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		I fell in love with BIKRAM Yoga in 1996. I was 35 years old with an extensive running background. In fact, I have to thank the miles of road under my feet for getting me to the Bikram Yoga Institute. If it were not for my aching knees, hips, herniated lumbar disc and an encouraging friend, I would have not ventured into a yoga class. I had the runner's mentality of avoiding anything having to do with reaching for my toes. In addition, the thought never occurred to me that it wasn't about competition. Little did I know there would be so much more than stretching in a hot room. Within the simplicity of the 26 postures, is a beautiful and amazing healing modality for my physical body, mental body and emotional body. My practice has been a true journey that continues. One that I would not change...the practice has changed me. It's not about perfection, but it's about the practice and process! In the words of HAFIZ: God said, "I am made whole by your life. Each soul, Each soul completes Me"
Karin Fellman		Why I became an instructor In January of 2002, my daughter Samantha and I took our first Bikram class. It was her 18th birthday and we wanted to do something special together. As we celebrated her birthday in a pile of sweat, I found new life on my mat. I knew at that moment that Bikram Yoga would be a big part of my life. Growing up my parents were both very athletic. So from a young age, and until I was in college, I excelled at team sports at a competitive level. That lifestyle eventually wore my body down to the point where I was unable to exercise without pain. I've always been very peaceful, and through my new found yoga practice I realized that the job I was in was stressful and that stress had gone into every corner of my life. The yoga room became my sanctuary. I began to see the "real me" as I looked at my reflection in the mirror and not so much the person my business card said I was. It was liberating, because I knew I was headed home. They say the longest journey you'll ever take is about 5 inches- from your head to your heart. Bikram yoga took me on that journey. In January 2004, almost 40 pounds lighter, stronger inside and out and with the encouragement of Andrea, my husband Roy, daughter Samantha and my son Jonathan, I quit my corporate job of 10 years to become a Bikram teacher. Walking away from all the things that I thought defined me was scary. I now realize that I define myself. My life since teacher training has been a blessing. I now teach exclusively at the BYI and I am the Studio Manager. I am lucky enough to call Andrea a mentor, teacher and my friend. I got to learn from the best, teaching with kindness and compassion. My marriage of 28 yrs is stronger than ever, and I have recently become a Grandma. The birth of Lily has opened up a new beautiful chapter in my life, one that I am excited to write. I still have some physical challenges and life periodically sends me some emotional and spiritual ones, too. I know that it is by living and practicing our yoga that we evolve and come 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! "Life is good!"
Ali Bailey		Why I became an instructor At 15, I suffered from a sports injury to my lower back causing me to see numerous doctors and eventually seek other healing maladies to try to relieve my pain. After college, I worked a high stress corporate job causing me to eventually have a nervous breakdown. Due to the combination of these two events, my mother introduced me to Bikram Yoga. From the first time I practiced, I was instantly hooked. I learned quickly that I could not compromise my health and I needed to do this yoga as much as possible for the rest of my life. Each time I practiced, I found it extremely challenging, but my back pain and nerves lessened, which kept me coming back. My passion for the practice continued to grow and I knew wanted to become a teacher. Teaching allows me to share my passion and give back to other students and teachers. I want to be able to share this yoga with others in hopes that it will change their lives like it has mine. I wanted to make sure others do not miss out on the beautiful gift of Bikram Yoga. I believe we all come to yoga for various reasons, but I love seeing a person's physical and mental transformation. Bikram Yoga is truly a place we can feel comfortable in healing our minds, bodies and spirits. Inspirational Quote "It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive." -Oriah Mountain Dreamer.
Robin Ferro Paz		Why I became an instructor I began practicing Bikram Yoga in May 2006 after I moved to the valley the summer of 2005. It took me almost an entire year to get up the courage to walk in and sign up. However, when I finally got in the door there was no turning back. Although after my first class I was sore all over from the inside out, I knew I found something amazing. Little did I realize at the time the impact it would have, and just how it would change my life. When I walked into the studio for the first time I didn't know the first thing about Bikram Yoga! I had done yoga before and figured how different could it possibly be. My first class was a whirlwind. I loved it! I found myself wanting more and I actually attended 26 out of my first 30 days. From here it turned into a regular practice. The bonus is that my asthma has improved and I no longer take all the daily medications. I'm healthy, and couldn't be happier. I finally found something that I can do forever...a passion. With this passion came a desire to share it with others. What better way than to become a Bikram Yoga instructor! I completed teacher training the fall of 2008 and have been an instructor ever since. I love what I do and try to share that same joy and excitement I feel with each of my students. They are my inspiration and I am honored to lead them through their practice. Find your breath, find the stillness, just breathe...
