push myself every class, trying to improve my postures. The encouragement from the teachers is awesome. They help by correcting students during class so you understand the proper way to do the postures without hurting yourself. Even though the dialogue is the same for each class, each teacher has their own unique and individual way of teaching and they are all fantastic and very helpful.

My favorite posture in Triangle, yes it is one of the hardest and people say I'm crazy for liking it, but it's one that comes somewhat easy for me. Yes, I do still have to push myself every class, but this posture stretches the whole body in all directions and feels so good.

I wish people would just try a couple classes and give Bikram Yoga a chance. It has changed my life in so many different ways, and I feel great about how I feel and how I look. (Well I'm still working on the looking part. lol) But seriously, like I said earlier, the challenge is a great way to reach a personal goal and feel good about yourself. Knowing that you've done something like this is the best reward you can give yourself.

My sister Roseanne and I were introduced to Bikram Yoga by my daughter, Julie Shank. She invited us to go to a practice with her at a time when we were looking for an alternative to the more strenuous physical activities…..jogging, aerobics, aerobic weight lifting, kickboxing……we did. Physical exercise has always been a part of our daily routines. We both love being very active and physically challenged. But as we aged, we had begun to notice the toll it was taking on our skeletons. It was getting harder and harder for us to maintain the effort. We had begun to worry that we might not be able to maintain such rigorous activity much longer, let alone for the rest of our lives. However, when Julie suggested yoga as an option, I have to admit, we were pretty skeptical thinking it would be much too tame and could never measure up as a replacement for our active lifestyle. But challenged by Julie, and encouraged by Roseanne's daughter-in-law Heather who had tried it, we showed up at the Severna Park studio for a class. That was more than two years ago and we've never looked back (except for backward bends :)) We are now addicted to Bikram yoga, crediting it with keeping us physically fit, straightening our posture, making us more flexible and showing us a way to make our lives much less stressful.

Yoga has definitely changed my life, both mentally and physically. I find I handle stress in my daily life much better. I've noticed that when things start getting tense, I seem to automatically start breathing slower and deeper. My temperament is much, much calmer and much less volatile. I feel much more serene as I go about my daily life. And I am amazed at how much doing yoga has changed me physically. When I first started, I could slide my hand under my neck and my waist even when trying very hard to lay flat on my back. My spine is aligned so much better now. It's almost perfectly flat on the floor. It's so straight I actually prefer to sleep without a pillow! And my neck is so much more flexible. When I first started I couldn't get my ears flat on the floor in Savasana on my stomach. Now both ears are flat against the towel! I feel like my posture is much more erect now too.

As for our favorite posture, we both love Savasana :), of course! But individually, EAGLE is my favorite and Roseanne's is RABBIT. Which is funny, because EAGLE is her most challenging posture and RABBIT is mine!

I love EAGLE because I love the sensation of wrapping myself up tight and scrunching up all my joints. I feel like I can really relax down into it. Roseanne's RABBIT is practically perfect….she gets complimented in almost every class because she gets her arms so straight and her hips up so high! My RABBIT sucks….Even though my neck flexibility is so much better than when I started, I can't begin to get my forehead on my knees to start and so it's tough moving forward from there. But I keep trying. Roseanne says her EAGLE sucks....she cannot wrap her leg around and tuck it in. But she keeps trying. Which is the ticket, of course....Keep focused, keep breathing, keep trying.

I think Roseanne and I can help people, especially those who are older, see that yoga is not only doable, but so beneficial no matter what your age. Age is just simply not a factor in practicing yoga, in changing and improving your body and mind, in getting benefits both mentally and physically from it. It's something you can do for your entire lifetime. Roseanne and I have seen the wonderful, positive results first hand. We are committed yogis and we always will be.

My biggest reward from yoga is that I no longer limp from running 4-5 miles per day! Both my hip and my knees were starting to wear out! I was very skeptical that I could get the cardio benefits from YOGA! I am a changed woman. To every skeptic out there who overhears me talking about my “workouts” I merely extend an invitation to one class.

