• Buy a membership
• Signup

Archive for the ‘yogi of the month’ Category

Vicki Aguirre Cox

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I will be 50 years young this year and will be about halfway to my life on earth. I love to read, write, teach, jog and of course do yoga.

Family is everything to me! I will even miss a yoga class for my granddaughters – Sofia and Stella, occasionally for Ernie and Gabe and even sometimes for my love of life Ernest. That is why I love yoga because we are familia!

I own a business –Victoria’s INK, educational and life coaching and I have taught people of all ages from birth to 102 from all walks of life and abilities. My educational background included elementary, special and leadership. I have published a children’s book and have about 5 more books started just need more time; I want to clone myself.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

When my Ernie (my oldest son) and Liz shared with us that we were going to be abuelitos (grandparents) I took a good look at myself to see if that was what I wanted my grandbaby to SEE. I have always tried to balance my life spirit, mind and body, so working out has been a part of my life forever! My honey (Ernest) shared with me the pleasures of margaritas, which is probably my greatest vice, but I love them! Those empty calories are hard to work off. Anyway when I saw myself I said “uh-oh”. So I decided to start a journey of TOTAL fitness for my life, for I have always known that by 50 (which will be this year, December 6th!) I wanted to establish a lifetime balance. So two years ago I started learning about eating better – rice, beans and enchiladas are delicious just not as nutritious; and jogging. Running has always been a passion of mine. I lost 50 pounds and was eating better within 6 months. I was worried though that jogging may not be the best way to stay fit and I did not know if my body could take all the pounding until 102, because I intend to live that long ! So I came to Bikram…my first class with LIZ was amazing! I knew at that moment that Bikram yoga was going to be a part of my life FOREVER. I found a practice which I knew would always be challenging and for which there is no mastery, instead a lifetime journey, which is how I approach all of my life. Since that first day it has only gotten better. I love all the instructors, Lisa and Steve have created that utopia, a place where everyone is welcomed and loved. My youngest Gabe says I belong to a cult; he calls me a “drugless hippie” for I believe in love, peace and harmony!!! Yes yoga completes me!

How often do you practice?

I like to practice every day, sometimes 6 classes in one day, ha-ha!!! I try to balance so I am trying to make myself practice 5 times a week, jog three times and bike one day a week. I truly have to make myself take a break because I love my yoga.

What was your exercise background before Bikram?

I have done many types of fitness …jogging always, martial arts (I am a 2nd Degree Black Belt), cardio-kickboxing, step, aerobics- floor and step, played volleyball in school and Pilates. I have done machines but could not figure out how to make them people…I am a “people person” and really enjoy group practices, competition drives me, sometimes…

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

None that I was aware, I discovered recently that I have a tear in my shoulder which will require surgery. I will be doing one- armed yoga during my recovery. And hope to do so during Spring Break so I can be ready for the Olympics.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

The balance it helps me maintain in my life. Yoga addresses all three – spirit, mind and body. Like jogging yoga is a time I can think about who I am and where I am going; where my mind is totally engaged and I have to completely use my body. When I jog I feel totally free, with yoga I feel totally connected to my own spirituality. Jogging I try to solve all the issues in my life, when I do yoga I let them all go and my mind is free. While jogging my body gets the benefits but sometimes I can feel the pounding as well; while with yoga although can be tortuous (especially with Lisa) my body gets a total benefit “inside and out”. Thus the greatest benefit all aspects are good for you!

How has this practice changed your health and life?

Yoga is a safe haven for me. I pretty much have control of my life. My health is good especially considering my history. At 14 years old, two weeks before my 15th birthday (Dec. 6th), I had a diagnosis of acute lymphocytic leukemia and my parents were told to plan for my funeral that would most likely occur before Christmas. I decided to fight the disease and underwent 4 years of chemotherapy, at that time VERY EXPERIMENTAL and only about a 20% chance of survival. Sadly with this particular blood cancer things are not much better. So given that history, no relapses, two children and two granddaughters later I am doing well. I wish I had learned about nutrition sooner in my life but I am trying to learn it now. The impact to my life with the disease has been a stronger mind, vivacious spirit and my body well I have some scars externally and internally. The greatest of these is that often I feel locked in my body, my mind wants to do more but somehow I cannot, i.e. my running is jogging now, maybe that is why I cannot do eagle…ha-ha I am trying to find an explanation. Yoga is my escape into the world I believe, love, peace, harmony in a HOT room.

Any emotional or other benefits?

Emotional benefits absolutely, yoga is a reflection of my beliefs about humanity – the dialogue, the people and the atmosphere. I feel connected, I feel real and I feel stronger!

