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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. | 
