Bikram Yoga Geelong has become my favourite place to go in the last few weeks. The staff members/instructors are always smiling, and greet you by name as you walk in the front door. They make everyone feel noticed and important, and support you in your practice, before during and after class. I’ve never seen such a dedicated and friendly team of working women! They even participate in each other’s classes!
Amanda Lytle
As a traveling Canadian teacher, I’m in Geelong for a few weeks, and had been looking up places to get into practicing hot yoga. I had come across Bikram Yoga Geelong with their intro pass, and it was perfect. I just finished my twelfth class in fourteen days of my own intro pass, which is $39 for 30 days of unlimited hot yoga. This intro pass has been invaluable to me, since the knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm I’ve gained is incredible. Each class, the instructor will keep an eye on beginners to help improve their postures, addressing each of us by name to give us pointers, as well as the more advanced participants in the class to perfect their practice. Having had a few injuries in my life from sports of falls, I can feel the progress and strength coming back into these muscles and joints from going to hot yoga for the last two weeks – and this is just the beginning! When you can feel the benefits of something so quickly, it really makes you believe and it encourages you to continue and progress with your own practice. As a teacher, there are days where at 4 or 5pm on my way home, the last thing I feel like doing is bending my body in all different directions in a hot room, dripping from every square inch of my body… but I am determined, as everyone else in the room is, and when I leave, I walk out smiling and feeling great. I have bettered my eating habits by simply knowing how much work I’ve put into a class, and I’ve been sleeping more soundly, waking up refreshed and ready to take on another day. My focus and determination have come forth into my days teaching, and my happiness continues to shine through!
There are people of all shapes and ages attending BYG! I love hearing first time beginners come in and hear how nervous they are, and then hear them literally boiling over with excitement and enthusiasm of continuing their practice after their first class. I’ve met so many different people and know them now by name, which makes going to BYG every night a lovely time to meet up before or afterwards for a chat.
Determination will vary between people, but I know that for myself, in only two weeks, I’ve managed to increase my flexibility and have been able to focus and hold myself in postures I never thought I could. That, combined with my sleeping and eating habits changing for the better, how could I not want to continue with this lifestyle? There are still several postures that I am determined to master, and that’s the beauty of it. You can see improvements each and every class! It’s truly made my time here in Geelong better in so many ways, and I am happy that I have started my practice of Bikram yoga with the team at Bikram Yoga Geelong!
Testimonials
Hello to all FUTURE and present yogis. I have just completed a 60 day challenge and had a delightful result. Now my back is much more flexible and I can roll over in my sleep freely without fear of having sharp pain. It is so good to have the freedom.
Yuko Sato
Physical activities have been my hobby since when I was young. I loved walking miles and miles when I was toddies-my mum told me. I was involved in school sports activities all the time, running, swimming along with everyday hard training. My subject at uni was sports and physical science. I wished if I knew Bikram yoga back then to improve my performance! I always knew one of my weaknesses was lack of flexibility result in causing a few injuries. As well as working in physical demand industries for 20 years, at late 30ees I started to have many problem on my body: back, neck, wrists, ankles and shoulders. I could not enjoy swimming and walking at this stage anymore because of the pains. My body needed a good maintenance.
Neck, wrists and ankles pains had gone instantly and my energy level boosted up immediately during first year of practice in 2011. This is my second year of practice after one year absence. While the absence, I really missed going back to the nice 40 degrees sweaty room and doing the all crazy poses. It is so addictive. On the first day, after the class, I could not move. I was flying in the cloud for ages on the couch. After 2 or 3 months, the things started changing. I could listen to the instructors more carefully and deal with the heat better and also breathe more consciously. Then my poses started improving a lot, slowly but recognisably.
I am really glad to taking a first class after long time thinking whether I should go in or not every time as I passed the studio a couple years ago and now back and be part of Geelong Bikram yoga community; they take care of you, and challenged myself doing the hard core yoga for 60 days for my back problem. I have read an article about this lady had huge back problem and took for a while but Bikram yoga fixed it as she started doing a double class. http://www.bikramyoga.com/BikramYoga/Herniated_Discs.php Now I. love doing Cobra, Full Locust and Camel pose. My spine stretches deeply extendedly backward compared to before the challenge. I am really happy with the result!!
All the mental guidance from instructors in the practices got me through a hard time many times in the studio and outside of the studio so big thank you to them for guiding me through the journey.
“listen to your body…..let it go….no expectation… just breath…”
I love it!
Best to start at the beginning, which was early in 2009. I had heard lots of talk about Bikram Yoga and heard all sorts of stories about the heat and how hard it was etc but something had my curiosity and I was looking for a new type of exercise. I needed to get back in shape after having my second child. I was a bit scared to start on my own so I bribed my sister in-law to come and try it too, so off we went full of excitement and intrepidation. We both had young babies and were pretty tired and probably pretty unfit too, so we hopped in the back row and bumbled our way dripping in sweat and giggling a bit at our attempts but we made it through to the finish without dying or passing out; so thrilled we were! Since the finish of that first class I knew had found my new passion, I was totally exhausted and could barely manage to stagger back to the car but I just knew it felt like the right thing for my body and mind.
It was a slowish start to begin with as I needed to build my fitness and stamina but I was hooked, and as the time passed and I was consistent in my practice building up from one class a week, to two and then three. Each class is always a challenge and therefore it’s never boring. There are still plenty of really hard days where I find myself wondering and laughing “ What am I doing! “, but still coming back for more the very next class.
The teachers make everyone regardless of the condition they came in feel that this yoga is for you and you can achieve great things and feel amazing benefits, and who knew it would be true!
