Mount Vernon Bikram Yoga Student Testimonials |
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Below you'll find some testimonials from some of our students. If you have any questions about Bikram Yoga, or would like to visit our Mount Vernon, WA studio please contact us today. New students are welcome at all classes. Start today! |
A Glimpse of My Future, By Joel Semanko, Male |
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My Yoga story could have been because of personal breakthrough in self-discovery and awareness if I hadn’t grown up to be so stubborn in many ways. It’s basically a result of a career change and a tenacious wife who started Bikram Yoga about twelve years ago. Andrea stopped doing Yoga when we moved to Mount Vernon in 2003 and then started again about two years ago in 2009. I’ve watched her physical appearance and mental vibe change as a result of a commitment to Yoga as the exercise of choice as we continue to get older. I’ve always told her I couldn’t do Yoga because the room is too hot, the session takes about 2 hours a day and I can’t imagine not being able to talk to anyone for ninety minutes. I have always been attracted to the idea self-awareness and discovery though so I knew at some point I may have to give in and try the yoga thing. It was a career change recently that placed me home on a full time basis after a twenty five year adventure in sales. Years of improper diet, desk work and travel has caught up to me and a recent 30 year class reunion gave me a glimpse of what the future will look like with ailments, chronic fatigue and pain. I’ve mainly subscribed to jogging, weight lifting and the treadmills over the years and tolerated all the pain that comes with these various regimens. Andrea told me she wants us to grow old together without the mobility and dietary issues that we see so prevalent in our society. She’s an advocate of yoga as a non-invasive form of health and wellness that we can do together. She’s constantly told me about the people that have come into yoga classes with range of motion issues caused from previous injuries that have experienced tremendous results in their recovery. They learn how to stretch and breath to help all the systems in their bodies work in their highest capacities. Well as you can imagine, the alternative to this type of description is usually what I’ve been used to hearing in my environment advocating a combination of healthcare reform, medications and physical therapy. As a result of Andrea’s constant commitment and recruiting efforts over the last couple years and a discussion with Chara Stuart about the healing benefits of yoga, I found myself in a class for the first time in July 2011. I laugh about that first class because it wasn’t anything like I thought it would be. I told Andrea it’s a good thing there was a clock in the class or I may not have made it through to the end. I remember thinking to myself, what do you mean touch your forehead to your knee, what do I do with my stomach, it’s in the way! So I immediately developed a love-hate relationship with the idea of yoga. The only reason I think I made it is because I knew that everyone else in the room also started sometime and they continued to come back so if they made it, I could too. I liked that even though it was obvious there were people with all ranges of experience, the class focuses on just listening to my own body and do what I can at the time. I felt great later that evening and then I didn’t feel sore the next day so I got intrigued with the idea that I could do an exercise that could be so challenging and not have to live with a “no pain, no gain” type mentality to achieve the benefits. I still had to deal with my attitude of its too hot and I have to be quite in class. I’m the type that’d rather share my suffering out loud with drama. Instead I had to retrain my old ways with these silent messages posted all over the studio about the world being a better place because I know yoga, know yoga- know peace! I decided OK I’ll shut up embrace my suffering in silence and give this a chance. Needless to say, I got it! I actually enjoy coming to the classes. I can feel the physical benefits of the poses and breathing. I actually can be silent in class and enjoy talking to myself. Andrea says I look better and healthier so that’s got some residual benefits long term. I actually suggested to both my sons that they consider getting into yoga at their young ages so they don’t have to deal with all the long term issues that come with the normal lack of exercise as they get older. Am I a yogi? I’m not sure. Do I like the classes? Absolutely! Are the people I’ve met in class fun to be around? Yes, we don’t talk much but I think we all benefit from the energy and common desire to receive the health benefits of yoga. |
I Knew My First Class..., by Andrea Semanko, Female |
