TESTIMONIAL
I am extremely honored, and
was a little taken by surprise, when Karen and David approached me to
be July's Student of the Month. I am grateful to have this honor and
would love to share the impact Bikram Yoga has had in my life.
Dancing ballet since the age of three and professionally for six years,
I have always had a very active lifestyle. It has become a part of who
I am. My body was my career until the Fall of 2002, when I had knee
surgery due to the continuous wearing away of cartilage in my knee.
The following Spring I retired from dancing professionally, making the
decision to start a new career and spare myself from what would have
become a total knee replacement. I returned to school and struggled
to find a type of exercise that would give me a workout equivalent to
dancing, yet not cause my knee to swell. I became frustrated with my
knee and overwhelmed with schoolwork and eventually let exercising slowly
slide out of the picture.
It was May 2004, finals week at SMU, when I decided to make the change
to get back in shape. I think I came that first week more as a mental
break from studying than anything. The best study breaks I have ever
taken! Though I came for an escape, my first class was absolutely horrible.
I must have sat or laid down nearly 10 times. I was consumed by nausea
for nearly my first four classes, and could not focus on anything else.
However, as I left my first class it was already decided I would return
the next day. I was determined to return and overcome my weaknesses.
After a week of focusing on hydration and adequate electrolyte intake,
I overcame my nausea. In only one week I realized how much of a difference
Bikram had made in me, not only physically but mentally too. My fiancé
had been away during this time, and upon his return even he mentioned
how much "lighter" I seemed. Life and all of its problems,
during this hard transition period, had begun to "weigh" me
down and really change who I was. But, after only a week of Bikram it
was as if I had been cleansed from the inside out and I was myself again
none
of life's problems were blocking my energy anymore.
I still look forward to every class, my daily escape and time to work
on my mind-body connection. The effects of this yoga are tremendous
and have greatly influenced my life. I have become more aware of my
priorities, of who I am, and what I want in my life. In all, I am a
much happier and "lighter" person. I have changed my major
in school and I am excited about the new path I am taking in life. I
finally feel at peace and trust my decisions. With my Bikram practice
I have learned of the power of my mind. My postures have all improved
and Standing Bow pose has risen from my least to my most favorite pose
in class. Karen could attest to that! I have finally found a type of
exercise that releases endorphins and makes me feel as if I have danced
a class and some rehearsals! Most importantly my knee pain has subsided,
proof of the therapy from Fixed Fern. David and Karen, thank you, for
all the energy, effort, direction, and care you put into each class.
You are essential to each and every student's growth and are touching
lives everyday
including mine.
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