It is now so much part of my routine now I can’t imagine my life without this yoga.
I have found so many benefits to my health its invaluable, my pre-existing back problems have improved out of sight as with my general immunity, my sleep and stress level also; the biggest change of course would be my fitness which has improved greatly. But what I love the most is that it’s such a holistic practice giving you a really hard workout, great stretching and flexibility and mental relaxation and clarity.
Now after four years of practice and feeling the benefits I couldn’t do with out it.
The friendships forged and the great community that surrounds this yoga has been a wonderful and unexpected bonus in my life.No matter how hard my day has been or how I’m feeling on arrival after every class I always feel better and glad to have done it again.
Sarah Broadhead
Namaste
It was January 2009, I was looking for yoga classes to attend and like most did a Google search and up came this thing called ‘Bikram Yoga Geelong’. After reading the website I thought I’ll give this ago it had flexible class times and membership options, talked about creating flexibility, strength, weight control and strengthening the immune system. All that I was looking for and the fact it was in a hot room sounded challenging, so off I went to attend my first class.
Ann Treloar
Wow what an experience was my first class. I thought surely I’m going to pass out and although I considered myself reasonably fit I felt overwhelmed and couldn’t believe that I spent most of the class on the floor wondering when it would end. The heat was challenging and got me. I remember thinking this is one of the hardest things I’ve done, but I stayed in the room and remembered being so impressed with the front row that although they poured with sweat made it look so easy.
After my first class I felt fantastic and was so surprised to be full of energy. I felt like I had done a hard workout without pounding the pavement. Although my ego was a little deflated at spending so much time on the floor I was determine to give it another go and was back the next day. It didn’t take long and I was addicted going on average 4 times a week. At the time I was commuting to Melbourne for work and it was challenging to get back in time for yoga but I was determined to make this fit into my life as I could see the benefits of this yoga.
Bikram yoga has made such a difference to me both physically and mentally. Over the past 4 years my practice has improved my overall fitness, strength, weight control and body shape. It has grounded me and has also helped me learn to be in the moment, manage my stress levels, be calmer and given me the energy to face some of life’s challenges. I love the fact that it’s physically challenging and that it gives me energy to burn. No matter how tired I feel going into the room I always feel better for it. I never regret doing a class. I have also met a lot of great people at the studio. Its always a talk fest in the change room, everyone is really friendly, positive and supportive. The teachers are fantastic always ready to answer questions and help with your postures. I always look forward to going to the studio.
Although my practice has improved over the years it took a while to leave the ego outside of the room and just do my best, in fact it still creeps in sometimes making for a very hard class. Letting go and just doing what you can, step-by-step, word-by-word, focusing on yourself in the mirror can be tough and confronting. But that’s what I love about it. Every class is different, has different challenges, I’m continually learning and there’s always something to work on. I love the philosophy of your body my mind, honest effort, form not depth and of course pulling is the object of stretching.
Bikram yoga has helped me recognize the potential within myself, and the happiness and positive feelings I get from it is something I will always want in my life. So much that this year I decided to take a break from the corporate world and further my yoga journey by attending teacher training. I hope to share my passion through teaching.
My philosophy on fitness is pretty simple, I just need to be fit enough to be able to do the things I love, at a level where i can enjoy doing them. With forty just around the corner and a life of manual labour, footy, surfing and generally being a bit reckless with my mind and body, old injuries, sprains and strains were starting to catch up with me.
At one point lower back and hip pain were threatening to put a stop to my hobbies and my work. Visits to the chiro and physio would give me temporary relief only to be undone by a long drive or by lifting something heavy.
Bikram yoga has been apart of my life for 6 years now and I’ve been practicing at B.Y Geelong since it opened. My first 2 years of practice was sporadic at best, and though I found benefits from doing the occasional class in Melbourne it wasn’t until B.Y Geelong opened and my practice became regular that I really began to notice the changes.
The series of 26 postures provides a full mind/body workout and tune up. I have learnt that yoga means balance between mind, body and spirit.
I first noticed the balance in my body. With my legs, core and upper body gaining strength and flexibility evenly. As the old inbalance between my upper and lower body was being rectified I found the aches and pains gradually disappearing. Occasionally I may feel that there is a set back with the appearance of a sore spot only to discover that it is short lived and part of the process of breaking down old scar tissue.
Currently my body is virtually pain free and my back is as good as it was in my early 20’s. My flexibility is 10 times better than it was in my 20’s or even teens and my strength and endurance are as good. I haven’t seriously jogged in over 2 years and can happily say that I’m more than fit enough to do the things I love now, including Bikram Yoga.
The second thing I noticed was my mind and spirit changing. Going from struggling through 90 minutes of hard-core yoga in a 40 degree room to enjoying it, even when I’m struggling.
The breathing technique used in Bikram not only helps me remain calm and focused during the physical and mental strain of the class but also in daily life.
When your body is fit and flexible and your mind is calm and focused your spirit is lifted and as a result I believe I am happier and more positive than I was previous to beginning my Bikram Yoga journey.
An added bonus is the great sense of community that exists at Bikram Yoga Geelong with friendly, inspiring instructors and a great bunch of practitioners from all walks of life.Do yourself a favor.
Jay Martin
After arriving in Geelong from Canada, I signed up at BYG with the intention of giving myself something to do until I could find a job. After about two weeks of practicing I enjoyed it so much that I decided that the job had to be close enough to allow me enough time to get to class after work. Practicing yoga with the BYG community has been a positive experience and the most important outcome of my practice has been being able to calm the ‘monkey mind’, something that appears more often than I would like.
