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

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

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

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