|
6333 E. Mockingbird Lane Suite 253 - Dallas, TX 75214 - Ph: 214.824.YOGA |
Testimonials
NEW LIFE
When I came in the first
time, I could not, with straight legs, touch my knees without pain. It hurt to
sit, stand, lie down, sleep, move, not move, and breathe. I had no cutaneous
sensation over my hips, upper thighs, and breasts. Pain permeated my physical
and emotional core. The first 8 months were a roller coaster of improvement and
exacerbation. Many nights were spent crying and wondering if this was ever
going to get better. About the time I was ready to toss in the towel, my lower
back opened up and all was beginning to be right with the world. I realized
that what I was attributing to bad discs was actually tension and tightness.
Now, after 235 classes, the low back pain is no longer an issue, and my hips,
hamstrings, and shoulders are starting to move. Along the way, my blood
pressure has dropped from 140/84 to 120/62, resting heart rate from 72 to 52,
resting respiratory rate from 24 to 18, and total cholesterol from 208 to 172.
I am back to being 5' 6" tall, gaining the 1/2 inch I lost to all that tension.
All the sensation is back as well. I'm still gaining and losing the same 10
pounds, but see my generous proportions with a lovelier shape than ever before.
I am firmly rooted in "heal thyself" and believe the growth and
renewal gained from this yoga are going to produce in me a beautiful bloom
someday. It's been both awful and great to go through this process, and I thank
you with all my heart for your encouragement, support, knowledge, and just
being here.
Peace, Love, and Flexibility,
--Liz Foster
-------------------------------------------------------------
PAIN RELIEF
Denise and Todd- I’ll try
and describe what you guys have done for me. A little history might help. On
July 3, 1983 I went for my first long distance run. I was ten and my father took
me. I hadn’t seen him in two years. The run hurt but I loved it, not mention
being with my father again. You runners out there might understand. On July 14,
1993 I went for my last long distance run. You see that afternoon I was
reminded that life is not all fun and games. Without all the gory details, lets
just say I was on the nasty end of an exploding SCUBA tank. This left me minus
a right leg and a left leg that was barely hanging on. After two years of
surgery and physical therapy I had an artificial leg that worked well and a
left knee that was constantly in pain, but functional.
Enter a trip to Marble Slab
in 2001, I was with a friend and we just happened to be talking about yoga.
Well we spotted the old studio and decided to check it out (thanks for letting
us into that first class, Denise). Since then I’ve lost 25 pounds, two pants
sizes and the need to pop pain pills all day. It all pales in comparison to how
much better I feel, inside and out. I’ve got nothing but love for you guys.
-- John Warren
-------------------------------------------------------------
CROHN'S DISEASE
Denise and Todd,
I just wanted to thank you
two for helping me change my life and the way I go about living it!
I was diagnosed with
Crohn's Disease 7 years ago and have always maintained my health pretty well,
until recently. This past spring, I developed a fistula on my intestine. I was
put on various medical regimens to try and combat it; I was on 2 antibiotics,
my 3 normal anti-inflammatory medicines, and began IV infusion treatments (more
than 16 pills a day!) I first came to the Bikram Yoga- Dallas at the end of
May; my best friend had been telling me about all the benefits it had for
awhile and I was at the point where I would try anything to help my health.
My first class was
horrible, but I was determined to do everything in my power to help my body
fight this disease. From the very beginning, you guys were very helpful in
helping me learn which postures would benefit me and help cleanse the affected
area . I began to feel and look better after going to 3 classes a week and
becoming addicted to Bikram Yoga!
I found out in mid-August
that the fistula is completely gone and I am now only on 1 medication daily! I
attribute a great deal of this progress to Bikram Yoga and to you guys. You
have helped me get in tune with my body and I can't wait to see the physical
and mental benefits I will continue to get from daily practice. Thanks for
always being there to push me and to support me, even at the really tough
times.
You have truly helped me
change my life!
Much love, Beth Brizell
-------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHT & INCHES LOSS, GLAUCOMA
Dear Denise, Todd & the
Gang:
I want to thank you all for
your dedication in bringing Bikram Yoga to the masses. In six weeks I lost 1.5
inches from my chest, 2 from my waist and 2 from my hips. This dropped me a
dress size. All this happened after coming to classes 1 or 2 times a week.
