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Synergize your workout- I was tired of going to a refrigerated gym
and not getting results. I wanted a studio that encouraged me to work
hard, PERSPIRE, and build new strength and stamina. I couldn't believe
my good luck when I discovered Bikram Yoga of California, owned &
directed by Clara Chan. Clara Chan and Bikram Yoga have inspired
me and changed my life. I'm 53 and I really feel great. As a
professional photographer, I need to stay in shape. For the last 2 1/2
years I've been practicing and I now eat better, I sleep well, I'm more
focused, and I'm definitely stronger. What
I really like about Bikram Yoga is that it gives me time for myself
while at the same time sharing the positive energy that's in each
class. A refreshingly positive vibe (no "meat market" here) wonderful
students in all shapes and sizes - at all different levels of practice,
from beginner to experienced. No attitude, no judgment. Just
support. That's key to student motivation. The
teachers are knowledgeable of the mind-body-spirit connection and I
learn something about myself during each class. The main problem is
that it can be addictive: It's the HEAT. You better LOVE to sweat. And
the fact that it isn't for everyone, makes me like it even more. Have I
said I love Bikram Yoga? Even if you're working out elsewhere,
supplement your workouts with a couple of classes a week with Bikram
Yoga and you'll experience a synergistic effect. Whatever activity you
love, Bikram Yoga can make you better at it. Thank you, Clara!
Graham Becker
This is a great yoga studio: I love practicing at this studio
because I am always being challenged by the instructors. It is a clean
environment with a cute lobby area as well. There is a small boutique
with cute clothes that you can buy as well. Clara demands discipline
and you really feel very strong after her class. Doug has great energy
and a smooth flow to his classes. I drive about 45 minutes every day to
practice here and trust me, it is worth it!
Estella Rojas
It's
the place to be- I love this Bikram Studio. Clara, the Studio Director,
is very nice to everyone, her front office is created in a warm,
friendly environment. Sometimes Clara teaches, sometimes other teachers
teach - they are all confident, mature, and will acknowledge you by
first name and try and help you if you come back. The room is very
clean and has a special air filter to ensure you are breathing pure
clean air during your yoga. Classes are sometimes small sometimes big -
10 to 30 people - but you don't feel crowded. Highly recommend this
studio - it's profesionally run, adheres to the Bikram practice
routine, and the people that hang there are nice. If you're new to
Bikram - this would be a great place to start out in a non-intimidating
environment. If you practice Bikram at other studios - check this one
out - you'll definitely like it.
Richard Horton
Brentwood, CA
Dear Clara,
My life in yoga (Bikram) started January 2005. The reason I started was
because I was getting married July 2, 2005 and needed to fit into my
dress. My sister and I started on classes and were hooked. In no time
at all the weight was falling off. Next, we modified our diet, and more
weight came off~ 36 lbs in less than 6 months!
When I started yoga I was 176 lbs and when I walked down the aisle, I
weighed 140 lbs! Life is good! Not only has yoga brought me a healthy
body but a healthy mind as well. Thank you,
Rebecca Smith
Agoura Hills
They
actually spent more when creating their facilities to have fresh air in
the studio rather that recycled sweaty air. I don't believe any other
studio does this. I highly recommend this studio. Clara is very
personable and creates a positive experience.
Espree Devaro
Malibu
I
came to Bikram yoga to stretch out my legs and muscles from 30 years of
jogging. I didn’t realize I would receive additional
benefits! After 6 months of Bikram and a 30 days challenge (which
I completed), my doctor informed me as he read the results of my
mammogram and ultrasound that it was a miracle!
“What have you done?” he exclaimed. All of the fibrocystic tissue
in my breasts were gone. My results were clean with not one little
cyst. "Have you done something different?” he asked. "Just
the Bikram yoga," I proudly exclaimed! It had to be the sweating,
stretching, and all the water I drink! He told me that his wife
did yoga. But I asked “Yes, but does she do Bikram yoga?”
