What has your experience been with BYW?

 Amazing — honestly! Especially with COVID-19, the year has been tough on everyone. The year has been tough for me, especially starting from March. COVID-19 was the icing on the cake. Personally and professionally, everything was happening. BYW was this great shining light in my life. With everything going on in the world, the classes and community gave me something to look forward to. 

You mentioned you love the virtual studio even more. Why is that? What has your experience been? 

I like the virtual studio even more! It saves me a ton of time because I no longer have to commute. Before, I was constantly rushing from work to make it to the studio in time. Now, I can finish my workday, grab a snack, then begin my workout! I also like that there are more classes available. I was never able to try DRIP’T and some of the other classes before!

I also really love the consistency that I couldn’t maintain before in person. I’m so grateful for the BYW team for keeping everything going! I’m also looking forward to the virtual Boston studio!

 What’s the most challenging part of working out from home?

 The work part of it. It can be difficult trying to prioritize my fitness into my schedule. I’ve learned to add it to my calendar and to not miss the appointment because it’s important for me. 

The post Meet Erin Fidyk: Avid Runner, Athlete and Dedicated Yogi! appeared first on BikramYogaWorks.

It’s been a year and a half. I’m a member of the Mount Vernon, Baltimore location. I LOVE IT THERE! I love the entire community and the sense of inclusivity!

What I really love is that it seems like Kendra and the teachers really care about how we feel — the people who practice there?
They are always asking what we want and need. They’re always inquiring and trying to better our experience.

The post Meet: Linda-Denise Amazing Dancer and Yoga Veteran! appeared first on BikramYogaWorks.

I’m a member of the Boston location and I love the community feel and that everyone is always there to support and motivate you.

There is a lot of variety at BYW; however, at the Boston location, we don’t always have access to every class, such as FLEX’T’ with Kendra, and yin yoga.

I’m now able to take all classes offered at every studio.

How has it been working out with your daughter?

It’s been fun working out with my daughter! We motivate and encourage each other. She’s 14 and has been very engaged in the classes.

That just shows you how great the classes are because a teen wants to do it!

What’s the most challenging part of working out from home?

The size of the space has been the most challenging part. With two of us working out, we don’t have as much space to stretch out as we do in the actual studio. I also really miss the heated experience.

What’s your favorite pose?

The camel pose! It has become my favorite because there’s a freedom I feel when stretching backwards. 

Camel Pose Benefits:  Opens up the hips, stretching deep hip flexors, Improves flexibility, especially in the spine, Complements overall health and well-being

What’s the most challenging pose?

The eagle pose is the most challenging for me. I have a difficult time wrapping my arms appropriately.

Check HERE to check out Jonny’s Tip Eagle Pose and subscribe to our youtube channel for Bikram Yoga tips, classes and more!

The post Ronice Kimbrel is Loving the Virtual Studio with Class Variety and Enjoying the Work Outs with her Daughter! appeared first on BikramYogaWorks.

We love getting to know our members and hearing about their journey. It makes our community closer to really know each other. This week, we want to highlight Andrew Mundle. He’s also celebrating a birthday!

Happy Birthday, Andrew!!!!!

The post Meet Andrew Mundle: Experiencing More Focus, Healthier Eating and Better Sleeping Habits! appeared first on BikramYogaWorks.

Our virtual classes have given our community the unique chance to meet and connect with teachers from our other locations like Lucas Lambert who teaches at Bikram Yoga Works Boston.  We got a chance to chat with him where he opened up about at-home practice tips and what he’s learned during this time regarding mental health and connection.

Cherish every breath, and every experience and find love through accepting yourself now, exactly the way that you are.  And also… enjoy yourself.  Have fun with it.

Without exaggeration, I sometimes feel so connected with the class that the virtual room almost becomes a real one.  I’m teaching students from other areas who I have never met and I am falling in love with them.  And I see some familiar faces who I have met in-person in the past and it brightens up my day.  

I’m not sure how to pin down specifically something that has changed or improved, but I have found happiness in an experience that, had we not been in our current situation, I don’t know that I would have participated in.

Thank you!
Lucas Be sure to sign up to take Bikram Hot Yoga with Lucas on Thursdays at 5:30 PM EST.
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SUPPORTING THE BYW STAFF!

Many of you have asked how you can donate to help us continue to pay teachers who are supporting our online streaming. This can now be done directly on our website. On the homepage you’ll find the donate button in the top right corner of the menu bar. We appreciate your support during this time.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING IN AUGUST TEACHER TRAINING

26&2 teacher training starts August 1st! If you’ve ever wanted to go deeper in your yoga practice, now is the time. Register today and get $500 off! Payment plans are available. Sign up here and fill out an application.

