Student testimonials

Garth

Dear Tamara and all,

I have intended to write this for some time now, my apologies it’s late

I would like to sincerely thank you all for being a part of the the place that I enjoying visiting..

My frequency is due to the fact that on my off time I also enjoy a good run and gym.

I always relish the challenge of bettering my practice and reaping the benefits of Bikram Yoga- both mental and physical.

In conversation with others I ”sell” Bikram by saying that it is tough to begin with but only becomes easier with regularity- that you will “feel”

the rewards for yourself and that no reward is without effort..

I do also mention that the degree of difficulty can depend on ones own input/ effort.

Truth be told there are days where I ”attack” my yoga! ..Days where just ”making it through” it and making the session is enough.

Personally I enjoy the compound/ multi joint movement nature of the Bikram postures. This is opposite to and in conjunction with the isolation movements of many gym exercises.

The above, as well as, the breathing control, stretching, postural benefits and simply an opportunity for some quietness!

It was a Patrick Holford book that motivated me to try Yoga. Combined with the heat of Bikram and the Yoga itself I am so glad I deduced this to be the way to go and found you guys!

As I began, I end. From the clean bathrooms n studio, to the pleasant nature of the staff and instructors (and their skill and energy to encourage) to the great website and so impressive newsletters, THANK YOU!

In appreciation,

Garth

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Sadiq Malik

G8ter flexibility: YES

Calm mind : MAYBE

But the strangest effect :

I DO NOT FEEL FEAR ANYMORE…..SEEMS I HAVE COMPLETELY LOST THE FLIGHT IMPULSE WHEN ONE IS CONFRONTED BY DANGER OR THREAT.

Kim – Spring Challenge 2011

Wow what an experience !!! Been there, done that, and got the life experience, the benefits of all Bikram yoga can bring, the joys, the friendships and the best part the great body toning , but one thing I know, it won’t be the last and I look forward to many more classes in the hot room (between my 94.7 challenge) and many more Bikram challenges in years to come.

I had my up days and my down days, and whenever I felt that I wouldn’t have the energy for a hard class or how would I get through the class, I was on there on my mat. 90% of yoga is just getting to your mat and how true are those words, by the end of the class I felt energised and so much better for just getting to my mat.

It is a challenge for all. I thought I would never be able to fit it in with 2 young kids, 2 jobs and my wonderful husband Graeme doing the challenge with me, but for something so important to one’s own well being and the well being of our whole family, work, your life etc, we made a sacrifice here and there, and managed just fine. It was such a wonderful time of the day to look forward to.

I also loved getting to know all the teachers, and even though the dialogue is the same, each class was so different and each teacher had their special way. I have taken some special advice home from each of you, thank you. Tamara you amazed me to still be teaching and doing yoga at 7 1/2 months pregnancy. Thank you for pushing me through the classes, especially those classes where all I wanted was an easy class. You taught me that its mind over matter and one can actually do it, try a little harder and get the better reward. To Melissa thank you for all your encouragement in seeing my weekly improvement, I felt it during the weeks but extra special hearing it as well. To Bridget for always commenting on my Happy Smiley Face, I felt like I was grimacing through most, but what joy yoga brought to me, and I will take the happy smiley face through every day. And finally to Neil for your funny classes and great chirps, just loved them and loved the laughs. Thank You to the whole Fourways team, Ella nothing better than an orange slice at the end of a class.

All I can say it was a wonderful 30 days – Namaste

Susan Rowan

“I never thought I’d find a solution for my eczema and asthma. I’ve had both since childhood and have been struggling to control them ever since I can remember.

Although it got worse initially before it got better…my skin has completely cleared up and I haven’t used my asthma spray since I started practicing 4 months ago. My doctor is so impressed with the way my body has responded to Bikram Yoga. My allergies have disappeared, my blood oxygen levels are excellent, thyroid problem has sorted itself out…without the need for drugs!

So glad I can forget about cortisone, steroids and antibiotics.I hated taking them…your body doesn’t need all the drugs and chemicals that get prescribed to us.

Just look after yourself and do Yoga.”

Andrea Shine

“I started Bikram Yoga as a means to maintain my weight and stay fit, little did I know it would have so many other benefits. As a professional singer, it has improved my breath capacity and decreased the amount of asthma attacks I suffer from. As a dancer, it has increased my flexibility and strength. The most remarkable transformation that has occurred is the rehabilitation of an injury. I had been slashed just above my elbow joint resulting in nerve and muscle damage which gave me restrictive movement of my left arm. As a result of practicing Bikram, my arm has completely recovered and I have regained full range of motion.”

Thanks guys! I’m proud to be a Bikram addict.

Anonymous

“ I did 8 classes in a row and I felt really really great. I was bouncing off the walls I had so much energy.”

Claire Meekel’s

As a Chiropractor , I recommend Bikram to all of my patients! This perfect balance between strength and flexibility is very seldom achieved through any other form of exercise. Apart from the musculoskeletal benefits, Bikram yoga tones the nerves, the organs, the hormones and all other physiological systems. More than that, I find it wonderful for mood balance, mental clarity and general feelings of well-being. It is the single most holistic all- encompassing exercise you can do for your body (and soul!). I experience the benefits in my own life. As a dancer, I have also seen how bikram has improved my strength, balance, agility and suppleness.
As Bikram says: “A strong healthy spine equals a long and healthy life” – for me, there is no greater truth!

