Bikram Yoga Werribee :: Testimonial

Pain Free

I would like to thank Bikram Yoga for helping me find my way back to a pain free quality of life.

Hi I’m Sarah and this is my journey so far:

When I was 20 (29 years ago) I had a serious car accident; I shattered my pelvis, split my hip ball and socket joint, broke my legs and ankle and suffered minor internal injuries; 8 weeks in hospital 6 months on crutches, I was told I would always walk with a limp and later on suffer from arthritis.

Not waiting for arthritis I wanted to experience as much as I could, I played netball Touch 7’s, even became an aerobics instructor, ignoring pain I kept going until one day when I was 28 I could hardly get out of bed. I was advised by my surgeon I had Osteo arthritis and severe bone degeneration in my ankle, he advised me I had an ankle of a 70 year old. I started physio once a week, attended low impact aerobic classes and swimming. Work became a challenge so I went from full time to part time.

Pain increased, mobility decreased, back to surgeon who advised me the only solution was an ankle fusion or eventually an ankle replacement. Neither option was one I wanted to explore so I struggled on.

I’m like the tin man – exercise can be painful but if I stop I cease up. A year ago I had to give up the low impact aerobics. My physio and I were making no progress, there was suggestion of operations. My world shattered even swimming was becoming a struggle.I heard someone talking about Bikram Yoga but to be honest I tried Pilates years ago and disliked it (In my ignorance I believed they were the same).

To me Yoga was not my scene as I had a preconceived idea that all Yoga people ate mung beans and Tofu, wore tie dyed clothing and didn’t use deodorant.

HOW FOOLISH AND MISGUIDED WAS I !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had nothing to lose so I gave it a go. Bikram Yoga has achieved for me in 1 year what my physio and other exercise has not been able to achieve in the last 15 years.

When I first started at Bikram Yoga I was the person down the back using the back wall for support. I had difficulty weight bearing on my bad ankle and as for balancing on one leg forget it. My shoulder was 4 cm lower on 1 side, I could not stand with my feet together I had started to experience back pain and my ankle had hardly any movement at all.

1 Year On

After only 1 week of Bikram Yoga ( 3 classes) no back pain. After 6 months I’m up the front, no back wall. I can weight bear 100 percent on my foot and my balance has greatly improved. My shoulder is now only 1 ¼ cm lower and I can stand with my feet together. For the first time in 15 years I don’t need to use a hand rail to go up or down stairs, I can take our beautiful daughter shopping without having to stop every 10 to 15 minutes. I can wear normal shoes due to decreased swelling, but most importantly I am 95 % of time PAIN FREE, which is absolutely incredible – no broken sleep, but most important Bikram Yoga has improved my mind, body and soul. I have hope again. I have always been a teacup half full type of person but a year ago I was feeling only a 1/3 full. Bikram Yoga has helped me to get right back up there and for that I am so very grateful.

For anyone who has given up on exercise or feels they are too old, or too overweight – don’t give up, what Bikram Yoga and I have achieved together I know will do the same for you. I can’t change the bone degeneration in my foot but practising Bikram Yoga has made it manageable. I am using muscles and ligaments my body and brain had forgotten about.

Yes it is hot and different, you think everyone is staring at you and how could you possibly ever touch your fore head between your feet, but you do, if you keep going and work through it you will not regret your choice to start.

My only regret is that I didn’t start Bikram Yoga sooner, if I can offer any advice at all it’s don’t make not starting your biggest regret. From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank all the teachers for their support and encouragement. Jess for our interesting discussions and Bikram Yoga for taking my body and mind to a place I never believed possible.

THANK YOU

If I may one more little piece of advice : for the first 4 weeks in every class I attended I would respond to the teacher by saying “ Have a nice day” until one day a lovely lady leant into me and said its actually “Namaste”

Sarah Taylor

Medical Benefits

Hi my name is Wendy and I have been doing Bikram yoga for the last 18mths. Having been a gym junkie for last 35 years, this new form of yoga appealed to my sense of pushing one's self beyond one's own limitations.

Following my fathers own health issues with cardiac, diabetic, thyroid issues and lack of exercise, I was motivated to find a form of practice that can meet all these needs and help one’s own health benefits.

I have improved my flexibility and it certainly helps with "Monkey brain" when my own work in the health field becomes overwhelming with clients with depression and excessive social issues.

I hope everyone finds the inner peace that Bikram yoga can bring.

Wendy Avery,
MCHN, RM. Imm, BN.IBCLC.

It may be old school but it works

After 15 years in the Military and fast approaching 50 years of age ( sorry, but that still sticks in my throat ) , and despite my many distracted efforts to stay fit and trim, I felt the spectra of old age looming close in the rear view mirror.