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INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
BikramYogaWorks studios are independently owned and operated and each location was conceived with YOU in mind. Our intention is to provide you with an exceptional experience from the moment you walk into our studios until you leave our doors. Our state-of-the art facilities offer a friendly environment and several amenities for your comfort and convenience, including plenty of parking, spacious locker rooms and ample showers and a networking zone to meet fellow yogis and like-minded individuals. We also offer a range of classes to meet your needs including Bikram Yoga, Blend Yoga, Hot Pilates, Hot Vinyasa, Hot Barre and more!   Wellness services include Cryotherapy (full body and localized), PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field), and Fascia Stretch Therapy (FST).  Individual appointments required for all wellness services.

5 locations: Riverdale Park, MD, Ivy City Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Boston, MA and The Hot Room Powered by BYW located in District Heights, MD

The post Meet Lucas Lambert: Actively Improving the Quality of his Life and Others through the Practice of Yoga! appeared first on BikramYogaWorks.

I always say that all of the divine things in my life have a way of finding me instead of me finding them. The BikramYogaWorks studio was no different.

I stumbled across this life-changing studio at a time in my life when my entire world was beginning to transition. During that time I graduated from Delaware State University (DSU) in May 2017. Then, in August 2017, I enrolled in graduate school at The Howard University, School of Social Work.

However, even with all of the recent accomplishments and celebrations that were taking place I still found myself feeling emotionally depressed and mentally drained.

I was struggling financially and did not have a consistent and a reliable income.

On top of that, my mother had been recently diagnosed with emphysema. Her health began declining to the point that she required supplemental oxygen in order to help her breathe. She also required the assistance of a wheelchair to help her get around whenever she was outside. She was able to walk on her own, but walking long distances caused her to experience extreme shortness of breath.

In addition to processing my mothers health, I was also involved in a relationship that was beginning to become unhealthy and toxic and was not good for my overall wellbeing.

My spirit was in need of healing- and fast!

I could feel myself slipping deeper into depression and losing the light that I was fighting so hard to keep. I remember sitting in my room and a random urge came over me to look up nearby yoga studios. At first I tried to ignore the urge, but as we all know when something is meant to be, it will always find its way into your life.

I eventually gave in and started to look up different nearby yoga studios on Google. Many studios popped up; however, for some reason, only one studio stuck out to my spirit and caught my attention. The studio was Bikram Yoga Works in Riverdale, MD.

I remember walking into the Bikram Yoga Works studio on September 30, 2017 not knowing what to expect, what the class would entail, how hot the class would actually be, and if I would be able to do the postures.

If one knows anything about bikram yoga, then they know that the room is heated between 105-110 degrees, the class is 90 minutes long in duration, and the class consists of 26 asanas (postures) and 2 breathing exercises. The class is far from easy, but at the same time it is one of the most rewarding spiritual experiences, ever!

I completed my first ever class with one of the instructors name Kerry. She was amazing! At the end of my first class I was drenched in sweat!! I felt as if all that I was bottling up was being released from me with each drop of sweat that came from my body; I felt so light! I remember feeling so amazing after class; it was as if I was floating on cloud 9. My mood was better and my energy was more divine; all of the fogginess in my mind was starting to clear away and I felt more attuned with myself.

It did not take long before bikram yoga became my next addiction and I found myself in the hot room at least 3-4 times a week. I was hooked and I had no intention of stopping anytime soon. As time went on I also experienced bikram classes taught by Jeris, Leah, Ambiya, Kendra (also the owner), Felicia, and Lashone.

Each instructor brought his or her own energy of healing to the class and into my life. All of the instructors were so knowledgeable, patient, caring, passionate, and just overall amazing! They are all true healers in their own unique way! They each guided me through a 90-minute journey of sweating out and releasing all that no longer served me- mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. I am truly and eternally grateful to each and every one of them; they have brought so much love, peace, light, and healing into my life!  Namaste to them all!

Sadly, the cost of the classes became too expensive to maintain and before I knew it, I had taken almost a year away from the place that brought so much positive energy into my life!

The funny thing about life is that we will continue to repeat the same exact lesson until the Universe feels that we have taken away all that we were supposed to learn from it.

Fast forward to October 2019. By this time I had graduated with my masters degree from The Howard University, School of Social Work and I obtained my license to officially practice in the social work field. I had also obtained my first official career job working with youth and families in foster care and working part time at a mental health agency as a therapist…

However, once again, even with all of the good things that were happening, I was still dealing with challenges and barriers that were taking its toll on my mental and emotional health.