Although I know 3 or more times a week is better, it just shows that results
can occur with any level of effort. Of course, the emphasis is on EFFORT!! I
have had glaucoma since I was 20. In a recent trip to the eye doctor he found
that the pressure in my eyes was 20 in comparison to the 22 it has been for the
past 20 years. The only change in my lifestyle has been the Bikram Yoga. He
wants me back in 6 months to verify the change and you will be the first to
know the results. Thanks Again! XXXOOO
Mary Baskin
-------------------------------------------------------------
NEW LIFE, LOWER CHOLESTEROL
Denise & Todd,
This is a letter of thanks
for your never ending enthusiasm and encouragement as well as my personal
testimonial to what can only be viewed as the magical transformation Bikram
Yoga has created in my life. It is my sincere hope that these words will serve
to ignite your enthusiasm in others and encourage those who have reached a fork
in the road of their life to venture down a challenging path leading to self
discovery, health and passion for living.
From the outsider's
perspective I was right on track to achieve the American Dream. I was the ideal
woman of the new millennium - a husband, a successful and promising career, an
expensive home, and I was nearing completion of my Masters degree in Business Administration.
I was a woman in control of her life - or so I thought. It is at these moments
of greatest arrogance that we often experience our biggest falls. My marriage
fell apart at the seams and ended abruptly in divorce. Once an energetic
person, I became an observer of the events occurring in front of me with no
desire to participate. I went into a downward spiral of alcohol abuse, working
80 hours a week, going out to clubs drinking at least 5 nights a week and
averaging about 3 hours of sleep per night. I was falling apart. On top of
that, I was not healthy to begin with. I ate extremely unhealthy foods in large
amounts and battled a high cholesterol level (hereditary). That year my
cholesterol level topped out at 248 and at the ripe old age of 27 my physician
was considering placing me on medication. I was absolutely miserable, unhappy
with everything in my life - my weight, my looks, my career, you name it.
I continued on this tour of
self destruction for 7 months.
In December, a friend
invited me to try out this "Hot Yoga" class her mom was attending.
She made it sound absolutely brutal. And since I seemed to be in to anything
self destructive I decided to go. I had no idea I was about to experience a
revolution in my life. My first class, I sat out half of the standing series,
dizzy and quivering from head to toe. When I signed in for my second class I
used my maiden name instead of the married last name I had used the first
class. Denise chased me into the dressing room and asked if I had attended before
because she had not seen my name. It hit me what I had done and I almost burst
into tears - I realized that I had NO idea who I was. I laughed to keep myself
from crying and told Denise I was experiencing a slight identity crisis. She
smoothed it over and from that moment on she never forgot my name. Every time I
walk into the studio she smiles and greets me by name. When she instructs me in
class she challenges and encourages me by name. She never forgot who I was at a
time when I was just beginning to learn who I was.
At first I only attended
classes twice each week, that is if I didn't find some other excuse not to go.
Then I started to notice small changes in myself. I didn't want to drink
alcohol so much any more and I was exhausted of the party scene. I was ready
for something real. I was ready to live again. I was ready to find out who I
really am.
In January I began
attending classes at least three and usually four times per week. The results
were swift and dramatic. Physically: I lost 14 lbs, but more significantly -
last week my cholesterol level measured 168. My cholesterol dropped 80
points!!!! Needless to say - my doctor was amazed and even mailed me a
personal note of congratulations. I have also dropped two dress sizes. I have
learned to listen to my body which now craves at lease a gallon of water each
day, healthy foods and moderate portions. My body is so much stronger now.
Mentally: I am more focused and a much more involved thinker. I am no longer
passive, wishing I was at home taking a nap. Spiritually: I am on fire for
life! I smile all the time and I don't even realize it. I have found new
strength and momentum. I have become an explorer, trying new things and finding
out what works for my life. I am learning to fall in love with who I am.
Everyone around me has
noticed. The comments do not stop at physical observances. People at work have
noticed my new go get 'em attitude and friends have commented that I have
learned to be comfortable with myself and spending time with just me instead of
being the life of the party all the time. The amazing thing is - I am THRILLED
with being "just me" now.