This is really a “family thing.” Both my sister and I and both our daughters are vested in Bikram! Get in there and kick ass!!!!

I discovered Bikram Yoga in Severna Park after at least a year of driving past "that sign" on Ritchie Highway South and seeing it call my name. I signed up for my first class in October 2009. I still remember that first class very clearly: I was overdressed, hot, sweaty and intermittently nauseous. I met my only goal of staying in the hot room for the full 90 minutes. I had previously done some research on the internet about what to bring, what to wear, how to hydrate and eat, but somehow I still felt completely unprepared! Although I was physiologically uncomfortable, I knew that there was something very unique and special about Bikram Yoga compared to all the other fitness journeys on which I had been. I signed up for the New Student Special of unlimited monthly classes.

This yoga has changed my life in so many ways. I have a very physical job and have suffered through some minor injuries to my neck and lower back since 1999. Ironically, I treat patients with spine disorders everyday as a physical therapist. I have been in constant flux over the years of being committed (or not) to Classical Pilates, strength training, running, step aerobics and traditional yoga ever since I was a teen. Several of those methods have worked effectively for me, and some have harmed me. The point is, I have never been able to commit to practicing any of those forms of exercise consistently for more than 3 months. Miraculously, I have practiced Bikram Yoga for over 8 consecutive months, 3-5x/week, and plan to continue this method of preventive medicine for the rest of my life. Over time and with continuous practice, Bikram Yoga has the ability to bridge that gap between medicine and wellness. I have already shared with my family, friends and patients that this Method has been the most successful tool for managing my musculoskeletal and hormonal imbalances, mental focus, metabolism and digestion, daily stress and my immune function. This is just remarkable to me. I am so fortunate to experience life right now as a healthy wife, mother of two boys, and physical therapist.

My most challenging posture is Rabbit pose. My spine is progressively working towards restoring that forward mobility, after years of guarding and avoiding any forward bending. Equally difficult is maintaining my balance in Toe Stand. My two favorite poses are Standing Head To Knee and Standing Bow Pulling Pose. These two poses represent concentration, patience, and determination, which are attributes I admire not only in the hot room, but in life.

Thank you Emily, Phil, and all the outstanding instructors @ Bikram Yoga Severna Park & Annapolis! Your knowledge, encouragement, passion, and kindness have been a significant part of my commitment to practicing with you. God bless you all.

Hi! My name is Megan and I used to be "anti-yoga".Type A to the core I was one of those people that never relaxes. During the day I own two retail stores ( Easy Street Gallery and Annapolis Running Shop) and in my spare time I enjoy coaching and racing in distance events. A lifelong athlete I took up distance running at the age of 19 and triathlon in my 20's.My stubborn nature and competitive drive has led to countless injuries over the years culminating in two hip fractures in Nov of 09. Barely able to walk for a few months by April I was weight bearing and my friend Kate invited me to join her for a class. I went primarily because I missed sweating- I never expected to enjoy it. Sam from FL was my teacher and I liked it enough to come back at 6 AM the next day.

My practice consists of anywhere between 4-8 classes a week. My favorite pose is seated stretching- after not being able to touch my toes since high school it excites me every time! The most challenging part of class is trying to stay still between postures and not fidgeting in savasana. I have recently been cleared to start training again and the benefits of Bikram are truly amazing.My running speed is coming back very quickly which I attribute to my stronger core and glutes. My swim form has improved due to increased shoulder flexiblity and I am able to get more aerodynamic on my bike thanks to a stronger spine. Most important is the new self awareness and patience that has carried over not only into my training but into my work and my marriage.Im not sure if Im qualified to be a yogi yet- I still enjoy chardonnay more than coconut water but I do know Im very thanful to Kate and all of my wonderful teachers. Namaste!