Consistent practice is ideal and doing a 30-day challenge is the best way to see great mental and physical results. I have done several challenges, this past February being the most recent, and with consistent practice I have seen great personal results.
Here are some things I have noticed about my practice:
1) Mind: learning to listen to instruction and being present for 90 minutes is a work in progress but trying has a positive effect on how I react outside of the yoga studio.
2) Flexibility: I am no pretzel but I can proudly say I can put both hands on the floor without having to bend my legs, something I haven’t been able to do since I was five years old.
3) Eating more mindfully: it has encouraged me to make better choices with what I eat and drink.Practicing in a room that is hot and humid can feel overwhelming in the beginning but I encourage everyone to give it a try to show yourself just how capable you are. The 90 minutes I spend in the room makes me feel better and I never leave the room feeling worse than when I entered. Thanks BYG for a great four years and for being so welcoming.
Tara Coady
I started Bikram yoga back in August 2009 in Houston, Texas. My friend had practiced a few times and encouraged me to try one class, and believe me it took a lot of encouragement!! I said to my friend, “why on Earth would anyone want to do yoga in a hot room and torture themselves?” I finally agreed, and dragged my self to my first class and I never would have imagined that this yoga would change my life forever!
My first class was tough. I had never done yoga before, so the lack of flexibility was my first problem, and to add the heat on the top of that was pure hell. Also, I was extremely unfit and overweight, so I could barely breathe. It took every bit of strength I had not to run out of the room, cursing the teacher a long the way. I got through it in the end and I actually felt an extreme high that I never had felt before. I spoke with my teacher after class and she encouraged me to come back and practice regularly and the benefits will show. I decided that I was going to try it one more time and make my final decision. My second class was a little better than my first, but still hard. I thought if I just keep going it might get a little easier, and it did! I started to notice the benefits within the first month. I was losing weight and I was getting my fingers closer to the floor. I was now loving this yoga!
When I moved to Australia, I was a little nervous to start at the Geelong studio, since I was used to my studio in Houston. I was determined to keep doing this yoga and even encouraged my husband to join with me. It did not take me long to fall in love with the studio. The owners and teachers were so nice and motivating and all the students were so friendly! I felt like it was a real community. My husband and I did a 30-day challenge, which was very intense. I struggled, but we finished the challenge and felt so amazing for it. It was after the challenge, I started thinking about going to teacher training. I doubted myself a lot, but kept thinking about how far I had come and knew if I put my mind to it I could become a Bikram teacher. I stayed positive and I am now going to teacher training!
Since I have been practicing Bikram, I have lost 25 kilos and gained extreme flexibility. Bikram has brought peace and calmness in my life. I know Bikram has changed me in a great way and I am excited to start my new Bikram journey! I can’t wait to teach and inspire students, like I have been inspired through this yoga! Through my experience, I believe Bikram yoga can change everyone’s life as long as you stay focused, positive, determined and believe in yourself!
Katy Deutrom
February 2009 - my first Bikram Yoga class – I came in with my running group we thought it would be fun!! It was soooo hard; the heat..OMG the heat… I really struggled with overwhelming thoughts of fleeing the room but I was determined to stay – I remember fanning myself with my hands in Savasna to try to make a breeze!! Watching the people practicing in front of me…I marvelled at how still they were, how little the heat, sweat seemed to matter and how amazing their postures were – how do they do that??. I think I went 2 maybe 3 times in my intro pass but I did go on to do a 1 month pass; managing 2-3 classes a week. As much as I struggled I LOVED the way I felt after class, calm, happy and the more I praticed the more energy I had outside the yoga room. Slowly but surely I was hooked..
My body was changing too; my stiff neck would be gone after each class, my immune system – I used to catch everything the kids had and take ages to get over – I think I’ve had one cold in the last 12 months which lasted about 2 days; that alone keeps me coming back. My “muffin top” gradually disappeared – my legs are leaner and I love how healthy I feel.
I love that there is no pressure from anyone; just the pressure I put on myself each time I go into the Yoga room…each teacher inspires me in different ways and I love practicing in Geelong; the teachers are awesome; so supportive and I’ve made some beautiful friends who have also really inspired me. They encouraged me to do my first 30 day challenge a few years ago – the advice my teachers gave me then was to fit the yoga around the rest of my life for 30 days & it will change my body & my life; such a hard thing to do I thought but surely I could do it for 30 days?? I travel 30 mins to get to yoga, have a part-time job, 2 kids, husband and run my own little business – but I did it; if I can anyone can…your practice really steps up, you are stronger and leaner, have more energy, you don’t sweat the small stuff and with the support of my family I have since done 3 more 30 day challenges.
I love the philosophy behind the practice; each class is different, don’t dwell on anything, still your mind, relax & just breathe. Try your best each time and day by day, class by class you will get better; at yoga & life.
I started my yoga journey with a dear friend who passed away 2 years ago. My friend was one of the people who inspired me to do my first class and my first 30 day challenge and now – along with the teachers & lovely friends at Bikram Geelong - she has also inspired me to do Teacher Training….I am so excited…nervous and scared. But life is precious and we never know what tomorrow will bring and just maybe I can inspire someone too…
Mandy Briggs
I began my Bikram Yoga journey in August 2011, i was always physically active but after running for years my knees and hips were beginning to show signs of wear and tear!
Nik Byrne
So off I trotted to my first class….WOW! It was hot, hard and overwhelming_like nothing i had experienced before, but Bikram was different, i felt really challenged but calmer at the same time.