If you are reading this and
you can relate to anything I have said - please hang in there. Have faith in
yourself and trust that if you continue to attend Bikram classes regularly you
are about to experience a personal revolution.
Thank you Denise &
Todd. You have helped me begin to live the life Icould only imagine!
Holly Womack
-------------------------------------------------------------
SCOLIOSIS
36 days today into my
Bikram Yoga has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I have been
teaching aerobics for 4 years (step, kickboxing, etc.), so basically cardio all
my life. I am only 23 years old, so after this last year I decided I was sick
of being worn out, and sore rather than feeling a sense of well-being after a
hard workout. I was introduced to Bikram Yoga by a business partner and friend
of mine, Victoria Saalberg. She said it was awesome and that she would never
lift weights or do anything else again. I was a little upset since she was my
workout partner, so I thought that I better go and try this deal.
Well, of course Yoga is
only meditating and silence (WRONG)!!!! It is the best overall workout from
head to toe that you will ever get. I thought exactly what most people think
about yoga that have never tried it before, "it's easy and you just sit
and stretch." Well, I proved myself wrong. My first class was the new
beginning of my yoga career. I was a little nervous about how everyone was so
quiet and still when I first walked in. I of course, was so used to movement
that I wasn't too sure about this Yoga. I also, didn't know about this heated
room I was about to work my body in. Anyway, after the first 15 minutes, yes I
realized it wasn't just sitting and stretching. After the class I was drenched.
Was it Good? Absolutely, but of course it was a huge change to what I had done
before. I was a little weirded out by all these weird postures and stretches we
did, plus all the funky names. I thought, " there is no way I can do these
postures," but let me tell you what it has done for me.
#1. I have had scoliosis
since I was in the 6th grade and from about 8th grade until my first week of
Bikram Yoga I had pain every second of the day. I am now FREE from all PAIN!!
That is awesome, since I had to wear a back brace to bed for 2 years, go to the
chiropractor (4 years), and physical therapy for at least 5 or 6 years. Bikram
Yoga is the only thing that has stopped all my pain and lengthed my back rather
than compress it, by all the other excercise I was doing. I am so happy that
all you guys are here helping so many people change their lives in so many
ways.
#2. Since having scoliosis,
it had pushed my right shoulder out of socket, which made my shoulder sore all
the time. Since Bikram Yoga, my shoulder is back into socket and I can now
circle my arm with no problem at all. I have released so much pain in my
shoulder that it is just Wonderful.
#3. This is my final one,
which is also a big testimonial if you are a Type A personality. If you know
these types of people it is best to stay out of their way if they are stressed
or in a hurry. That was me, but now I have changed. I am much calmer, relaxed,
patient, and have become a better listener than I have ever been. One example I
have to share is one day after yoga I had gone to get gas and locked my keys in
my car. (BAD DEAL IN THE PAST!!) but this time I was so calm because I had a
new power, and that was my Yoga power, which helped me control my stress level.
This was when I new my life was most definately changing. Well, I could go on
and on, but just wanted to share my experience with Bikram Yoga. I have seen
many lifestyle changes and I guarantee you that Bikram Yoga has released all my
pain with my scoliosis, and has given me a greater sense of awareness of my
body and a greater sense of well-being.
I just want to thank
Denise, Todd and Sharon for all your wonderful work. You guys have pushed me to
become a better person and I always take with me all of your encouraging words
that you give to us during class and carry them with me during my day.
Thanks again, Your Yoga
Friend (I am here to stay!!)
--Ashley Patterson
-------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHT LOSS, LIFE CHANGE
We first started going to
Bikram Yoga - Dallas in August of 2001. Little did we know what kind of an
affect it would have on our lives. It changed our lives, our bodies, and our
marriage...all for the better. It is not as if our first classes were all that
stellar. Kandice's first class was spent pretty much lying down. Stephen left
half way through his first class convinced he was going to throw up. Ms. Black
and Mr. Red Shorts came again, and are we ever glad we did. There are so many
wonderful things we could say about Bikram Yoga - Dallas and Denise, Todd and
all who attend. But here is pretty much our overriding thought: we give thanks
every day for them and for the yoga.