Namaste,
Claire

Anonymous

“I have suffered with migraines for the last 6-7 years. This was due to stress and to a constant back spasm on my right side. I have been living on pain medication since then.
But this year in June, the pain was so severe and the spasm in my back refused to ease. I went for physio as well as acupuncture with muscle relaxing injections. Three months and the pain just got worse. Until Oct 15, this was my first Bikram yoga session.

Not only can I not believe the amount of energy I suddenly have, but it has been almost 2 months and I have not taken a single pain tablet. The pain in my back has been completely relieved. I am energetic, much more flexible and pain free.This is the first time in so many years that I have felt so healthy.
I ensure to be at classes 3 times a week and I am spreading the word that I am a true believer in the powers of Bikram Yoga and thank you for this healing opportunity.”

Tandie Hlubi

I don’t know who found who. Bikram finding me or me finding Bikram. It was just fate. In January 2011, after finishing the book “Eat, Pray & Love”, I just had this nagging feeling to do something about my rather dull, stressful & toxic life. The following morning I googled yoga in Fourways and BOOM!! there was Bikram Yoga-Fourways on the first line. I did a little bit of research and was told of its benefits regarding weight loss and all. I thought why not give it a try and I phoned. The following morning at 5:00 I was there in my long t-shirt and cycling pants. I was so excited about this yoga thing, having done gym and boot camp, which I didn’t like much. I just wanted something mellow and knew that this yoga would give me that. I walked into the room for the first time and I was F****, did they forget to put the aircon on. I somehow missed the “400C” part in my little research. Paul came in and started class. By the 2nd posture I wanted to run out of that room. I was so mad at myself and silently screaming, what the heck did I get myself into. I was not at all prepared for what was taking place. That was the longest 90 minutes of my whole life. I didn’t like Paul at all and by the time we got to the floor series, I was seriously considering sprinting out of the room as I thought this was some kind of a joke. After class Paul said, “Well done Tandie, we’ll see u again soon” I gave him the “Are you insane” look. The following day I was there, in that torture chamber, mad at myself again. So on and on it went. Reason I went back – I just felt amazingly good after each class. Tired, but good. In fact, I felt better than I had in years.

Fast forward, November 2011, I signed up for the summer 30-day challenge. I knew I was crazy for doing it but curiosity got the better of me. By then I was doing 4-5 classes a week and thought anyone who did more than that needed to get their heads checked. Seriously!!!! On my 9th day of the challenge I was weepy and very moody. I blamed PMS as I get these terrible mood swings before my periods. But then it was too early for those. I kept on going and the crying got worse and I was very depressed. I felt tired all the time instead of getting all the energy that everyone was boasting about. I talked to Neil about it and he said something that got me thinking. I was probably going through some STUFF. And boy was he right! The yoga forced me to look at stuff that I had pushed to the back of my mind all those years ago and NOW I had to deal with it. It was terrible but I continued with my challenge. Bikram Yoga made me face this particular demon, stare it eye to eye, unflinching. I needed to accept and honor its place in myself, tell it that it is a small part of me, but not all of me, and so I choose to move past it. I’ve learnt not to focus on the past nor worry about the future. The present moment is what matters. The surprising thing is that the unexpected outcomes are the most rewarding.

After the challenge, I felt such inner peace that I had never experienced. Nothing seemed to faze or rattle me. Right now, I have this pure, unconditional love for the Creator, and the Universe. I am a totally changed person. If you could slap me right now, I’d give you the other side. For real!!!!

One year on and I am still here, continuing to improve my practice. I have lost weight, toned up a bit, so far and keep getting compliments. I feel happier and more energetic than ever. I have to work through issues mentally and learn to listen to my own body. I do this so I can face everyday trying to be the best I can be and never giving up. It still amazes me that although every class is made up of the same postures, in the same order, everyday you are faced with a different challenge. This is what got me hooked. I’m so hooked on this, I’m not even apologetic. My family, friends and colleagues think I’ve gone a little cuckoo…I just can’t stop talking about Bikram Yoga. If one got a commission for recruiting new students, I’d be a millionaire.

Thank you so much Tamara and to the great teachers at Bikram Yoga Fourways (All of them), who are always encouraging us to continue to do our best each day – and to come back the next day! You’ve been an inspiration. All that’s ringing in my ears is “Lock your knee…Lock that da*n knee!!” I’m a work in progress. This is just the beginning of a life-long journey that started at Bikram Yoga Fourways.
Wow!! What an amazing journey it’s been so far. If I’m mental enough, I’ll sign up for the 60 Day Challenge starting 1st Feb 2012. I’M CURIOUS.
“Embracing change creates ease and freedom in your world.”

Clair Schaap

Wasn’t sure what to expect, joined up for the 10 day challenge and am loving it.