MEET THE BIKRAM YOGA
MOUNT VERNON STAFF - TAKE THE TOUR
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Robyn Pipkin and Heather Thompson
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Robyn Pipkin: Owner/Director
Robyn has been practicing Bikram yoga since 2002 and has been teaching since November 2007. In the beginning, Robyn noticed immediate anxiety relief from this yoga, became hooked, and has experienced tremendous physical, mental, and spiritual benefits over the years. Robyn feels that the most beneficial aspect about the yoga is that her practice continues to evolve,change and grow in a positive way. Robyn enjoys witnessing the growth of students who have healed their bodies through their practices. Robyn practiced gymnastics for 12 years, and has always been interested in the body and how it works. Robyn graduated from Western Washington University in 2002 with a BA in Human Services.
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Heather Thompson: Owner/Director
Heather has been practicing Bikram Yoga since 2004. She started after sustaining knee injuries received in a car accident and yoga has helped tremendously to heal her body. Heather went through the Fall 2007 Teacher Training and states, "I enjoy sharing the healing aspect of this yoga through my teaching." Heather is committed to the belief that yoga can heal the body as well as improve quality of life. In her spare time Heather enjoys creating her own unique hand made jewelry and organic gardening at home. |
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Chara Stuart: Instructor
Teaching is an honor and absolute joy for me because I get to witness students transform. That transformation could be the ability to stand on one leg and get your underwear on more easily - or - finding yourself more whole; more healthy; more peaceful; more energetic; more happy; more proud in your posture or your whole world! With steady practice, the benefits of yoga can be many. The Bikram practice is brilliant and there are benefits available to everybody. As an over 50 student and teacher I can attest to that. |
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Tasha Chicovsky: Instructor
Tasha started practicing Bikram Yoga in 2005 and attended the Spring 2007 Teacher Training in Hawaii. When beginning Bikram she noticed strength in her spine, improving old car accident injuries, as well as strength in her mind and spirit. She believes in the mental and physical benefits of Bikram Yoga. She enjoys listening to her students' stories and watching them grow and evolve in their practice. Tasha grew up in the San Juan Islands, graduated from Southern Oregon University in Ashland with a B.S. in Psychology and now lives in Bellingham, WA. |
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Barb: Instructor
My name is Barb and I am a yogaholic. My first class was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I never thought I could do a 30 day challenge, but after 15 months I did just that. Within 2 years I went to teacher training and am now teaching Bikram Yoga to fellow yogi's. I love this yoga - it has definitely changed my life and I just want to pay that forward and help you be the best you can be too. I will be turning 50 this year and I think I am in better shape now than I was when I was 30. Come and work out with me, we'll make you the best you can be too. Namaste. |
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Eric Mithen: Instructor
I joke about my first Bikram Yoga class a lot. At one point, around Balancing Stick I think, my heart was beating so fast that I hoped the instructor knew CPR. There's a part I don't mention much. My fear must have been evident because the instructor, a man named Curt, walked back to my mat and asked me if I was okay. It was a simple gesture, but he made me feel welcome in the midst of an extremely humbling experience. That's why I became a teacher. I want students to feel as welcome as I felt when I showed up in search of a change. |
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It takes more than
a hot room and a list of postures to make your Bikram Yoga practice a safe,
rewarding experience. Bikram Yoga is a specialized form of yoga, requiring
appropriate training and knowledge to teach it effectively.
Bikram Choudhury, the
creator of Bikram Yoga, personally trains and certifies his instructors
to ensure that his methods and philosophy are preserved and properly taught.
To be certified as an instructor in Bikram Yoga, an instructor must complete
an intensive nine-week training requiring over 500 hours of study. A studio
guided by a Certified Instructor provides the best possible instruction
in Bikram Yoga. Certified Instructors have a continuing connection to Bikram
Choudhury and his training staff, allowing the Certified Studio to draw
from all of the resources Bikram's training center has to offer. This includes
special seminars, posture clinics, guest instructors, and answers to questions
which may arise in a particular student's practice.
Anyone can claim they teach "Bikram
Yoga," but unless there is a Certified Instructor supervising how and what
is taught at that studio, you are not getting true Bikram Yoga.
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