And so i did as the teachers recommended and came back the next day, and loved it! After practising for a while i began to notice changes, my skin was a lot clearer, my body shape had changed for the better, i was sleeping better and my
mind was clearer and calmer. I really enjoyed the physical challenge the yoga gave me as well as the mental challenge of clearing my mind for 90 minutes. As a mum of 3 girls there is always something going on in your head; their sporting schedule,
their social calendar, homework etc…I found I was calmer in dealing with it all.
I have recently completed a 60 day challenge, that at times i didn’t think i’d get through but i did and am so glad i did it. I mainly started the challenge to strengthen my postures and my mind. But i achieved so much more than what i set out to do.
My postures have definately improved, but the biggest change was my mind, i’m calmer and a lot happier within myself which has given me more confidence and so a happier me!
For anyone thinking about doing a challenge go for it, an understanding and supportive family is a key factor but the positives far way out the negatives and along the way you meet some pretty great people, not to mention the great teachers, who encourage you to keep going!
And so my Bikram Yoga journey continues…..
Jan and I have been doing Bikram yoga for almost 18 months now and our families are very familiar with us coming home raving about the hot room and the insights we get from each class, so when we had an opportunity to do a family Bikram session we jumped. It was very surreal seeing our “babies” attempting to perform very challenging postures. Our children now have a new found respect for their parents, especially the boys, who are usually very competitive and out perform us in most physical activities.
We also felt it it was a good, non confronting introduction for our teenagers ,who are often preoccupied with what other people think. Jan’s daughter Madision is going to continue when she returns to Byron. ( (That is what she said anyway.) We all agreed this was a memorable experience and that Bikram is not just a physical practice it takes a lot of mental discipline….. What a gift thank you .
Michelle and Jan Terkelsen .
“You’ll never forget your first class”… Truer words have never been spoken ☺ I still remember almost every thought that came into my head on that fateful night-
• it’s too hot,
• these people are crazy,
• why on earth am I doing this to myself?
• this is too hard,
• how long is 90mins?
• get me out of here.
• I’m fit, I should be able to do this
Little did I know how much that hot room would change my life, in more ways than any other exercise. I was a gym bunny, addicted to the treadmill and punishing spin classes day-after-day, year after year, when a friend dragged me to the newest craze in G-town. It was a 6pm class, the room was packed, and I was one of many newbies in the back row, completely out of my depth, but at least I stayed in the room. That was three years ago, since then I have noticed so many changes- physically, I have toned up, I lost a bit of weight, aches and pains have gone, and my shape has changed. The mental changes, though, are what I am truly grateful for, my mind literally shuts off in the yoga room, it’s taken a while, but once I got over the heat, and started to embrace what I could control in there, my mind became a little quieter. The different mentality that exists in a yoga room compared to a gym- acknowledging how amazing the human body, your body, is, by being able to stand on one leg for a minute, rather than how many calories you burn or how many kilo’s you lift, also appealed to me.
I’ve done a few challenges- 30, 60 & 90 day- and would recommend them to everyone, it’s truly rewarding to deepen your practice, and tick off each day. I think one of the biggest lessons I have learnt is when you’re in the room- enjoy it, there is a reason you dragged yourself there, you may not have the best class, but it’s the class you were meant to have. BYG is truly the best studio- our teachers are fabulous, knowledgeable human beings, the friends I have made here are some of my favourite people, and we are lucky enough to have guest teachers, and master classes, it’s always a learning experience. If you are reading this as a beginner, first of all: Welcome to BYG, you are in for an experience like no other, embrace it with an open mind, you will be fine, you will be amazing, all you have to do is stay in the room and breathe, the rest will take care of itself!Courtney Smith, BYG Student
It’s over half way into the 60 day challenge. I thought I’d be tired and grumpy. But no, I feel great. The difference is becoming evident in my cycling races (Wed and Sun). Lately, I’ve been able to win or get a top placing. My diet hasn’t changed. My bike is the same. I can only put it down to yoga. I notice that I can breathe smoothly even under great stress. I also find that I can relax when other are feeling the pressure (sometimes I even smile…as Jessica encourages us in class).
Chris Colley, BYG practitioner.
I started my journey as a Bikram yogi in April 2009. I thought I was somewhat flexible coming into this class. But nothing really prepared me for this experience: hardcore yoga, in a room heated up to 40 degrees for a full 90 mins. The heat was one of the things that got me in the beginning, (as I am from a very cold country originally (Norway) and we are lucky if we get up to 30+ in summertime!).
Ane Solbo Hagen, BYG student
I struggled in my first class…. And my second and my third. I kept asking myself what was I doing here? Why was I doing this? My mind kept playing tricks on me but it taught me to find an inner focus, strength and determination I never knew existed. But being stubborn and sticking through the first 10 days was worth it as I became hooked. The feeling after every class was amazing! I felt like I was reborn…I struggled and sweated so much it felt like a proper workout whilst like going through a massive detox at the same time.
I’ve been fortunate enough to do angel shifts in exchange for free classes. I have been lucky to meet inspiring people everyday at BYG. It’s interesting to discover the effect of the yoga, as the classes never change. It’s the same postures in the same order, but every single practice is different and it can only get better as long as you are willing to keep trying and keep an open mind!
One year on and I am still here, continuing to improve my practice. I have lost over 10kg so far and keep getting complements. I feel happier and more energetic than ever. I have to work through issues/injuries mentally and physically and learn to listen to my own body. I do this so I can face everyday trying to be the best I can be and never giving up. I hope to become a teacher one day so I can inspire others to find their true potential and experience what I never believed was possible. This yoga works, so why give up a good thing that has nothing but great sideffects?
