Bikram Yoga San Antonio

Susan Diamond

lisa — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:04:53 +0000

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.

Stacy O’Leary

lisa — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:15:36 +0000

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I am from St. Louis, Missouri and I moved to San Antonio in 2002 to attend Trinity University. I majored in Spanish and International Studies, and was lucky enough to study in Spain for a semester and I cannot wait to go back! I have always loved sports and I played soccer for two years in college. I recently got engaged to Mitch Walker, with whom I completed the 60 day challenge in November, and I’m lucky to have him. I work at Airrosti Rehab Centers and I absolutely love my job. My family still lives in St. Louis and I love going back to visit whenever I can. I have two children (who happen to be dogs) named Baxter and Mona.

2. What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

Mitch did. Steve was Mitch’s strength and conditioning coach in college and he was introduced to the yoga that way. After college, Mitch suggested I try it, so I did. Initially I loved it and thought it would fit in as a great new work out. Little did I know it would end up being way more than just a work out for me. It took a couple years of practicing the yoga for just a month or two at a time before I realized I needed it in my life on a regular basis. I started practicing more regularly and last April, Mitch got me a year membership for my birthday. What an amazing gift!!

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?

Luckily, I did not have any major issues before starting the yoga. The main thing I have battled since I’ve been practicing regularly is tightness from too many years of running, playing sports, and weightlifting. I’m currently working through those little by little and really enjoying watching the yoga change me for the better. My body just feels healthier and happier when practice regularly.

5. What are the greatest benefits of you practice?

EVERYTHING! I’m happier, I’m healthier, and I’m nicer to people. My relationships are better, I’m more patient, I feel good. I started the yoga as a new way to work out, and while it definitely functions as a work out, I am amazed every day at everything else it provides for my life. I can’t imagine my life without it.

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

Bikram Yoga is absolutely amazing. It changes every aspect of your life for the better… if you let it. The hot room can teach you so much about yourself. It will teach you to love and accept yourself for who you are, while constantly working to be better. The yoga teaches you to breathe and relax no matter what is going on around you, and although I’m still working to master this, it has without a doubt affected the way I carry myself every day. It also makes me take better care of myself in a variety of different ways. The hot room will let you know if you are not treating your body right. The yoga has opened my eyes in so many ways and I am forever grateful.

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.

Also, the community at BYSA is one of a kind. I look forward to class every day not only for what the yoga does and how it makes me feel, but because of what each and every person at this studio has to offer. It is refreshing to be around such wonderful people every day.

Kate Davies

lisa — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:58:50 +0000

Kate grew up in New York and attended Trinity University, where she majored in Classical Studies and Spanish. She was lucky enough to find Bikram Yoga during her first semester of college. Kate has practiced consistently over the past 7 years while living in 4 countries. She loves the physical and mental flexibility yoga has given her.

After graduating, Kate moved abroad for three years. She spent the first two in Beijing, China, where she taught English to high school students and adults. She then moved to Bangkok to teach Kindergarten at an international school. Kate loves the challenge and excitement of traveling. She is excited to share her experiences with the BYSA community.

During her free time, Kate enjoys cooking, playing violin, listening to jazz and hip-hop, and reading. Her favorite novelist is Haruki Murakami.

Edward Jones

lisa — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:53:19 +0000

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!

Imelda Matamoros

lisa — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:03:24 +0000

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.

Charlotte Morales

lisa — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:12:41 +0000

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Charlotte also grew up in Houston and St. Petersburg, Florida. Charlotte settled down in San Antonio after graduating from college. In 2005, during her first year as a third grade teacher, a friend brought her to Bikram Yoga. Things were never the same…

Bikram Yoga opened up a new world in which the back pain Charlotte had previously dealt with for years disappeared, and even the stresses of being a teacher new to the profession seemed to melt away! Yoga quickly became a priority.

Charlotte feels lucky to count herself among the Bikram Yoga San Antonio FDP, and she is so excited to become a yoga teacher! Her hope and dream is to help adults and children improve their physical, mental, and emotional health through yoga.

In her free time, when she is not working or doing yoga, Charlotte loves to read and listen to music. She is a fan of short stories: her favorites are by Gabriel García Márquez and Jhumpa Lahiri. She likes all types of music, but she especially loves rock en español.