I can I survive without it absolutely but I am a better person with it!

Steve’s 90 minutes of comedy also allow me to release endorphins, even though I need a sweater for his class…who needs drug therapy when we have him!?

What is your favorite part of Bikram?

The message…we are worthy, we all have a place…as Lisa always says “leave your ego outside of the room”…I like that all people are welcome and we all have a fit. The LOVE, I guess my Gabe is right I am a hippie!

Anything else you would like to add?

I hope that my presence in the yoga room/family is perceived as I want it to be; I want to be a positive force in the lives of people that surround me. I realize we are all human and life can take a toll on us but it is so precious, believe me once you have experienced death, as I have the appreciation for living is so great.

Posted in yogi of the month | Comments Off

Andy Morales

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Andy Morales. I was born and raised in SA.  I have worked as a registered nurse for the last 12 years and a certified rehabilitation registered nurse, currently working for an insurance company as a case manager.  I am also a licensed massage therapist and I find massage to be a wonderful complement to nursing.  I have been practicing yoga for a little of a year now and love it.  This is where I get a little selfish.  I practice yoga to give back to myself.  It’s all about me.  It not only renews my body but my mind and spirit as well.  No matter what kind of day I’ve had, I always feel better after yoga.  One of my long term goals is to get my yoga teaching certification.

What brought you to the Bikram Yoga Practice?

A friend of mind at work told me about Bikram. The heat/humidity was extreme to say the least, but I was able to follow along despite not knowing very much about yoga.  I had to lay down right after bow pose, I was hooked.

How often do you practice?

I practice Bikram 3-4 times a week and at other studios 1-3 times a week.

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

My back would get stiff and would ache daily.  I couldn’t bend down without hurting my back. My hopes were also extremely tight and I would get short of breath with minimal activity.

How has this practice changed your health and life?

My aches and pains are nearly gone. The stiffness in my back is only occasional now.  I can forward bend and just recently I have been able to touch my forehead to the floor.  My hopes are not nearly as tight as they used to be. With the combination of Yoga and dieting, I have managed to lose 44 lbs and counting.

What is your favorite part of Bikram?

After going to many classes at various studios, my favorite part is the spirit of family that I feel at Bikram. I would like to thank the staff at BYSA for choosing me as October Student of the Month. I would never have met all the great teachers who continue to inspire me to keep on doing my yoga. 

Posted in yogi of the month | Comments Off

Alice Kozel

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a 54 year- old wannabe athlete trapped in a middle- aged body.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

 I needed a stretching regime.  As much as I work out and cycle I never took the time to stretch out my muscles.  Consequently I was always stiff and sore.  It was getting to be a vicious cycle….plus I was tired of not being able to touch my toes.  A co-worker told me this was the most intensely challenging exercise he had ever done.  That immediately piqued my interest.

How often do you practice?

When my work schedule permits I try to get to the studio 4 days a week.

 What was your exercise background before Bikram?

I’m a cyclist by nature.  I love long rides on quiet roads.  I used to log a lot of hours in the gym lifting weights and using the elliptical trainer, but find I’m happiest when I’m outdoors hiking and exploring. 

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

I have a right total knee replacement as well as two rods and pins in my lower back.  Sometimes I think I’m being put back together piece by piece.  I’m pretty rough on my body and it has taken its toll.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

How has this practice changed your health and life?

Any emotional or other benefits?

I work constantly with the public.  I find I’m able to be more calm in stressful situations and am learning, albeit slowly, not to take myself so seriously.  I’ve also gained some much- needed mobility in my knee and back, although I can tell when I push myself too hard.  Metal only gives so much!!

What is your favorite part of Bikram?

Those ‘aha’ moments when I I’m listening to the dialog and I finally get what the instructor is saying.  Getting the breathing mastered is the key I think.  I find if I concentrate on just being able to breathe normally through a posture it helps even if I can’t hold it for long. 

 Anything else you would like to add?

I’m pretty hard on myself when I don’t get something right away.  This yoga is slowly teaching me to ‘lighten up on myself and just go with the flow’.  Eventually it will happen, maybe not today, or tomorrow, but it will happen.  Just keep on breathing!! 

Posted in yogi of the month | Comments Off

Patricia Bond

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

BY: Tell us a little bit about yourself

PB: We relocated to San Antonio from Chicago after my husband accepted a job August ’08. Our three daughters visit occasionally. We live in King William with our two Labrador Retrievers and two cats.

BY: What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

PB: Bikram Yoga San Antonio has convenient locations, frequent classes and an excellent teaching staff.

BY: How often do you practice?

