Mary R.
Yelp
First of all, please forgive the length of this review. I felt inspired to contribute this morning. I EXTREMELY RARELY write a review about anything but I simply have to say something about this place, the people, and this type of yoga!
I had developed stomach issues this past spring (probably as a result of stress) that persisted through the end of June and caused me to lose nearly 30 lbs - and I'm not big! I'd been to doctors who were stumped, tried yogurt and probiotics - none of which helped. After the first few classes, I experienced a profound change. I am completely back to normal - maybe even better than normal! The ONLY difference is having taken up Bikram Yoga. I am amazed and extremely grateful to have my health back!
By way of a little background, I've run 5 marathons but sustained a foot injury in 2009 left me without any form of exercise or outlet for the stress I put myself under in my work. I just can't stand traditional gyms, hate treadmills and stationary bikes, can't tolerate stairclimbers or elliptical machines, and suffer ear infections when I swim ... I have such an aversion to gyms that even though those amenities are provided on my rental property at no charge, I haven't set foot in that gym in the 3 years I've lived here.
I had heard about Bikram Yoga years ago but was in the process of getting my PhD and simply didn't have the time to pursue it, but it came up again in a casual conversation with one of my students this past June (I am a teacher.) She said she did yoga at Bikram Centreville and highly recommended it. Something moved me that day. I can't say exactly what, but I went into the studio and signed up. The staff member I spoke with that day, Catherine, was very positive and inviting. I told her I was brand new and she encouraged me to give it a try. Their $39 for the first month offer was more than reasonable. I bought a mat that day and came back the next.
I admit I had a very difficult time with the first class because I had no experience and therefore no expectation of upcoming poses. It was extremely challenging, which as a distance runner, I welcomed, but I must admit I kept wishing I had a watch. 90 minutes seemed to drag by, and it was such a relief when it was over...
HOWEVER, the feeling I had after leaving that class is something that makes me come back nearly every day. It was like the feeling I used to get from running for hours at a time - without the knee aches, foot pain, sciatic jabs, or muscle tightness. My mind, for the first time in my life, was at peace. It was slowed down, not racing as it usually does with all the "things I need to do." I remember my flip flops squishing under my feet which were sliding around on them from all the sweat - a most satisfying feeling for me, honestly, and I was struck (and continue to be struck) with the fact that I simply was incapable of walking fast. I sauntered to my car and took a deep breath. I felt wrung out, but not in a bad way at all... it was like a renewal - something completely foreign to me after working out.
Ever since that first day, classes seem almost too short! I know the sequence of poses and am improving in my form. I remember Dagmar, one of instructors, told us to look in the mirror and acknowledge the teacher, for WE were the teacher - she was only our guide. She announced and explained the poses, gave encouragement, and gently corrected people. I emphasize the "gentle" part especially because I am extremely harsh with myself. My critical mind is always pulling me apart, pointing out deficiencies and comparing myself with everyone else in every aspect of my life. My self-talk began to change with that class. I fell out of a pose and remember looking at myself and saying to myself, "that was really great - you're getting better!" That thought has seriously never entered my mind before ...
As for the staff and instructors, I continue to be struck with how positive and encouraging each one is. Matt was my very first instructor and he couldn't have been more positive if he tried. The instructors are all different, but for me the comfort is in the fact that the order and pace of the classes don't vary from instructor to instructor. I have learned something from every class and I continue to improve. That peaceful mind that I leave with is precious to me.
The studio is new - only a year old. The room is spacious and mirrors line 2 of the walls, with windows on the third side that have soft curtains over them so that natural light can enter the room without being a distraction. I also love the floor of the room. That may sound weird, but it has a wood pattern though it's like walking on felt. The only word that comes to my mind to describe it is "yummy"!
This is proving to be a life-chaning experience. Thank you Bikram Centreville!