My mother’s health was still declining. At this point she lost her ability to breathe without the supplemental oxygen and she required it 24/7. Her health overall had declined severely since 2017. In addition to being diagnosed with Emphysema she was also diagnosed with Dementia. My mother, who is also my grandmother, (I discuss how this came to be in another blog) is my entire world!

Yet, I was finding myself in a position where I had to process the idea that she may not be here forever and eventually I will have to navigate through a reality where she will be physically gone. However, spiritually, I know whenever that time comes (no rush) she will always be with me- guiding me and protecting me.

I was also in a space where I was still finding myself and still discovering things about myself. The toxic and unhealthy relationship that I was in for over two years had recently ended. I was in the process of cleansing myself mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically of that relationship. At this point in time I was the biggest I had ever been in my life! I weighed a total of 217 pounds!

I decided that enough was enough and I set my intention in my journal and I spoke into existence that I would embark on a lifelong journey of wellness and inner peace. It was then that I set my goal and intention to lose a total of 70 pounds, which would bring my weight from 217 pounds to 147 pounds.

When I originally started my wellness journey I noticed that my biggest barrier was being consistent. At that time I had the goal of going to the gym, working out more, and developing healthier eating habits. I started out doing really well and then eventually, I fell off.

However, I refused to give up on my goal because I knew in my heart and in my spirit that I deserve to live a lifestyle of wellness, light and happiness.

On October 16, 2019, someway and somehow (perhaps through divine intervention) I found myself back in the hot room after a hiatus of almost a year!

It was a random and a spur of the moment decision to return to the Bikram Yoga Works studio. However, it was a decision that I believed forever changed and saved my life!

I was welcomed back into the studio with the same loving and vibrant energy that I fell in love with back in 2017. The instructors pushed me and challenged me, through their classes, to let go and release all of that weight and mental/emotional baggage!

In addition to the 90-minute bikram yoga classes, I also decided to try the hot pilates and bikram blend classes!

I was challenged to push through high intensity workouts in the hot pilates classes. I was taking classes with instructors such as Dr. O and Tyecia. Both teachers are truly amazing and they pushed me beyond limits that I did not even know existed. I am truly grateful for them both! I found myself taking the workouts from class and doing them at home, on my own.

Then… there is bikram blend; my new addiction! Bikram blend is a mixture of bikram yoga and hot vinyasa. The class is 75 minutes in duration. The vinyasa flows and the push-ups that are incorporated in the class make it an amazing, cardio- filled workout. The bikram blend class allows me to feel free and like nothing and no one in the world can stop me, especially when doing the vinyasa sequences! I always leave class feeling so renewed, so powerful, and so healed! Kerry teaches this class and she brings such healing energy that you cannot help but to feel lighter and to feel brighter after class is over!

This class actually opened me up to a new dream and a new vision that has been heavy on my spirit lately, which is to become a yoga teacher and have my own hot yoga studio one day in North Carolina.

I decided to sign up and become a karmic yogi at the Riverdale, MD location of Bikram Yoga Works to assist with the cost of the classes. By doing so I am able to take unlimited classes for FREE in exchange for volunteering a few hours a week at the studio. FREE classes?!?! Lol, sign me up!!

Being a karmic yogi at the studio is the greatest blessing I could have ever asked for because not only does it allow me to be able to afford the classes, but it also keeps me consistent on my journey of lifelong wellness.

I returned to Bikram Yoga Works on October 16, 2019 weighing 217 pounds.   However…

The intention that I set in 2019 manifested itself into my reality and I lost a total of 70 pounds! I did what most people said I could not do! I would tell people of my goal to lose 70 pounds and most of them would tell me not to do it and that I would look really, really skinny…well thank God I chose to follow my own voice and to not listen to their voice!

“I honestly and truly owe the success of my weight loss to Bikram Yoga Works!”

They are true miracle workers! Of course I did other things in addition to taking the classes that contributed to my success such as changing my diet, changing my routine and changing my mindset. However, the majority of my success is attributed to this amazing and this powerful studio that has been such a divine blessing in my life!

I will always remember when one of the fellow yogis of the studio noticed the progress I was making and he told me: “don’t ever stop… just when you think you are finished, keep going!”

Now, more than ever, I realize the true validity of his statement. I understand that even though I have accomplished my goal, the real work of maintaining the weight had just started. However, one thing I know for certain is that I will always have the Bikram Yoga Works studio in my corner as a system of support and a place to go to for healing and an amazing and restorative workout!

I must admit that it feels so good to finally be able to look into the mirror and love the reflection that I see looking back at me!

