Bikram Yoga Institute: Instructors

Why it's important to have Bikram Certified Instructors

Bikram Yoga is the Original Hot Yoga. Many claim to teach "Bikram Yoga", but unless your studio has Bikram Certified Instructors leading you through your practice, you are not receiving the true Bikram Method Yoga. Find out why it is important to learn from Bikram Certified Instructors.

Andrea Griego, Owner		Why I became an instructor Info for instructor to appear here Inspirational Quote Quote to appear here
Karin Fellman		Why I became an instructor I started my yoga practice 8 years into a corporate job. I played team sports competitively, since age 8, a lifestyle that had caught up with me, and at age 40 I was out of shape and unable to exercise without pain. I always felt very peaceful, yet it wasn't until I started practicing yoga that I realized how stressful my job was, and how that stress had flowed into every corner of my life. The yoga room became my sanctuary. I began to see the "real me" as I looked in the mirror and not so much the person my business card said I was. I knew at that point I was on my way back home. In January 2004, almost 40 pounds lighter, stronger inside and out and with the encouragement of Andrea and my husband Roy, I resigned from my job to become a Yoga teacher. Walking away from all the things that I thought defined me was scary. I now realize that I define me. My life since teacher training has been a blessing. I now teach exclusively at the BYI and I am the Studio Manager. My marriage of 25 yrs is stronger than ever, I still have some challenges physically, that I will work through. To practice with some limitations, has taken me to a new place of understanding and compassion. I can teach it because I know it for myself. The benefits are real. Just show up and do your best!
Joy Antipow		Why I became an instructor I was training for a fitness competition in Venice CA about 7 years ago and suffered a devastating spinal injury that took me away from competing and further more, from fully living. I went to specialist after specialist, year and year. FINALLY I found and started Bikram Yoga and with a consistent practice my body is healing itself. Now I just want to help others find the same relief, inner peace and bliss.
Bre Carpenter		Why I became an instructor The summer of 2004, I was suffering from a handful of injuries from other forms of exercise. I was very inflexible and never enjoyed stretching. I had heard great things from a girlfriend about Bikram yoga, so I took a class. I was not the best student, but I stuck with it. It was the only exercise that wasn't painful. After class I would always feel healthier, not like I had spent 90 minutes destroying my body and ignoring my aches and pains. I slowly became addicted to the practiced, as I learned more about the mind, body, spirit connection. Throughout my live yoga has helped me through many stressful situations. It is the only place I can go and forget about the outside world for 90 minutes. I decided to go to teacher training when I realized that I was promoting regular yoga practice to my patients just as much as regular flossing (I'm a dental hygienist). I realized how much I enjoyed sharing and spreading this great practice. By becoming a Bikram teacher, I hope to touch as many people's lives as possible with this wonderful practice.
Stacey Handelong		Why I became an instructor There's no profound reason for why I became an instructor other than it is just darn good for you, so why not encourage and motivate others to improve the body while challenging themselves to go beyond what the mind created as their limits. How it has most helped me Bikram Yoga has helped me find mental and physical BALANCE, giving me a completely different meaning to breath and relaxation. Without it I might still be a sleepless little stress girl.
Robin Hunke		Why I became an instructor Info for instructor to appear here Inspirational Quote Quote to appear here
Jon Knoche		Why I became an instructor I am originally from a small town in Illinois and played college basketball at the University of Nevada- Las Vegas. After a long basketball career, I injured my back and doctors recommended emergency surgery on my spine. I opted not to undergo surgery and was introduced to Bikram Yoga shortly thereafter. During my first Bikram class, I left the room 4 times and did not return for a month. I remember watching a 60 year old woman having fun in class. At the time, I was only 22 and wondered why I couldn't handle it? So I went back to class and was hooked! Not only did I heal my back, I am now in the best shape of my life. I have the tools to take care of myself, to heal myself. My body is more efficient, I no longer have heartburn, my knees are stronger, I don't have chronic pain, and my immune system is much stronger. The improvements listed above lead me to the Bikram teacher training in Acapulco Spring of 2008. I love teaching because I am surrounded by like-minded people who are motivated to improve their life. If there is one thing you come to class for, there are 10 other things that improve without even knowing it!
