Bikram Yoga Decatur

I am a mother of two, Maya, 4, and Miles, 1. I enjoy making art, writing, parenting, and thinking about what quality education for all would look like. I am from Boston, moved to the Atlanta area from Oakland, and have lived in Decatur for the last five years.

How often? It fluctuates from every other day to about once a week.

How long? About 5 years, on and off.

The best things: I enjoy having the 90 minutes all to myself. No one is trying to nurse or wants a story while I am in class. I like looking in the mirror and practicing being ok with (even loving) how I look. I also love the stretching, the feeling of accomplishment at the end of class, and deep peace in my body afterwards.

The hardest things: It’s hard to stay present and in the room for the whole 90 minutes. My mind still wanders to what I am going to eat afterwards or some decision I have to make. It is a challenge (but a worthwhile one) to keep returning to my breath and staying right in that room for the whole time. It’s also hard to keep my stomach sucked in and knees locked through the postures.

Anything else: I love this yoga. Before I tried Bikram, I was a relatively unatheletic and inactive person. It changed my life (and probably saved it in some ways) to find a form of exercise that I love to do.

I am a Bikram Yoga Decatur enthusiast. I've been practicing here for about four years, but over the last 18 mos have been attending 3-6 days a week (when in town). Why, one might ask, go into a hot box for an exacting routine that starts the sweat flowing within the first few minutes?

A bit about me: I'm 68 years old and a retired physician in public health with CDC (including a year in Switzerland with WHO), DeKalb County and the State of Georgia (my last job was as the state health officer for 3 years). I know from these years that most of health depends on healthy behaviors, particularly physical activity. I was a wrestler in high school and my first two years of college (injury shortened my career), so I am familiar with hard physical exercise. I am interested in anatomy or how the body is put together and works. I enjoy the heat and sweat (and chill) of a sauna. I even built a wood-fired sauna in my back yard in Atlanta. So you can see some aspects of Bikram are naturally appealing.

Jessica, 29

I am physics graduate student at Emory University. The field of my studies is biophysics. I am experimentalist, which means I spent most of time in the laboratory, trying to understand the dynamics of molecular phenomenons. When I am not there, I like exercising, or going for long walks. I love outdoors, which is strange for my case since I grew up in one of the largest cities of the world, Mexico City. I was born in a small city in Mexico, but when I was a baby my family moved to Mexico City. I lived there until I went to college here in the US.

How Often: I don't have a constant regime, but I try to do yoga 3-4 a week.

How Long: On and off 3 1/2 years.

Benefits: There a lot of benefits that I have received from Bikram's yoga. Physically, I found that I have more endurance; emotionally, I feel more relax and my tolerances for hard situations has increase. I remember the first day I practice yoga, I was so tired at the end of the class, which I thought I wouldn't have energy the next couple of days. But, the next morning I was up and full of energy early in the morning... I still get that energy every time I go. It's a great feeling. Therefore, I think that every time I practice yoga or that I know I am going to do Bikram Yoga it puts a smile in my face. I know that doing yoga, not only will help me physically, but also mentally.

Challenges: I think one of my main challenges is to keep focus. My mind tends to wonder around. Also, I am trying to learn how to pace myself, and learn what are the needs of my body and my mind.

Anything else: I think Bikram yoga has been a great experience for me. But, I think this experience has been even greater because of all the instructors that I have had. They have all been very kind and friendly...even if I am all sweaty.

Ellen, 43

I am professor and chair of the School of Computer Science at Georgia Tech. My job is interesting but also pretty high stress. I do research, teach, manage, and lead. I am the mom of two girls, a 10 year-old named Carmen and a 7 year-old named Bethany. When I can find time for hobbies, I enjoy quilting, gardening, cooking and reading.

I live in the Oak Grove area, just about 10 minutes drive from BYD. I am so grateful to live so close to such an excellent studio. I travel for work, and I like to practice when I travel, so I've seen quite a few different studios around the country (and even in Barcelona!). BYD is hands-down my favorite.

How Often: I try to practice three times per week. I love the Wednesday and Friday 4:30-6pm classes. They are a great transition from work to home. I'd like to try the 30 day challenge sometime, perhaps this May.

