Please tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Germany and moved to Texas in 1992.  We own a small family operated business building luxury homes in the hill country, and surrounding areas.   My husband Paul and I enjoy working together and we make a great team. Outside of work we love traveling, sailing, and spending time with our family (we have two daughters, one little granddaughter, and a golden retriever).  Paul is very supportive of my yoga practice although it takes me away for many hours from work and home. He is the love of my life and my best friend.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice? 

My older daughter Michelle is in sales and very persuasive.  She can make anything sound like a good idea … even hot yoga in a torture chamber for ninety minutes.  We took our first class together and I briefly considered disowning her afterwards.  She definitely deserves the credit for helping me find “My Thing” (that’s what my family calls it). My love affair with Bikram Yoga was definitely not love at first sight, and it actually took a while before I settled into a practice routine. I have been practicing for two and a half years now and can’t imagine my life without it anymore.

How often do you practice? 

Three to four times a week – depending on my work schedule.

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

I used to have frequent tension headaches and achy joints caused by premature arthritis.  The yoga has pretty much alleviated these problems.

What are the greatest benefits of you practice?  

It’s so true that one good decision leads to another.  The yoga has made me rethink many aspects of life, especially decisions concerning my health & nutrition.  I have also learned to be more tolerant and patient which has made me a better person all around.

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

Yoga truly does connect the mind with the body and I’m much more in tune with both since I started practicing Bikram Yoga.  It gives me balance and peace whenever I get nervous or stressed out.  Each day of practice is a new experience with more to learn.  It takes commitment and patience … it’s a journey not an event.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?  

I love that that Bikram Yoga is consistent, honest (“This is going to hurt like hell …”) and it works. I have also met a lot of amazing people and new friends within the BYSA family.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

I was a massive gym junkie and spent hours in the gym each day until I aggravated my sciatic nerve. Per doctor’s orders I was not allowed to go to the gym until I healed. My staff member recommended Bikram and kept telling me to try it. I threatened to fire her after my first class. After the second class, her job was safe. After the third class, I thought about promoting her.

How often do you practice?

I practice six to seven days a week. I’m lying! I practice every day if I can walk.

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

Well that’s a laundry list…I was pretty ill. Three months after I started Bikram they discontinued one of my blood pressure medicines, and six weeks later the remaining dose was cut in half. For years I suffered from zingers caused by firing nerve pathways. To control the pain, my doctor would give me shots in the facet joints and cauterize the nerve pathways in my lower back 4 to 6 times a year. For 8 years my back hurt so much that I could barely walk in the morning. The amount of pain relief Bikram yoga has brought to my life is amazing. I have not had one treatment in the first year of my practice!

What are the greatest benefits of you practice?

According to my staff and my family I am a kinder, gentler Naomi. Okay maybe kinder. I have always had a manic energy that is personally exhausting for ninety minutes of each day. Bikram lets me get out of my head and find stillness. It is one of the greatest gifts I give myself.

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

Last year I had to do a lot of traveling so I made a personal goal to do Bikram in every state or city I went to. I went so far as to pick hotels that were convenient to Bikram. Last year, I did Bikram in NY, DC, AZ, Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Diego, Costa Mesa, LA (at the Headquarters with Raj), Santa Barbara, San Francisco and San Rafael.

Two days into our family vacation to California, my family sent me to Yoga. Apparently, I become unbearable without it. I have found that if you can make the 6 a.m. class and finish by the time everybody wakes up, you’ve done your Yoga and the vacation can begin. Bikram Yoga feeds my soul and seeing all the different studios and teachers really makes me appreciate the discipline of the San Antonio studios.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

This is really going to sound crazy but…Triangle. I can judge my day by how strong triangle feels to me. I learned a wonderful thing in Arizona, which was my last studio of the year – “My yoga of the day is just that ‘today’s’ yoga. It is not ‘yesterday’s’ yoga and it is not ‘tomorrow’s’ yoga. And that’s okay.”

Found Bikram yoga in 2010 and began rehabilitating a lifetime of athletic injuries and orthopedic surgeries. I knew immediately I wanted to teach it and help others with their journey of healing. I love that just like in life you get out of this yoga what you put into it. I try always to remember to try my best and insist on having fun doing it. I like the practice of not taking myself so seriously.

Outside of the hot room I’m an avid naturist, enjoy the outdoors, camping, hiking, SCUBA, water and winter sports, traveling, animal rescue, gardening, and being a lifelong vegetarian.

I will be attending the spring 2013 teacher training, to grow in my practice and continue to help others.

For beautiful eyes,  look for the good in people; for beautiful lips speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are not alone. -Audrey Hepburn

Please tell us a little about yourself.

