Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a nephrologist (kidney doctor). I have been exercising before work almost daily for years. I used to run, including many marathons, but since I’ve been injured, I go to yoga. I have two daughters both living outside this country. One lives and works in London and the other is a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

3 years ago, I came back from a 10 day cycling trip with lower back and hip pain. I could not do my usual exercise routine.

Resting and massage didn’t help.  A massage therapist recommended yoga.  I didn’t think I could do much without the heat, so I came to Bikram.

How often do you practice?

I try to practice 5-6 times a week.

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class?

It was mostly my back and hip pain which are much better now.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

My strength and flexibility have improved and I have been able to maintain some degree of conditioning in spite of no longer running.

The surprising benefit though is how much more calm I am.

How has this practice changed your health and life?  Any emotional or other benefits?        

I am more relaxed and less judgmental of myself and others.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

My favorite part is having it done for the day and how good I feel regardless of how much I could do during the class.

I am thankful for having found this yoga and for all the teachers that make it possible.

2. What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

3. How often do you practice?

Usually about five times a week.  I basically practice every day that it’s possible.  Unless I just can’t make it happen, I will be there.  Crazy things happen to you when you miss too much yoga. 

4. What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking you first class?

5. What are the greatest benefits of you practice?

6. How has this practice changed your health and life? Any emotional or other benefits?

7. What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

My favorite part of the yoga is impossible to put into words.  There is no favorite part… I love everything about the yoga, even the parts I hate.   It is constantly pushing me to challenge myself in physical, emotional, and mental ways.  It pushes me to try new things, accept what comes, and do good.  It is inspiring and there is nothing like it.  Casey Urban always starts class by saying, “No judgments, no expectations,” and it makes me smile every time because that is the hot room – you do what you can, you kill yourself trying, and you accept that each day is different – it is a beautiful thing when you can truly believe that.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Natchez, Mississippi. The 5th of 6 children to a single mother, my Shero, Josephine Jones. I am the Performance Director for Tops in Blue, the Air Force’s Expeditionary Entertainers. I have lived in San Antonio for 7 ½ years. I moved here from New York City in April of 2004. I love to travel and spend quality time with friends. One of my favorite things in the world to do is LAUGH!!! I LOVE LIFE and have a true passion for living…not existing…LIVING!!

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

Honestly, I was at a Japanese restaurant waiting for a meal “to go”. While waiting I walked next door to a Vitamin Store. While there I picked up a local paper and started flipping through it. A writer for the paper had attended a Bikram Yoga class and wrote a very extensive article about his experience. He spoke about how hot it was and how difficult it was and immediately I wanted to try it…and that I did!! Lisa was my first instructor and Steve my second I’ve been hooked ever since!

How often do you practice?

Well, I just finished my 60 day challenge in 56 days!!! And I just started the Turkey Clause Challenge, so right now I am practicing EVERYDAY and LOVING it!!

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class?

I suffer(ed) from Cluster Headaches which are debilitating when I have them. The Yoga has really taught me to get as calm as I can, get as quiet as I can and simply breathe. It definitely helps! Also, tight hips, lower back and shoulders from playing tennis and running track for so many years.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

Learning to stay calm and understanding that EVERYTHING IS NOT A CRISIS!! We seem to get so amped up about things that don’t really matter in the GRAND SCHEME of life…my newest motto…”It’s just not that serious…” it really keeps things in their proper place. The way I react to a person or an issue says more about me than the person of the issue.

How has this practice changed your health and life?  Any emotional or other benefits?        

It has really taught me to take care of myself better and even put myself first again. I spent a lot of years really focusing on work and others and I was slowly getting lost in the mix of it all. While doing the 60 day challenge, in order to do all of my classes I had to start practicing at 0530, 0545 and 0600 and I noticed that I was having some very energetic days because of it. Taking care of myself before doing anything else in the day made all the difference in the world. I am also more patient with myself and more forgiving of myself…always moving forward. “It ain’t that serious…you fell out of the posture…get back in and keep going.”

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

I LOVE TO SWEAT!! I LOVE the peace it brings. I LOVE the discipline practiced inside the room that helps you outside of the room. I LOVE the amazing friendships I have made and the great support from my fellow yogis. AND, the fact that I work SO hard and get immediate benefits! I am thankful to God for bringing me to this practice. I am a better man for it and I am thankful that Steve and Lisa have worked so hard to create such a great environment for us all to practice in!!

AND LET THE RECORD SHOW…I HAVE NOT GIVEN UP ON MY DREAM TO ONE DAY BE A BIKRAM YOGA INSTURCTOR!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am originally from Gonzales, Texas. I moved to San Antonio 6 yrs. ago to pursue my career in research.  Currently I am a study coordinator at the Cancer Therapy and Research Center working in Hematology.  I need to be constantly challenged, or I will get bored.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

My boss Jerry Medina, heard about Bikram and wanted to try it, but did not want to go by himself.  He asked me to go with him. I did. Thinking one class sure…I can do that. Little did I know that after one class I would be hooked; two years later and still going strong.

