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!). 
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? 

Ane Solbo Hagen, BYG student

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.
Namaste

Jo Ryan

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. 
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.”

Jessica Douglas BYG Student

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……
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!!!!

Sandra Darcy BYG Student

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.
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.

Steve Hocking BYG Student

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.
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.

Kristie Jenkins, BYG Student

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.
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.

Annette Devery, BYG Student

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.
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.

Mark Asbell, Bikram Yoga Geelong student

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