Bikram Yoga Decatur

I had symptoms of "arthritis" beginning abruptly in 2009 with pain and swelling and joint stiffness in my hands and feet. It was disconcerting and uncomfortable but not entirely debilitating. Some days were worse than others. I was told by a rheumatologist that I had the beginnings of rheumatoid arthritis. I asked him if it might be Lyme disease or gout - because, honestly, the arthritis diagnosis doesn't fit any family history and I felt like I had been poisoned. I searched online for some answers. It kept coming back to Lyme Disease. I became aware that no one in the medical industry will even talk to someone living in the southern U.S. about Lyme disease unless they had recently traveled to the northeast. No one would even talk to me about it, much less test me or treat me for it.

In October 2010 the "arthritis" suddenly attacked every single joint in my body. I could not walk or sit or lie down without a great deal of pain. NOW I was in trouble. I began seeking help and again found a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis and treatment. Again, no one would talk to me about Lyme disease. I can't emphasize enough how much pain I was in and how NO DOCTOR would even have a discussion about Lyme disease with me. The treatment for rheumatoid arthritis made me feel worse - soon a bizarre coursing pain like my blood was on fire was added to the joint pain. I thought I might go crazy. I happened across the Georgia Lyme Disease Association and I contacted them. A volunteer pointed me in the right direction and I finally found a doctor who could figure out what was wrong with me. I owe GALDA a great debt.

A huge part of the dramatic speed of my recovery is due in large part to Bikram Yoga. Less than a year ago, when I still could not stand or sit or lie down without assistance, I began taking classes at BYD. Just getting to the studio and getting into my yoga clothes was a huge victory for me. A dear friend of mine would take the class with me and help me sit up or lie down. It was an incredible experience in humility. Today I practice all on my own and I have had amazing improvements in flexibility, strength, and blood circulation. Due to shoulder inflammation, I still cannot lift my arms properly for the initial breathing exercises and I still can't use my wrists (you would be shocked at what you use your wrists for in yoga!) but I know that, with every class, I am making progress even on those stubborn areas. The humility is always there - but so is the exhilaration.

Our very own, Cleveland Willis, talking about his practice, is not to be missed.

Three years ago, I had this crazy idea to run a half-marathon. I found a training program on-line, encompassing 3 days of running, 2 days of cross-training and 2 days of rest. The suggested cross-training activities included cycling, kick-boxing, weight-lifting, hiking and swimming. Because I was a novice runner, I followed the training plan explicitly, incorporating spinning and kick-boxing into my fitness regime, therefore having little time for my beloved Bikram Yoga.

After three months of hardcore training, I thought that I was in the best shape of my life, despite severe ankle and mild back pain. I was strong and I was fast. The week before the race, I spent four days in Miami, running as many as 10 miles on the beach and walking everywhere I needed to go. In my exploration of South Beach, I happened upon the SoBe Bikram studio. The next morning, I walked to the studio for the 7 am class. I told the instructor that I was a regular practitioner of Bikram in Decatur, Georgia, but that I had not been able to attend class because of my half-marathon training schedule. He then, rolled his eyes, let out a sigh and quipped that Bikram calls running "mental masturbation". Whatever. Bikram doesn't know everything.

Heather Greenfield, 26

"In the end these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you learn to let go?"

I am a student living in Inman Park. I love yoga, travel, music, art & dogs, in no particular order.

How long? 3 years.

Benefits: I found a peaceful space at Bikram Yoga Decatur. The lovely studio is second only to the amazing instructors, who have created a warm and welcome environment. The instructors are the best of the best -- challenging, inspiring, bright, creative, and compassionate. The mindfulness and meditation in the practice allowed me to stay more focused, and the peace and tranquility in that heated room became a constant source of support for me. I was also amazed by the physical benefits. In addition to the physical and emotional benefits of bikram yoga, there are social benefits too! I have cultivated life-long friendships with many of my fellow practitioners and bikram yoga enthusiasts.

Challenges: I have to remind myself that each class is different. I strive to stay mindful and go with the flow; mind, body and soul connected.

More women practice yoga than men, at least here in the U.S. That's changing but there are still many men who consider it unmanly. Tony Parrish isn't one of them. Neither is Ryan Giggs.

