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Student of the Month
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If you frequent our early morning yoga classes, you probably already know our Student of the Month, Pierre Lamarre. Pierre is a dedicated Bikram Yoga practitioner. We love having Pierre around the studio, he nearly always has a smile on his face, and has a warm, easy going nature. We asked Pierre to share his Bikram Yoga story with our community:
"My name is Pierre Lamarre and I have lived in Michigan since 1978. I've been married for 30 years. I have three beautiful children and two grandsons, Chris and Julian, and a beautiful two month old granddaughter named Riley. I am originally from Haiti and grew up in New York. I worked for General Motors for 23 years as an engineer and I'm happily retired although my life now is busier than it's ever been.
Since childhood my passion has always been playing soccer...
 | Pierre as captain of top ranked Mercy College Soccer Team
Dobbs Ferry, NY, 1977 |
In 2007 I received some devastating news from my Orthopedic doctor stating that I would not be able to play soccer unless he performed arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus tear in my right knee. I was not comfortable with getting the surgery. Based on my experience, this type of surgery only had a fifty percent success rate among my soccer player friends. Since I could not play soccer, I was searching for an alternative form of physical exercise.
I happened to find an article in the New York Times science section that talked about Bikram yoga and I saw many parallels between the yoga and soccer. For example, both are 90 minutes in length, there is tremendous amount of sweating, they require exertion of high energy, and require concentration. I searched for the nearest Bikram yoga studio and from the minute I entered the studio, it was "Love at First Sight".
 | Pierre in Awkward Pose, taking a break from beach soccer
on vacation in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, 2005 |
At the beginning my knee movement was limited, but gradually I developed flexibility as I continued to practice regularly at least 4 to 5 times a week. As the muscles around my knee strengthened, I noticed less pain, more flexibility and ease in movement. As a side benefit of Bikram yoga, I began to notice that my back was not as stiff and I developed flexibility; the herniated disc in my lower back was no longer a problem.
After just three months of regular Bikram yoga practice, my knee felt better. I decided that it was time to pursue my passion and start playing soccer again. Unfortunately, after 1 ½ year, I developed a meniscus tear in the left knee.
I went to see the same Orthopedic doctor who proceeded to examine my left knee and discovered that MRI showed a tear. The doctor was confused since I never returned to him for the surgery to my right knee so he looked at me with a puzzled look. He asked me "What did you do for your right knee?" I proudly answered, "BIKRAM YOGA". He looked at me and gave me the following advice, "whatever you did for your right knee; do it for your left knee."
Bikram yoga has allowed me to avoid two surgeries, helped my herniated disc in my lower back, improved my endurance, increased flexibily, improved concentration, and resumed my passion of playing soccer. Bikram Yoga has opened a new and beautiful world for me." ~ Pierre Lamarre
 | | Pierre coaching Southfield Youth Soccer Team (undefeated) early 1990's |
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Teacher's Corner with Erika Budson
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"You will often hear teachers in class ask for total stillness between the postures. Maybe you have asked yourself, "What's the big deal?" The reason that we ask for total stillness between the postures is because it cultivates a certain stillness in the mind and awareness of the present moment.
When you attend to what is happening in the present moment, it allows for a deeper sense of what you actually need in that moment, rather than immediately reverting back to your habits. For example, maybe you always drink water at the same time (other than the water break at eagle - and just so you know, you don't have to drink it then either if you aren't thirsty). That is a habit.
Next time, ask yourself, "Do I really need water right now?" I am not suggesting that you shouldn't drink water, just that you are aware of your habits, whether you change them or not.
When we begin to practice in the present moment, the postures become less of a struggle and it is easier to focus on breathing and alignment. When an entire class is moving together, and still between the postures, a great deal of calm and peace falls over the room. It is such an amazing feeling to have a moment where you are completely in the here and now."
~ Erika Budson, Bikram Yoga Teacher, certified 2001
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Etiquette Review with Maggie Jetha
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Hello fellow students and teachers. It's that time of year again! The New Year is quickly upon us and we all know what that means? New Years resolutions! Expect to see more new and returning students around the studio. We all need to work hard to practice our yoga etiquette during this time. Here is a quick friendly reminder to what "yoga etiquette" involves at the Farmington Hills (and soon Troy) studios.
- Arrive early to class, well prepared and hydrated
- Kindly leave your shoes in the hallway. Let's all try to keep the floors dry and clean.
- Please refrain from bringing your cell phone into class.
- Classes start on time so please be on your mat with everything you need two minutes prior to the teacher entering the room. Front door will be closed after Pranayama Deep Breathing.
- Please use a yoga mat on our floors. If you do not have one we have rental mats available as well as for purchase.
- Honor the silence in the yoga room, especially before, after class and during savasana.
- Please be kind and adjust your mat to allow others space to practice.
- Be a good role model. Practice your stillness and discipline between postures. Notice if you are in front of a beginner. They will follow you.
- As a beginner (and yes even regular students) your goal should be to stay in the room for 90 minutes. However, if at any point you need to leave the room during class, please try to do so between postures, to minimize the distraction to students around you, especially if they are trying to balance.
- Respect the space of others. Keep your body, sweat, and dirty tissues on your mat or towel. We all share this space.
- Please deposit trash, recycling, mats and towels in their proper place. Bring home your clothes, water bottles, shampoo, and any other personal items.
- If you are in the category of a heavy sweater (means your mat and towels are over saturated by the end of class), after class please quickly put your wet items in a plastic bag so they do not create puddles on our floors or counters. Keep in mind that your fellow students clean up after you!
- When classes are large and there is a crowd in the changing room, please limit your shower time to 2 minutes.
We are so happy you all have chosen to practice with us! Keep enjoying yourself and try to respect everyone around you. Work hard and see the incredible life changing benefits that Bikram Yoga has to offer!
~ Maggie Jetha, Bikram Yoga Teacher (Certified 2008)
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Bikram Yoga Farmington Hills |
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POSTURE CLINIC
| We are hosting renowned Bikram Yogi, Esak Garcia for a Posture Clinic Seminar on Saturday Jan 29th
This event runs from 10am to 5pm. Esak will teach class at 10am, and then give the Posture Clinic from noon to 5pm.
The cost is $99 if you enroll early. Space is limited, so sign up now.
You can enroll at the front desk, OR you can enroll online by following these instructions:
1) Sign in to our Mind Body Online site here
2) Click on 'Workshops' Tab near upper right
3) Follow instructions to enroll and pay for the workshop.
| To learn more about Esak, view his website.
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CHANGES ARE COMING
| What changes?
1) NEW Troy Studio
Opening mid-January. Stay tuned for the exact opening date.
2) New Website
Completely redesigned website coming soon.
3) New Facebook Page
We just cracked the ceiling of 1,000 fans, but soon we will start over again from scratch. Our new Facebook Page will encompass both studio locations.
| More details to come...
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STAY CONNECTED
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