I took my first Bikram class in Knoxville, TN of all places when visiting a friend over 20 years ago. The heat made sense even if it wasn't comfortable, but there weren't any Bikram classes in NYC and certainly not in Annapolis when I moved here in '94! So fast forward 20 years and this studio opens around the corner from us. I looked at the sign for a good 4 months or so, and when the kids went back to school - I came for my first class. I decided then to do it every day for 60 days. I haven't looked back. I love that I can work really hard, but safely, and do it for the rest of my life. At 48, my yoga practice feels like a journey that is more than about remarkably healing my past injuries or even humbly making peace in another moment, as well as discovering moments of strength and grace that surprise and feel delicious. I like to take that experience into my life as a mother, wife, woman, human being figuring out the next contribution I get to make in this life.

Cliff shocked me by joining me after I was coming for a couple weeks. He has really committed himself to a regular practice and will sing his surprised praises of added energy, stress busting, as well as how efficiently it addresses imbalances and its accompanying pain in the body and mind. Whereas before it was theory, academic, now he has his own experience. Cliff wants to say his favorite posture is Savasana, but anyone next to him notices how high his full Lotus is. We're the perfect balance since his backbends are a thing of beauty and he feels really challenged by the forward bends. I remember chuckling in recognition when another student, Lynda Wilkinson, was saying it took about 6 months before she didn't hate any of the postures. Early on, I can remember truly crying during locust on more than one occasion. Camel? It felt too hard to cry. 2 and half years down this road and my body can really feel that these are what I need most. I look "nicer" in the forward-bends, but have to be the most careful. We would both agree standing head to knee feels like Monty Python's Holy Grail for us. Humor gets us through the search for the "sacred" and to keep trying the "right way". We hear, "if it's your first day, first week" - we add silently smirking, "your first year, your first decade ..." as we give locking the knee and extending the leg out another go.

With a set dialogue, individual teachers make their own contribution with their tone, their corrections or their own small comments which connect and help spur us on. "Go somewhere new, somewhere you've never gone before", "it's only yoga", "you're never too old" and more have become metaphors for many of the tasks of life outside the hot room. If I can do this, anyone can. You just have to start, try it the right way, keep coming back. It's only yoga ...

This March, I will have been practicing Bikram yoga for 2 years. That might not sound like a long time, especially to yogis, but for me it’s a very big deal because before Bikram I had never committed to any form of exercise for more than 3 months, so when a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go to a yoga class with her, I was more then ready to move on from my latest fitness craze!

I remember, as I’m sure everyone does on that 1st fateful Bikram class, that I felt hot and nauseous at times, but just as importantly I also remember how encouraging and supportive the instructor Emily was and how her positive comments kept me going and made me feel good about my postures that day. It only took that 1 class for me to fall in love with Bikram.

Over the next year I flip-flopped between a steady practice and lack there of, until about 6 months ago, when I finally realized that I not only wanted to, but needed to commit to a consistent practice. I knew that the benefits in strength, health, flexibility and stress management were undeniable and not something that I was willing to ever give up again.

I knew that I was devoted to Bikram 6 months ago when I started planning my life around the yoga schedule. I realized, however, that I was a yogi for life a couple of months ago when I started getting sick very frequently with colds and flus; courtesy of being an Elementary school teacher, but still I refused to miss class. It’s hard to explain, especially to someone who is sick, how much Bikram will help you if you just come to class. No matter how bad I felt when I stepped into that room, I knew there was a light at the end, because I always felt 100% better when I walked out.

It always fascinates me what my body and mind are capable of on any given day in class, and Bikram, along with the instructors, has taught me to respect where I am each day in class and in life and to be patient with myself and my postures.

One of my greatest personal achievements, to date, was when I was able to roll my shoulders back in Floor Bow, after 1 and a half years, and actually see my feet above my head! I definitely still have postures that I struggle with, like Awkward Pose and the 2nd part of Half Moon Pose, but they are what keep me challenged and determined. I adore the whole spine strengthening series, especially Cobra, because the stretch in my back feels amazing. I also love Standing Bow for this reason.

