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!

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I moved to the US with my family about eighteen years ago in search of a cure to an illness my now departed wife suffered for most of her adult life. We tried time after time with different doctors in Mexico with no luck. Once we moved here, we were lucky to find an answer at the UCLA Medical Center that prolonged her life another 14 years. After she passed, about four years ago, my children and their families decided to relocate to San Antonio. Here, after discovering Bikram yoga, I started to experience a renascence phase on my life, I am 68 years old now and I never felt better!

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

My son Jesus and his wife Toni invited me to practice the first time and I have been hooked ever since.

How often do you practice?

My practice varies anywhere from 3 to 5 times a week.

What was your exercise background before Bikram?

I used to walk or jog round 4 miles just about everyday. I also love going hiking with my family every time I get a chance to visit my old town in Mexico.

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

I used to have lower back pain which has subsided and mostly disappeared with this practice.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

On top of the health benefits I get, practicing yoga makes me feel positive, energetic, and stronger.

How has this practice changed your health and life?

On regards to my health, my doctor tells me that my blood pressure and cholesterol levels have been maintained well within safe levels; that in itself is a great change since I used to have problems with both. And I love the lifestyle.

Any emotional or other benefits?

Practicing Bikram yoga does not give you a chance to feel sad or depressed. It actually makes you feel GREAT! That is an excellent emotional benefit!

What is your favorite part of Bikram?

A ‘wise’ man (Steve) once said that his favorite part of Bikram yoga was SABASANA, I definitely agree with him.

Anything you would like to add?

I just want to thank you all; Lisa, Steve, and everyone else in the ‘family’ for making it painful (Lisa) and yet enjoyable. (No Steve, you do not get this one)

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.

“Happiness is a thing of gravity. It seeks for hearts of bronze, and carves itself there slowly; pleasure startles it away by tossing flowers to it. Joy’s smile is much more close to tears than it is to laughter. ” Victor Hugo

Prior to teacher training, Elena worked as a counselor and mentor to first-year college students and acted in independent films and community theatre. Since youth, she has been a giant Bette Midler fan, and in her spare time she enjoys viewing Youtube videos of vintage Bette musical productions, comedy routines, and zany lounge acts.

Elena credits Bikram Yoga with helping her gain equilibrium. She finds that quieting the mind and body in the yoga room helps her maneuver through the stress of everyday life.

“I have the biggest swimming pool in Beverly Hills, and I don’t know how to swim.”
-Bikram Choudhury