I have been practicing Bikram Yoga twice per week since the Geelong studio opened. I have reaped so may benefits and have been surprised to find that by just practicing twice per week how it has positively impacted many areas of my life. I have always been someone who has exercised regularly but never achieved the physical results that I aimed to. Through Bikram Yoga I have improved my physical health, increased my energy levels, toned up and have noticed dramatic improvement and changes to by body. Emotionally I am a more positive person, I am sleeping better and feel more detached from the niggling worries of every day life.

Briony Williams, Bikram Yoga Geelong student

As a mum of 3 children, I have hardly had any time to exercise in the last 6 years. I suffered from tight and stiff shoulders, which gave me headaches and dizziness. I was always tired and lacking energy. I knew I needed to do something for my body.
Since I started doing Bikram yoga, all these problems have gone. The benefits have been great and my skin is much better.  I have a scar on my tummy from three C-sections, and the scar can hardly be seen now.  Finally I am back to the same size I was before the children were born.

I completed the 30-day challenge in June. That was a huge commitment to make for me. When I look back on the challenge, I have to say I enjoyed every single class. I have no regrets at all! Not only has my body become more flexible, but my postures and my mind are much stronger.  I couldn’t have done it without my family and all the teachers’ support. I’d like to say a huge thanks to you guys for my experience.

Kaz Cumming, Bikram Yoga Geelong student

I practiced Bikram Yoga 3-4 times per week during my pregnancy from 12 weeks to 3 weeks prior to my due date.  I am certain that my Bikram practise was the reason I had such a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy.  My pregnancy was completely free of backache or pains, it also increased my energy levels and general wellness.  I found it amazing to see how my practise changed throughout the pregnancy; I went through times when my balance was completely lost.  I had to listen to my body more than ever and have the patience to sit out of postures that had previously been my favourites.  Towards the end of the pregnancy there were some postures that I had greatly flexibility than ever before – I felt like I could stay in Standing Bow pose for ever, the weight of the baby lowered my centre of gravity and I could balance perfectly.

Bikram Yoga not only physically kept me in great shape throughout the pregnancy but it was also provided a great mental focus in preparing for childbirth.  I was able to use the discipline and focus of the breathing throughout my labour, which greatly assisted in achieving a natural birth.  I also credit Bikram Yoga with a speedy recovery; my body has recovered remarkably well.  I put on 10kgs during my pregnancy and within a week after birth, I had lost 7kgs and was back in my pre-pregnancy jeans!!

My pregnancy and birth experience was more exuberant and rewarding than I ever imagined.  I now look forward to my next Bikram Yoga challenge – stepping back onto my yoga mat, facing the mirror with a new perspective on life, with a body and mind that has been through tremendous change and re-establishing my practise.  In Bikram Yoga the postures and the order in which they are taught may never change but we certainly do.

Gail Cuolahan, Bikram Yoga Geelong studio owner

I have been practicing Bikram Yoga since March, and have experienced many fantastic benefits for mind and body.

I set myself the challenge of completing the arduous 60-day challenge, and was surprised to find that I was not only stronger, leaner and more toned, but extremely disciplined as well. The determination and discipline that I developed over the 60 days surprised me more than the physical benefits.

As strange as it sounds, practicing for 90 minutes in a 39-degree room is not the hardest part of Bikram Yoga; in fact, the heat rarely phases me. Learning to switch off your mind and focussing solely on the poses and breathing remains a daily challenge. You learn to love the sweat running down your body and detoxing at the same time!

I have become much more flexible, toned, disciplined and focussed since practicing. Every class is a different experience; your body responds differently every time. Poses that I hated initially are now ones where I notice the most progression.

Major benefits include: improved sleep, increased energy, less stress, better lung capacity for running distances, great start to the day (6am classes), whole body system working better.

Laura Myers, Bikram Yoga Geelong student

When I started practising Bikram Yoga, I was hoping it would be something of a saviour.  For years I had suffered with a bad back and other ailments due to a lifetime of playing sport.  In my quest to be as fit and healthy as possible, I tried almost everything.  Most had some sort of positive effect but were generally short lived and it was back to living with pain and discomfort.  Bikram was different.  It took a matter of days for me to realise my body was actually changing to heal itself.  After a couple of months of practising Bikram I decided to adopt Bikram as both my source of treatment and my fitness regime.  Given I was practically coming every day, I decided to give the 60 challenge a go.  I’m glad I did.  While at times it seemed insane, unbearable and confronting, the benefits far outweighed the “perceived” hardships that you think you’re facing at the time.  Having successfully completed the challenge and still practising regularly, I feel on top of the world! 