I feel very fortunate and lucky to not only have Bikram in my life but also to have the instructors that teach us everyday at the Annapolis and Severna Park studios. Their dedication to Bikram and to teaching is evident to me everyday in class. I am thrilled and honored to be chosen as student of the month! Thank you to all of the instructors and fellow yogis who make coming to yoga such a wonderful, fun experience that I look forward to.

December 2010 - Kyle Schmid

I was first introduced to Bikram Yoga by a good friend and former teacher at the BYSP/BYA studios. The first class I attended left me feeling a little shocked in how physically demanding the workout was. I continued to attend class around 1-2 times/week and used Bikram Yoga as a great cross-training exercise for running. I noticed the changes yoga had on my breathing, flexibility, strength, running and most importantly my life. I have been unable to run for the past 6 months now due to an injury and yoga has allowed me to stay flexible, strong and fit during this period. I have also been able to increase my attendance to roughly 5 times/week.

The thing I like most about Bikram Yoga is how it allows you to challenge yourself. Everyone enters the room at a different ability level. Students are there for different reasons but there is always a way to improve a certain posture or overall practice. Making these small changes from day to day really makes the difference in getting what you want out of the practice.

The teachers and students are great and it is truly an honor to be chosen out of so many determined people.

November 2010 - Ellen Allocca

I discovered Bikram Yoga in September 2009 and began in the Severna Park studio, practicing about 2x's a week. I remember how positive and encouraging all of the instructors were in showing me the postures and soon realized I was hooked! Each class has enlightened me about how each posture effects my body both internally and externally.

Bikram Yoga has changed my life in so many ways. I usually find myself pretty stressed out, and like most people, have a hard time channeling that stress. Through Bikram Yoga, I've learned how to breathe through difficult situations, that I have a strong waist and ab muscles, and that HEAT doesn't really bother me!! There is so much more that I've gained from Bikram Yoga that I find myself yearning to take more classes am now up to 5x's week! I guess I'm addicted!

My most challenging postures are my favorite. The standing series; standing head to knee, followed by standing bow. Each posture is quite challenging on its own, but what makes each even more of a challenge, is to hold your posture and breathe...whew! I enjoy these postures most because I am continually perfecting and working on them. As a result, I never find them boring and they're always a challenge.

My experience with Bikram Yoga has been awesome! It has changed my workout, my body, and my mental state from day to day stress. I look forward to continuing on improving my postures and practicing well into the future.

October 2010 - Mike Blanche

I first discovered Bikram in October 2006. I had run many marathons in my past and lifted weights for years but never had a respect for the importance of stretching and flexibility.  I turned 40 weighing 220 pounds, had sore knees and a bulging disk in my lower back. I was in pain and feeling old. My sister-in-law talked me into a Bikram studio in Crofton.  I don’t remember too much of my first class in the way of strong postures. I suffered through the heat with a lack of balance, very little flexibility, and no focus. I continued to practice about once or twice a week for the next year and a half, denying to myself that I needed to practice more. I would be very sore for days afterwards. I eventually increased to three days and felt better. I realized that maybe now was the time to go to the next level.  I did my first 30-day challenge in September 2008. I WAS HOOKED!!!  I’ve had a regular practice ever since. I’ve completed a few 30’s and 60’s since then.

Bikram has changed my life dramatically. I have no lower back pain. My knees feel a hundred times better. I’ve taken the focus learned in class and applied it to running and golf. I’ve also trimmed inches from my waist, and my core muscles are stronger than ever. 

My most challenging posture is standing head to knee. It really pushes me to lock my knee, and engage and focus on the quad and core muscles. I have a long way to go with this one, but I’m slowly getting there.

I have many postures that I like, but my favorite is probably standing bow.  This is another that requires full attention-to-detail for me. I can feel my kicking leg going higher, and hopefully will get it straight up in the air one day.