Other manly men who practice yoga are LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Andy Murray and Wesley Snipes.

Believe me, this is a very short list.

"My husband and I took a trip to Las Vegas last weekend, and not having flown for awhile I was remembering my stiff and swollen knees in the past upon arrival at our destinations after several hours of flight. This despite getting up and stretching in the bathroom, etc. (I even try to do some yoga poses in there...challenging!).

So - I was overjoyed when we landed, and walking through the Vegas airport I experienced very little stiffness! AND - the next day I completed a beautiful 2 mile, 2-hour hike in Red Rock Canyon which included some boulder scrambling. If you ever go, look into the Ice Box Canyon hike; I highly recommend it (google it for some good pics). Even though there was no waterfall, I was thrilled that my body was so happy.

This is the main reason why I do Bikram yoga - to be able to keep my own joints (not replacements) into old age. Thanks, BYD!! BTW, I've been practicing about 5 years, 2x/week, at the ripe young age of 53."

Cynthia

I want to convey my deep appreciation for your studio where I have been able to cultivate my yoga practice, and myself, for the last 18 months. When I first came to BYD I was at a critical point in my life where I needed to start over. Over a decade of alcohol and drug abuse that grew into addiction had taken its toll on me and I had reached a breaking point. I had made a decision to change my life and I turned to Bikram yoga and your studio to start the process.

Elizabeth, 36

I have three beautiful children (Kevin (15), Allan (12), and Azriela (5)). I love witnessing my children’s firsts, yoga and its limitless offerings, reading, and learning how to use food as medicine. I grew up in NYC and enjoyed being a pedestrian amongst a sea of distractions. About Atlanta, I love the trees, the abundance of fresh foods in farmers’ markets and a more relaxed way of life.

How Often: This past year I have practiced 3-6 times per week and it has become a natural habit.

How Long: I stepped into my first class 5 years ago. After the first week I was convinced that yoga needed to be a part of my daily routine.

Benefits: Physically, I reached my goal of losing postpartum weight and when I practice regularly I feel healthy and fit. My awareness of what my body needs is mostly accompanied by healthy cravings that support my practice and well being. But the greatest benefits have been the reward of self-acceptance that seems to come from looking at oneself in the mirror (although there is more to it), clarity of purpose, and the continual, gradual, and ever-evolving development of personal strengths like courage, determination, love, patience, which enrich life beyond the mat. I can feel the manifestation of these strengths as I progress in the postures, my favorite being the back bends (or let love bends).

Challenges: My practice reveals truths (like if I’m being slothful) and new and sometimes even old feelings surface. It challenges me to stay in the moment and use my intuition, and this requires a balance of surrendering (observing and letting go), acceptance, and action or effort on my part. Through my yoga practice, I have learned to trust and cherish this inner guide. It keeps me honest and engaged, and always restores a sense of peacefulness. To think that this happens through asanas is amazing to me.

Anything Else: I am thankful for all the wonderful BYD instructors and practitioners who foster an environment so conducive to all levels of growth.

Ed Daniels is loving them early morning Wednesday classes so much he wanted to share his passion:

1. You get your exercise out of the way before you have to work, go to class or take the kids to school
2. You save time by wearing yoga clothing to bed the night before
3. No traffic, driving to the studio is a total breeze
4. Don’t know why but the heat is easier to take early in the morning
5. Smaller class size (for now!) = your pick of a choice spot
6. Little or no line for the showers or Water fountain after class
7. Easy to justify high cholesterol calorie laden breakfasts
8. Sets you up nicely for a second class later in the day
9. No better wake up call then hearing Randy say “lock your knees” about 70 times.
10. It’s seems perfectly normal to fall asleep in Half Tortoise and then realize your not the only one. (yes this has happened)

I was just starting to get in the swing of things at the Decatur studio when I was transferred to Orlando for work. I have to say I really miss the Decatur studio. I especially miss the calming view of the trees, the discipline of the students, the quality of the instructors and the fantastic resource your website provides.

I MISS YOUR STUDIO and thanks for giving me such a solid foundation to build upon!

