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 Our instructors are trained and certified by world-renowned Yoga Master Bikram Choudhury. Bikram began practicing Hatha Yoga in his native India, at the age of three. At five, he began studying with Bishnu Ghosh (Paramhansa Yogananda's brother) and quickly became a yoga champion. At age eleven he was the youngest contestant ever to win the National India Yoga Competition. Certification involves 9 weeks of intensive teacher training and over 500 hours of study. While at the Bikram Yoga College, our teachers spend every waking breath studying and practicing Bikram Yoga. Course study includes Asana’s, anatomy, therapeutic applications and health benefits of Yoga, nutrition and philosophy of Yoga Re-certification is required every 3 years. Teachers further their development by attending Bikram’s seminars and posture clinics and by maintaining a personal practice. Why is certification important? Bikram Yoga is a very specialized, precise form of yoga. To get the greatest benefit, you need an instructor that is also highly specialized. Bikram Choudhury personally trains and certifies his instructors, ensuring his methods and philosophies are preserved.
My journey into Bikram Yoga started in the Spring of 2001. I instantly
knew that Bikram Yoga would be a very useful tool to create balance
in my physical body. In the Fall of 2003 my father got sick and
I began to understand that my yoga was helping me stay grounded
and connected mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually
in order to be there for him in his process of dying.
More information coming soon.
I began my practice of Bikram's Yoga because I wanted to make changes within my life. Not seeing the intention and heart with myself, I decided to take the initiative and transform my future into one with potential. I began teaching in December of 2005, and haven't looked back since.
My dad was actually the one who helped me discover Bikram Yoga. He had been telling me for months "this is the hardest things I have ever done, you have to go!" So one day my mom and I decided to go to class and I have been hooked ever since. Going to class became a family event and that was my motivation to get to class. When I finished playing University volleyball my body was so sore and tired from lifting weights. I was looking for something that could provide me the same sort of challenges volleyball did but could make my body feel better. The yoga does that for me.
I took my first Bikram class in 2003, right after Pernille had opened in Edmonton. I went a couple times but in the end I couldn't afford to go to college and pay for yoga classes. In 2005, I received my Arts degree, graduating from Concordia College with a History major and Education minor. For eight years I worked at Goose Hummock Golf Resort becoming the Food and Beverage Assistant Manager. My Auntie Shirley re-introduced me to Bikram Yoga and on October 10th, 2007, I logged onto the BYE website, checked the schedule and decided to try a class again. It was an instant love and I have been a regular ever since. In January 2008, I began to work behind the desk at the studio and in November I graduated from Bikram's Yoga College of India.
I have come full circle with what I see as the first part of my yoga journey – from student to teacher and what an adventure it has been! I started practicing Bikram yoga over four years ago, The idea of being a teacher came to me after my first 30 day challenge, I started contemplating what it would be like to walk into the studio and instead of going to my mat, flipping on the lights and welcoming a class to their 5:30 Bikram yoga class. And so it began, I set the course for myself and in the fall of 2007 I attended the teacher training in Honolulu.
More information coming soon.
I needed change from the imbalance that I couldn’t see but felt inside... In 2005 I found Bikram Yoga and started practicing twice a week. My first classes were okay. I can remember that the toughest thing during my first classes was not the heat but keeping my arms over my head. So simple, “arms over your head”! Oh, the burning numbness - my stubbornness kept my arms away from the relief at my sides. Soon, I didn’t have to huff and puff to keep my arms over my head. I began to feel... something. I couldn’t explain it other than an almost imperceptible feeling of change. That feeling grew with each class into something more real and substantial. The ‘good’ feeling lasted longer & longer, beyond my practice day. The benefits from the yoga were overflowing into my day to day life. I was calmer, stronger physically & mentally, and I could feel more balance permeating my being. It was like small pieces of something old being shed one by one; underneath glistened.
More information coming soon.
After attending my first Bikram yoga class in 2003 I was intrigued and eager to face the challenges this type of yoga presented to me. Bikram yoga continues to challenge me on many levels and has been one of the significant influences that continuously helps me gain a deeper understanding and insight to all aspects of my life. As I continue to grow in my own understanding and awareness, I have the opportunity to share the wonderful benefits of a Bikram yoga practice with students of all ages, and give people the chance to learn more about themselves as they continue on their own individual journeys.
More information coming soon.
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