I started doing Bikram's just over a year ago. I was initially quite apprehensive because I recently had a total knee replacement and knew there would be postures I could not do. Initially I had difficulty explaining to the instructors that my limited range of motion was fixed and there were certain positions I've been specifically told not to do by my surgeon - just sitting on the floor with my knees crossed is supposedly loosening the prosthesis. However, the benefits were apparent immediately and I decided I would swallow my pride and just show up and do what I could. Practicing hot yoga requires such focus that I don't worry about what other people in the room are doing or what they think about my own lack of ability. I recently went sailing in Antigua with a group of people all at least 10-20 years younger than me. It became quite apparent that, in spite of my age and my obvious scars, I was the fittest in the group. Practicing Bikram's gave me the strength, balance and coordination I needed to perform. The added benefit was that I had no stiffness after some very demanding sailing. Everyone asked me what my secret was - it is no secret. I am an absolute convert. You are never too old or too injured to start.

After having elbow surgery last year following a baseball injury, I started coming to Bikram's almost everyday. I did a lot of physio after the surgery which helped, but I experienced a substantial improvement in my elbow mobility and strength once I started doing yoga regularly, that physio could not provide. Locust pose in particular has been the most important posture for my elbow, and has allowed me to return to my sport. I would seriously recommend Bikram's yoga for anyone, especially if you have had any type of injury in the past.

I was inspired by Lisa's message in today's newsletter, which talked about pain during yoga practice. I was diagnosed with Scoliosis at the age of 12. I wore a back brace and did everything I could do to avoid surgery. But no matter how much I exercised, pain remained a part of my life. Up until 5 months ago, I was paying $200 per month in chiropractor visits.... I also tried many other types of yoga, but the pain was simply unbearable, bending and twisting of my spine seemed impossible.... The heat of the Bikram room allowed me to do things I never imagined before. As much as I still experience pain during class, I work thru it, slowly, day by day, without ever feeling judged by others. This 90 minute challenge has brought me so many positive things, above all it has given me back my mornings, as pain no longer wakes me! After two months of regular practice and still lots to learn, I welcome whatever pain I experience during class as the pain I won't feel again when I'm outside.
Thanks Bikram, Alessia Todde

I started doing yoga after having sustained a number of sports and work related injuries, as well as having been hit by a car in 2003. For much of the time in my twenties, I found it difficult to get out of bed or to do the simple act of walking, which is hell for a person who thrives on physical activity. The only time I ever gained weight was when I couldn't move for weeks on end. I grew up an athlete of basketball, soccer, tennis and long-distance running, to name a few. I started doing physically laborious jobs at the age of fourteen as a berry raker and a tree planter. My back, ankles, and knees have suffered tremendously, and there have been times I have thought if I don't slow down, I will be cripple by the time I reach thirty-five. I also needed help to put my heart and soul back together after my husband left me for another woman. There was a time when I could never sleep. I cried all of the time, and felt empty inside. But I don't worry anymore, Bikram Yoga heals everything. I feel mentally, physically and emotionally better now at thirty-one than I ever have in my life.

Bikram Yoga has helped me feel strength and determination when much of my life has felt somewhat broken this past year. Despite a breakup from my fiance, who I have spent the past decade with, my tree pose remains strong.