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I came to the Mount Vernon Bikram Studio after the holidays two years ago. The first of the year is always a time of renewal for me. I knew I wanted to find a way to incorporate and exercise program into my schedule. I had every reason not to pursue it: I didn’t have time; It was a slow time of the year for my business; I couldn’t afford it; I wasn’t finished with my weight loss and didn’t want to be “the fat girl” in the class. I was out of shape and “starting over.” All that aside, I had been introduced to this yoga many years back and truly missed the practice. When my mother offered to cover a month to get me started- I agreed happily! It took one class for me to know that I would use this practice to reconnect to myself. Because of its unique nature (the heat in combination with the 26 postures taking 90 minutes) Bikram Yoga was the perfect format to accomplish this. After years of taking care of everyone else first, I had relegated myself to the last position of priority. I had lost the connection between my body and my mind. I was shocked by what I saw in the mirror. At first it was difficult just to maintain eye contact in the mirror and accept the person staring back without judgment. Then, through repetition, I learned acceptance and to use this time as a gift to myself- a kind of a peace offering. As the postures worked through the deep systems of my body to detoxify and irrigate areas that were long stagnant, I found myself less angry and emotional after “camel”. My inner voice would tell me to remember “this is where we are today and that’s good enough.” I continued to lose weight and feel better, stronger, and healthier over the next several months until I reached a balance point for my frame. I continue to focus on what can be done today- “and that’s good enough.” I also knew, as I passed 50, the lifestyle choices that I make now will determine the quality of life I will have in the last half of my life. There are so many people who, year after year, struggle carrying around too much weight- out of shape, disconnected from the things they do every day to contribute to the problem. I was there. I knew I had to change. I am inspired by the older students and teachers who I see with steady practices, strong bodies and healthy lives. There are no guarantees in life but I do think yoga gives you a bit of an edge to enjoy life as fully as possible for as long as possible. As the owner of a real estate company in this market, I have learned to focus my energy in only the productive areas of my life and my business. I have a business that I enjoy and I am forever grateful to be able to be able to operate in a place that has such an amazing quality of life. I use things I learn in yoga almost on a daily basis. The market we are in right now requires that you remain calm, accept change and where you are today, and above all maintain forward movement realizing that maybe you’ll be able to do something today that was impossible yesterday! So, in a nutshell, my experience with Bikram yoga has become so much a part of my life that I know longer question whether I can afford the classes or dedicate the time to something that is just for me. Because of yoga, my life is fuller and I am able to give so much more hopefully for many more years to come. |
Not Looking Back, By Lou P., Male |
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Four years as a fixed wing pilot in the United States Army during the Vietnam era and 27 years as a Law Enforcement Officer in Washington State have both taken their toll on my body. After major reconstructive surgery on both shoulders and a partial right knee replacement, I needed something to make the pain go away and help with better movement both in the lower and upper body. I found out about Bikram Yoga from Doctor Bob in the monthly magazine “ Men’s Journal.” Then drawing from my powerful powers of observation, I said, “I have seen those words before in Mount Vernon.” I started the classes three years ago and have not looked back. Another side benefit besides being able to move better without pain is the lack of tension headaches and the very calm feeling that seems to follow you around all day. I started the classes three years ago and have not looked back. Another side benefit besides being able to move better without pain is the lack of tension headaches and the very calm feeling that seems to follow you around all day. I can easily deal with the no headaches but I am having to get used to the calm feelings. |
Five Years Later, By H.T. Age 34, Female |
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I started Bikram Yoga because my brother wanted me to do it and I was looking for something to help me heal my knees and spine from a bad car accident. Now, almost 5 years later, the pain from my injuries are all but gone, and I am hooked on it. I enjoy how it has changed me both mentally and physically and that I keep growing in my practice. I have a much better self-image, and in day to day life, my stress level is almost non-existent because if the mental strength that I have gained from this class. |
Bikram Yoga For Life….. For Me: By Kony D., Female |