In addition to being the proud mother of two awesome children, Colton 25 and Erica 20, I work as the Director of Development for the Friends of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Foundation raising money for our adult hospitals and outreach programs. I also recently went back to college to study Health Promotion and Wellness in hopes of becoming a wellness coach someday. When I’m not working, studying, cooking, or practicing yoga, I enjoy spending time participating in the local arts scene with my boyfriend, Paul.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

Three years ago, I came to Bikram yoga for tinnitus, a chronic ear-ringing condition. It did not take me long to discover all the other benefits and fall in love with the yoga.

How often do you practice?

I typically practice 3 times a week.

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

Besides suffering from Tinnitus, I had some minor knee issues from past years of running and was very inflexible.  While the practice has not physically relieved my tinnitus, it has most certainly helped me deal with it emotionally. Bikram yoga has completely cured my knee problems and I’m slowly but surely becoming more flexible.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

Practicing Bikram yoga has provided me with many great benefits, including increased strength and flexibility, a reduction in stress, an overall sense of well-being, and a more positive outlook on life.

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

In addition to looking and feeling better, the yoga has also introduced me to an amazing group of people. Our BYSA community of teachers and students is very special.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

My favorite part of Bikram yoga is walking through the door into the supportive, loving environment and then into the HOT ROOM. I love the heat! Admittedly, I also love saying “Namaste” at the end of class.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I am an associate professor in developmental biology.  I was born in the Philippines, but grew up and attended university and graduate school in the San Francisco-Berkeley Area.  The Bay Area was a great place to grow up.  Here I was exposed to and grew a passion for jazz and the arts, from contemporary to culinary.  In graduate school, I studied the relationship between the nervous and immune systems – essentially, the mind-body connection.  However, I wanted to further understand how genes control the development of the mind-body connection.  This quest led me to emigrate to Salt Lake City to study under a world-renowned geneticist, Nobel Laureate, and former student of the co-discoverer of DNA.  I learned to tinker with genes to find that the molecules that orchestrate the development of our body’s identity, from head to toe, are used throughout the animal kingdom for the same purpose.  This conserved phenomenon raises a controversial issue of whether the mind-body connection is strictly a human trait.  During this 7-year sojourn, I lived a few thousand feet above Salt Lake City in the Wasatch Mountains.  Living in this idyllic environment gave me a profound and deeper appreciation of nature’s beauty in yet another form.  The challenge now is to seamlessly integrate meditation with the present, while being mindful of the disparate experiences I have had living in a major metropolis, the mountains, and working at the level of the molecule.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

Recognizing the need for yoga, a former graduate student in my lab politely suggested that I take classes at BYSA.  The reason for the “former” title was because the student brilliantly completed her doctoral thesis, not because she recommended the “torture chamber”.

How often do you practice?

I try to practice 4-6 times a week, whether it is at a BYSA studio, the pool (standing postures only), or at home.  When I travel, I now try to seek out Bikram studios in order to incorporate the fun and novelty of traveling with yoga – what a nice blend!

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

I resigned to the idea that the global aches and pains in my body were from years of athletics, running up, down, and sideways in the Wasatch Mountains, and simply, the aging process.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

I learned that most of my body’s ailments were caused by lifestyle, and not from chronic, congenital, or geriatric issues.  Through consistent and mindful yoga practice my aches and pains have either subsided or are now easily manageable.

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

BYSA has been a nice complement in my effort to re-balance and re-boost some physical, intellectual, and spiritual goals.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

I especially value the leadership and camaraderie among the teachers and staff.  Their unique blend of chemistry permeates to the students, thus making Bikram yoga a pleasant and meaningful experience.  Mind you, the members of the BYSA crew are so passionate about their mission that they can easily convince me to deliver newspaper or mow their lawns – thanks! GG

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a 22 year Retired Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I’m a certified scuba diver, love to read, travel, explore and exercise.  I am currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Psychology and work for the Department of the Air Force since my retirement in 2004.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

A friend’s suggestion and the need to challenge myself.

How often do you practice?

4-6 times a week.

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

Little bit of a bad neck, back and sinuses. Since I’ve been practicing yoga, my back and sinuses are better and I my stamina has increased.  Who needs viagra (lol!).

What are the greatest benefits of you practice?

I’m a happier and I like to think a better person.

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

I’m definitely stronger both mentally and physically.  I am much more patient and understanding of others.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

Meditating and knowing that each session is different in the sense you can challenge yourself a little more each posture.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I have a fun and rewarding job working for the city that has adventure and the ability to help others.  I’m lucky enough to be the primary caregiver of my two awesome kids.  Cliché and goofy, but they are my pride and joy.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

I love to exercise and try new things.  I met a yogini and they mentioned how much they enjoyed it and how it helped with running (which I love to do as well).  Had to try it for myself.  Did the trial membership and was hooked.  It is an awesome ‘tool’ in my fitness bag of tricks.

How often do you practice?

I work 24 hours on and 48 off.  I try and practice on my days off, as long as I can wrangle something for my kids to do.  Usually come to class while they are at school.