It's not just the changes
we are experiencing in our bodies, although that is certainly happening
(Stephen has lost close to 30 pounds and 2 pant sizes and Kandice has lost
about 7 pounds and 1 dress size). Before yoga, we got our food from fast food
restaurants instead of grocery stores. We now find ourselves actually craving
vegetables (although we do occasionally slip up and will eat a chocolate bar or
cheese burger). Before yoga, Kandice was a ball of stress. She is an attorney
in a large Dallas law firm and works a lot. She has found that her stress level
has significantly decreased since starting the yoga. After a stressful day at
work, she goes to the studio and lets it all go. Then she is free to go home
and relax. The same is true of Stephen and his work helping to finance cities,
counties, schools and hospitals. Additionally, our marriage has gotten so much
stronger. It wasn't in bad shape before the yoga, but after we take care of
ourselves in the yoga studio, we are free to go home and take care of each
other. In the last three years, we have been members of three different
"health clubs." Out of these three "health clubs" we know a
grand total of two people, the two of us. After starting yoga in early August
2001, we cannot count the number of people we have met on both sets of our
fingers and toes.
It may sound cliche, but
just like life, you get out of the yoga what you put into it. Denise & Todd
are the ultimate motivators and are so nurturing. You can go into the yoga
studio broken and you leave a whole person again. You can't get that at a gym.
We were reflecting on the year 2001 (it was a hard year for us) and we decided
that the three best things about 2001 were that: (i) we made it through the
year; (ii) we have wonderful friends and family; and (iii) we found Bikram Yoga
Dallas. We are now confirmed yoga junkies and look forward to the lifelong
journey.
--Kandice and Stephen
Bridges
-------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHT LOSS, LOWER CHOLESTEROL
Before starting Bikram Yoga
6 months ago, I had previously participated in many forms of exercise
(including yoga and Tai Chi) and numerous diets to help control my weight and
cholesterol level. At 45, I was beginning to resign myself to being slightly
heavier than I would like to be because no amount of exercise was helping with the
middle-aged spread.
Three months after
beginning Bikram Yoga, I had dropped from a size 8 to a size 4 and my
cholesterol level (which has fluctuated from 201 to 270 for the past 13 years)
had dropped under 200 to 194. I knew of many other numerous benefits of yoga
but these were the most surprising results for me.
I had also suffered for the
past 8 years, from tendonitis and cubital tunnel in the elbows and carpal
tunnel in the wrists, as a result from years of typing, playing and teaching
piano and generally overusing my arms by doing yard work, daily aerobics,
push-ups and lifting weights. During the first few classes I was worried when
the pain increased but continued to attend class after discussing it with
Denise. The pain dissipated shortly thereafter and the yoga has kept the pain
from returning.
After trying to find an
exercise that accomplished everything I wanted, but not do any more damage to
my overused upper limbs, I have been thrilled with the discovery of Bikram Yoga
and excited about the ability to use my arms without the constant presence of
pain.
Thanks to Denise and Todd!
--Gail Hord
-------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHT LOSS, LIFE CHANGE
Denise & Todd,
Before I started doing
Bikram Yoga approximately six months ago I was at the end of my rope. I was
physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually at one of the lowest points
in my life.
I had been a serious runner
since 1988, often training and competing in races and marathons. It was not
uncommon for me to log 50 miles running in a week combined with 3-4 one hour
weight workouts during the same week. However, when I graduated from law school
and started practicing in a large firm in 1996 I found I no longer had the time
to train or pay attention to my diet as I had before. Over the next four years
my weight went from 160 pounds to 190, and my waist went from 32" to
36". This was extremely frustrating because (when I was not injured, which
constantly happened when I ran) I still averaged 3-4 days a week running and
worked out on the weights 2-3 times a week.
The weight gain combined
with a highly stressful job and other personal life struggles were almost more
than I could bear. I found myself stuck in a mental, physical and emotional
hole desparately seeking to find a way out -- but no way to get there.