PB: I practice daily to the best of my schedule.

BY: What was your exercise background before Bikram?

PB: In Chicago, tennis league, yoga and biking were exercise activities I enjoyed.

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

PB: My knees are sensitive.

BY: What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

PB: Balance, improved strength and increased knee joint mobility are a few of the benefits from my Bikram practice.

BY: How has this practice changed your health and life?

PB: It has given me hope that I can have a better life in the future given the PD diagnosis.

BY: Any emotional or other benefits?

PB: The Bikram experience has introduced me to many friends, in addition to, toning and strengthening.

BY: What is your favorite part of Bikram?

PB: Yoga quiets my mind and clears the clutter.

BY: Anything else you would like to add?

PB: I look forward to both triangle and camel postures in my practice. But, I really enjoy Lisa’s Labradors as I have two myself.

Posted in yogi of the month | Comments Off

Hans Lange

Monday, July 13th, 2009

What brought you to the Bikram yoga pactrice?
I had been going to Spectrum for over 10 years. Spectrums treatment of their employees, and as a consequence, the employees treatment of the customers became uncomfortable. Our daughter kept telling us great your program was, and the wife and I finally paid you a visit. We were hooked.

What specific issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class?
Partial loss of balance caused by Parkinson disease. Lower back pain with very tight hips and hamstrings.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?
Some improvement in my ability to balance on one foot, and gradual opening of joints and increase in flexibility and strength.

How has this practice changed your health and life?
It has given me hope that I can have a better life in the future given the PD diagnosis.

Tell us a little bit about yourself……
My name is Hans Jack Lange. I was born in London, England, within the “sounds of St. Mary le Bow Church bells, which makes me a cockney, but without the accent so charmingly expressed in my Fair Lady. I came to this country in 1955 at the age of 17. Served in the U. S. Army and retired from the Civil Service in 2002. I am now 71 years old and have been retired since 2002. I have a degree in Industrial Engineering. I have a wonderful wife, a very lovely daughter, and a handsome son. The entire family is now into Bikram yoga.

Anything else you would like to add?
I think you have a great staff and I have fallen in love with all the ladies. The guys are great too. Seriously, what brings me back to sweat and struggle is the welcome feeling; the care shown by all; and the camaraderie I feel among all who come to the practice.

How long have you done Bikram Yoga?
Started in March 2008.

Why did you come in?
Not satisfied with Spectrum and Jenniferʼs high recommendations. Also felt this would be of greater benefit to my whole body then were treadmill and weights.

What is your favorite part of Bikram?
The knowledge and feeling that I am doing something very positive for my body.

Any emotional or other benefits?
A realization that I can make improvements, even after 70 + years of not taking care of myself as I should have.

How often do you practice?
When not on vacation, I try to average 4 to 5 times per week

What was your exercise background before Bikram?
Using the treadmill and stationary bike plus a series of exercises with weights.

What else would you like to share about your experience at Bikram San Antonio?
In the vernacular of today, “you guys rock.”

Posted in yogi of the month | Comments Off

Ronnie Huie

Monday, June 29th, 2009

Q&A with June Yogi of the Month “Uncle” Ronnie Huie

BY: How long have you done Bikram Yoga?

RH: Five years

BY: Why did you come in?
RH: I was playing golf with my son Ryan, who was attending law school at the time, and he was hitting the ball better than I had ever seen him hit it. I asked if he had been playing golf rather than attending class and he remarked “Dad it’s my Yoga” of which I responded,” YOGA”? He said when I come home for Christmas I will take you with me and you can see why it has helped me. I have heard him say several times YOGA helped him make it thru law school.

BY: What is your favorite part of Bikram?
RH: I think it is the way I feel about myself both inside and out. It gives me a certain confidence and peace about myself. I used to feel a little guilty when I saw someone jogging or working out and I knew I should be doing more, now I just smile internally.

BY: Have you experienced any physical benefits from your practice?
RH: You bet! I lost about 15 lbs, Although, I am still hyper- active, not nearly as much as I used to be. I sleep better, have more energy and my metabolism is much more efficient.

BY: Any emotional or other benefits?
RH: Emotional? I think on the emotional side YOGA has made me more confident and a less “stressed”. After I attend a YOGA class things that would normally stress me, don’t.

BY: How often do you practice?
RH: Three times per week. My idea of doing a double is to do it two days in a row.

BY: What was you exercise background before Bikram?
RH: Jogging, golf and occasionally joining a fitness club and working out so hard all at one time I would be so sore I could hardly move! Then not go again for a month. I’ve learned “if a little bit is good a whole lot is not always better” YOGA has helped me be more structured and lead a more balanced life.

