Joanna Satterfield

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

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!