I was not particularly sporty or flexible in my younger days so I would never have predicted how much I would love Bikram yoga. I started about 10 months ago when my joints just couldn’t take pump or step any more. Although one of the older members of the class and one of the least agile, I am continually encouraged by the instructors and the energy in the room. The heat, while challenging, actually aids in the concentration, stretching and general enjoyment of the class. Having started my practice at a difficult time in my life, I can attribute much of my improved strength, fitness, weight loss and mental attitude to yoga and the team at Geelong. Thanks to my fellow practitioners as well.
Martha Curry
I have been practicing Bikram yoga for nearly 2yrs and in that time it has been an amazing journey for me. My very first class was one that I wouldn’t forget in a hurry! I decided to continue on and stick out the intro offer, after the 4th class I started feeling fantastic and had a lot of energy. Many years ago I was a gym junkie in which I spent a lot of time working out. It took a long time to see any results, unlike Bikram I noticed the benefits almost instantly. It is Not only myself that have seen the changes inside and out, but also friends and family have commented on my overall positive change. Several benefits that I have achieved through regularly attending Bikram classes are an increase in flexibility, determination, clarity of mind, toned body, weight loss, happiness, undisturbed sleep, and my approach to stressful situations have a greater sense of calmness. This also could not have been achieved without the help of the supportive teachers. Bikram is a big part of my life and I intend to continue which keeps myself out of the chiropractor’s rooms as I was going regularly! Also socially I have meet a lot of wonderful people who have become good friends of mine.
Jo Ryan
Namaste
Over the Easter long weekend of 2009, I raced the Australian Solo 24 Hr Mountain bike Championships in Canberra and won the female division. This result meant that I was granted $3000 towards my trip of getting to the World Solo Championships in Canmore, Alberta in Canada.
After this race, and many long mountain bike endurance races before this, I struggled with lower back pain, during and especially post event. Not to mention terrible circulation problems for weeks, into months after a big race like this. Many a night I would wake up with extreme pins and needles in my hands and up my arms, so bad it would wake me up. The lower back pain I experienced after this race was quite bad and I could feel it for weeks doing even the simplest of things such as sweeping the floor.It was some time in early May that a friend suggested that Bikram yoga was doing awesome things for her as a cyclist, it sounded like something that may work for me I thought.
With nothing to lose and a pure hatred of anything meditative or Yoga like, I was unsure if this would be for me.
Being an outdoorsy type, I was into blood sweat and tears type of exercise, but I was always quite holistic about my approach to life and my well being.
My first session of Bikram was awesome. I loved it. Sure the heat was a bit of a shock, and all my weak spots showed up instantly. I quickly realised that Bikram was the solution for living a balanced life, having a body that functions the way it was designed to, giving me the strength to be my best and most of all giving me control over my vehicle! I am not one to visit a doctor for issues and prefer to find a way to solve the problem myself. Bikram is so empowering because it allows you to be the nurturer of your own body and at the same time strengthening your mind.Living in Forrest, 30 minutes south of Colac on your way to Apollo Bay, I was finding it hard to attend more than once a week in the beginning. Even once a week, I was finding my lower back strengthening and my right hip feeling more balanced and my circulation improving all the time. I really looked forward to my Thursday 10am class.
After about 4 weeks, I was loving it so much, I just had to come twice a week and this is where I really started to see some changes. Being on a bike training and racing all week, you are in a forward position hunched over all the time. Your hips become closed inward as does your chest. All the back ward bending, especially the Fixed Firm & Camel Pose has really helped me feel far more balanced out.So for about 10 weeks I was attending Bikram Yoga and really enjoying it, 2 weeks I actually made it 3 times in one week! Then I was off to Canada for the World solo 24 hr Mountain Bike Championships. A brief overview of what I had to deal with: Jetlag, which hit me harder than I had planned for; Altitude, we were living and racing at 1500mts A.S.L;
Heat, the race was held in 36 degree weather; Crazy rocks and roots all over the 16km course and of course 24hrs of racing my Mountain bike seeing how many laps I could do.
End result was that I came 4th in the world and had no regrets. More amazing than my race result was my recovery as well as how my body performed in the race!!!The next day and during the race, no lower back soreness to speak of! No pain killers, no massage with Deep Heat to soothe…just nothing, I was stoked. Then the next thing I noticed was that I had NO pins and needles or circulation problems in my hands from holding onto handlebars through rough terrain for 24hrs. Wow! Could this be true?
Then the final thing was that I suffered none of the normal “hangover” feeling that come with racing a 24hr event. No dehydration, no set in fatigue. In fact, I was riding my bike again 2 days later having a ball in Canada checking out the trails.There is no doubt at all that practicing Bikram Yoga - even just once a week, can change your body and HEAL your body. I aim to keep practicing for the rest of my life.
Jessica Douglas BYG Student
I have always considered myself mentally tough, but another added bonus is the determination and concentration that you get with Bikram. This is transferable to life and I know it helped me immensely getting through this race. It is medicine for the mind, body and soul. Be inspired and energised, now let your yoga practice help you reach the stars and beyond…
Namaste. “The light within me honors the light within you.”
After years of being involved in the fitness industry and avid exerciser, my body was starting to show some wear and tear, and with the advice from a friend/client of mine to come and try Bikram “because I would love it” I decided to do just that. I didn’t love it in fact the opposite of love was what I felt after my first session. However, with the advice from all the Bikram teachers to come back as soon as possible - I did and the rest is history……
Sandra Darcy BYG Student
I took on the 30 day challenge and I struggled physically ½ way through, and managed to keep going with the challenge, even though I thought my body was going to break!! It didn’t and I became stronger during the last week of the challenge.
