Tell us a little about yourself.

I am 51 and the proud mom of my 23 year old son, Erik.  I have been an educator for 20 years and am currently a high school counselor.  What I love most about my job is offering support to young students as they tackle everyday challenges.  I’m also blessed to work with a group of professionals who are my second family.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

I was curious about the practice of yoga. My son encouraged me to walk in the yoga studio and inquire.

How often do you practice?

I try to practice at least 3 to 4 times a week and typically every day during holiday breaks and summer breaks.

What was your exercise background before Bikram?

I took aerobic classes for several years at a local gym.  I also did weight training, running and hiking.

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

Fortunately, I have been healthy all my life.  I have had some weight issues but the yoga and better eating habits have helped with that.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

One immediate benefit is how my practice has improved my posture.  When I first started my practice, I remember lying on my back and placing my fist between my lower back and the floor.  I think that’s called sway back.  Six years later, I can barely slide my open hand underneath.  I also have an easier time holding my stomach in and standing straighter.

Another benefit I have gained from my practice is learning to listen more attentively both inside and outside of the yoga room.  Sometimes I get ahead or behind of the teacher.  I’ve learned that it takes discipline, obedience and patience to follow instructions.  These are habits I try to transfer and utilize outside of the room.

How has this practice changed your health and your life?

I’ve begun to search more earnestly for spiritual answers to life.  I attribute this quest due to changes in my life.  One of the changes is the mental and physical strength I have gained in my practice.

In addition, the practice of yoga was partially responsible for rejoining my church after 35 years of separation.  There are many days that I grapple for answers, but I tell myself not to give up life’s challenges. This is one of the things I first learned in the yoga room.

Any emotional or other benefits?

Sometimes I let my mind get ahead during my practice.  While I’m in one posture, I think about all the other postures that follow and how I may not make it.  When this happens, I stop and tell myself to concentrate only on what I’m doing.  Take one posture at a time.  I try to apply the thought process of taking one step at a time to the personal and professional challenges I face everyday as well.  As a result, I feel less overwhelmed.

What is your favorite part of Bikram?

My favorite part of Bikram is being surrounded by unique people who come together with a unified purpose to improve their quality of life.

Anything else you would like to add?

I want to thank Lisa, Steve and the awesome instructors for their dedication to the Bikram practice and to their students.  Their faith in the practice of yoga as well as their enthusiasm and encouragement make the 26 postures feel fresh and new each time I practice.  That is amazing to me!   It is an honor to be selected Yogi of the month.

I am a mother of twin 12 year olds, Scout and Charlie, and three dogs.  During the day I am a teacher for NISD, certified for the regular classroom and for special education.  I work with mostly emotionally disturbed children, but I also teach social skills to the general population at my elementary school.  When I am not working, I love to practice Bikram Yoga, ride my bike with the kids, cook, and read.  

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

My mother! She has been practicing for several years.  At the end of September she asked me to call her everyday to make sure she was going to the studio.  She then asked me to go with her to try it out.  I worked up my courage for a few days, and then went for ten days straight.  I was hooked!

How often do you practice?

I have most recently been practicing 7 days a week!  I took a week off and am aiming for 5 days a week now.

 What was your exercise background before Bikram?

Pretty nonexistent.  I would sometimes go to the gym and use an elliptical machine.  We ride our bikes to the grocery store all the time, but that’s not even a mile from home! I was an athlete in another lifetime, but since I had the twins…

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

I was overweight, lazy, stressed out, and slightly depressed! I’m still fairly young, 39, so I had no major issues, yet. However, I have never been flexible, which was why I was reluctant to go to a yoga class.

 What are the greatest benefits or your practice?

Getting rid of stress! This by itself has affected everything!  I have lost weight because I sleep and eat better (I’m sure the sweating helps too!). I have more energy and my skin looks better than ever!  The weight loss and clearer skin are the two things people comment on the most, however, it is the changes mentally for me that have been the greatest benefit.

How has this practice changed your health and life?

I am happier, lighter, and I can touch my toes.

Any emotional or other benefits?

The emotional benefits are probably the most significant for me.  I feel emotionally stronger. I am more confident or maybe just less worried about what other people think about me.  I feel better about myself now than I have in twenty years! Since I am not that physically fit, Bikram constantly challenges my determination, making me both physically and emotionally stronger.  My twins also reap the benefits of a calm mom. 

What is your favorite part of Bikram?

That’s an easy question: The people! I love my Bikram yogi friends.  I have met so many amazing people through the studio.  All the instructors are so wonderful and encouraging.  It makes me so happy to see everyone and I feel honored to practice with such fabulous people.

