Dawn Ballard

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!