Student Spotlight: Bonnie Bee

I saw the Bikram sign at Stephanie’s old studio and I went in. The heat caught my attention because I hate being cold. I’m not really sure why I live in New York. 

I was going to the gym for strength training and cardio. I’d never heard of Bikram, or even practiced any form of yoga. That’s probably because I’m not your typical yoga student as far as super skinny or fit. This was my personal hurdle I had to get over. I had to face that fear. What I found at Stephanie’s studio was an extremely welcoming community regardless of shape and level. That’s what I want people to know about Bikram, just try it, don’t be intimidated by what you think yoga is.

Now I’ve been practicing for about four years and I go one to three times a week. Bikram works for me because I love knowing what the next pose will be and what to expect. Actually, this has become physical therapy through injuries I’ve obtained. Almost three years ago, I had a really bad ankle fracture that required surgery. My balance, strength, and range of motion was affected. Then last year I had a cervical infringement and was in severe pain. I still experience numbness in my fingertips from that. I know my body, so I know where I can push and where to lay off. Bikram helps me with that, although it’s frustrating as hell to work on balance! And that’s the amazing part of Bikram: it’s your own practice. The other day when I was practicing, I couldn’t get out of my head, so I sat there for half a pose. I felt comfortable enough to do that because in Bikram you’re not competing with anyone but yourself. I’ll be struggling with something and then all of a sudden there will be a change, even if it’s only something minute. I focus on the tiny wins.