Bikram Yoga Nanaimo Newsletter

Issue #7                                                              January 2009

 
 Words from the owner
 
 dad
 
  Well to start, I hope you all have a healthy and Happy New Year! 
 
 In looking back it's been 3 years now since Bikram Yoga Nanaimo has been a part of the Nanaimo community. 
 
I remember it like it was yesterday, moving here, searching for a suitable studio location, buying a house not to far from the studio.  Furiously working, putting on the last coat of paint, signs and mirrors up, setting up the heating, and eagerly waiting to open the doors and teach this wonderful form of health care.  Growth and belief in the Central Island Nanaimo area was blossoming.
 
I knew first hand the healing power of Bikram Yoga and therefore was confident that our studio would be a welcome edition to the Nanaimo area.
 
However it would have been difficult to imagine that within 3 short years, our yoga community would grow to nearly 1000 strong.  It also would have been difficult for me to predict that within that time, collectively our students would have sweated, stretched, moaned, groaned & laughed through 90 minutes in the "Torture Chamber" over 50,000 times.
 
In addition, I did not anticipate what an aspiring and wonderful journey this studio would provide for me.  I feel comfortable in saying that each member of  our staff feel delighted and honored to have had the opportunity to encounter so many incredible personalities.  We feel privileged and fortunate to meet and get to know individuals and their entire families.
 
We have been moved by the stories and personal journeys of individuals and families coming together and overcoming through their practice of this yoga.  It keeps us enthusiastic and passionate. 
 
Personally, I can say that I have been deeply touched by hearing the emotion in a students voice as they discuss their triumphs over obstacles, big and small.  I have been humbled and inspired by witnessing first hand amazing acts of physical, emotional and individual acts of courage.
 
You see, I know the power of this yoga first hand as many of you do.
 
For me, my journey started because of severe pain through my back. I had been plagued with chronic pain that lasted for almost 20 years. Pain that I got used to and thought would be something I would simply have to live with.  Knowing now that one does not need to live with pain just because of age or prognosis has been a wonderful gift that this yoga has provided to me. Living with pain is not inevitable.
 
The last 3 years have been great. I am however, even more excited about what the future brings.
 
Bikram Yoga Nanaimo has become more than just a place to come and do  24 postures and 2 breathing exercises.
This studio is now firmly a growing, welcoming and holistic part of our community. Your energy, your voice, and your suggestions are all important parts of our continued growth.
 
On behalf of all the Bikram Instructors, Membership Service Staff and our Volunteers at BYN, I would again like to say Thank You and wish you and yours a Safe, Happy and Joyful New Year!
 
Doug Carroll
 
Namaste
 
 
To clear up any confusion we will be having noon classes Monday to Friday until further notice.
 

Student Of The Month
Heather Chisholm
 
 
heather
 
 
I love to ski.  I ski at Mount Washington every weekend during the season with my family.  Skiing has done so much for our family.  We have very busy lives during the week where we are often apart from one another, but we always get together on the weekend to ski.  During the summer I lead a pretty active life.  I walk, swim go to the gym and spend time with my family but I always look forward to ski season.  The problem with skiing is that it is a little dangerous and hard on the aging body.  I have had some serious injuries with my knees especially.  Every summer I think that I should get in better shape for the season but it seems that what I do is never enough.  Ski season starts and I am stiff, sore and exhausted after my first day.  This summer however, I decided would be different.  I had pretty strong legs but was weak in the core; also, I was not very flexible.  Flexibility and core strength is necessary for any sport, especially as one gets older and tries to chase their very speedy 9 year old down steep alpine terrain.   So, I decided to change my work out regimen.
 
My gym offered yoga classes.  I had never been to yoga before because I thought that it would be too easy.  However, I went and thought it was wonderful for core strength and flexibility and to mu surprise, it was not easy!   I did not realize that my balance needed so much work.  I continued with this for a while but found that this yoga did not work out my cardiovascular system enough.  I still needed to go to the gym or the pool.
 
Then I discovered Bikram Yoga.  The first day I went, I knew that this was the workout for me.  I could work out my whole body in one session and get it done.  It is always the same,  there is no thinking involved, no decisions to make.  I do this all day and like the break that the repetition provides.  I started going about 3 - 4 times a week.  My body changed quite rapidly.  My core became much stronger and my flexibility improved a lot.  I learned how to breathe and use all of my lungs.
 