I liken the challenge to an engagement / wedding …
• it’s exciting, there is a kind of build up to the big day
• people seem genuinely interested in what your doing – crazy or not
• questioning if I am really doing the right thing in the long run
• a few peaks and troughs along the way
• then the big day finally comes around
• very, very excited
• I’ve done it
• anti climax has set in
• then you wake up the next day wondering what’s next…..
• Honeymoon over and its time to get moving with your life
Somewhat like a marriage commitment: Bikram Yoga is something I plan to commit to for the rest of my life….love it, love it, love it.
Ps. Even though I don’t look like I love it in the room!!!!
At the age of 50 I gave up smoking and decided I needed to do something about the way my body was starting to, basically “get old”. My arms were stiff, my shoulders ached and I had arthritis in my fingers and hands I didn’t exercise, I was physically lazy. My husband told me about the “Hot Yoga” he had read about and there was a studio in Geelong. As with many things, it went in one ear and out the other. Then one day, for what reason, I have no idea, I thought to myself, “What’s that hot yoga I’ve heard about?? “I really did ask myself that question in my head and the next day I went to my first class.
As I like to be well informed I researched Bikram Yoga and the Geelong Studio before I went, so I guess I was a little prepared for what was about to take place. My first class was with Gail and she was wonderful, I liked that she told me exactly what I had found out through the internet, I felt really good about trying this, but I had no idea why. I walked in the room and yes it was hot, but wasn’t it supposed to be?? I felt calm and relaxed waiting there for class to begin, and I think I knew then, this was for me. My first class was over before I knew and my face had never been so red. Gail shared with all of us the incredible medical benefits your body will gain from this practice. This interested me so much.
I went back the next day and found it a little harder at the begining, but I wanted to change my body, I wanted to ease my aches and pains, and as the class progressed, I felt my body start to limber up. So I went back again and again and again. I was hooked! I had never been a person that sweated very much now I sweat like the best of them, and now my skin is amazing. I started this journey in about October, 2009 and last week I completed the 30 day challenge along with many new friends I have made at the Geelong Studio. During the 30 days there was a couple of times I just could not make class so I did 2 classes the following day, and to my mind, it had to be a one class after the other. Actually the second class was really good, as you have really limbered up by then. You have to sort your work and family life out to do the challenge, but isn’t that what life is all about, a constant juggle of family, work, etc.
I can not beleive how my body has changed over the past few months. I saw the changes starting to happen before the challenge but after the challenge they are amazing. I had the begining of the saggy upper arms us ladies get as we get older and now they are as tight as my trim 24 year old daughter’s, and I haven’t lifted one weight to get them. I no longer have hot flushes from my menopause, my skin glows and I sleep like I have never done before.
Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to attend a seminar in Melbourne held by Craig Villlani and Senior Instructor and Bikram’s so called right hand man. I sat there, mouth open, for hours listening to the history behind this wonderful practice and Craig’s personal journey. I class doing the 30 day challenge and attending Craig’s seminar as the best two things I have ever done in my life, for me and just for me. As like many other people, I thought I may loose interest, I’ve been know to go in boots and all and become bored after a short time, But this is different, so different, you try as hard as you can every class because you know this will change your life and your body, you can see it happening right before your eyes. I tell everyone I meet I do Bikram Yoga with pride and they should too.
Kaye Bishop - Bikram Geelong Student
The reason behind attending my first Bikram Yoga class in December 2009 was to work on my flexibility, after many years of weight training l felt this form of yoga may provide an alternative to the repetitive training my body had become accustomed to, initially the first few classes were difficult to adapt to as the heated room proved challenging.
Steve Hocking BYG Student
I found myself drinking far to much water and at times squirting water over my face to cope, during one of these earlier classes the instructor encouraged all students to drink less and focus more on the breathing aspect of Bikram Yoga this was a real turning point for me personally as it enabled me to cope with the heat and postures in a controlled way, learning to breathe correctly has benefitted other parts of my life as well as contributing to other forms of exercise positively, overall Bikram Yoga has contributed to my wellbeing through improved flexibility, fitness, weight loss, muscle tone and if your are able to work through those early classes and become a regular attendee you will continue to provide your body with opportunities to improve.
I started practicing Bikram Yoga in February 2009 and haven’t looked back. Since starting I have noticed a number of benefits, the constant back and neck pain I suffered from is practically gone, I have toned up and I have noticed changes to my all over body shape.
In addition to the physical benefits I also find Bikram yoga a great stress relief, no matter how tired or stressed I feel I always feel better after I have finished a class. As the teachers say if you can focus your mind in the hot Bikram room you can control and focus it in difficult situations outside the yoga room.
I decided to try the Isagenix 30-day program in July as I was sick of constantly feeling sluggish and heavy. The program was great, not only did it give me more energy, my digestion improved and I lost the heavy feeling. Over the 30 days I not only lost 5 kg but felt like I also gained self control, proving to myself I could go 30 days without coffee and chocolate. Overall I found the program very worth while and enjoyed the shakes so much I continue to have them as a convenient breakfast when I’m in a rush or feel I have over indulged.I completed the 30 day challenge in November and although at times I thought I was insane spending 90 minutes every single day in a hot room I have no regrets. I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I finished the challenge, it forced me to step outside my comfort zone, there were days I really did not feel like going but knew I had to and when class was finished I always felt better than I did prior to class.
