Cathy's Story
I have been doing Bikram yoga for 4 ½ years now and what a wonderful journey it has been. It has changed my life in so many ways. But I’ll start with the back story of what brought me here in the first place. At age 44 I was feeling lethargic and frumpy. I had always pushed my body to its physical limits through competitive swimming, running and weight lifting. My body finally said “enough.” When I quit running I put on 25 pounds.
Different friends of mine had been suggesting yoga over the past 10 years. It had never interested me because I like to be outdoors and stretching has always been my least favorite thing. To top it off, I was one of the least graceful persons on earth. One persistent friend got me to go to one of her traditional yoga classes. I loved the peaceful feelings I felt. But after each class I felt pain from some area of my body I had over-extended. (the heated room at Bikram eliminates those type of injuries).
About that time, a very fit friend told me about a yoga that "really kicked my butt!" The competitiveness in me that is always up for a challenge took the bait. I went to my first class in August of 2003. Wow! What a challenge it was! I have never been good at balancing. I guess I chose sports that didn't focus on "core strength." And the heat-yikes! I went home saying-people pay money for that??? I called it masochistic yoga. I was exhausted that day but I slept like a baby that night. The class was so hard for me, and I felt so self-conscious. But the way my body felt after the third class kept me coming back for more. I promised myself I would come three times a week. The first three months I hated the class, but I felt so wonderful afterward. About the fourth month was when everything changed for me. I no longer thought ahead to the poses that were most difficult. Over time I understood what the instructors meant when they said you're the only one in the room. The class became a joy as I focused on my breathing. I began this inward journey of appreciation for myself and my efforts.
I could go on and on about the benefits I have gained from Bikram yoga. I have never felt better! I have a new patience with myself which in turn has given me a new patience for others (this is helpful with a preteen and two teenagers at home). I feel calm and in control again. It’s so easy to quiet my mind when it starts churning rambling thoughts. My body is so in tune to what I eat. Food is no longer used for "nurturing" but rather for "nourishing" (well-maybe not all the time, but most of the time). I was never a big drinker, but now liquor feels like I’m ingesting poison. I used to get migraines at least once a month. Now it’s more like once or twice a year. My skin and complexion have never looked better. My weight is stable. If I wake up with any kind of ache or pain, I know if I go to yoga, it will be gone. Most of all-I respect myself. If I can do 90 minutes of Bikram Yoga, I can do anything! That’s a good segue way into my final testament to this yoga and its benefits. I have always wanted to run a marathon in this lifetime, but injuries have kept me from achieving this goal. With the Donna Deegan Breast Cancer Marathon practically in my backyard, I decided to GO FOR IT. The only training I had under my belt was Bikram yoga three times a week, time on the recumbent bike, and long walks on the weekends. I am proud to say I completed the 26.2 miles in 5:48 (ran 20 than ran/walked the last 6.2) with no injuries! I had the usual sore muscles the next few days but was back at yoga 3 days after the marathon. WHAT A FEELING! Finally-the greatest benefit is in the wonderful friends I have made at the studio. The teachers are all so caring, compassionate, motivating and fun. The people who attend are kind and sincere. What a fantastic group of human beings. Thank you all!