Featured Student: Helen Czaplewski

Check out this month's issue of In Shape magazine and you may see a familiar face.  Helen Czaplewski, BYT student, was featured in a "You In Shape" article that shows her in a beautifully executed toe stand.  



Helen was kind enough to continue her interview with us.  

You started Bikram Yoga seven years ago.  What do you remember from your very first class?  

"My friend, Amy Atwood, who now owns Bikram Yoga Mira Mesa in California, was the one who introduced me to Bikram Yoga Tempe.  We lived together at the time and she kept coming home from yoga class with her clothes sopping wet and I wondered what kind of yoga she was practicing.  She convinced me to try a class, and there are two things I remembered from that first class.  First, I thought the heat was horrific and second, the breathing noise that everyone made in the first breathing exercise sounded so weird I wanted to laugh.  I made it through and thought, "Wow, this was a totally different kind of workout then I was used to."  I'm pretty much a gym rat but I loved that I could get a good sweat from stretching.  I had just graduated college so I was short on money.  However, once I got my first real job I signed up for a yoga package right away and have practiced ever since."  

Do you have any advice for busy moms who find it difficult to get to class? 

"The advice I can offer busy moms is to make it a priority.  Put yoga on the calendar or schedule with your husband or someone to watch the kids.  I wish I could practice more but the best time for me is on the weekends when my husband can watch our two little girls.  I didn't practice while I was pregnant but six weeks after I delivered I started right back up again.  I was motivated to get back in shape and lose weight.  I made it a priority to make it to the 8:00 am class every weekend that I could, no matter how tired I was with a newborn.  Since I had been on such a long break from practicing, I actually craved it and couldn't wait to get back in the studio."

What has Bikram Yoga brought to your life? 

"Bikram yoga has helped me to stay in shape and lose the baby weight really fast after both of my pregnancies. I feel the stretching is so good for my body and it helps me in my other workouts that I do outside the studio. It is a time for me to meditate, relieve stress, detoxify my body and focus on myself. From practicing Bikram I have learned to love and appreciate my body more for what it can do and what it has done. At the end of each class I thank myself for waking up and making it to class, my body for being strong and powerful, and my husband for watching the kids so I could go to class."

Teacher Feature

Jackie Blaser, Keri McCook, Leslie Purucker and Jen Rodgers

These ladies are going to Teacher Training!  Bikram Yoga Teacher Training is no small feat.  Nine weeks of yoga, yoga, yoga.  Eleven classes a week and hours of instruction in dialogue and yoga theory, anatomy and philosophy.  Nine weeks entirely dedicated to becoming a Bikram Yoga Teacher.  Here is a few words from each of them about how Bikram Yoga has touched their lives and why they want to become teachers.

 Jackie Blaser

Jackie started practicing at Bikram Yoga Tempe in June of 2010.  A few days short of her one year anniversary, she will graduate as a Bikram Yoga teacher!

"I am thrilled to be attending the Spring 2011 Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Los Angeles!  Being a part of the BYT family has been such a blessing in my life.  In October 2009, I lost my husband of 20 years to a massive heart attack.  We were both very active and training for the local PF Changs Marathon.  I have 6 beautiful children and together we tried to find the good in all things.  I started my yoga practice in June because running seemed so difficult, and was surprised at how challenging "hot yoga" was.  I instantly fell in love with it, but not solely because of the physical exercise.  I felt a peace that I could never find at a gym.  It truly was the best therapy for me and I was greeted every time I walked in the door with the kindest reception and immediately began to realize that BIRKAM yoga was good for the mind, body and soul. I have practiced for several months now and still am challenged every time I practice the 90 minute workout.  It can be exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time!  I look forward to being able to teach and hope that I can share my love and passion of this practice with others.  My hope is that no matter what trials and tribulations we go through, we can all recognize that life is worth living and that no one and nothing can steal our PEACE.  This yoga practice has taught me that this is possible.  I am honored to be a part of the BYT family and Tempe community.  Thank you to all for sharing your kindness and energy with me!" 

Keri McCook

Keri came to us in July of 2010; out of the heat of the Arizona summer and into the Bikram fire!  Now she is all fired up to go to Teacher Training.  

"I'm over the MOON about going to Bikram Yoga Training (Half moon that is!)  I was asked the question, 'Why are you going to LA for 9 weeks to become a certified instructor?' I wish the answer was short and sweet and perfectly packaged, but the decision was not easy.  I lost my dad to cancer among the other heartbreaking trials and found the grieving process long and difficult.  Running became a way for me to channel my grief in a healthy productive way until i was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in my knees.  I was no longer able to run long distances because the pain was too bad.  I was introduced to Bikram Yoga and soon found the practice to be just what the doctor ordered!  It has helped heal my body, mind and spirit in a way I didn't think was possible.  It has taught me to be focused and has given me the strength to cope with life's challenges.  I love the positive energy and the opportunity to improve my well being with every class.  I'm anxious to spend the next 2 months learning more and practicing with people from all over the world!  I can't wait to get home and share with you all my experiences and help others learn to become stronger than they EVER thought they were!  Bikram Yoga is like a ray of sunshine in my soul....hot, sweaty, sunshine!"

Leslie Purucker

 Leslie joined us at BYT in August of 2010 and immediately became a familiar face around the studio.  We are so excited that she has decided to attend Bikram Yoga Teacher Training this spring!

"I have personally experienced a mind and body transformation since beginning my practice with Bikram Yoga.  Since starting my practice I have a different outlook on life.  Not only has it made me a more positive person, but my body aches/injuries from early age sports have nearly diminished.  Without Bikram yoga I would not be able to run and live the active life that I do today.  I am a strong believer in the healing power of this yoga because I have experienced it first hand.  I want more than anything to share with others and pass on the rewards of Bikram yoga.  I want to help people learn to breathe.  To Inhale, Exhale, and let it Go!"

 Jen Rodgers

Jen started her Bikram practice in January 2010 here at Bikram Yoga Tempe.  When she moved to Chicago in October she carried that passion with her and is now back to practice with us for two weeks before Training.  We are so excited to see her again and to cheer her on en route to L.A.!  

"I've had such an amazing life change since practicing Bikram and I can't wait to meet so many more dedicated yogis at training.  Thanks to my teachers at BYT for inspiring and pushing me to do this!"