BY: Where are you from?
RH: Ropesville, TX (its west of Wilson, north of Meadow, South of Smyer and East of Sundown)

BY: What else would you like to share about your experience at Bikram San Antonio?
RH: Steve and Lisa have done a wonderful job of making everyone feel special, welcome and a part of a family. When Trajan (Steve’s son) was born I told them since we are family that must make me “Uncle Ronnie.” I like being “Uncle Ronnie.” I have attended other Bikram Studio’s across the U.S. and I have never been to one that even comes close to the warmth, friendliness and personality of our studio. AND my fellow Yogi’s. I have made some lifelong friends I would not have met without YOGA. It has and continues to be an experience I will always hold in that favorite place in my heart.

BY: Tell us about your diet?
RH: I really do not have a special diet! I eat just about anything I like just don’t eat as much of it! It’s all about the new “Balanced Uncle Ronnie”. The days I am going to YOGA,I do refrain from eating those foods I know will “hurt” and during my practice wish I had not eaten.

Posted in yogi of the month | Comments Off

Dawn Ballard

Monday, June 29th, 2009

Q&A with our Yogini of the Month!

DB: First of all, I want to let Vicente know his reign as Student of the Month is now over! It is all mine now!!! Brahahahaha

BY: How long have you done Bikram Yoga?
DB: 3 years

BY: Why did you come in?
DB: My friend kept pushing me and pushing me. I told her I didn’t like to sweat. She told me it was different in there. I basically went to get her to stop pestering me. I was hooked my first class! I remember at the end of that first class, she looked back at me to make sure I didn’t hate her. I had a big smile on my face. I was sold!

BY: What is your favorite part of Bikram?
DB: I love that every class is different. It has never stopped being a challenge. I love that the room is full of all sorts of people-lawyers, doctors, students-and we’re all equal. We’re all just trying to survive the class.

BY: Have you experienced any physical benefits from your practice?
DB: Omigod! Where do I start?! My body completely transformed over these last three years. Every muscle I have now is thanks to Bikram yoga. It has done for me what no other exercise could have done.

I was also amazed how it changed my eating habits, without me even having to really think about it. It was almost subconscious and natural. I just didn’t want the fried or greasy foods anymore. When you feel what that kind of food does to your body in that heat, you just can’t eat like you used to. I also started looking at food not just for is it not bad for me (low fat, low calories) but what will it give me (vitamins, minerals, whole foods)

BY: Any emotional or other benefits?
DB: I have developed a much closer connection with my body. I have learned to breathe through difficult situations. I’ve also learned that my mind can blow situations way out of proportion. My mind is the hardest muscle to control for me. It makes or breaks a class. I find that if I just stay in the moment and remain calm, I do so much better-in yoga and in life.

BY: How often do you practice?
DB: 4-5 times a week

BY: What was your exercise background before Bikram?
DB: I did yoga with video at home for years. I also went through a gym phase. I found the gym overwhelming and I felt like I never got the results I wanted. I also didn’t like the atmosphere at gyms. Too cold and impersonal.

BY: Where are you from?
DB: I’m from here. I’ve rarely even been out of Texas. I like the idea of traveling, just not the action of it.

BY: What else would you like to share about your experience at Bikram San Antonio?
DB: I know it’s been said before, and it must sound like hyperbole to anyone not doing the yoga, but it has truly changed my life. I will never move more than a 10 minute drive from a studio. I can’t imagine not doing this yoga. I feel at home with my fellow yogis. Sometimes I go into the class smiling, truly grateful to be surrounded by such loving and interesting people. I feel a part of this yogi community. You must admit, it takes a special environment where everyone can feel so comfortable around half-naked, sweaty people. It’s freeing.

BY: Tell us about your special diet!
DB: About a year and a half ago, I had hit a plateau. I was eating pretty healthy, but I couldn’t lose any more weight. I remember a nutritionist saying several years back that it was her belief humans weren’t meant to eat grains. According to her theory, we’re built to be hunter/gatherers. I figured, why not? I gave up flour and all grains. Breakfast was a little tricky (no oatmeal or cereal). That was solved with a yummy shake. I eat lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, meat. I don’t know how much weight I lost (scales are evil), but I know I lost 3 dress sizes. It’s made it so easy. I just have one rule that I absolutely must follow-no grains. It’s not the Atkins plan. I think I blow that plan by breakfast. I’ve noticed not only the weight loss, but also the increase in energy. I don’t feel as sleepy after I eat.

BY: Thanks Dawn, we love having you here!

Posted in yogi of the month | Comments Off

• Newer Entries »