Bikram Yoga Works saved my life because it has been my anti-depressant and my anti-anxiety medication, it has been my healer, and most of all, it has it has been my place to retreat and unload the burdens of life onto the mat and to leave them there!

Thank you Bikram Yoga Works!  God bless you all- truly and abundantly! Asé and Namaste

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

BikramYogaWorks studios are independently owned and operated and each location was conceived with YOU in mind. Our intention is to provide you with an exceptional experience from the moment you walk into our studios until you leave our doors. Our state-of-the art facilities offer a friendly environment and several amenities for your comfort and convenience, including plenty of parking, spacious locker rooms and ample showers and a networking zone to meet fellow yogis and like-minded individuals. We also offer a range of classes to meet your needs including Bikram Yoga, Blend Yoga, Hot Pilates, Hot Vinyasa, Hot Barre and more!   Wellness services include Cryotherapy (full body and localized), PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field), and Fascia Stretch Therapy (FST).

5 locations: Riverdale Park, MD, Ivy City Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Boston, MA and The Hot Room Powered by BYW located in District Heights, MD

 

The post Meet Orvon White: How BikramYogaWorks Saved My Life! appeared first on BikramYogaWorks.

Our teachers are amazing and have such a wide range of experiences and strengths.  Some, like Jackie Leftwich, have gotten the chance to teach and practice in other countries.  She currently teaches in Boston.  With digital tools, she’s able to reach our entire community and beyond.

What is your inspiration for teaching?

What is the one important lesson quarantine has taught you?

What is your advice for practicing at home?

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SUPPORTING THE BYW STAFF!

Many of you have asked how you can donate to help us continue to pay teachers who are supporting our online streaming. This can now be done directly on our website. On the homepage you’ll find the donate button in the top right corner of the menu bar. We appreciate your support during this time.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

COMING IN AUGUST TEACHER TRAINING

26&2 teacher training starts August 1st! If you’ve ever wanted to go deeper in your yoga practice, now is the time. Register today and get $500 off! Payment plans are available. Sign up here and fill out an application.

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INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
BikramYogaWorks studios are independently owned and operated and each location was conceived with YOU in mind. Our intention is to provide you with an exceptional experience from the moment you walk into our studios until you leave our doors. Our state-of-the art facilities offer a friendly environment and several amenities for your comfort and convenience, including plenty of parking, spacious locker rooms and ample showers and a networking zone to meet fellow yogis and like-minded individuals. We also offer a range of classes to meet your needs including Bikram Yoga, Blend Yoga, Hot Pilates, Hot Vinyasa, Hot Barre and more!   Wellness services include Cryotherapy (full body and localized), PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field), and Fascia Stretch Therapy (FST).  Individual appointments required for all wellness services.

5 locations: Riverdale Park, MD, Ivy City Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Boston, MA and The Hot Room Powered by BYW located in District Heights, MD

The post Meet Jackie Leftwich: Helping Others to get Happier and Healthier! appeared first on BikramYogaWorks.

We love our BYW team near and far!  YOGA, WELLNESS and COMMUNITY truly is global!

We’ve been honored to have Beatrice Ollimo all the way from Kenya.  She is a certified Bikram Yoga instructor and shared a bit about herself with us.

ZOOM with Beatrice Ollimo on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 AM EST. 

SUPPORTING THE BYW STAFF!

Many of you have asked how you can donate to help us continue to pay teachers who are supporting our online streaming. This can now be done directly on our website. On the homepage you’ll find the donate button in the top right corner of the menu bar. We appreciate your support during this time.

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
BikramYogaWorks studios are independently owned and operated and each location was conceived with YOU in mind. Our intention is to provide you with an exceptional experience from the moment you walk into our studios until you leave our doors. Our state-of-the art facilities offer a friendly environment and several amenities for your comfort and convenience, including plenty of parking, spacious locker rooms and ample showers and a networking zone to meet fellow yogis and like-minded individuals. We also offer a range of classes to meet your needs including Bikram Yoga, Blend Yoga, Hot Pilates, Hot Vinyasa, Hot Barre and more!  Wellness services include Cryotherapy (full body and localized), PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field), and Fascia Stretch Therapy (FST).

Visit one of our 5 locations: Riverdale Park, MD, Ivy City Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Boston, MA and The Hot Room Powered by BYW located in District Heights, MD

The post Meet Beatrice Ollimo: Encouraging Peace of Mind Near and Far! appeared first on BikramYogaWorks.

How long have you practiced Bikram Yoga?

“I took my first “official” class in October 2003. Word had reached us at the Rock Creek Sports Club where I was taking yoga classes that Jim, the owner of Bikram Yoga Tenleytown, was sponsoring a weekend with Bikram, himself.

