Thelma Graham
"I have reduced my dependency on prescription medications. I have lost 40 lbs. I have gone from a pant size 16 to size 10! I am thoroughly addicted to Bikram Yoga and I can't wait to see where the next year will take me!" Since the birth of my children some 20 years ago and with the onset of menopause, I gradually gained wait until one year ago I reached my "bottom" after I saw my weight top over 200 lbs. My doctor was also concerned about my cholesterol level. I also was noticing that my flexibility that was never a strength was decreasing. I have a mild form of arthritis in my hips that was only getting worse Over the years I had tried diets and exercise - just to try and keep my weight under control. Nothing seemed to work. Exercise made me hungry and diets left me feeling deprived. Running caused my already struggling lower back to go out (although I did improve my aerobic capacity and learned that I could run 10 K !!!). Reducing the impact on my body caused by running and turning to power walking just didn't have the same impact. The stress of a marriage break up in all of this did not help. Having a highly stressful job and struggling with depression all led to use of pharmaceutical medicines to improve my quality of life. I had found benefits from Yoga and Pilates but had not been able to stick with it or because of family responsibilities I just couldn't put in the time I needed.
One year ago, January, I decided enough was enough - so I started watching my diet more closely (avoiding carbohydrates and sugars), working out in a gym 3 -4 times a week and walking. but only found after 6 months that I had lost a whopping 10 lbs!! Frustration led to action and I decided to step it up. I had heard a little about Bikram Yoga and thought that it was worth a try. I had enjoyed the Yoga classes I had participated in over the years, even though weight loss was never achieved to my satisfaction and it seemed that the low impact, and focus on flexibility, strength and the calorie burning was just what I needed.
It has be some 9 months since I walked up those stairs at Bikram Yoga White Rock and signed up. The first 3 weeks were challenging but with the support of the instructors (Jen, Val, David, Rea, Nat, Judes, and Frank to name a few) and staff on the front desk, I was able to keep it up and not give up on myself. I have been coming on average 20 times per month and a minimum of 4 times a week. I still watch what I eat and drink after 6 at night. I have more energy, I am calmer, need less sleep and have reduced m my body is changing in many ways - my neck even looks longer!! I have reduced my dependency on prescription medications. I have lost 40 lbs. I have gone from a pant size 16 to size 10! This woman is thoroughly addicted to Bikram Yoga and I can't wait to see where the next year will take me!
Thank you once again to all the dedicated owners, staff and instructors a Bikram Yoga White Rock!!
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