By Susan P.
I have been practicing Bikram Yoga at PV for 5+ years. I was looking to find an exercise routine when I moved in this area and a friend recommended I give Bikram yoga a try. I came to a very busy class over Labor Day weekend and found everyone very welcoming to me as a newbie. I honestly enjoyed my very first class and came back the next day. I found that the routine and repetition of the basic 26 postures gave me the consistency I wanted to establish for exercising. Overtime BY has come to mean way more than that for me. I have learned how breathing correctly in the postures carries over to my everyday life. When I face a stressful situation at work I am able to just breathe and handle it. I do not get as anxious about things as I used to be. As a matter of fact my close friends have commented that I seem more relaxed and happy. I have always been a morning person so the 5:30 AM class is perfect for me! I love starting my day with yoga. You will find me in the front row next to the stage as this is my comfort zone. I like being next to the instructor and directly in front of the mirror. I would encourage new students to stay with it. I started out slow coming 2 to 3 times a week. The more you come to class the more you learn and find that you can improve on your postures. The other advice I would give is really listen to the dialogue. When I find my mind straying I come right back to the words and I end up having a great class. My favorite posture is Cobra. For me it was one of the most difficult when I started practicing. I still can improve upon it but feel I have made it my best and look forward to doing that posture in every class. I will be celebrating my 65th birthday in the spring and I know that my daily practice of yoga has been the key for my good health and fitness. “Life is not a dress rehearsal” so I think everyone should make up their mind if they want to live it as the very best they can. Things happen that we cannot always control but things we can control can make a difference. I have made wonderful friends at the studio who continue to inspire me in my practice. I am very glad I can call myself part of the BYPV family.