I decided I needed to shock my system back into action, my wife suggested swing dancing...... so yoga it was.

Surprisingly now it's been over 7 months since my significant other and I started Bikram Yoga with the talented Shaan and her team, in that time my wife and I have each lost 11 kg and feeling fitter, happier even taller.

Bikram Yoga is such a complete body...um some would say 'workout'; but I'm voting for 'thorough going over’, there's been a marked improvement in my fitness and in both my core strength and flexibility. Also mentally it has let me reassess and focus on what is really important in my personal and professional life.

Aside from team sports or military training, this is the first fitness class as such, that I've ever attended, yoga is not merely a season or a course to complete, but a change of attitude and lifestyle.

Yoga works on your entire body, all the little twinges and niggles accumulated from a life of sports, work and late nights were addressed in the class. Sadly at first, most of my bits were addressed "return to sender" but that has evolved in class to something I feel I can now really live with, and keep improving upon!

Doing the same 26 posture routine might sound repetitious but it's honestly amazing how varied the classes feel both physically and emotionally on a day to day basis. The 90 minute classes are an effective use of time not ploughing on endlessly at a traditional gym throwing weights around for hours, not really having a goal to work toward. Recently both "she who must be obeyed" and I both completed our first challenge of attending every day for 30 days with a surprising result.... I lived.

The simplicity of Bikram Yoga appeals very much to me being an 'old school' kind of guy, no mindless gym music, no weights or machines, no fashion (mind you I just saw a darling little leopard print men’s 3/4 pant...I digress) just your mind and body armed with a water bottle and a rubber mat versus that heat, the mirror and your own mind and body.

Join up and you'll never look back....actually you will look back, repeatedly, and feel better for it.

Byron Crump Werribee

Improves Fitness and Flexibility

Nearly 2 years ago I had some back issues, and my physiotherapist suggested I try Bikram yoga. Since my back was so stiff it was waking me up several times a night (I couldn't lie still for any length of time) I decided to give it a try. To provide some background I was:

33 years old
Never done dance, gymnastics, calisthenics, or anything else as a child that might have improved my flexibility
Been told by my mother that my lack of flexibility was genetic and nothing could be done about it
Failed basic fitness tests in school at age 15 because even then I could not touch my toes

So off I went. Well of course at first I was amazed that ANYONE could do what I saw being done around me in 40 degrees. It was extremely hard work - mentally and physically, but for reasons I can't explain I was hooked from the start. At first, not being able to touch my toes limited what I could do in a lot of postures, and I discovered quickly that my hips, knees and ankles were also extremely stiff. But within a very short time I saw massive improvement. I have a lot of commitments, and for long periods only practiced once a week - I felt I couldn't commit to more - but whenever I had some free time I would try to fit in a class. Despite my rather infrequent practice the improvements continued. It wasn't long before I could easily touch my toes, and reach past them. I also found that my cardiovascular fitness had greatly improved, but best of all I was sleeping through the night and my back felt so much better.

Last year I was telling Shaan how I wanted to be really fit for my wedding, but I didn't know how I could fit in more classes. She suggested I just try to do 3 classes a week for the 3 months before my wedding. In between everything, I managed to do 2 to 3 classes a week for those 12 weeks. Well, I was not overweight to begin with, but I lost 5 kilos and a dress size in that time, without dieting. These days I am a regular 3 times a week yogini, and while I might never find myself "doing the standing splits", I am very happy with my progress.

Rachel Coleman

Great for Body Tone

I started Bikram Yoga in January of this year. it was recommended by a friend of mine and i was skeptical at first, but open to trying something different.

In my profession I see so many 'fads' come and go! Not only have I lost weight, my body has became so much more supple, I can even bend down and put on my stockings without any trouble!!! I am approaching 60 next year so this was great. My body tone has changed. The biggest area of improvement has been my arms, a body area as we get older we want to preserve.

My career is in health and for 16 years I have been showing women a path to 'hormone heaven'. Hundreds of women ask me what exercise I recommend and I always say that any exercise is better than none, but personally over my life I have tried almost every exercise that there is, but I have never found anything that changes the body like Bikram Yoga.

Thank you Shaan for making the times of Bikram so easy for me and I have found all of the teachers so friendly and helpful.

Christine Denning

Helps Improve Sciatica, Diabetes

I would just like to express my gratitude for your teaching methods (am so glad that I found this place). After having a break from class for a while & returning recently, I am finding that my body is becoming so much stronger, nor should I fail to mention my mind.

At first, I was unsure about the classes, having tried different styles of yoga in the past. Pushing myself too hard too soon was a worry. I find that with your direction & consciousness directing all individuals to focus on their own personal journeys; that I feel a sense of connectedness, as we all grapple with changing a lifetime of habits.