Then in December, 2000 one
of my best friends started going to Bikram Yoga. He professed losing 15 pounds
in a month and two inches from his waist. He looked happier, healther and more
excited about life than I had ever seen him before. He begged me to come to a
class with him. I figured I would give it a shot, I had nothing to lose and my
current regime obviously wasn't working.
I almost died during my
first class. It was hot and one of the hardest workouts I had done in my entire
life. I didn't think I was going to finish. However, when it was over I felt
great, and the next day even better. I did a second class a few days later and
felt euphoric when I was done. I've been hooked ever since.
I've been averaging about 4
classes a week since early February and I quit running and lifting weights
altogether. I have watched my weight drop from 190 pounds back to 160 and my
waist is down from 36" to 32". My focus at work has increased tenfold
and I'm on an emotional high like never before.
My friends, family and
colleagues are constantly telling me their amazement at how much I have changed
in the past six months. They ask what kind of diet and workout program I'm on.
My only reply is "It's just the yoga". I can't explain how it works
other than magic. And, I see the magic working all around me at the studio. I'm
constantly amazed at the transformations of other students.
I am now an admitted yoga
addict. I can't wait to get to class. I've even found myself playing hookey
from work occassionally just so I can go.
I would be remiss if I did
not thank Denise and Todd for bringing Bikram Yoga to Dallas. I would not have
been able to accomplish what I have if it weren't for their constant support.
They never fail to push me when I'm being lazy, challenge me to take it to the
next level and assist me when I'm struggling. They are wonderful teachers and
mentors. I feel truly blessed to be a part of Bikram Yoga Dallas.
--David Buckner
-------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHT LOSS, LESS STRESS & TENSION
Probably the most
significant benefit to me is the deep relaxation I get everyday as a result of
practicing Bikram Yoga. As someone with a great deal of responsibility (my own
thriving but stressful Internet business, a family, an ill family member),
nothing has proven more beneficial than the fact that I can count on gaining a
great measure of calm every single day. And from no other source that I have
tried have I received this much calm. I am even far more productive as I am
better focused and relaxed.
That said, there have been
quite a few physical benefits: 1) I have lost 20 pounds and 4" off my
waist in 8 months (without dieting); 2) a chronic problem I was having with my
shoulder, arm and hand have disappeared; 3) my muscles are all more useful to
me (whereas before I felt I was always compensating for some weakness in me);
4) my lungs are more powerful, I breathe more deeply; 5) my skin looks great
without moisturizers, 6) I sleep deeply and 7) believe it or not, though
balding for 17 years, I have gained NEW HAIR on the top of my head. I FEEL
GREAT!
In terms of the class
itself, I have made remarkable strides, beyond what I certainly thought was
possible when I started. My first class I could not stand up for more than a
minute (I had only eaten a banana all day -- not recommended). Now, I can
tolerate the class entirely. Where I could not do a single balancing posture
for more than a few seconds when I started, I now can do each with a locked leg
for the entire time. Where I could not do any posture that I thought would
compromise a weak knee, I can now actually do the the most strenuous -- the
"fixed firm." I receive full benefits from each and every posture.
Finally, there have been
several important surprises. Where I was once physically very shy, I now where
speedos in a room full of people, and look at myself in a mirror (some
confidence building). I know that I now have a form of exercise I can take with
me wherever I go, and for as long as I want throughout my life. The yoga is
consistent with my spiritual journey and greatly enhances it. And last but not
least, I have gained a great circle of friends and teachers with a common
spirit and commitment. The studio at Bikram Yoga Dallas has an extraordinary
commitment to the individuals attending. What a great deal!
--Mitchell Orlowsky
-------------------------------------------------------------
VARICOSE VEINS
Todd and Denise,
This is not only my
testimonial, it is more my sincere thanks and gratitude for helping make my
life within me a wonderful place to be.
Imagine everyone, to have a
job where what you do is appreciated by every single person that touches you
day in and day out. Imagine for one moment to know that every word that comes
out of your mouth each day at work means something very important to each and
everyone of those people. Those are exactly my thoughts each time I walk into
the doors of Bikram Yoga Dallas and "drag" myself out in bliss. I am
describing the job of Todd Borgwald and Denise Deniger.