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I took my first Bikram Yoga Class on April 2nd 2009 and I knew from that first day that I would do it again. The workout I experienced I could not compare. Working out at the gym has always been a battle and I had been trying to find an exercise program that I really liked. The changes I am experiencing are many including the amazing amount of energy I know have. My Body is changing from the inside out. In just 2 months I have build up a tremendous amount of strength in my spine, legs, arms and abdomen. I also walk taller. I am noticing that on the front of my thigh where I had visible spider veins they are magically disappearing. From the sweating and the detoxing, the results on my skin are so soft. No more little bumps on the legs or arms. I think Bikram Yoga is a natural exfolliant. I also have gone from having one bowel movements to two per day and the constipation seems to be gone. My friends say that I have lost a lot of weight and I feel that everything is leaner and tighter. Another Huge benefit about Bikram Yoga is the instructors, it’s like having a personal trainer everyday. They are truly passionate about their training and they care about you getting into the postures at the level that you are comfortable. Doing Bikram Yoga has changed my life and will be my practice. I love going everyday. I used to look for excuses not to go workout at the gym, which has now been transformed into something positive. I found my Breath and my Joy….. Yogi for life… |
A Safe Place to Explore & Heal: By Rhonda, Age 51, Female |
Our Bikram studio gives me a safe place to explore and heal issues of low self-conficence, low self-esteem, and negative body image from past abuse. Through yoga, I can explore self-awareness, self-acceptance, patience, determination, and self control. Here are just a few other things that have been "icing on the cake":
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Bikram Yoga Fixed My Ankle Injury: By Eric |
Bikram Yoga fixed an ankle injury that plagued me for years. My left ankle was injured from a skydiving accident in October of 2004. Skydivers who witnessed the impact were surprised my leg wasn't broken, though it certainly felt broken at the time. Doctors diagnosed the injury as a bone contusion, and prescribed Napricin to reduce inflammation, and suggesting I merely "stay active" to facilitate healing. I limped for weeks, and a sharp, stabbing pain lingered for months. The injury occurred in October, and by July I was concerned that my ankle might not support me for an upcoming four-day hiking trip. I took my case to a podiatrist, and he explained that injured ankles sometimes take years to mend, and often times do not heal one-hundred percent. I resigned myself to the idea of a life with the stereotypical "bum-ankle," and tried to find some glamor in having injured it while skydiving. From then on I regularly experienced some form of discomfort in my ankle from normal use, and it would actually feel worse during inclement weather. That changed on Christmas of 2006 when I was given a gift certificate for thirty days of unlimited classes at Bikram Yoga Hampden. I was excited but apprehensive. My first class was a new introduction to humility. Each posture challenged me in ways I had never experienced, but what hurt the most was the fixed-firm pose. When I first tried reclining back, putting weight on my legs and ankles, the pain from my left ankle thundered through my body. The instructor saw me wince in pain, and immediately demonstrated how I could modify the posture to reduce pain while building strength progressively. Like with the fixed-firm pose, all my shortcomings in class were met with patience and compassion which made it comfortable for me to immerse myself in a healing, strengthening atmosphere. I surprisingly noticed improvement to the stiff left ankle that had bothered me for years within maybe five classes. After about three months of semi-regular practice (3 to 4 classes per week) I felt as if the injury had never happened. The healing experienced in my ankle is a small representation of what I have experienced throughout my entire being (mind, body and spirit) since practicing Bikram Yoga... but that's another testimonial. |
Energy For Whatever Comes up During the Day: By EHG, Female Age 40 |
It has only been 2 and a half months since I started doing Bikram Yoga and I’ve noticed that my body seems to glide more and clunk less. My muscles are stronger and more relaxed. My lung capacity has increased, as well as my stamina. My work days seem to go more smoothly and I feel I have more energy to move through whatever comes up during the day. I’ve also lost about seven pounds without changing my diet! I feel encouraged to continue working towards my best and sense of satisfaction as I progress. Thank you to the teachers at Bikram Yoga Mount Vernon!!! |
Contact Us |
Email: info@bikramyogamountvernon.com |
508 South Second Street
Mount Vernon, Washington
Phone: 360.336.8904