My sciatica has improved immensely & for the first time in weeks I can actually touch my head to my knee & bend my other leg while in paschimottanasa (think thats how its spelt :() without feeling pain in my left side. Yey.

I am still wobbling on the left side, yet am finding that the wobbles are starting to decrease dramatically to what they first were. Urgh, still trying to swing that leg into eagle pose, but saw a glimmer of hope as my little toe moved around slightly further last week.

In addition, I was diagnosed with type II diabetes, with unstable sugar levels & was given a month to try & regulate, with dietary advice & exercise. I am happy to say that so far the sugar has come down to regulated levels (yey no medication). I am eating less, bingeing less in all facets of life & just feeling a wholesome change.

It\'s interesting also, as I am beginning to understand the meaning of bringing \"my body back to its natural state\" & the reality of mind, body & spirit working together. So easy to parrot the words, yet much harder to practice. I am amazed that simply working against opposing muscles with basic, yet challenging strengthening exercises, how this can reshape a body & awaken the mind!

Even though my weight has stayed at the same (lost 2 kg the first time I started), I am noticing that my waist measurement is beginning to appear less bloated. I can now actually reach my knee in spinal twist (I couldn\'t get anywhere near it at first) & can feel both sit bones more centred.

I also find that my own life has taken some strange & welcoming twists of late, which I put down to a stronger disciplined mental attitude. It all seems to have been since I began Bikram (took your advice & using the extra time to meditate). I am also back jogging lightly with limited pain in my hip. My children have even noticed the difference and are very proud of my efforts.

Funnily, I have also eased up on myself & started to be a lot more tolerant of my own limitations (no Samantha, you cannot do standing splits after only 10 classes lol). This attitude has also progressed into every day life with me remembering to embrace my own journey, without being so impatient of reaching the destination. I am finding out so much more about who I am & what I am truly capable of & just loving being around others who are also making changes.

You are amazing, as are all of the wonderful teachers.

A big thankyou.

With love,

Namaste :)

- Samantha Parker

Healing

Healing!!! Comforting!!! Energizing!!! I am so grateful that Bikram yoga is now in Werribee. I had a history of injuries, going to physio and massages weekly, not to mention the painkillers I was taking. In the space of under two months I no longer go to physio, or take medication for the pain. My body is so much stronger, I feel great and I know that the benefits, physical and mental will last a lifetime if I continue to 'treat" myself to Bikram yoga at least a couple of times a week. Thanks to Shaan and Brandon for extending such a wonderful invitation to experience the sweat, heat and fun :) which is Bikram Yoga

- Traci Ormsby

Meditation

I have been doing Bikram Yoga with you guys/girls since the 22nd January. tonight's class marks my 15th class. I have been going every day not missing one day and going twice on the weekends both days. Firstly I would like to give you my thoughts about all you teachers. I have had a variety of teachers even the gentleman in which I have forgot his name. All you teachers are FANTASTIC!

The classes are very clear, precise and I love the strictness of each class. Secondly: The 10 day trial for $19 is unbelievable! I surely got my $19 worth. Thirdly: I feel fantastic during and after each class. It is mind blowing! I am spreading the word! MY mind feels clear and I feel refreshed afterwards. My friend had said to me the other day (she didn't know as yet about me doing the classes), "you look different, have you been doing something different? You look real good". I put this down to the Bikrim Yoga, as I didn't have a face lift or loose any weight! I also think the variety of the times are awesome! I would like to see if there will be any later classes available maybe a 7:30 or 8pm. I know this is a bit hard as you have a 7pm class already. And you obviously have a life as well!

I am just saying this because I am I in between looking for a 2nd job for the evenings and when I get one I won't be able to do the 4 or 5pm classes obviously if I can finish before 7pm I might be able to squeeze the 7pm class. If/when I get one it will most probably bring me down to coming on the weekends only. That is why I am pumping out as much as I can now and I am also extending my 10 day challenge to as much as I can without skipping a day, because I have been feeling so good!

That is all from me got to make tea, regards to all, thank you and I will see you tomorrow!

Cheerio and Namaste! :)

- Michelle Debono

Great activity for couples!

Dear Shaan,

We are writing to tell you how wonderful it has been since we were introduced to Bikram Yoga at Bikram Yoga Werribee. I had done yoga many years ago, but was interested to try Bikram. I have been practicing for 6 weeks now, and my husband Adam for about 4 weeks.