Kristie Jenkins, BYG Student
It still amazes me that although every class is made up of the same postures in the same order they are always different, everyday you are faced with a different challenge, this is what gets you hooked and keeps you coming back.
I found Bikram by fate, or perhaps Bikram found me? A succession of minor injuries and niggles caused by running & personal training resulted in many expensive visits to my chiropractor. I decided that another course of action was needed, one that took into consideration my age and the wear and tear that my body had endured over the years.
Annette Devery, BYG Student
One day as I was driving down Yarra Street, I noticed a woman crossing the road, carrying her yoga mat. I looked to my left and there was the yoga studio, I remembered hearing about this “hot yoga”, so I parked my car and made my way over to make an inquiry… that was Sept last year. I spoke with Jo, who inspired and motivated me with her enthusiasm and passion. My first session was a real challenge but I wanted to try it again, I did and I haven’t looked back since.
5 months later - Bikram has given me the discipline to maintain a healthy life style, I feel stronger, fitter and more flexible than before, my body is free from those little niggles and injuries from previous exercise routines and my mind is clearer and more relaxed, I am happy with the results of my hard work – I am hooked, I do three classes a week and when I can I try to do more.
I have been practicing Bikram Yoga twice per week since the Geelong studio opened. I have reaped so may benefits and have been surprised to find that by just practicing twice per week how it has positively impacted many areas of my life. I have always been someone who has exercised regularly but never achieved the physical results that I aimed to. Through Bikram Yoga I have improved my physical health, increased my energy levels, toned up and have noticed dramatic improvement and changes to by body. Emotionally I am a more positive person, I am sleeping better and feel more detached from the niggling worries of every day life.
Briony Williams, Bikram Yoga Geelong student
As a mum of 3 children, I have hardly had any time to exercise in the last 6 years. I suffered from tight and stiff shoulders, which gave me headaches and dizziness. I was always tired and lacking energy. I knew I needed to do something for my body.
Since I started doing Bikram yoga, all these problems have gone. The benefits have been great and my skin is much better. I have a scar on my tummy from three C-sections, and the scar can hardly be seen now. Finally I am back to the same size I was before the children were born.I completed the 30-day challenge in June. That was a huge commitment to make for me. When I look back on the challenge, I have to say I enjoyed every single class. I have no regrets at all! Not only has my body become more flexible, but my postures and my mind are much stronger. I couldn’t have done it without my family and all the teachers’ support. I’d like to say a huge thanks to you guys for my experience.
Kaz Cumming, Bikram Yoga Geelong student
I practiced Bikram Yoga 3-4 times per week during my pregnancy from 12 weeks to 3 weeks prior to my due date. I am certain that my Bikram practise was the reason I had such a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy. My pregnancy was completely free of backache or pains, it also increased my energy levels and general wellness. I found it amazing to see how my practise changed throughout the pregnancy; I went through times when my balance was completely lost. I had to listen to my body more than ever and have the patience to sit out of postures that had previously been my favourites. Towards the end of the pregnancy there were some postures that I had greatly flexibility than ever before – I felt like I could stay in Standing Bow pose for ever, the weight of the baby lowered my centre of gravity and I could balance perfectly.
Bikram Yoga not only physically kept me in great shape throughout the pregnancy but it was also provided a great mental focus in preparing for childbirth. I was able to use the discipline and focus of the breathing throughout my labour, which greatly assisted in achieving a natural birth. I also credit Bikram Yoga with a speedy recovery; my body has recovered remarkably well. I put on 10kgs during my pregnancy and within a week after birth, I had lost 7kgs and was back in my pre-pregnancy jeans!!
My pregnancy and birth experience was more exuberant and rewarding than I ever imagined. I now look forward to my next Bikram Yoga challenge – stepping back onto my yoga mat, facing the mirror with a new perspective on life, with a body and mind that has been through tremendous change and re-establishing my practise. In Bikram Yoga the postures and the order in which they are taught may never change but we certainly do.
Gail Cuolahan, Bikram Yoga Geelong studio owner
I have been practicing Bikram Yoga since March, and have experienced many fantastic benefits for mind and body.
I set myself the challenge of completing the arduous 60-day challenge, and was surprised to find that I was not only stronger, leaner and more toned, but extremely disciplined as well. The determination and discipline that I developed over the 60 days surprised me more than the physical benefits.
As strange as it sounds, practicing for 90 minutes in a 39-degree room is not the hardest part of Bikram Yoga; in fact, the heat rarely phases me. Learning to switch off your mind and focussing solely on the poses and breathing remains a daily challenge. You learn to love the sweat running down your body and detoxing at the same time!
I have become much more flexible, toned, disciplined and focussed since practicing. Every class is a different experience; your body responds differently every time. Poses that I hated initially are now ones where I notice the most progression.
Major benefits include: improved sleep, increased energy, less stress, better lung capacity for running distances, great start to the day (6am classes), whole body system working better.
Laura Myers, Bikram Yoga Geelong student
When I started practising Bikram Yoga, I was hoping it would be something of a saviour. For years I had suffered with a bad back and other ailments due to a lifetime of playing sport. In my quest to be as fit and healthy as possible, I tried almost everything. Most had some sort of positive effect but were generally short lived and it was back to living with pain and discomfort. Bikram was different. It took a matter of days for me to realise my body was actually changing to heal itself. After a couple of months of practising Bikram I decided to adopt Bikram as both my source of treatment and my fitness regime. Given I was practically coming every day, I decided to give the 60 challenge a go. I’m glad I did. While at times it seemed insane, unbearable and confronting, the benefits far outweighed the “perceived” hardships that you think you’re facing at the time. Having successfully completed the challenge and still practising regularly, I feel on top of the world!