The heat definitely makes a difference (for me). I feel more
flexible, healthy, and pleased that I am doing something that will keep
me “young." Thank you Clara for
opening this studio in Agoura. It’s not only lovely, but the air
ventilation system you put in really makes a difference.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
Marjorie White
Westlake Village
After
3 moths of intense headaches and back pains, I felt it was time to stop
all the pills and find a way to heal myself. Knowing that yoga
can calm body and mind, I enrolled at Clara’s studio. Have done
karate, ballet, and jogging, I knew that the physical aspect was no
problem. My worries were more that I could not calm my mind from
all the daily stresses. After one week of practice, my pains were
gone and I found my thoughts to settle. Now I am 7 months with
Bikram Yoga and I wish I would have done it much sooner. Thank
you Clara for being a fantastic teacher and friend. Manuela Parker
Malibu
I’ve
had shortness of breath for 14 years. I’ve seen allergists for
allergies and asthma, psychiatrists for anxiety, and most recently an
internist who gave me a day's worth of lung test and a heart
ultrasound. I can go days where I can’t get a deep breath and
eventually I just have to lay down. Despite my symptoms, western
medicine can’t find anything wrong with me or offer me any
treatment. About 6 months ago I started taking Bikram classes
with Clara once a week. Within one month by breathing esisodes
were greatly reduced. I still get them but much less frequently,
even more now that I have found the time for a second class a
week. I have changed nothing else in my life so I attribute it to
Bikram’s breathing exercises. Now I have great motivation when I
don’t want to come to class. It’s my medicine! Jennifer Rau
Thousand Oaks
Thank
you Clara for all of your support and inspiration. You changed so
many people's lives every day, my world would not be the same without
you! I know this next trip around the sun will bring you love and
happiness. A new life is just beginning. Dream your life!
Lauren Monroe
Malibu
Clara:
I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for your time and guidance
in our “semi-private” lesson Thursday. You are a gifted teacher
and I greatly appreciate your efforts and patience as you help Chris
and me learn some of what you have to teach. Bill
Simi Valley
Dear Clara,
A quick thanks for your kindness to welcome me to your yoga
studio. I truly appreciate the gift this practice has been to my
soul. I so enjoy the classes, the instructors, and the new
friendships I have been blessed with. I
am pleased to be healing quickly and to be back in the studio.
Thank you for being a business woman in the community who leads with
integrity and strength. Have a fabulous, restful holiday weekend!! With much sincerity,
Diane Pascua
Agoura Hills
It the best in the whole neighborhood! I couldn't live without it.
The most healing yoga in town and the studio is
great!
Christina Berio
Agoura Hills
Three
years ago, I came to your studio for the first time for my first Bikram
class as I was visiting from New York.
I am back after three years from New York where I continue my yoga
practice intensely. I got my start right here! Thank you,
Gary Schall
New York, New York
No
matter what sport, hobby or leisure activity you participate in, yoga
can help you become better at that past time. Not only did I
benefit, but countless students that attend the Bikram Yoga classes do
as well. I was able to conduct a survey interviewing twenty
people that practice Bikram Yoga. I created this survey to
emphasize how vital yoga can be and how yoga brings you so many
benefits on so many levels. Becky
Moore, a 53-year-old yogini stated, “I need to do this for my physical
and mental well being. I think it is something I can do for the
rest of my life. You can work at your own pace and grow each
time.” No matter if you are young or old, skinny or over weight
it benefits you the same. Daniele, a 45-year-old yogini
mentioned, “I started because I tore my rotator cuff and I had bad
aches. The physical therapist recommended it and now I no longer
have any aches.” Lara, a 32-year-old yogini said, “I’ve become
stronger and it has totally improve my balance. After practicing
for two months, I went snowboarding and because of yoga, for the first
time, I found the groove.” Joe, a 50-year-old yogi quoted, “all
my minor aches and pains are gone. I don’t take any kind of medication.
I can breathe better.” Kristine Oakes, a 24 year old instructor
told me how she got into yoga, “I used to run a lot and it wasn’t
giving me the right satisfaction, but yoga opened me up in ways that
running didn’t.” Through my own
experiences, yoga is like a drug that you never want to let go.
The way it makes you feel inside and out is unbelievable. From
breathing to balancing, flexibility, meditation, stress reliever, it
all comes back to your mind and body. You are the controller and
only you can change your body. Nick Nolan
College Student at Cal State Northridge and Chef
The above was excerpt from a paper Nick wrote for one of his classes at Cal State Northridge. | 