I would like my experience to help other beginners like myself by showing them the results of what practicing many days a week can accomplish. We all start at the same place. Some take more naturally to yoga than others, but we can accomplish great things for ourselves with hard work. I m truly honored being named student of the month.

Thanks to all my peers and to my wonderful wife for your continued support in my endeavors here.

Bikram Yoga Annapolis & Severna Park are proud to present five Students of the Month for September. These are the five students that will be going to Bikram's Teacher Training, located in San Diego, in the fall and will return to us to teach in November!

Bikram's training for his teachers is very intense. It includes over 500 hours of class time, posture clinics, and various studies done over a nine-week period. All trainees take eleven (yes, eleven!) classes a week and some classes last for over two hours! This is not your average weekend seminar with incense, lava lamps and sun salutations!

Katy Dolan

Katy Dolan is an Anne Arundel County native and has been practicing Bikram Yoga since May of 2008. She graduated from Towson University with a BFA in Dance Performance and has been working at CityDance Ensemble, Inc. in Washington DC.

Phil Vendemmia grew up on Kent Island and graduated from Berklee College of Music with a BA in Music Education. He has been practicing Bikram Yoga since November 2007 and is currently a musician in Maryland and Washington DC.

August 2010 - Robin Bright

In May 2010, my dad, my brother (Ronnie), and I flew to Missouri to attend my niece’s high school graduation. My other brother (Darryl) told us about Bikram Yoga and how he had been practicing for about 3 months. He suggested we try it on the morning before our return home. I had never even heard of Bikram Yoga. Of course, the only workout gear I had with me was a T-shirt and long spandex pants, yet we decided to give it a try. The first thing I noticed when entering the class was the wonderful aroma. However, after the class, I was hooked. As soon as I arrived home, I found Bikram Yoga Annapolis - ten days later I took my first BYA class and haven’t looked back since!

As a trial attorney, there are many periods of stress and tension. Yet, Bikram Yoga enables me to channel the stress and not let it control me. Throughout the class, the instructors remind us “to find comfort in uncomfortable situations.” That is the best and most practical advice that applies to everyday life. I am more balanced and centered. This enables me to have more patience and make better decisions.

In my practice, the most challenging postures are Bow Pose and Eagle Pose. I just cannot seem to get my stomach off of the ground and, one of these days, my legs will wrap around. My favorite postures are Camel Pose and Half Moon Pose. Although I am not able to fully reach my feet in Camel Pose, the posture forces me to remain calm although I am struggling with the posture. I also enjoy Half Moon Pose because my waist, hips, and thighs are tightening and strengthening.

It is so difficult to explain to friends and family about the Bikram Yoga experience. Trying to motivate someone to attend a class where the temperature is 105°, there is no talking, there is no music, it’s 90 minutes long, and you do the exact same thing all the time is a difficult task. Yet, everyone who has trusted me enough to attend has loved the class and some have even continued practicing at BYA.

I am honored to be chosen as Student of the Month and am thankful to all the instructors whose instruction and compassion makes practicing a joy. Bikram Yoga is now a part of my life….and I even appreciate the aroma!

July 2010 - Marianne Taylor

I went to Bikram Yoga at Martha's Vineyard at the end of a trip to visit my grandchildren. My daughter, Debra, said that she had to get to yoga class, and that I should come with her. I went reluctantly, knowing how I hated the heat. I managed to get through the class. I quickly showered and had to hop a ferry to take the journey home. I arrived home much more refreshed than before. I felt fantastic and promptly joined Bikram Yoga Severna Park within the next few days. I find that the yoga is not easy, but so very good for my energy level. My life-force streams in strong after class and also throughout the day. I am more calm and have an abundance of equanimity. I can face problems in a more balanced way. Even though I am 72 years old, the youthful teachers and students surround me with support and joy. Bikram Yoga keeps me fit for tennis and golf as well. Although I am commited to taking class 3 days a week, I would like to get in the studio more often. I have 8 beautiful grandchildren and 4 girls of my own, all who practice Bikram Yoga. I would like to share my yoga experience with other seniors, but I have not figured out how to do that yet. Despite this, our yoga experience is always shared with others if we hold compassion and kindness with others on our daily path. By strengthening our inner core in Bikram's Yoga, we find our true selves. It is then that we can endure big waves by surfing them. Formerly, I was an educator- an English Instructor at Martin Spalding and at Anne Arundel Community College. When I retired, I wrote a book called "My River Speaks: A History and Lore of the Magothy River." Now I am retired, and loving life!