Mark Freijah, Bikram Yoga Geelong student

Isagenix 30-Day Cleanse. Around February this year I decided I wanted to trim down to feel more myself.  I believe that the size of my pelvis, which should be reasonably the same size now as when I was a young adult provides a good indication of my ‘ideal’ size.  The muffin top thing was definitely telling me that I was bigger than my pelvis could accommodate.  I was introduced to Isagenix by Jo (BYG teacher) and did some research on the nutritional value of the shakes and other products.  An independent site gave the shakes an A rating. This was important, as I’m not a fan of meal replacements. I undertook the 30-day program and stuck to the two shakes plus one nutritious meal per day throughout.  However, circumstances made the weekly cleanses difficult so I gave them a miss.  I reduced from 68kg to 62kg during this time.  Losing the weight was a goal reached which was great for the soul. However, the most illuminating part of the process is what I learnt about self-responsibility. During the program I let go of coffee, sugar, alcohol and felt quite empowered saying ‘no, I’ll pass’.  On reflection, foregoing these items highlighted how easy it had been to blame other people, dinner invitations, not prioritising meal planning etc for not living a life congruent with being fit, active and attractive. Since then, I consider more often the consequences of eating randomly and exercise pretty much daily.  I still enjoy the shakes when I’m short on time or before/after exercise for a good mix of carbohydrate, protein and fats.  My shake experience shook me up and helped provide some beneficial lessons around making positive decisions.

Kaye, Bikram Yoga Fitzroy Student

60-day challenge. I have always been a fairly active person, from swimming competitively, to netball, to going to the gym every day for the past 10 years. I really enjoyed the time I spent at the gym - I worked hard running 6-8 kms 7 days a week, as well as weights. Then my sister introduced me to Bikram Yoga and I have a new addiction! Since I began regularly practicing Bikram Yoga (when the Geelong studio opened in Jan 4 months ago) I have only been to the gym a handful of times - there is no comparison! I decided to do the 60- day challenge to really test it out. Bikram Yoga has changed my whole outlook on fitness and how I feel about myself. Even though I am quite tall and long, I have always been quite muscular, especially in my legs. No matter how many kilometres I ran I could never seem to fine down. In only 4 months of regular practice, Bikram Yoga has changed my physique so I’m now more lean and toned! My appetite has changed, I actually crave healthy food and my insides feel cleansed and healthier and my skin has never been better. I’m sleeping really well and have found that Bikram Yoga actually gives me energy rather than tiring me out like the gym tended to do. Doing the challenge was a fantastic way to get a real understanding of what Bikram Yoga is all about.  Try it, you won’t regret it!

Amy Archibald Bikram Yoga Geelong student

The 60-day challenge:  9+ hrs of 40-degree yoga a week is both physically and mentally tough. I found the mental aspects the hardest, but at the same time, being able to complete the challenge successfully has meant that I am more confident in other pursuits. There were different points during the experience where I struggled and where I was stronger. At times I was dizzy enough that I could hardly see, at others I was in an expression of a posture that I never thought I would achieve.
Benefits:  Physically, I’m much more flexible, have lost about 2kgs and 3cm off my stomach and 2cm off my chest. Without Easter in the middle that figure would have been much higher. 
My skin is better, I sleep better and feel that my whole system works better - I’m a lot healthier internally. I’m addicted to the heat and love it especially in the cooler mornings where it makes me feel warmer throughout the day
Other things:  Although I was much more flexible in the evening classes, the morning classes really set me up for the day.

Mark Asbell, Bikram Yoga Geelong student

I can still remember my first bikram yoga class, and I have to admit I wanted to run out of the room, thinking to myself after that first class that there was no way I was re-entering the bikram yoga room again. After an amazing night’s sleep I did decide to give it another go and I haven’t looked back since. There is nothing better than walking out of a 90-minute bikram yoga class and feeling alive, invigorated and energetic. Over the past 12 weeks I have become addicted to that bikram yoga feeling and the benefits don’t stop there. I have lost 31cm from my hips, thighs and waist, dropped a dress size and lost 5kg. My skin is smoother and visibly healthier looking, I feel focused during the day and I no longer grind my teeth in my sleep. I would encourage anyone to give it a go but don’t stop at just one class!

Julie Nardi, Bikram Yoga Geelong student

I have been practicing Bikram Yoga for three months at Bikram Yoga Geelong. I practice five times per week and am lucky to have a friend who has also caught the “Bikram bug”, which helps keep up the motivation for 6am classes!

The benefits are immense. Since I started in January I have lost 2.5 kg, but the biggest result is the noticeable change in my body shape. I have toned up, dropped a dress size and lost a total of 12 cm off my arms, bust, waist, hips and thighs. I spend my week days sitting at a desk and through my practice I have built a lot of strength in my core and spine which has eliminated the lower back and shoulder pain I used to experience. My skin has never been this clear or my diet this good. My practice certainly makes me think twice about everything I consume. My intake of alcohol and fatty foods has plummeted!

On top of the physical benefits, I have developed a lot of discipline, which has transferred to all areas of my life including home, work and other forms of exercise.

My first class was a challenge, but I entered the room with an open mind, committed to returning the following day. Afterward I enjoyed such a deep sleep at night. I felt some stiffness on day two, but staying well hydrated and following up with a second class was the best remedy.

Since then I have become addicted and with regular practice I am surprised how quickly I am improving, particularly in the balancing series. It is true you develop a love/hate relationship with some of the poses - some of my most hated are now my strongest!

Olivia Noonan, BYG Student