How often do you practice?

6 days a week, no excuses.

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class?

I did not have any physical issues before my first class, other than extra weight. I am still working on that.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

The rush of energy I get after class; especially when I do an early morning class I am wired for the rest of the day.

How has this practice changed your health and life?  Any emotional or other benefits?        

My yoga practice has taught me how to be more patient. It has showed me how to clear my mind and just let go.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

There are two things that I love about Bikram yoga. One that I am never bored, every class is different with new obstacles to surpass. But my most favorite is having the opportunity to spend 90 minutes in a hot room with the greatest teachers and students.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I came to San Antonio via the United Stated Air Force, where I spent 6 years in the Far East and the United Kingdom. I am originally from Gary Indiana. I met my wife of 28 years, Dolores, in Okinawa. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, fine dining, playing golf and listening to music. I am very fortunate to lead a great group of Systems Engineers at Cisco Systems.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

I overheard a few people at work talking about trying Bikram Yoga. I never heard of it at the time. Finally a colleague of mine and I decided to stop at the Hollywood Park studio to see what it was about. That was in March of 2010. Shortly after my trail period, I purchased an annual membership.

How often do you practice?

I try to average 5 days per week.

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class?

Many injuries from Basketball and Football; ankle, foot, lower back and leg pain.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

I feel great after class, have increased my strength and flexibility and can hit the golf ball farther than I used too.

How has this practice changed your health and life? Any emotional or other benefits?

I feel great both emotionally and physically. I have learned to be more patient. I sleep better. I tried taking some time off from yoga after a back injury and that made things worse. With motivation from my wife and fellow Yogi’s, I got back into the hot room and have not looked back.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

I have had a chance to visit a few Bikram Yoga studios outside of San Antonio and have to say the BYSA team is the best. I love the camaraderie in the room, each instructor motivates in their own way and I always learn or am reminded of something in class. I want to thank Steve for working with me to modify some of the postures so I could get back into the room. Lisa is very motivational when teaching class and this reflects on every instructor.

My current favorite posture (the one I hate the most) is: Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Pose. What an awful posture!

I just turned 40 in June, when I finished my last challenge! I am a single mother of 5 kids, 1 boy and 4 girls. Bikram yoga is definitely my stress relief from the demands and challenges of raising 5 kids. My kids know that I try to practice every day and they have realized that it is the glue that keeps their mom together. I have been practicing for about 18 months and it really helped me through the most difficult time in my life-my divorce. I love coming to class everyday and never knowing exactly what to expect. I can honestly say every single class is differently depending on my mood, body, the instructor the energy and I just love that. You never know what to expect! But I have learned to accept it good or bad and I think that is the best lesson in life no matter what kinda day you are having. Tomorrow is always another day, another class, accept it…be at peace with it and continue your day!

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

A friend of mine told me about Bikram yoga when I had knee surgery. I could no longer run 6-8 miles. The doctor said if I continued to do that I would need a total knee replacement in 3 years. I have no meniscus or ACL in my right knee. I had chronic pain and swelling in that knee, even after surgery. Bikram Yoga has completely changed that. I no longer have pain in that knee. So basically I came to Bikram Yoga to fix my knee. But it had no idea how it was going to fix my life. With everything so chaotic in my life, many of my friends asked how I was able to stay sane and not flip out. I tell them that I have found my inner peace. Bikram Yoga has truly led me to my inner strength and my inner soul. It has given me the tools to find the calm in the storm…no matter what situation!

How often do you practice?

I try to practice 6-7 times a week. It is part of my day…period! If i am outta town, I try to find a studio wherever I am visiting-that is always pretty interesting!!

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class?

Again, my physical issues was my right knee.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

Benefits of the practice are a healthy mind and body. People that have known me have commented that I seem so calm. I can honestly say that I just don’t get worked up about stuff anymore. What I can’t control…I let go of! That I definitely learned in the hot room!! That has to be the best lesson I have learned…what you can’t control you must let go, accept it and move on!!! An Amazing life lesson!!

How has this practice changed your health and life? Any emotional or other benefits?

Bikram Yoga has changed the way I look at life and people. I have become more accepting, forgiving and peaceful of others and myself! I definitely believe that had I not found Bikram yoga, I would have been on some kind of antidepressant. But I can honestly say, it is the best medicine. It’s like walking into therapy, without saying a word!!

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

Best part of Bikram Yoga are the awesome instructors!! They are all Amazing!!! Sometimes in class it’s what they say or how they teach, or the energy they bring to the class that when I leave, I think, wow…I needed that! How did they know?!?! Each and every one of them are so inspirational!! When I travel and go to different studios in different parts of the country, I leave thinking that Bikram Yoga San Antonio has the best studios and the best instructions…period!! I truly feel blessed to be taught by such an Awesome group of people!! The quote that applies best to them is something I heard the other day…” To the world you may be just one person, but to one person, you may be the world!” They all make the world of Bikram Yoga an incredible place to live life!!