It’s never too late to be what you might have been. TS Eliot

Tim Menefee

lisa — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:59:02 +0000

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!

Kaye Floyd

lisa — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:34:53 +0000

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m married to my BFF from junior high and high school, James. I have two daughters, four grandchildren and one dog, George. I’m the Administrative Officer for the San Antonio Division of the FBI. Before working at the FBI, I worked for the U.S. Senate. James and I were working in DC when 9/11 happened, so I have stories. This is our second time to live in San Antonio. We liked it the first time and like it even better now.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

My daughter Tracy had been practicing yoga for about 10 years and Bikram for about two. She was encouraging me to go, but I found reasons that it wouldn’t work (times, distance, etc). My husband James told me he wanted to go and that’s all it took. I agreed to try for three months, but after our introductory period, we signed up for a year. Of course, that year has passed and we’re signed up for another year.

How often do you practice?

I try to make it five times a week. I can’t always get it done. The past few months I’ve been traveling a lot making it difficult to do five times a week, but thats always my goal. I’ve practiced in Denver, Portland and Las Vegas on my travels. It’s interesting to go to different studios. I’m trying to schedule a 60 day period with no travel so I can do the Challenge. I’m sure it will come together, maybe around Christmas time.

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

I have scoliosis and was experiencing a lot of pain. I was pretty much living on Motrin and had many episodes of having great difficulty just walking. I also had a stiff neck which I believe was associated with trying to compensate for the pain. Within a couple of months, the pain was really no longer an issue. I don’t mean that I never have pain, but when I do; it’s very minor compared to what I was dealing with before yoga. I know I have to do this yoga for the rest of my life.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

Physically, I just feel better. Obviously, the lack of back pain is the greatest benefit for me, but I’m healthier overall. Many people at my office were sick this past winter and off for several days, it was like we had an epidemic. Not me, I never had a sniffle. My thyroid medication has been slightly reduced. Is it because of Bikram Yoga? I’m thinking there’s a good chance.

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

Other than the health benefits I have already mentioned, I deal with stress better. My job can be very stressful at times and I find I deal with that stress better. Maybe it’s because I’m old, but I think the yoga has a lot do with it as well. People at my office know that anytime someone is exhibiting the effects of a lot of stress, I will invite them to come to yoga. I lost a little weight and my belly is smaller (I like that a lot). I never thought I could make it through class without a wipy towel, but now I don’t even think about that. When I take my dog George for a walk now, sweat is just no big deal. Interesting the things you can do that once seemed impossible.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

That’s a difficult question. Of course, I love the instructors. Mark was incredibly helpful to me when I first started and I was having such a struggle with the postures. Rick was the first one to help me grab both feet in bow pose, Kristin gives the most wonderful foot massage, Katia’s energy is contagious; of course, Lisa is so knowledgeable and helpful with everything and Steve makes class very fun, sometimes it’s hard to keep breathing because I’m laughing so hard. I absolutely love, love, love when Sugar and Ozo greet me at the door, they make me feel so welcomed. But, my favorite thing is probably when class is over and I’ve made it through another session in the Torture Chamber. It does give me a feeling of accomplishment.

Monika Campos

lisa — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 19:26:00 +0000

Monika has two main passions in life: Bikram Yoga and Travel! She has been fortunate enough to have backpacked throughout Europe and South East Asia. Having been able to practice Bikram in many different countries was one of the catalysts in her decision to go to teacher training. The idea of spreading the benefits of Bikram Yoga while seeing the world a piece at a time brings a smile to her face.

Bikram Yoga has improved Monika’s overall physical, mental and emotional health. At a young age Monika lost both her parents in unfortunate accident. For many years she dealt this with sadness, confusion, pain and anger. Practicing yoga has changed her life! Yoga has helped her work though/ lessen all of the emotions she suppressed for many years. Still a work in progress, Monika believes yoga is the key to the best possible version of her life! She hopes by being a teacher, the yoga will improve the life of others the way it has improved hers!

“Time Smiles in my hand.” – Anonymous

Isabel Owen

lisa — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:22:55 +0000

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

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!!