Anything else you would like to add?

I feel really honored to be chosen as student of the month.  I want to thank all of my yogi friends and instructors for the encouragement. Thanks to Lisa and Steve for making me feel at home and making such a fabulous studio. Also, a special thank you to my mother for bringing Bikram into my life!

Originally from New Hampshire, Raquel ended up in Texas after serving 14 years in the Army. Army life took itʼs toll on Raquelʼs body, mind, and spirit, but immediately after
exiting the service in early 2004, she went to Bikramʼs teacher training and life has been an incredible, healing journey ever since.

In addition to teaching Bikram Yoga, Raquel is a licensed massage therapist, Reiki master, and equine bodyworker. She loves helping people (and animals) on their
healing path! Raquel really looks forward to fizzy GTʼs Gingerade Kombucha following a sweaty yoga class and highly recommends all Bikram yogis read Bikramʼs orange
book.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
Anais Nin

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?
We were having dinner with yogi Charlie Hanor in February 2009. I told him I had been in a winter funk and needed a change.
He said, I have something for you–Bigram Yoga. I did my first class the next afternoon and I have kept coming back.

How often do you practice?
I try for 3 times a week, sometimes 4

What was your exercise background before Bikram?
I Have always done some sort of exercise. I started as a runner, strength trainer and regular at the old Trim & Swim, but the last few years before Bikram had been primarily working out on the treadmill.

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class?
I was pudgy, inflexibility, had aches across shoulders, sore legs–normal afflictions for the ex-runner and the desk job.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?
I feel much better and I have dropped many pounds and inches. I have aches in different places now as I progress in my practice but that is a good by-product.

How has this practice changed your health and life?
I have dropped a suit size and stand taller, straighter. I think I have taken years off my calendar age. If yoga would only grow hair!

Any emotional or other benefits?
The break from the world for each class is great. It took a while to control my mind to where I really am in the moment, but that is good now that I can be there.

What is your favorite part of Bikram?
Other than physical changes I have made and the community I have met, my favorite thing is to walk out the front door of the studio into a cool sunny day. The exposure to all the different people is good. So many individual stories, yet just one story in common.

It was actually accidental.  Dropped by a class and was hooked from the start  been practicing ever since.  Practice every chance I get and even seek out studios when I travel.   I’ve practiced in New York, LA, Miami, Boston and lots of other Bikram yoga studios. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am 46 and a business owner. I am the mother of a beautiful three year old daughter who lights my life up every day. My wonderful (and really hot) husband is licensed chiropractor and a professional bodybuilder.  I own a full service salon (Salon de Frisk) on Blanco and 410, where I have specialized in permanent cosmetics for over 16 years.

What brought you to Bikram Yoga?

My good friend, Angela convinced me to try Bikram Yoga out. We had just had our children around the same time, and I was amazed with the results she got. After trying the introductory special, I was hooked. I continue to enjoy the intensity and focusing properties of yoga.

How often do you practice?

5 days a week (more if I could!)

What was your exercise background before Bikram?

I had a personal trainer who used a combination of cross training with weights and cardio to give me a full body workout.

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

During the years of 2004 and 2005, I had two lower back surgeries.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

I no longer experience lower back pain on a regular basis. While I feel that my whole body is strengthened and toned, Bikram Yoga has given me more energy, and mental clarity to help my busy lifestyle.

How has this practice changed your health and life?

I have always maintained healthy lifestyle, but Bikram Yoga has taken it to a whole new level of fitness.

What is your favorite part of Bikram?

I love the challenge, mental focus, and determination it takes to do the postures.

Anything else you would like to add?

I want to personally thank the instructors for inspiring me to come on a daily basis. I help people look beautiful, and I appreciate the same dedication from the instructors towards me. I am very honored to be selected for Bikram Yoga Student of the Month for March, may God continue to bless your business and all the great teachers.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am not going to tell you my age, but I feel that I have bought some time ever since I started coming to Bikram Yoga. I have a full time job in a management position.  I am currently building my own house. I devote my entire weekends to my house and I hope to move in by this summer.  I am married and we have 4 dogs. I enjoy outdoor activities.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice? 

My wife was attending  Bikram Yoga by herself.  She asked me to join her  for one practice.   She told me that it was fun and that we could lose weight together.  She never mentioned the heat!

How often do you practice?

I work out 3-4 days a week.

What was your exercise background before Bikram? 

Martial Arts

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

I was over weight, my lower back was always hurting.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice? 

