Yoga Story of the Month : Itzel

Itzel Reduces Stress & Relieves Chronic Pain With Bikram Yoga

“Before I started Bikram yoga, my left shoulder would painfully pop every time I moved it and my hips felt unstable with sharp pains. I’m sure my aches were a result of years of bad posture during typing and simultaneously talking on the phone that I tucked under my chin. I was taking ibuprofen every other day for pain, bothered by allergies and was generally feeling like I was dragging myself through my day full of fatigue and overwhelmed.
 
“I showed up to my first class with full pants, a T-shirt, socks and no towel. I had no idea what it was going to be like, but I knew it was time for me to start taking better care of myself. I was at a point in my life where no matter where I looked I saw lots of chaos.  I spent hours behind a desk, which left me feeling achy and stiff at the end of the day. My stress from work followed me home, and vice versa. 
 
“I’ve been practicing at least 3 times a week since I took my very first class at BYSJ last February. I have gained flexibility, decreased stress, improved my breathing, my mood and skin health. My hip, back and shoulder pain have been so reduced that I now rarely take ibuprofen. I also rarely need to use my asthma inhaler or allergy medicine. I feel and see improvement in my posture every day.
 
“Some of the greatest benefits I’ve enjoyed from Bikram yoga are a regained sense of calmness and compassion toward myself and others. I don’t criticize my actions or my body like I used to- I’ve gained acceptance of my body. I have discovered determination to reach for my goals and embrace my failures as opportunities to try again. I am more confident in big crowds and getting better at initiating conversations. Another major improvement is my relationship with my teenage daughter, who visits the studio from time to time and continuously shows interest in starting Bikram yoga practice once she turns 16.
 
“I am indescribably thankful for the BYSJ community. I remember telling my teammates at work after my first couple of weeks of practice that I was in love with Bikram Yoga. I was looking forward to going to class, full of excitement. Bikram Yoga makes me feel good! I enjoy all the teachers and their own unique styles, and I recently joined the Karma Yoga team to continue my practice and help clean the studio.
 
“These days, when I find myself in a stressful situation instead of reacting and feeling overwhelmed I now can remain "nice and loose, comfortable, easy and flexible." I can "return to my breath" and just "let it go". That’s thanks to my own practice in the hot room- and thanks to Bikram yoga!”