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I am married and have two lovely children: the oldest is my son Jacob, who is 23 and in college at Texas State, and my 18 y/o daughter Kaitlyn, who just graduated from high school. I have a wonderful husband of 23 years and they all support my Bikram yoga obsession. I am a teacher and have been teaching in the Judson ISD for 13 years with Pre-K students and love it.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

My friend Monica Segura told me about Bikram, and I thought she was crazy the way she described it as hot, intense, and challenging. I decided to give it a try one day. It wiped me out, but despite that it felt therapeutic.

How often do you practice?

In the beginning I could only handle class 3 times a week. Then, last summer, Virginia Carrillo said she would do the 60 day challenge with me. Since then, I make every effort to go everyday. I feel I need Bikram daily to feel good mentally, and physically. I even look for Bikram classes when I travel! For example, last summer I went to Paris and was able to practice my Bikram for 3 days.

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class?

My job requires an enormous amount of bending, twisting, and squatting on a daily basis, resulting in back pain and stiffness. Doctors have told me I have arthritis. Bikram definitely helps me manage my aches and pains.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

For 90 minutes I focus on my physical and mental well being with no interruptions, or distractions. The heat detoxes, the postures strenghten muscles, compress organs and stretch tendons. I am surrounded and encouraged by like-minded students and teachers. I believe the benefits will change and continue for many years to come.

How has this practice changed your health and life? Any emotional or other benefits?

Last year our house was flooded in 4 feet of water and Bikram has helped me cope with that and the other stressors of life. I feel like I am mentally detoxing during class.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

Sometimes I go to class with aches, pains, low energy and mental stress. I leave feeling detoxed, reenergized and calmer. I also like seeing my yogi friends each class.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

Former mechanical/software engineer turned bodyworker. Ran track at UT and competed in middle distance and triathlon semi-professionally. I do injury treatment for university and post-collegiate athletes using Active Release Techniques (ART) and deep massage. Love helping people heal and get back to expressing themselves through their sport. Moved back home to San Antonio in 2007 after a couple of decades in San Francisco and Eugene, OR. Love the TX heat and humidity!

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

Both Stevan Falk and Lisa Ingle came in to try a treatment last summer. Steve got me thinking and Lisa was even more persuasive of course! Had my first class with Lisa instructing and loved it.

How often do you practice?

Over the winter was practicing pretty much every day– did a 120 day challenge. Once my University track season work got going and traveling with the teams on the weekends a bunch, cut back to about 3 or 4 times a week.

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class?

Was fortunate to not have major injuries from running and triathlon, along with 10+ years practicing deep tissue massage (thanks in part to receiving good deep massage and doing plenty of self-treatment similar to what Steve Falk teaches). Was, however, very tight especially in the hips, front of the body in general and had horrible back extension. My forearms, elbows and shoulders were also tight thanks to my profession.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

My knees/hips/hip flexors, back extension, chest and shoulder/elbow flexibility have come a looong way in less than a year with Bikram yoga. Feel stronger and i have more endurance giving ART and massage treatments thanks to the flexibility and strength in the elbows, forearms and wrists. Can work a 12 hour day and survive!

How has this practice changed your health and life? Any emotional or other benefits?

I do feel a calmer perspective. When potentially stressful situations arise, i think back to the concept of what we can handle in the Hot room with all that coming at us. Also, this practice has helped heal the toll i took on my nervous system training for running and triathlon while doing lots of demanding physical massage.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

The physical and emotional rush similar to a hard run interval workout! The love and acceptance of the instructors and students for everyone who comes in the Hot room. Also, the never ending challenge to keep improving the postures and the stillness in-between!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a partner at Drenner & Golden and have practiced commercial real estate law for 13 years.  I also manage a non-profit, DaisyCares, that I started last year that helps needy families with pet food and vet care (www.daisycares.com). My husband, Scott, is the best dermatologist in San Antonio (no bias of course!), and we have 4 dogs that are the loves of my life!

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

I’ve always been very injury prone and was hoping to reduce pain.

How often do you practice?

If I’m lucky, 4-5 times a week.

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class?

I’ve always suffered from knee pain, back pain and tendonitis in my arms.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

Peace of mind!   : )  While I love the challenge of the yoga practice, and that I feel great after practicing, it’s the only time in the entire day that I can find relief from stress.  I also adore and love the entire BYSA staff, and Lisa is truly my hero! They are the best people in the world. : )

How has this practice changed your health and life?  Any emotional or other benefits?

After I practice, I’m in a much better mood all day long. I also find that I suffer fewer injuries with a regular yoga practice

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

Savasana, of course!  : )