I also discovered that the yoga had more benefits for me than just the physical.  This yoga is about mind over matter and focus.  Sometimes I got so hot and sore in a posture, I just wanted to stop but I learned to work and push through it.  I also got use to looking at myself in the mirror and accepting and even liking the way my body looked.  After all, you have to do the best with what you have got.  If someone had told me that I would be working out with people in tiny yoga wear I would have said "I would never be seen in that!"
 
In October, our studio had a thirty day challenge.  I wasn't sure I could do this yoga every day for 30 days but why not give it a try.  Thirty days passed easily so I decided to continue to do the 60 day challenge which ended in the beginning of December.  After 60 straight days of yoga I felt so healthy and my body had improved so much.  I was more flexible, my balance was better, definitely stronger and a little smaller!
 
The 60 day challenge is over but I will continue to do this yoga 4 times a week.  There is snow on the mountain and I know that I am the best prepared for the upcoming ski season that I have ever been in my life.  I know that I won't catch my daughter Mei down the hill.  She is a better skier than I am but I am sure going to have fun trying! 
 
liner
 
ANNIVERSARY SALE!!
 
 
ONE YEAR UNLIMITED ONLY $789.00 !!! 
 

Take advantage of this amazing offer during the month of January.

 
** Practiced regularly, Bikram Yoga rapidly develops strength, flexibility and balance.  It greatly increases one's sense of health, well being, mental clarity, and peace of mind.  It is an excellent way to relieve stress and achieve and maintain proper body weight -- two especially relevant benefits during any season!  

 


Doubt whom you will, but never yourself.
                                                                                
                                                                                                     ~ Christian N. Bovee
 
 
 
Featured Posture

 Ardha-Kurmasana  /  Half Tortoise Pose

half tortoise

Due to its resemblance to a tortoise it is known as the tortoise pose. This yoga asana can prove to be very beneficial to your body in every possible way. By performing this asana regularly and properly our bodies can be rejuvenated. The organs get stretched to its maximum with every movement of this asana.  The shoulder movement gets improved and so does the muscles in the corresponding areas.

The abdominal muscles gets toned and become more flexible. The asana stretches the lower part of the lungs which is good for your breathing. It also increases the lung capacity which proves to be crucial if you have breathing problems like asthma. The pressure put on your neck and head improves migraine problems.

It can be stated as a stress buster due to its stress relieving capacity.

Stomach related problems are solved too. If you suffer from indigestion or constipation this asana helps to improve it greatly. The digestive system is up and running with the help of the asana. Fresh supply of blood is provided to each and every organ for a smooth flowing bodily system. It relaxes the brain by the fresh supply of blood. Many of your sleeping problems are addressed by performing this asana. It is a good cure for insomnia.

Backache problems can termed as a thing of past. Ardha Kurmasana stretches the spine which relieves you from any backache or spine problems. Due to the level of blood circulation, your heart remains fit and fine. The bending and stretching increases the level of flexibility of your arms and hips. Toning gives great shape to your body which keeps you positive and healthy.

The internal organs are massaged very well to bring the extra zest needed for your body. It serves as a great remedy for anemic as well as diabetic patients. The pressure on the thigh and legs makes it strong and sturdy. It also tones the thigh muscles due to the position in which the asana is done. The spine is elongated by the stretch provided during the asana. It is a benefit in disguise, as it cures many ailments.  

 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

 
 
Non-Alcoholic Margarita Punch
 
                                                                                          marg punch                                           
INGREDIENTS; 
 
1 can frozen limeade concentrate
120 g confectioners' sugar
4 egg whites
1420 ml crushed ice
1 liter carbonated water
1 lime, sliced
coarse salt

 
 
 
DIRECTIONS;
 
1.    In a 4 quart container, combine lemonade concentrate, limeade concentrate, powdered sugar, egg whites, and crushed ice; mix well. Cover and freeze at least 30 minutes before serving.
 
2.    Spoon 2 cups slush mixture into blender. Add 1 cup of carbonated water. Blend until frothy. To serve rub rim of glass with lime slice, dip in salt, and fill glass. garnish with lime slices.

Enjoy!!