My friend Debbie kept
telling me about this "new" yoga place that opened up in the Tom
Thumb shopping center near our house. I had no interest in Yoga. I needed to
"tone" and "firm". The thought of a heated room, well,
let's not go there. I simply had no interest in that. Debbie kept going and
kept talking about how great she felt. I, on the other hand, was doing nothing.
I was so angry with myself because I knew I was not taking care of myself at
all. The stress that came along with being a single parent, traveling with my
job, and maintaining the upkeep of my house was unbearable. I wasn't sleeping
well. I had aches and pains all across my shoulders. I was always tired. I was
physically and emotionally drained. Something had to change in my life. It was
time for me to make a serious commitment to myself, for myself. Enough said. I
decided, Bikram Yoga it is. I'll give it a try. It's only $10.00.
I arrived at my first class
totally suited up in long leotards. Big mistake! I also had a huge lunch that
day. Big mistake! I had very little water if any that day. Guess what? Big
mistake! I thought I was going to die. I wanted desperately to leave the room.
Just as I was building up the nerve to make my great escape I was greeted by my
"Personal Trainer" who stood over me repeating, "Alicia right
leg up", "right leg", "right". I had no idea what she
was talking about. I WAS GONE! She still congratulated me after my first class
- which by the way was the beginning of a whole new way of life for me.
Every single one of the 26
Bigram Yoga poses has a purpose and a reward that follows. One day, when Todd
mentioned that Garurasana (Eagle Pose) could fade away varicose veins I was
doubtful. Well, to all you Yogis out there and those interested in being one, I
repeat, every single Bikram Yoga pose has its purpose and its reward. I had my
share of those ugly little critters and six months later I can now say, Todd
you were right! I now have Yoga legs and Yoga arms. My entire body has changed.
Bikram Yoga has embraced me
in a way that nothing else has. It is a whole new way of everything in life.
For me it has become the most important part of my day. It is my addiction. It
is my habit. It is my passion.
--Alicia de la Garza
-------------------------------------------------------------
TENSION & STRESS RELIEF
It was a cold winter's day
when I took my first Bikram Yoga class. The heat was actually inviting. Now, in
the dog days of summer, the heat is cleansing to my body and soul helping me to
release tension and stress so that I can let go and do something much greater.
My body and mind are healthy and I can do whatever I choose to do. I have the
deepest compassion and am the happiest I can be. I was a size 10 and now I am a
powerful 4. I handle the mundane with clarity and focus. I have the ability to
relax and be productive. I am young again. Denise says, "If you can do
this class you can do anything." It is absolutely the truth. What the
heck... do whatever it takes!
--Sibyl Koss
-------------------------------------------------------------
FEEL & LOOK BETTER
After trying different
types of Yoga off and on for the past 25 years I finally found a perfect fit
for me: Bikram Yoga of Dallas, on Mockingbird and Abrams.
Since the very first lesson
I felt: challenged, but not intimidated; exhausted, but invigorated;
overheated, yet cleansed, (the exercise room is kept at a high temperature, in
the 100 degree f. range). In other words, I sweated, I sweated, and sweated
some more. I thought my heart was beating so fast and with such passion, I
thought it was going to explode right out of my chest, but after a few lessons
it was back to normal.
Denise and Todd, the owners
and operators, were extremely attentive and responsive to my needs and the many
questions I had that first time, and every time.
Their management style is
very much: hands on, regimented yet attentive, in your face yet very loving.
Their level of preparation
in this style of Yoga is excellent; their supervision and leadership during the
90 minute class is unbeatable. Sometimes I feel like they both have eyes in the
the back and sides of their heads, they see everything. They will correct me
"because they care" (Todd).
In conclusion, after trying
several other Yoga studios here in Dallas, I have found what I was looking for.
The atmosphere and the
energy are fantastic, full of heavenly glowing hot bodies (Denise). I also met
a lovely and very, very special person there. What else can I wish for: Life is
wonderful! It must be the Yoga!!!
I get so many compliments
on how much better I look. I feel my body is restructuring itself. Consistently
people tell me I look 10 years younger that what I am (54). I feel the best
I've ever felt, and I know I gained a new positive attitude about life in general.