How Long: I have practiced Bikram yoga for about four years. I previously practiced non-Bikram yoga, and I especially liked the pregnancy and post-pregnancy classes at the Pierce program in Virginia Highlands.

Benefits: I've always been pretty athletic, but Bikram yoga has definitely increased my lung capacity and improved my overall muscle strength and flexibility. While I value the physical benefits, I most value the benefits to my mental health. I love it when Susie says "it's all about you". I rarely get 1.5 hours that are all about me!

Challenges: In the beginning I found the heat and the balance postures to be very challenging. The heat usually doesn't bother me anymore, unless I am at a studio that really cranks the temperature. I am definitely challenged by anything involving backbends. I know I've made progress, but my back flexibility seems to vary tremendously from day to day. I try not to be jealous of the super-flexible people.

Anything else: Just a big thanks to all of you for running such a terrific studio.

Lynn Uphoff, 59

Life is not only measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Raised in Colorado I moved to Illinois in my early 20's where I received my Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Bradley University. I have three beautiful daughters and eight delightful grandchildren. My job and mission is to help non-profits, specifically The Salvation Army, raise money for programs and services to contribute hope and healing to all who suffer. Because my job entails a lot of travel I willing moved to Atlanta in 2004 thinking travel in and out of Atlanta would be easier.

How often? When in town I try to practice every other day. In the beginning I made it a point to practice on the road as well as when I was home. I have had the pleasure of practicing in several cities including, Baltimore, MD, Key West, FL and Tampa, FL, just to mention a few.

How long? My good fortune was moving to Atlanta in 2004. I was invited to attend a Bikram Yoga class at the closing of my new home. It was definitely a God "thing" as it seemed every corner I turned for the next few weeks I was encouraged to attend a Bikram Yoga class.

Benefits: I suffered a neck injury in a car accident in April 2003. Although I refused to live on pain pills and muscle relaxers, for several months following the accident I faithfully went to physical therapy. The muscle, back, neck and headache problems were ever present. It had gotten to the point where I didn't know if I was going to be able to continue working. I am also a Breast Cancer survivor. The surgery left the left-side of my body from my shoulder to my waist numb. Because of Bikram Yoga, other than one little numb spot just below my left armpit, the feeling is back on my left-side. Bikram Yoga restored my physical, mental and emotional health.

Challenges: It's far easier to muscle my way through the 26 postures. The breathing is definitely the most challenging for me.

You can see more photos of Lynn's practice in our Posture Album.

Tracy Augustyn, 27

I am an artist and art teacher living in Avondale, GA.

How often? 2-3 times a week

How long? 5 years

Benefits: Yoga helps to balance my life... mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually. During the school year, I find it especially helpful in easing the stresses of teaching. It gives me the energy and patience I need in my classroom during the week. Classes allow me a place to release and let go of the stresses and worries I feel. Bikram yoga has also helped me in choosing and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. After a class, I usually experience a natural bliss that is unlike anything else. My mind is clear and I can get on with life, move forward, and get things done, instead of remaining stagnant inside my mind.

The yoga also helped in healing my leg after breaking it while hiking Stone Mountain, the yoga served as my physical therapy.

Challenges: Staying present with my breath and accepting my practice on that day. I have seen many changes in my practice, and just because I was able to get to a certain depth yesterday doesn't mean I can do the same today. Surrendering to the process and to the heat is what it's about. The class is challenging, but if it wasn't, I wouldn't love it.

Jim Harron, 53

I am a long term government employee with an interest in insects. Also, like Eric, I have found that wine and all its subtle nuances makes for a fun hobby.

How often? Usually 2 times per week

How long? 3 Years

Benefits: For years, I have had back problems. I tried many of the usual things to find relief (chiropractors, muscle relaxers, analgesics, physical therapy) with little success. Further, years of running and not stretching left me with iron hamstrings and no flexibility. After a few weeks of Bikram yoga I started noticing less and less pain. Now, I am relatively pain free, can sleep better and do not pop ibuprofen like candy.

