Testimonials

When I first came to Bikram I wanted the original owner Joy to take a photo because in 30 days - OK, maybe 6 months - I was going to be transformed. It's now five (how many?) years later and I'm not transformed the way I thought I was going to be, but transformed I am. I am not a pretzel body - there are plenty in the studio - but I have not rusted into place either. I healed a year-long pain in my tail bone and got rid of the cushion I had to use while driving. I am healthy and much more flexible than I would be if I didn't practice. I call the process "unpacking myself." Sometimes, it's sheer flexibility, sometimes it's my breathing that is strengthened, or my circulation, sometimes it's my will (and won't) power, sometimes it's my mood and spirits. Every time I practice, the postures tell me something new about my body, about my mind and, yes, about my spirit. There is always something that gets unpacked and improved. Always.

I had been away from the practice for a while and when I came back Alina had taken over the studio from Joy. She has continued to make it a joyful, accepting place with a cheerful smile and acknowledgement for all who come through the door - first timers or veterans. The studio is a welcoming place. And in that atmosphere I have watched so many people thrive and improve their health and happiness. Today I have a community of friends I look forward to practicing with. It is a place where I can bring any stress and glumness and have it dissipate in the heat. Or bring a great mood and share it with one of my Bikram buddies. It is a place where I do something very important to protect all aspects of my health. So, I keep coming back.

Sara Weir, 50-plus and getting younger all the time.