I recommend "Bikram
Yoga of Dallas" to everyone. Drink lots, and lots of water during the
whole day, and before showing up for class!
"I love you Denise and
Todd!" I wish you continued success, you deserve it. Your passion and
dedication pour out of very cell in your bodies. Thank you for your personal
attention, and for your dedication in showing us the new way.
Love, Peace, Health &
Prosperity,
--Renato Riccio
-------------------------------------------------------------
ABS BY TODD
Awesome Abs by Todd and
more! I was first introduced to Bikram Yoga by our cousin in Indiana where we
experienced Bikram Yoga in the backroom of his home. I tried it in my home for
a month but got bored and didn't try it again until the next Thanksgiving at
cousin Georges'. When I first saw the sign next to the Tom Thumb, I thought I
should try it again. However, I was a workoutaholic and a "morning
workout" person. Bikram Yoga - Dallas didn't have morning workouts. It
must have been fate when I once again went by to pick up the schedule and the
"first morning class" was announced for the next Tuesday. Denise
didn't believe anyone would come; I remember she cried that morning when nearly
30 people filled the room including myself.
I gave it about a month
before I stopped my other workout. I gave it two months before I cancelled my
membership at Premier Health Club. Since that fateful day in January when I
first started, I have not been to see my chiropractor. I have not even had a
simple cold, and the headaches I suffered from have minimized dramatically. I
can't brag about weight loss, but I can brag that I've kept my size 4 and I've
kept those strong thighs and triceps. My "yoga butt" is getting
better and better everyday and my toning is even better than what all the
consistent weight work did for me.
What I believe to be one of
the best benefits is knowing that my internal organs are healthier everyday and
that I'll look awesome at 60, 70 and above, that I'll be able to walk, run,
enjoy life.
And, as far as the awesome
abs, I'm not there yet. I'm on Todd's awesome abs program (I believe the first
to join his program) and I've given myself until December to have the flattest
abs I've ever had in my life! Todd and Denise... you guys are awesome, you make
my day, you make my week. You said this morning, this is a community and it is.
I talk to more people and have more friends at yoga than I had in two years at
Premier Health Club.
Congratulations!
Debbie "Wildrice"
Wildrick
-------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHT & INCHES LOSS
As I walked into my 35 year
high school reunion 2 weeks ago, I immediately thought "What am I doing
with all these old, tired looking people? I can't possibly be the same age they
are!" But I am, at 52 years old and a new grandmother, feeling better and
looking better than I ever did at 30 or 40. I owe my new body, energy level,
and new lease on life to Denise, Todd, and Bikram Yoga.
Ten months ago I walked
into my first class tired and stressed out from my job working for a surgeon,
hormonally out of balance, with aching knees and hips from running for 25
years. I left that night completely exhausted, legs shaking, wondering if I
could drive myself home. It didn't help when I walked in the front door and my
husband of 32 years said, "You look awful - kind of like a drowned
rat." But somewhere deep inside, I knew I had come across an answer to my
mental and physical quest. The more I went to class, the stronger I felt, the
better I slept. Suddenly my body began to totally change. I quit running and
all other forms of exercise completely. I went from a size 10 to a size 6. I
began changing to a healthier diet, drinking less alcohol, and drinking a lot
more water so I would be prepared to work harder at my poses. I skipped happy
hours after work. Going to the studio 3 to 4 times a week became a priority in
my life. I made it my personal quest to never sit out any posture in any class.
My drastic menopausal mood swings began to even out - my husband even kidded me
about being on anti-depressants.
A side benefit of my new
life has been meeting a great group of new friends that I feel such a common
bond with. It is like we stumbled across the secret of life together and we
can't stop smiling or talking about it.
So I thank you Denise and Todd
for your discipline, encouragement, humor and commitment to helping me become a
better, more confident woman physically, mentally, and spiritually. I am proud
of myself for accomplishing my goal of never giving up in any class especially
being 10, 20 and sometimes 30 years older than some of the students in our
classes. Maybe somewhere out there someone will realize if I can do it they can
too. The way I feel today I'll probably be around for my 75 year high school
reunion still looking like a "hottie"!