I participated, but was turned off by Bikram, the person, and didn’t follow up. I had a buddy that wanted to the try the practice so I went with him to Tenleytown on the first Wednesday in February 2004. I got hooked and have been practicing since.”

Jerome’s been practicing with us for years. In fact, he joined BYW within our first two years of being opened.

What made you want to join BikramYogaWorks? 

“It’s reputation. While I was practicing at Tenleytown, some of my fellow practitioners also practiced at the Bethesda Bikram studio and they kept encouraging me to take a class from Kendra. I never got around to it. Then, they said I needed to check out the Riverdale Studio.

And it was not just the practitioners. Teachers would tell me that something “magical” was happening at Riverdale.

I eventually, made my way there as I followed Ambiya there, who had shifted to teach there from the Takoma studio before it became part of the BYW network. When I took my first class at Riverdale, I experienced the “magic” that practitioners and teachers had been telling me about.”

Why did you start Bikram Yoga?

“I had started my yoga practice in 2002 to augment my running career. I wanted to extend my jogging activities, and I thought this would a helpful resource. In pursuing my yoga practice, I found my way to Bikram Yoga. After my first class in 2004, I got hooked.  My jogging career ended soon after that, but my yoga practice continued.”

What is your favorite pose?

“One I can’t do — Standing Head to Knee pose.

This is my favorite because it’s the most challenging for me. I know that once I get this, I will have mastered the poses and I can retire (joking).”

What is your least favorite pose? 

“Until recently, it was the beginning of setting up for the pose where you have to grab your feet and straighten out your knees for the Head to Knee pose. It’s been a miserable pose until recently when I changed my diet. One of the challenges was pressing my stomach against my upper part of my leg. My belly was rebelling. Now, I’m more careful about what and when I eat before class.”

Have you continued to practice Bikram Yoga while at home during COVID-19? What has your experience been? 

“One, it has revitalized my practice. I’ve been practicing for a long time, but didn’t realize that I was in a rut. With having to practice at home, I had to become more self-conscious of the practice, which rejuvenated me. I now practice like someone is watching.

The online classes have been a huge value added to the experience. There were classes that I’ve always wanted to take, but couldn’t due to my schedule and the distance of the studio from my home and work. During this time, I’ve been able to take classes throughout the day and it’s been a great experience to join new classes and not have to travel”

What is your favorite thing about the BYW community?

“It’s the “magic” I mentioned. My fellow practitioners and teachers knew there was something different and special about the BYW community.

At my first visit, I experienced the enchantment. I instantly saw and felt what everyone had been trying to tell me. There was so much diversity – race, gender, ethnicity, body composition, and more.

There were no “typical yoga stereotypes.” Every “BODY” was just “doing” yoga.

When I was growing up, there was a popular song by The Drifters: “This Magic Moment.” That tune popped into my head during my first class at BYW. That yoga moment was so different and so new…. And, the magic continues.”

SUPPORTING THE BYW STAFF!

Many of you have asked how you can donate to help us continue to pay teachers who are supporting our online streaming. This can now be done directly on our website. On the homepage you’ll find the donate button in the top right corner of the menu bar. We appreciate your support during this time.

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
BikramYogaWorks studios are independently owned and operated and each location was conceived with YOU in mind. Our intention is to provide you with an exceptional experience from the moment you walk into our studios until you leave our doors. Our state-of-the art facilities offer a friendly environment and several amenities for your comfort and convenience, including plenty of parking, spacious locker rooms and ample showers and a networking zone to meet fellow yogis and like-minded individuals. We also offer a range of classes to meet your needs including Bikram Yoga, Blend Yoga, Hot Pilates, Hot Vinyasa, Hot Barre and more!   Wellness services include Cryotherapy (full body and localized), PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field), and Fascia Stretch Therapy (FST).

Visit one of our 5 locations: Riverdale Park, MD, Ivy City Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Boston, MA and The Hot Room Powered by BYW located in District Heights, MD

The post Meet Jerome Paige: Yoga Nidra Teacher and Dedicated Yoga Practitioner! appeared first on BikramYogaWorks.

Tell us about Dirty 30?

Dirty 30 stemmed from my Hot Pilates training and I basically thought of a way to take some Hot Pilates moves and condense it into a 30 to 40 minute workout.  30 to me is the burnout number in workouts.  It takes you past comfortable and gives you that extra push to get the extra burn in your workout moves.  I allowed practitioners to add a workout to the Dirty 30 making it a community workout where everyone gives their input and everyone get’s to target what they want to work on for themselves.

The post Meet Maisha McAllister: Creative, Passionate and Motivating! appeared first on BikramYogaWorks.