5 Ways Bikram Yoga Can Change Your World

By Nicole Deacon

Our new tag line at Bikram Yoga AZ is CHANGE YOUR WORLD! We believe in Gandhi's message… "be the change you wish to see." When you make changes in your life there is a ripple effect that goes out. You feel better, you treat people better, they feel better, they treat people better and on and on this cycle goes. There are so many things that go on that we have no control over, but we do have control over ourselves. As we change… the whole world can start to change.

Here are 5 ways that doing this yoga can CHANGE YOUR WORLD:

5. Meet Great People... You may even fall in love! -- There is an amazing community of people who do this yoga. By practicing and being around the studios you meet a variety of different people who are absolutely inspiring and incredible to be around. You meet people from all over the world and from all walks of life. We've had more than a couple of weddings happen from yoga studio romance. Maybe you are next. :)

4. Do the things you love!  -- Whether you love sewing, rugby, running or tennis... this yoga allows you to do the things that can be hard on your body.  We recently had someone with such bad arthritis they couldn't do the thing they loved, sewing... but after just one class could do the thing they loved again!  We have many athletes from all sports that can continue doing the thing they love even though it is hard on their body.  What do you love to do?  This yoga can keep you doing it even in to old old age!

3. Live Forever -- okay, okay not forever. But when you practice yoga, you keep your body young. You heal old injuries, prevent diseases, gain strength, become more flexible, have less stress, and overall just feel better. Click here for the article on how this yoga is the fountain of youth!

2. Belief in your self also known as Self-Confidence -- you lose weight, tone up and start to feel great! But even beyond that… this yoga is challenging and the more you do it, the more you feel like you can do anything. By overcoming the challenges in the hot room you realize how much you can do on and off the mat.

1. Peace -- When you practice yoga you start to develop a relationship with your self. You develop the power to connect within and external circumstances don't bother you as much. You can be in any situation, around any person, and nothing can steal your peace away from you. How can we have a more peaceful world? It starts with us. We start with peace in our own heart and in our soul.

Has Bikram Yoga changed your world? Leave a comment and tell us how! We would love to know your story. :)

Yoga on My Wedding Day

By Niki Fillmore

Our wedding day was one filled with love, joy, laughter, and yoga. That's right, yoga. After all, that is how Nate and I met! (I taught Nate's first class years ago). My bridesmaids and I started the day off by doing a yoga session together in a basement conference room at the hotel. (We let ourselves in!)

This yoga theme continued as our family and friends performed our ceremony and referenced yoga numerous times. And then Nate did it... he said "Lock the Knee"… during his vows. It was awesome. It even made our wedding highlight trailer! 

Top 5 Reasons NOT to Use Lotion Before Yoga

This week we hear from longtime Bikram Yoga AZ teacher and practitioner, Erin Hanson. She has some expert advice about why lotion and Bikram Yoga do not mix. 

1. It's hard to hold the grip in postures when your hands are sweaty AND greasy.

2. Not everyone likes your favorite scented lotion.

3. If it's on your face, it will sweat into your eyes and it will burn!

4. You will sweat it all onto your towel. Then you'll have to lie down in it.

5. You will have a hard time opening your water bottle with slick hands and you will be an unhappy yogi without your water.

Save the lotion for after class!!

5 Tips to Practicing Yoga....Not Just Doing Yoga

By Andrea Griego

The only way we learn anything in life is TO practice. So how can you make your yoga experience a good and healthy one?

1.  Arrive early to class so you won't feel anxious or rushed physically and mentally.

2.  Begin to see your yoga practice as relationship building time with YOU!

3. Practice AWARENESS moving into, holding and moving out of postures. Simply begin to notice how you move or think.  This is the first step to create change and learn.

4. Slower is better.....notice your breathing and how it works with you to compliment your practice mind and body.

5. Be impeccable with your form. It's not about pushing your body so much that you sacrifice form and alignment.

Be open to simply practice without any judgment!  Be kind and loving to yourself ...... You have the choice to make your yoga practice an amazing experience that can change your life!

Top 5 Items to Optimize your Bikram Practice

By Niki Fillmore, Retail Manager and Yoga Teacher at Bikram Yoga AZ

Having the best gear for your Bikram Yoga practice will optimize your time and efforts - think of it, you wouldn't wear football shoes to play tennis?! In that way, having gear that is specifically designed for hot yoga will have you looking and feeling your best. I've been working with suppliers of hot yoga gear for years now as the retail manager of Bikram Yoga AZ, and these are my top 5 items that are a must-have for the hot yogi. All of these items are available in the BYAZ boutiques, and make great holiday gifts for yourself or your loved ones!

1. {{{Fast-Drying}}} Kulae Yoga Mat

Constructed using closed cell technology (so germs, bacteria + odor cannot penetrate the mat surface) and weighing less than 2 pounds, there is no finer or more hygienic lightweight yoga mat on the market today.

2. {{{HydroFlask}}} Water Bottle

By incorporating double-wall vacuum insulation, this bottle ensures that cold liquids will stay cold for up to 24 hours (perfect for the hot room!). Made with BPA-free materials, food-grade stainless steel & a range of fun, durable colors.

3. {{{Comfortable}}} Yoga Clothes

The yoga is already hard enough! Don't let your clothes be a distraction. Invest in active apparel that is functional, flexible and flattering. Yoga clothes should be durable and breathable, made from fast-drying material keeps bodies cool, dry and comfortable. Some of our favorites are: Onzie, LaLaLand, Mika, Shakti, Hot Drop & 72K.

4. {{{Ultima}}} Electrolyte Replacement

Ultima Replenisher is an advanced, balanced electrolyte drink. Optimal hydration requires a good balance of the macro and micro-essential electrolytes in the human body. Ultima provides these essential electrolytes roughly in proportion to what is lost in human perspiration.

5. {{{Bikram's Orange}}} Book

Every Bikram yoga student should have a copy of this book! Bikram discusses in his book how to whip your body, mind, and spirit into shape. The 26 postures and two breathing exercises in Bikram's brilliant hatha yoga series are each given their own mini-chapter; each consisting first of a mini-lecture, the instructions for each pose, and a quick list of the benefits to be derived specifically from that pose. Additional chapters on yoga for stress, insomnia, obesity & weight control, arthritis, diabetes, and cancer patients.

All of these items are available in our studio boutiques!!