Cindy McMillin
-------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHT LOSS, BETTER EATING HABITS
As a Chiropractor for the
last 18 years as well as a 2nd generation chiropractor, a healthy spine is a
way of life for me. I practice and live by the philosophy that natural forces
within us are the true healers of dis-ease, and look first to the spine for
dis-ease. So to the philosophy of Bikram yoga there are a lot of parallel
thoughts between the two, which I really love.
At 43 I prided myself on
the fact I'm so flexible. Bikram has helped me become even more flexible and
toned. I've gone from a size 6 to 4 and drinking 6 Cokes to 0 a day. I drink
water or ice tea only. One of the greatest changes has been my stress level. With
an active practice, dealing with insurance companies, attorney's etc. and
adjusting patients, my shoulders were up around my ears at the end of any given
day. It took 3 months with Denise's help to finally get my shoulders flat on
the floor. I still have my moments when I hear "Waters lower your
shoulders" or "Waters this or that". I truly welcome the tough
love.
The biggest change of all
for me has been the feeding of my soul, my spirit. Yoga is not a religion. I
have found an inner peace with Bikram. I needed that in my life. My thoughts
were in fact in control of me: not me in control of them. I'm a calmer, nicer
person. My husband and family have noticed that. I do yoga for me. It's my time
to give to myself 90 minutes a day, that has endless benefits for everyone
around me.
"Things of quality
have no fear of time."
Thanks Denise and Todd
Dr. Pamela J. Waters
-------------------------------------------------------------
LIFE CHANGE
I will never forget that
blustery November day, when I first discovered Bikram Yoga. I was on my way to
do some grocery shopping at Tom Thumb and came upon the Bikram studio quite by
accident.
My sighting of the studio
couldn't have been timed more perfectly, 'cuz as soon as I saw the place, I
went in to check things out. As I swung the door open, I was a bit overwhelmed
with what I saw - a crowd of about 15 people sitting on the floor in sparse
clothing, faces beet red but smiling, and bodies absolutely drenched from head
to toe in sweat. One of those fifteen was an eager and enthusiastic woman
seated behind a desk, whom I later came to know as "Denise Deninger".
Apparently, I had managed to show up just as a Bikram yoga class had finished.
Indeed, I remember making a
mental note of the exhilarant energy I sensed as I walked into the studio on
that very first day. For the first time in almost a year, I felt light,
energetic and full of hope.
On this day that I
discovered Bikram Yoga and saw Denise for the first time, I was at a very low
point in my life. My marriage was over, I was lost and confused, and I was
depressed. I was, at the time, on a desperate quest for inner peace. I don't
know if Denise or the students detected this on that day or not, but at the
time, I was a very, very sad person.
While Bikram Yoga has done
wonders for my physical health and body, the most signficant impact for me has
been on an emotional level. Since I have practiced the yoga (November of 2000
was my start date), my mental stamina and strength has improved considerably. I
worry considerably less, sleep much more soundly, think way more clearly, and
am a more serene, confident, and stable person. I am also rather healthily
detached from the goings on in the world around me, all due to this yoga. I
cannot explain why the yoga has affected me this way; I can only tell you that
it has. It's a bit bizarre actually...I am not going to ask why it works...I'm
just gonna keep practicing a lot ! For me, this yoga has been like a
super-duper anti-depressant.
Let me be honest about
something : there is absolutely no way that I could have summoned up the
emotional toughness required, to walk away from EVERY THING AND EVERY PERSON
that I've ever known and loved for the past 15 years of my life in Dallas, and
start a life in a totally foreign place (Boulder, Colorado) where I do not know
a single soul -- if it were not for Bikram Yoga.
Given the massive mental
makeover that I've experienced with this yoga practice, I am now a firm
believer that Bikram Yoga can cure anything. What's your disease? Do this yoga,
and your body will unlock its own natural medicines to cure whatever it is you
are suffering from.
Today, this yoga is my best
friend. I know that I can ALWAYS rely on her for anything, and at any time. As
Denise has said many times before in my Dallas classes - "If you can do
this yoga, you can do anything". She's right.
Peace and Love.
Shubha
Ramani
-------------------------------------------------------------