Elaine Brophy is a 73-year old who started practicing Bikram Yoga last year on the recommendation of her son David and daughter-in-law who practice in Maryland and were up visiting.
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To Elaine’s surprise, she managed to stay in the 105 degree room for the entire 90 minutes. She went into Savasana (dead body pose) when she needed time out from the series of standing and mat postures.
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Elaine realized how good she felt from this type of yoga workout so she started attending classes 2 to 3 days a week
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Elaine’s chiropractor suggested that she go to Bikram yoga more often as it was helping her with a back injury so she started going 4 or 5 days a week. Today, she tries to go to Bikram yoga class every day.

“I completed a 30-day challenge in May and then went on to complete 63 classes by July. I will be continuing until August to complete at least 73 or more classes in 73 days to match my age,” Elaine said proudly.

How does she stay motivated? The results motivate her. Elaine says she feels so good and wants to continue to stay active and believes yoga is doing that for her.
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After a year of practice, Elaine boasts on how much energy she has. When she started at age 72, she weighed 170 lbs, had spikes in her blood pressure, high cholesterol, and was fighting to keep her blood sugar in control. This past February, her total cholesterol was 240, LDL was163, and A1C was 6.0% (down from 6.6%).

This past May, her total cholesterol was down to 213, LDL down to 132, and A1C was 5.9%. Elaine’s doctor told her that if she were to see a new doctor she would need to tell him she was diabetic, as it would not show in any test. Elaine shared that she can even have a dish of ice cream or a couple of cookies and it doesn't make her blood sugar go crazy.

Read the whole article at examiner.com.

I cannot say enough great things about Bikram Yoga Decatur, Eric, Susan, Susie, Ivey Claire, Rebecca and any other instructors I may not have mentioned.

I once told Susan, "I am so grateful for Bikram Yoga and my practice because I think it may be solely responsible for keeping me out of jail."

I recently concluded (and prevailed) a year-and-a-half long legal battle that was the worst encounter I've ever endured. The emotional stress, financial beating and mental anguish was more than I thought I could handle.

On several occasions I cried silently through class as emotions overwhelmed me in my time of crisis. I credit Bikram Yoga with getting me through such troublesome times. It has been through my practice that I have been able to maintain my sanity and return to the center of myself... which becomes more solid with each class I take.

My three children (Chelsea - 20, Riley - 9, Leah 4) have noticed a calmer, more peaceful me since I began practicing about a year ago.

BYD - Thank you so much for keeping me free!

I attended a Bikram class in [another city] on Friday morning. I may be biased, but I'm still right about BYD being a great studio. After class, the instructor complimented me for my "strong practice, with lots of discipline and focus". A teacher in NYC made similar comments last year. I think that has less to do with me and more to do with the expectations and friendly reminders from you all. At this studio, there was so much bending and wiping and drinking between every single posture. The teacher even gave permission to leave the room if necessary, although no one did. They were even drinking sports drinks... do I sound like a Bikram snob? LOL!

The other piece that was really missed was the way that all of you explain the anatomy, physiology, origin, and rationale of the various postures, in addition to linking them to real life. That's so helpful in class and throughout my day. This class wasn't bad. I actually had a really good practice. I'm just saying this to thank you for running a great studio with fabulous teachers...

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.

I have been a runner for over 10 years and doing Bikram yoga for about 8 years on and off. I recently moved back to Atlanta almost a year ago and have been training more intensely with my running. I quickly injured myself first with brevis tendentious and then stress fractures in both my legs. I decided to take up Bikram yoga again and not only has it prevented further injury my last half marathon time was improved by four minutes!! I can not say enough about Bikram yoga. It not only has helped me physically, but mentally as well. Thank you!

I just wanted to say thank you and let you know how much I appreciate this studio. I loved every single class... well, at least I was always glad I came. Through each of your classes I discovered that yoga really does transform your outlook on life. I am so glad that each of you decided to become yoga instructors because you are all AMAZING! Each of you brings your own unique style and insights to the practice. Thanks!!! - Sophie

[Written in past tense because Sophie moved out of state. We'll miss her.]

I attended a Bikram Yoga class in Pasadena, CA yesterday and toward the end of the class the instructor said, "Lynn, the studio you attend must be great as you have a really good practice.