June 2010 - Lauren Mueller

While in college, I started teaching group fitness classes and continued to do so following graduation. Another instructor at a local gym told me about Bikram Yoga and encouraged me to give it a try. In July 2008, I started the work study program at BYSP; I've found the benefits of Bikram Yoga to far exceed the experience I previously had with any other fitness regimen. I feel more energized and love that yoga gives me a full body workout in 90 minutes. My favorite posture is standing bow because I really believe that "eventually, in the future" my kicking leg will actually lock.

Being pregnant and practicing Bikram has been a great experience. Even though I've had to cut back on how often I practice, I find that after each class I still get that "yoga high" that keeps me coming back.

Aside from all the physical benefits of yoga, I love the community of yogis who practice at BYSP and BYA. There is so much support and encouragement from other students and the teachers!

May 2010 - Doug Shapter

I started Bikram yoga at the suggestion of a friend and massage therapist. I am an avid biker and skier and had NEVER stretched before. Years of tensing muscles without stretching had definitely taken their toll.

I had my first Bikram class with Ann Marie Paul about 2 years ago. I took class off and on until last spring when I got a bit more serious. I usually try to take the 6am class at the studio 3 to 4 times a week.

I really noticed the positive effects of Bikram this spring when I took a ski trip to Breckenridge and Vail. I hadn't skied out West in a few years and was a bit anxious about the altitude and the longer ski runs. Once I got out there, I noticed my skiing had vastly improved: I was fast and much more centered. I also had no issues with altitude.

I highly recommend a good steady practice of Bikram for athletes, or to anyone who wants to improve their flexibility, strength and balance. Most people envision yoga practice as incense, new age music and sitting lotus, but Bikram is so much more. Even after a couple of years of practice, the 90 minutes session still wears me out.

I think it's important for beginners like me to focus on the small steady improvements. I tended to rush my postures when I first started, trying to get to the full expresion at the expense of correct form. Now, I work on getting the correct form and progressing from there. This has helped immensely with some postures that give me fits, like standing head to knee. My favorite asanas are Half Moon, Triangle and Camel.

We are blessed to have such a wonderful studio and great teachers. It has been a real treat to watch Emily and Phil grow the studio and bring something unique and beneficial to the Annapolis area.

April 2010 - Wes Delong

Hi, for those of you who do not know me, I'm Wes. I've been practicing yoga for about a year and a half now. I first heard about Bikram Yoga in a newspaper article in the Sunday Sun. It sounded interesting and I thought that one day I would like to try it. One rainy weekend in September 2008, I heard about the open house at the Severna Park studio and decided to check it out. Up to that point, I was a runner. I had been running pretty steadily since 1992, but I have not ran since my first yoga class. I feel I am much calmer, and have much more patience since I have been practicing, not to mention a better awareness of my body in general. I find Full Locust to be my most challenging posture. I find it difficult to elevate my torso & legs at the same time. It feels like I am never quite off of the floor far enough. My favorite posture is Half Moon, which I used to despise, but it is finally starting to fall into place.

I am a Landscaper, which means I constantly use my muscles to make a living. Any Truck Drivers or Equipment Operators with bulging discs or Sciatic nerve problems should try Bikram Yoga before resorting to painful surgeries. It's not easy, but with a steady practice it will put your body back to what it once was.

It's quite an honor to be chosen as Student of the Month when there are so many Hardworking Yogis in class everyday.

March 2010 - Marney Mederos