Mark Freijah, Bikram Yoga Geelong student
Isagenix 30-Day Cleanse. Around February this year I decided I wanted to trim down to feel more myself. I believe that the size of my pelvis, which should be reasonably the same size now as when I was a young adult provides a good indication of my ‘ideal’ size. The muffin top thing was definitely telling me that I was bigger than my pelvis could accommodate. I was introduced to Isagenix by Jo (BYG teacher) and did some research on the nutritional value of the shakes and other products. An independent site gave the shakes an A rating. This was important, as I’m not a fan of meal replacements. I undertook the 30-day program and stuck to the two shakes plus one nutritious meal per day throughout. However, circumstances made the weekly cleanses difficult so I gave them a miss. I reduced from 68kg to 62kg during this time. Losing the weight was a goal reached which was great for the soul. However, the most illuminating part of the process is what I learnt about self-responsibility. During the program I let go of coffee, sugar, alcohol and felt quite empowered saying ‘no, I’ll pass’. On reflection, foregoing these items highlighted how easy it had been to blame other people, dinner invitations, not prioritising meal planning etc for not living a life congruent with being fit, active and attractive. Since then, I consider more often the consequences of eating randomly and exercise pretty much daily. I still enjoy the shakes when I’m short on time or before/after exercise for a good mix of carbohydrate, protein and fats. My shake experience shook me up and helped provide some beneficial lessons around making positive decisions.
Kaye, Bikram Yoga Fitzroy Student
60-day challenge. I have always been a fairly active person, from swimming competitively, to netball, to going to the gym every day for the past 10 years. I really enjoyed the time I spent at the gym - I worked hard running 6-8 kms 7 days a week, as well as weights. Then my sister introduced me to Bikram Yoga and I have a new addiction! Since I began regularly practicing Bikram Yoga (when the Geelong studio opened in Jan 4 months ago) I have only been to the gym a handful of times - there is no comparison! I decided to do the 60- day challenge to really test it out. Bikram Yoga has changed my whole outlook on fitness and how I feel about myself. Even though I am quite tall and long, I have always been quite muscular, especially in my legs. No matter how many kilometres I ran I could never seem to fine down. In only 4 months of regular practice, Bikram Yoga has changed my physique so I’m now more lean and toned! My appetite has changed, I actually crave healthy food and my insides feel cleansed and healthier and my skin has never been better. I’m sleeping really well and have found that Bikram Yoga actually gives me energy rather than tiring me out like the gym tended to do. Doing the challenge was a fantastic way to get a real understanding of what Bikram Yoga is all about. Try it, you won’t regret it!
Amy Archibald Bikram Yoga Geelong student
The 60-day challenge: 9+ hrs of 40-degree yoga a week is both physically and mentally tough. I found the mental aspects the hardest, but at the same time, being able to complete the challenge successfully has meant that I am more confident in other pursuits. There were different points during the experience where I struggled and where I was stronger. At times I was dizzy enough that I could hardly see, at others I was in an expression of a posture that I never thought I would achieve.
Mark Asbell, Bikram Yoga Geelong student
Benefits: Physically, I’m much more flexible, have lost about 2kgs and 3cm off my stomach and 2cm off my chest. Without Easter in the middle that figure would have been much higher.
My skin is better, I sleep better and feel that my whole system works better - I’m a lot healthier internally. I’m addicted to the heat and love it especially in the cooler mornings where it makes me feel warmer throughout the day
Other things: Although I was much more flexible in the evening classes, the morning classes really set me up for the day.
I can still remember my first bikram yoga class, and I have to admit I wanted to run out of the room, thinking to myself after that first class that there was no way I was re-entering the bikram yoga room again. After an amazing night’s sleep I did decide to give it another go and I haven’t looked back since. There is nothing better than walking out of a 90-minute bikram yoga class and feeling alive, invigorated and energetic. Over the past 12 weeks I have become addicted to that bikram yoga feeling and the benefits don’t stop there. I have lost 31cm from my hips, thighs and waist, dropped a dress size and lost 5kg. My skin is smoother and visibly healthier looking, I feel focused during the day and I no longer grind my teeth in my sleep. I would encourage anyone to give it a go but don’t stop at just one class!
Julie Nardi, Bikram Yoga Geelong student
I have been practicing Bikram Yoga for three months at Bikram Yoga Geelong. I practice five times per week and am lucky to have a friend who has also caught the “Bikram bug”, which helps keep up the motivation for 6am classes!
The benefits are immense. Since I started in January I have lost 2.5 kg, but the biggest result is the noticeable change in my body shape. I have toned up, dropped a dress size and lost a total of 12 cm off my arms, bust, waist, hips and thighs. I spend my week days sitting at a desk and through my practice I have built a lot of strength in my core and spine which has eliminated the lower back and shoulder pain I used to experience. My skin has never been this clear or my diet this good. My practice certainly makes me think twice about everything I consume. My intake of alcohol and fatty foods has plummeted!
On top of the physical benefits, I have developed a lot of discipline, which has transferred to all areas of my life including home, work and other forms of exercise.
My first class was a challenge, but I entered the room with an open mind, committed to returning the following day. Afterward I enjoyed such a deep sleep at night. I felt some stiffness on day two, but staying well hydrated and following up with a second class was the best remedy.
Since then I have become addicted and with regular practice I am surprised how quickly I am improving, particularly in the balancing series. It is true you develop a love/hate relationship with some of the poses - some of my most hated are now my strongest!
Olivia Noonan, BYG Student