Challenges: When I first started, I found out I had TERRIBLE balance and that I had to use the back wall to balance in several of the postures. Gradually, the balance has greatly improved. I am still working on the flexibility.

Many of my postures may not be picture perfect and I still struggle with many of them. However, for me, being relatively pain free after many years is certainly worth it. Bikram yoga may not help all back problems, but it did mine.

Mar'cia Riley, 57

How often? When I lived in the city, I averaged two/three times a week. Now that I'm in McDonough, I barely make it twice a month...(sigh)

How long? A year before you opened [2001] - I've been attending Bikram Yoga Decatur since it opened and continue to enjoy the practice, staff and atmosphere.

I own EA Incorporated which provides services in the area of written and oral communication skills (training, writing, editing, proofreading, transcribing to corporate, government and academic clients).

Benefits Seen: Health-wise it's been GREAT!! I have three damaged discs in my neck and the heat helps tremendously. My body has really toned and I can actually see hips now!! Tummy was about 33 inches (pre-menopause spread), it's down to 27 now. The practice has kept me flexible and energized. When folks ask how do I stay in shape, I proudly encourage them to give Bikram a try.

Carl McClatchey, 34

How Often? 3 times a week.

How Long? 2 years.

I am a hobbyist musician and career accountant with a degree in philosophy. I live with my wife in Decatur GA. Bikram yoga has transformed me by adding a physical and meditative practice to my life in a way that is directly applicable to my daily experience, fulfilling for my mind and immeasurably beneficial for my health.

Benefits Seen: Among the many benefits of Bikram yoga, I have experienced significantly greater patience, concentration and mindfuless accompanied by greater flexibility, higher energy level and overall improved physical condition.

Challenges: allowing my body to connect with my breath by finding the appropriate level of effort, while recognizing and discarding all of the different manifestations of my ego as they appear. The greater challenge is accepting that the level of effort that is appropriate and the manifestations of my ego will be different every single class that I take. And the heat...that's challenging too....in a good way.

Rachel Bowser, 30

I'm an English professor living in Decatur. I like professional sports as much as I like 19th-century novels. I like when my toddler plays on my yoga mat. I dislike the way my yoga mat smells (and sometimes the way my toddler smells).

How often? 3 times a week

How long? 4 years

Benefits: I started doing Bikram yoga when I moved to Beijing, and my regular practice helped me find the mental calm I needed to deal with the stresses of living in a foreign country. Also, I could notice improvement in my yoga more readily than in my Chinese. Back home, the calm of my yoga practice helped me finished my dissertation. Also, this yoga helps me sleep (instead of counting sheep, I rehearse the series in my head).

Challenges: Initially, the heat was the most challenging. I notice that less these days, and am more challenged by staying present in each posture, not mentally jumping ahead.

Mary H. Hines, 47, Decatur

I've been taking Bikram classes on and off since BYD opened. At first, I took classes because I thought it would be challenging exercise, and, of course, it is. But I keep coming back to Bikram, sometimes after an absence of months, because it is the best, most affordable, and most convenient therapy I can get.

I'm 47 years old, and my job as a judicial law clerk keeps me at a desk or a computer all day long, crunching up my neck and shoulders. I'm also an avid gardener and work my half-acre garden year-round -- hauling rocks and digging holes and pruning shrubs. That's hard on the back and joints. But an hour and a half in a Bikram class and I'm limber and pain free again. More importantly, I'm stronger.

Bikram yoga works the spine and back like no other exercise I've done. The 26 postures are designed to keep the spine flexible and the muscles supporting it very strong which helps maintain the core strength and balance needed to continue doing the things I love as I get older. The postures also work the internal organs and the endocrine system. Although I'm perimenopausal, and the occasional hot flash makes hot yoga challenging, it is worth it because the postures keep my hormonal systems balanced, too.

Finally, Bikram yoga is mental therapy, the perfect adjunct to my regular meditation practice. Ideally, yoga should be meditation in motion. During a Bikram class, I couldn't dwell on the stresses and worries of the day even if I wanted to! Intense focus on the present, on how my body and breath work together to stay in the posture, pulls my mind away from nagging thoughts. After a class, my mind is peaceful, and that peace stays with me for the rest of the day.