Don Grostic		Why I became an instructor I started practicing yoga in 1999. I was working a stressful job as a Data Analysis Manager (statistician) and needed a way to relax and keep in shape. One of my friends suggested I take yoga. At the time, I thought it was kind of a silly idea to do yoga having lifted weights and playing organized sports all my life. However, I had tried all the traditional exercise and it was not helping me relax or feel good. I mapped out all the studios that were close to my house. The closest yoga studio was a Bikram studio. Was it pure chance or fate? Looking back now, I think it was fate that I ended up in that Bikram studio. I took my first class and thought my head was going to explode from the heat. I stuck it out and finished the class. After, I felt great. I had never felt like that before. I was peaceful, relaxed and energized all at the same time. I didn't know that I could feel that good. I continued going two or three times a week for about a month. I was concerned because I was not feeling all the wonderful benifits that the teacher was describing in class. So, after class I decided to ask him, "How do I get all these benefits that you describe?" He first asked me how many classes a week I was doing. I told him, "two maybe three". He then responded, "you are just playing with the yoga and not being serious about it." I was shocked. He said, "if you want all the benifits that I describe in class, you need to do a 60 day challenge." I asked, "what is that?" He told me, "one class per day for 60 days". I thought to myself, how am I going to do this with a full time job that is 30 miles from my house and the yoga studio. So, I asked my boss to support me in the 60 day challenge. Lucky for me, she was nice and supported me. She said, "If you and your staff get your work done each day, they you can leave work to attend your yoga class." It was hard to do one class every day. There were some days that I ran in the door right when class was starting. But, it was all worth it. I completed 63 days in a row and would have done more if it weren't for the studio closing on Thanksgiving day. All I can say is, WOW! I felt like a new person after 60 days. I was no longer stressed. I felt relaxed and I could move like a teenager. My digestion was great, and I felt peaceful most of the time. I was sold. In fall of 2002, I was laid off from my job. Scared as could be, I decided to go to the yoga training instead of looking for another job. I knew this was my chance to become a teacher. It was the hardest most rewarding thing I have done in my life. I loved teaching so much, that I did not go back to my professional job for two years. I was blessed with being able to be a Bikram yoga studio Director for two years. Unfortunately, the studio owner decided to sell the studio. So, I figured it was time to go back to my professional careeer. I was able to find a great job and now teach yoga and have a professional career. I truly believe that Bikram yoga has changed my life. I can now balance a stressful job and teaching yoga. For me, this was only possible through the practice of Bikram yoga. Namaste
Melissa Jackson		Why I became an instructor My yoga journey began about 5yrs ago when I wanted to find something to help me with strength and flexibility. After my first Bikram Yoga class I knew I found the perfect balance of what I was looking for. Not only has the yoga helped me find balance but also has enhanced my performance as a runner. As a runner, I don't have the best knees...five surgeries later..but yoga has been my physical therapy, my preventative medicine for injuries, and keeps my mind sane! This yoga is for anyone and everyone and that is really what makes this yoga truly amazing and thats why I decided to become a teacher. There are so many physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits that are gained no matter where you are in your life and as a teacher I want to spread the power of yoga "union" mind/body connection!
Kristine Klepper		Why I became an instructor Info for instructor to appear here Inspirational Quote Quote to appear here
Jeanine LoConti		Why I became an instructor Info for instructor to appear here Inspirational Quote Quote to appear here
Mandy Manus		Why I became an instructor I grew up in Philadelphia, PA and attended the University of Delaware, graduating with a degree in Health Behavior Management. After graduating, I moved to Arizona and began a career in the health/fitness industry and greatly enjoyed sharing my knowledge with others and helping them create healthier lives for themselves. After years of participating in activities such as gymnastics, dance, and marathon running I was desperately seeking something that would be more therapeutic to my body. After running my third full marathon I had done some research and discovered Bikram Yoga. After my first class I new I had found something incredible, and after two years of avid and diligent practice, I decided to become an instructor. I graduated the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in the Fall of 2008. Bikram Yoga has become such a strong positive force in my life and feel it is my duty to share it with others. As an instructor I feel I can positively affect so many more lives than in any other position I held in the health/fitness industry. I cannot imagine my life without this Bikram yoga, I have met so many incredible people because of it and am so thankful, proud, and honored to say that it has allowed me to become the person I am today.
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 Ranger		Why I became an instructor In late summer 2003 (having been widowed for 10 months) and practicing yoga on a regular basis, I was feeling restless like I wanted to do something, or go somewhere that I had never been, even though I am surrounded by a very large family. Andrea convinced me to go to teacher training and within two week I was off. It absolutely changed my life. I was presented with the MAHATMA AWARD for being the most inspirational student (there were 267 of us). Thank you Andrea. And remember: NEVER JUDGE BY APPEARANCES; A RICH HEART MAY LIE UNDER A TATTERED COAT
Katherine Sullivan		Why I became an instructor My very first Bikram Class was in January '04 in Dublin, Ireland. The studio was down a little ally way with no sign and a tiny little door you had to duck down to get in through; It was one of those "Is this for real?" moments. I had been living in Dublin for 8 months and cold almost everyday of that time. In that room, though, I felt like I was home :) By the end of the class, I had fallen in love with it. I truly believe that exercise should be a total body experience and too often people concentrate only on the outside. It was the emphasis on what each posture was doing physiologically that made me realize this class was something special. I decided to go to Bikram Teacher Training in Fall of 2007. I took time off at ASU where I was studying Kinesiology. The courses I have taken, especially anatomy and physiology, have only deepened my love for this class. The human body is so strong. I am amazed, however, at how intricate each system of the body is...so much more delicate than we think. And it is only when these systems are working properly together every second of the day that we can live healthy and happy lives. I have practiced Bikram yoga in Dublin, Madrid, Boston, Colorado and Hawaii. I feel so lucky to be part of the Bikram community as both a student and a teacher. It has let me travel to other states & countries and, while in a foreign place, lets me feel at home. It has pushed me to do things I never thought I could do. And it allows me be surrounded by positive happy people everyday. Inspirational Quote "Be bold" - My dad
Terri Villavaso		Why I became an instructor Life is very short! The yoga clears my mind and finally allows me the ability to just be in the moment. I am very grateful Bikram Yoga came into my life in 2004! Everything happens for a reason! The yoga gives me more patience and the ability to let go of EVERYTHING besides me and my BREATH for 90 minutes! This mind/body connection is available for everyone. As a teacher it gives me so much joy watching YOU experience wonderful changes in your life and practice! With consistent practice, you have absolutely no choice. You will change! Your life will improve immeasurably. Inspirational Quote "It's never too late, it's never too bad, and you're never too old or too sick to start from scratch once again." - Bikram
Elissa Zeltzer		Why I became an instructor Info for instructor to appear here Inspirational Quote Quote to appear here

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