Jeremy Marcott		Why I became an instructor Info for instructor to appear here Inspirational Quote Quote to appear here
Megan Monroe		Why I became an instructor I became a Bikram yoga instructor in hopes that I might encourage others to benefit from this physical and mental exercise in as many ways as I have. I have struggled with eating disorders since the age of 15. Since beginning my practice of Bikram yoga in the Spring of 2004, I have learned to use yoga to aid in managing myself. Bikram yoga helps me to keep a greater perspective on my life and who God has created me to be. Each time I practice Bikram yoga, I am encouraged to accept myself as I am. I have found no other exercise that promotes the physical and mental well being like Bikram yoga.
Sandy Omer		Why I became an instructor Good question. I guess because Andrea kept after me asking "Sandy when are you going to teacher's training?" I had just turned 50 when she asked the last time if I was going to spring training. I think I surprised her as much as I did myself when I said yes. But seriously, I felt compelled to teach and get people excited about Bikram Yoga. I really believe in Bikram Yoga and what it can do for one's body, mind and spirit. I started yoga back in the spring of 2003. I had abused my body doing other sports so a very dear friend of mine took me to my first yoga class. She is still a dear to my heart friend. I started seeing results in taking care of lower back issues (herniated disk), knee pain from High School and the list goes on. Then I was hit with a double whammy when within a 2 year period I lost two very special people in my life. Yoga and my yoga family helped me through my grief and healing process. So now I want to share my passion for the yoga on how it is there to balance out one's body, sole and spirit. We do survive physical and emotion pain and come out better and stronger people. I want to share that with all and be there to help others through there struggles to become healthy in all aspects.
Sandy Ranger		Why I became an instructor Info for instructor to appear here Inspirational Quote Quote to appear here
Katherine Sullivan		Why I became an instructor Info for instructor to appear here Inspirational Quote Quote to appear here
Jen Sutton		Why I became an instructor Info for instructor to appear here Inspirational Quote Quote to appear here
Crystal Wallen		Why I became an instructor I am a third generation Arizona native and I love exercising in the heat. I played collegiate softball as a National Champion and then became a certified personal trainer shortly after I graduated from ASU. I first discovered Bikram Yoga 8 years ago and I continually found myself always coming back to my practice to heal my body. I was then, as I am now, truly amazed how the 26 postures can provide such great physical results and inner peace. I loved it so much and was curious to know more and decided to become a teacher in the fall of 2008 in Acapulco, Mexico. Today, I enjoy teaching because of the relationship I create between myself and the students. I know I'm helping people improve or maintain a level of physical and mental condition and slowly but surely making the world a better place!
Mandy Wright		Why I became an instructor I use to be an avid runner, ran in high school and in college. I eventually suffered from a knee injury and my doctor told me I would have to find an alternative method of exercise. A friend told me about Bikram Yoga and I was so excited to try "hot yoga." My first class kicked my butt and I was immediately hooked. I found the class to be so challenging and invigorating, and I felt fantastic afterwards! As I began to get more and more involved in my practice, I found it to be just as much of a mental challenge as a physical one. I grew to love it more and more, and knew that practicing wasn't enough, I wanted to teach. I decided to go to teacher training in the spring of 2006. I was so excited to be able to share it with others in the hopes that they would gain from it as much as I did, if not more. As a teacher, it's inspiring to see students literally heal themselves. They change their bodies, their minds, they become happier and healthier, and it's wonderful to be a part of that experience. Favorite Quote "Allow yourself to bend and you will stay straight" -- Tao Te Ching
Elissa Zeltzer		Why I became an instructor Info for instructor to appear here Inspirational Quote Quote to appear here

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