The best part of what she said was "the studio you attend". What a great compliment to you and my other instructors in Decatur. It was a reflection of not me but the studio I came from. It made me proud of our community - the Decatur studio.

Thank you to all my Decatur instructors for giving me a solid foundation to develop my practice. You're the greatest!

Lynn U.

Eric.... you Run a GREAT place! I just want to tell you that you hire very SMART, KNOWLEDGEABLE, SERIOUS and reasonable instructors and make the learning enjoyable and intense. I think your clients are proof of the nice/fun and hard working practice you run!!!

Jody M.

...yours was the first non grungy Bikram studio I had ever been to. It was a revelation.

Susan S., NYC

I believe that your studio has fantastic, creative, compassionate, challenging and tremendously talented instructors. They are all very different, but they each possess such strong qualities in the yoga room, that it would be a lie to say that I haven't been significantly affected by each instructor. I can't imagine my life without the studio and the instructors. Bikram yoga has taught me to be mindful and I will be the first to say that, at times, it is a struggle. Some classes seem more hot than others. Sometimes I have an amazing class and sometimes I don't.

One of the questions I hear occasionally is, "Does Bikram Yoga help strengthen the muscles?" I've always answered yes based on my own personal experience but now, according to the University of California Wellness Letter, there is a clinical study that backs me up.

Stretching regularly may make your muscles stronger, suggests a study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine.

After practicing at the Bikram Yoga Decatur studio for over three years, I can emphatically state that the Bikram series is the pinnacle of all yoga modalities! Bikram Yoga has improved my strength, flexibility and cardiovascular capacity. I have also gained better balance, an enhanced ability to focus, as well as more efficient elimination of both physical and emotional toxins. I find each class provides me with a physical challenge and an opportunity to learn something new on some level.

File this under famous athletes who do Bikram Yoga and please no cracks about my reading choices. This is Serena Williams talking...

I do a lot of yoga. I love Bikram yoga because you burn more than 600 calories in just one class. You need a lot of patience for yoga, but I love Bikram yoga because it's in a super warm room so from the moment you walk in you're just pouring sweat. I recommend everyone try this.

One of our own, Susan Lippert, has begun the arduous process of enduring the nine week torture camp known as the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Hawaii. I just received the first word from her which was mostly about her initial impressions because at the time of her writing she was only two days into it and there had been some technical problems so their schedule had been pretty light.

I am a forty five year old male who was introduced to Bikram Yoga roughly 6 years ago at the Atlanta studio. Being a drummer, I immediately liked the rhythmic timing of tension and release in the series. As my early practice took shape, I developed affinity for certain postures, dread of other postures, and the improper tendency to compare my poses to others'. I went more or less regularly for a year or so, during which I injured my lower back several times, from careless lifting at work to pushing postures too far.

I just returned from home for the holidays... everyone was very shocked at how "thin" I'd gotten since they last saw me in May. How did this happen? I'll explain...

It's a common belief that people who work out with weights are inflexible. Somebody forgot to tell Tony Parrish. Take a look at this Sports Illustrated article about the San Francisco 49ers player then take a gander at the photo gallery of Tony's Bikram Yoga postures that accompanies the article.

Bodybuilders and people who work out with weights don't have to be inflexible. Just add some yoga to the mix.

It's been awhile since I thanked you for your hard work, light-heartedness, and overall entertaining, wise instruction. I've lost lots of weight and feel about as good about myself as I've felt in many years. If I get through this blasted dissertation, and maybe into a better life path--to a huge extent--it will be because I've drawn upon you people and the energy you've helped me gain. Many, many thanks. I think ya'll are really great!

-- One of your devoted students, Melissa

Since starting Bikram three semesters ago, it has become my cure for depression, break-ups, hangovers and writers' block. Especially hangovers.

-- Ryan Plocher, Emory College Class of 2007

We go to http://bikramyogawilliamsburg.com. Its been a while since we were in Decatur but ever since I wanted to email Eric to say thank you. Going to your school was the best part of our trip. We were nervouse about trying a different school, fearing to find a more gimmicky place. You offer a true Bikram practice and that was so great to find. Its about 3 months late but never the less... THANK YOU. See you next time we are in Atlanta.

-- Matt & Clare