I can sleep all night without waking up in the middle of the night.  I feel better when I wake up in the morning.  It was hard for me to stay alert during company meetings.

How has this practice changed your health and life?

I feel better, I have more energy during the day.  I am able to work around the house without pain in my lower back.

Any emotional or other benefits?

I feel and look younger.  I do not feel stressed.

What is your favorite part of Bikram?

DANDAYAMANA DHANURASANA

Anything else you would like to add?   

I feel great after my practice and I know I have regenerated my body.

 “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
Lao Tzu, 5th century BCE, China

She and her husband, Rick, who also teaches Bikram yoga at BYSA, own Campbell Urban Training Center in Boerne, Tx. Her greatest joy and accomplishment in life is her daughter Casey, another BYSA Bikram yoga teacher! Music feeds Judy’s soul, family and horses fill her heart, and Bikram yoga makes it possible for her to live life to the fullest.

Her favorite book is To Kill A Mockingbird and homemade banana pudding really makes her smile! Growing up, she was told by her Mom every day of her life….

“Can’t never could do anything!

Freddie Campbell

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’ve been teaching middle school grades for the past 20 years, 6th grade reading 10 of the last 12 years here at Fort Sam Houston.  I grew up as the daughter of a career Marine and married a career Army man, a guy I adore.  I come from a fairly large, loud Italian family, so I like being around large groups of people and socializing.  I’m organized and disciplined (see above upbringing), but I tend to try to squeeze too many things into any given day, so I’m always on the go.  I relax best reading on the beach…any beach…or on one of the mini-vacations Greg treats me to….I have to be away from home to stop the frenetic pace I impose on myself. 

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

My ballet teacher, Judith Gani, started talking about Bikram.  She was going to the Alamo Heights studio once in a while before Lisa and Steve opened the Hollywood Park location.  She raved about the workout.  I wasn’t getting enough class time, only two nights a week, with ballet and wasn’t happy with going to the gym, so when I saw the HP sign go up, I popped in to check it out.  I was attracted by the 7 days a week and multiple class choice schedule.  I also think some body types, like mine, respond better to stretching than muscle building exercises, so it was the perfect challenge for me.

How often do you practice?

It varies, but when I’m on-track and Greg is traveling, five times a week.  My goal is always at least four days a week.

What was your exercise background before Bikram?

I’ve always been active. Throughout high school, I marched in a competitive drum and bugle corps.  I’ve spent time in the gym on and off, dancing (you name it, I’ve tried it…from belly dancing and hula to ballet), I paddled on a competitive outrigger canoe team in Hawaii, I love to day-hike, and golf.    

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

I had back surgery, a microdisectomy, in Hawaii, just before I moved to Texas.  My body, despite all the exercise, has always been very tight, so I’m often very stiff and sore until I get moving and warm all my muscles up.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

I credit Bikram with reducing my stress level enormously.  The first three years of my practice allowed me to continue teaching 6th graders.  Up until then, I used to constantly update my resume every year and drive everyone around me crazy with my desire to change professions.  I really do love teaching reading, despite my outward appearance when I get to yoga in the afternoon, so I’m very grateful!!  Going to class is also a great way to get my aches and pains under control, to keep my back flexible, to relieve headaches, and to check out of the rat race and into a peaceful place for a couple hours.

How has this practice changed your health and life?

I think is helps me achieve the balance I’ve always sought to maintain.  I’ve met a number of people, through Bikram who have helped in the journey toward achieving balance.  I’d like to give a shout out to Hubert, ReBeca and Becky.

Any emotional or other benefits?

Being part of this Bikram family is a huge emotional benefit.  There is always someone to vent to, to ask advice of, to share with, to laugh with, to cry with.  It never fails that instructors and classmates alike notice when you are up or down and, instead of avoiding you, they jump in with both feet to ask what’s up. 

What is your favorite part of Bikram?

How I feel after class!!

Of course, I love the people and love having had the opportunity to become part of a wonderful group.  Lisa and Steve have created an amazing atmosphere of camaraderie.  Everywhere I go, from boarding airplanes, to NIOSA, to checking out a new martini bar, I bump into “yoga” people.  My other friends are always impressed by how many people I know….even when we don’t always know each other’s names!!  The anniversary parties are awesome too!

Anything else you would like to add?

My goal is to look like I do now (although I’m always open to looking younger!) by continuing to practice Bikram for as long as I can. 

I’d also like to thank the entire staff for recognizing my effort and for choosing me to represent January 2010!!  I really appreciate the pat on the back!