Bikram Yoga Decatur

Amy, age 30

Teacher of English as a Second Language. Lover of languages and fine arts. Avid international traveler. Current resident of Atlanta.

How Long: I began practicing Bikram yoga in September 2007. I had tried different types of yoga before, but never became a dedicated practitioner until I tried the Bikram style. Within a few weeks of my first class, I knew that it would become an integral part of my life and something that I wanted to share with everyone.

How Often: Four times a week is what I aim for; when I attend class less than that, every cell in my body craves the Bikram series.

Benefits: As a sufferer of chronic Lyme disease, I have found that Bikram yoga has set me on a path to recovery. Having tried numerous alternative and traditional treatments, Bikram yoga is the one constant that helps to relieve my symptoms of arthritis and fatigue- and with no negative side effects! I feared that the arthritis in my knees, elbows and wrists would forever prevent me from exercising. Recalling my first few bittersweet classes, I was unable to do many of the postures and terrified that I would damage my joints even further. This quickly changed as I began to feel the rewards of practicing regularly. My mobility returned and the pain in my joints decreased. No matter how broken I felt when I walked into the studio, I always felt closer to whole again after class. I wanted more and more!

More is what I got. My flexibility, balance, strength and muscle tone have all increased. My eating habits are healthier than ever. I feel more physically, mentally and spiritually aware. I am still fighting Lyme disease, but I am a happier, more energetic, healthier, better person when I practice. Bikram yoga breathes life into me.

Challenges: Yes, sometimes I find it difficult to muster up the energy to drive to class. Other times the heat is hard to endure or I have difficulty focusing, but challenge is part of the practice. The internal and external benefits will continue to lure me back to class. "Addiction" has such negative connotations, but I am grateful for my addiction to Bikram yoga. My strong belief in Bikram's transformational yoga and the desire to share this with others has planted the seed of becoming a certified instructor one day.