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

I injured my back with work a while back and some degenerative spine issues as well (old man)! Comes and goes, but I have to stay on top of it.  Since I have been with BYSA it is much better and easier to keep in check.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

Prior to trying Bikram, I had been ‘playing’ (I amuse myself) with my breath.  Controlling it while running, just breathing through my nose, pushing myself right to the edge of where I might need to mouth breathe, but still go hard.  Coming to class has improved that and taken it to another level.  Strength and endurance has been enhanced as well.  Sure we all feel puny sometimes and can take it ‘easy’ (still tough to do that), but it’s fun to try and push.  Anything worth doing is worth doing as well as we can.

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

My health has always been pretty decent but now I am SO much more rounded.  There is a certain peace that comes that I enjoy.  We all need ‘me’ time…Put the world on hold…Focus on the now, on us.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

Bikram is funny.  In a way (as we all know), it’s always the same.  I love to glean little nuggets of knowledge that each teacher gives out (except for Carlos, I’m still working through his accent. )  They are all different and all have a sort of different pacing and delivery. I enjoy that…the sameness and comfort that comes with that and yet new as well.  It’s cool to focus on the dialogue and pick up on adjustments or thoughts that have been too hard to try or too hard for my puny brain to process, while continuing to push.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I am Carlos Bracamonte, originally from Sierra Vista, Arizona. My parents and 3 siblings currently live in Arizona.  As an Air Force veteran I had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and Middle East.  Germany was the most enjoyable place to be stationed.  I presently work as an IT Manager for the Department of Defense. I have been practicing Bikram Yoga since 2008.  During my off time I like to golf, travel and go mountain bike riding.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?

I never thought I would find myself practicing yoga, Hatha Yoga for that matter.  It was not my intention to make Bikram a regular part of my life.  I wanted to try something out of the norm, other than running or weight training. Friends who participated in some variation of yoga told me the benefits of yoga. So I thought I’d give it a try and 4 years later here I am.

How often do you practice?

I practice 3 to 4 days a week.  I have yet to try the 60-day challenge; one day I will get the courage

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

Running several marathons and weight lifting resulted in knee and lower back pain.  I was looking for something less stressful, specifically to my knees and lower back.  Additionally, I’m not the most limber person and thought yoga would improve my flexibility.

What are the greatest benefits of you practice?

Since my practice, I do not have any knee or lower back pain.  It seems my endurance level has increased when I run long distances.  My flexibility has improved, although I still have some difficulty with Standing Head to Knee.  I am slowly getting there.

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

My diet has improved, I am more conscious of what I eat; most importantly my cholesterol level has decreased.  The practice maintains my stress level and I am able to have restful sleep.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?

Feeling relaxed, refreshed and energized after class.  I spend 8 to 10 hours a day behind a computer, so finishing off the day with a yoga class is great.  I feel more at ease when I come home. 

Please tell us a little about yourself.

What brought you to the Bikram yoga practice?  I had practiced Hatha yoga for 1 year while in college years ago, then heard about Bikram yoga 5 years ago.  I had a well-established walking plan at that time.  Then my younger sons started college in San Antonio and my job required that I work several days a week here.  I lost the discipline of walking regularly.  I joined a local gym.  I was no longer motivated to exercise alone and considered group exercise.  I explored Bikram yoga and decided to join January 2, 2012.

How often do you practice?  Ideally, I practice 5 to 6 days a week to maintain a disciplined practice with some opportunity for recovery and family life.

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking you first class?  Other than carrying extra weight, I have been blessed to enjoy good health.  I am very aware that I am at the time in life to begin experiencing health issues.  This was one of the reasons I sought a regular exercise plan that would allow me to remain healthy and help me manage my weight.  In addition, my children will all likely have their children and my grandchildren later in their lives and mine.  I want to remain healthy and active for as long as I can so that I can enjoy them and my future grandchildren.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?  There are so many!  First, I no longer curse in traffic!  I love to start my day with yoga.  I feel great afterwards and I can handle most of the challenges of the day with less stress and anxiety.  I now have more flexibility and I am rebuilding strength.  My sleep has improved and my skin is less dry.  The only negative I have experienced is I sweat so much in the hot room, that hair color that use to last 2 months is now left on the mat within 1 week.  I am getting used to my gray hair.

How has this practice changed your health and life? Any emotional or other benefits?  Besides those mentioned earlier, my annual medical exam results have astonished my family doctor.  In the past I carried my stress in my shoulders and back and would use massage for relief.  I have found yoga to be a form of self-massage and stress relief.

What is your favorite part of Bikram yoga?  I prefer the floor postures (especially camel) over the standing-series due to my balance challenges.  I enjoy practice with my peers.  We have supported one another through 60-day challenges, challenging postures and life events.  The instructors and staff are awesome.  Each has their own wisdom to offer us and most have found some way to encourage my developing practice.  I am grateful to Lisa and Steve for providing this wonder resource with varied locations and times that meet my every need!  My favorite part of Bikram yoga is the last Savasana–that’s when I feel awesome!