Adam & I are of very different fitness levels (Adam trains for triathlons, and frankly, I don’t!), but the benefits to both of us are amazing. Adam’s flexibility was always an issue as his tri training doesn’t promote that, but he is now doing back bends with the best of them. The increase in lung capacity and core strength has been a bonus for us both, as has the cleansing effect of 90 minutes of sweat on a regular basis – our skin is smooth & glowing and better than it has been since we were children.

We also like the fact that although we are practicing together, it is very much an individual journey, but one we can share and support each other in. Bikram truly does cater for everyone, and it is a practice we intend to keep as every session offers an opportunity to improve in both body & mind. It’s not easy, but it is well worth the effort.

Keily McCarthy

Bikram Yoga is a journey...

Hi Shaan.........for all that I have experienced in my first 50 odd years, Bikram just lifts me above and beyond so I have tried to be short and sweet but it doesn't make sense if I only tell part of the story.......I guess you can choose whether or not this is just way too long for your website......I have been truly blessed to have you all in my life.......and many times it has been extremely painful.....so I challenge myself more.

When I write, I tell a story. This is a really long testimonial that may resonate with you who is reading it now. Since early teens I've been actively engaged in team sports, gyms, and coaching, umpiring, training and teaching people to feel good about them. I found yoga (or did yoga find me) in a book at 16yr old. Having my own fitness business for nearly 6 years and in my 50's now I knew something was missing. I love the workout cardio and weight bearing exercise provides me in my fitness studio.

Bikram brought greater balance to my life making me a better verbal instructor as well as lifting my energy levels. In April 2010 I jumped into the Bikram torture chamber for 3 months really full on. I frustrated myself when I missed a class so I even did double classes (I am at my fitness centre often 10-12 hours on the floor instructing and demonstrating so I was pushing myself a wee bit too hard). I managed to severely overstretch my hamstrings and created constant irritation with my sciatic nerve. Daily in pain and unable to complete many of the postures to the level I expected myself to achieve, I continued on. Keep reading.........there is a point to my injury.

In Bikram the student must listen and follow VERBAL instructions. As a visual person most of my life this was the way I learnt. I did not learn well by lectures only by clear demonstration, repetition and correction so the verbal instruction in my early classes of Bikram was a struggle for me. Initially I found the mirrors distracting, I forgot to breathe properly, forgot to "lock" my knees and my focus kept going within rather than being present in "the room".

Of course if I am breathing incorrectly, the oxygen is prevented from getting to all parts of my body so I was often exhausted and lost energy in class. I am so thankful to Jessica who pulled me up on my breathing, another teacher who noticed my knees were "not locked", Shaan who constantly gave me clues and tips based on experience and great teaching practices. Listening and following Bikram instructions consistently with the same methodology by great teachers at Werribee meant I began to see results in other parts of my body.

Even then I still ignored my own body telling me to back off so my injuries could heal. I was increasing my flexibility, unlocking the lower back, decreasing pain in my hips, less tension in my shoulders, all of which seemed to compensate for the pain in hamstrings and spasm-ing muscles and sciatic nerve.

My own determination (some might say stubbornness) meant I just kept on going until the sciatica got so bad I stopped in late June 2010. My hours went through the roof with my business and we were coming into the warmer weather so I thought I would be okay. I used my own detox box but missed the challenge of Bikram so I set myself to task to focus on my health and fitness as I had in the past (we are all able to heal our body/mind and spirit) so I just kept waiting for the window of opportunity to allow me the time to get back to Bikram (I thought it would only be a month or two).

I remember the summer of 2010/11, it was steamy and tropical like Qld so my body was doing okay and the sciatica was almost just a memory and then the weather changed and I heard and felt the old "click, clacking" in my spine begin again. My hips and lower back were locking up again and I was not committing the time to my flexibility, meditation nor ‘me’ time.

Finally in April 2011 I went back to Bikram and created a better balance for me. I started back 3 times a week only and went to the edge of the pain threshold without totally overstretching. Guess what? Hamstrings still "nip" me but I know when to stop. Sciatic nerve twinges and I back off. In the past few months, my sciatic nerve behaves. So this time I did golfers’ elbow, tennis elbow and my old "netball" knee injury.

This time, I asked the teachers immediately, how to continue without overcompensating. I have only missed a few classes as a result. It is now December and I have been back at Bikram 9 months. Might you injure yourself....sure you can. Might you feel better.......absolutely. Will you detox......totally........be well hydrated, breathe, let go and just be in the moment in this amazing class. Every time I injure myself I continue to do my best and bless my Bikram class as I heal myself in this hot room with open eyed meditation, stretching my mind, body and spirit above and beyond.

My aim is to become great at Bikram for ME, so that I can go and do the teacher training in the next cycle of my life and teach others how Bikram can help on this life's journey. Thank you Shaan and all your wonderful teachers. Namaste.

Susan, Altona Meadows