Never Ever Give Up 

 

My name is Rosemary Hurtado. I am from Caracas, Venezuela. My history is nothing to create a sense of amazement. I have no injuries or health problems. I have it all really, health, family, children; but something was missing.   I was far away from my culture, my people, my food, my...language. I felt depressed. I was listless and tired most of the time. I had never done Bikram. Actually my first time doing Bikram was more of a blind date with the Yoga. I didn't even know anything about it. I just drove by and jumped out and set a date. Then the day arrived. I went into the first class very determined. When the instructor told me that I couldn't leave the room, I wanted to run like Forrest Gump. I had to tell myself to calm down and not to be ridiculous. So I tried to concentrate on my breathing. I looked around and realized that I was surrounded by such a diverse group. We were all so very different and yet all the same. We spoke different languages, but at that time we all spoke the same universal language of yoga - un mismo lengua universal, el lengua del yoga. I could feel the energy in the classroom. I survived the first class, and it felt so good. The people, the Studio, the yogis - they were all so nice. Something inside my mind clicked that day. Now I cannot be away from the Studio. This is no torture chamber. This is a miracle room! We are allowed, in this room, to connect with the most important person in the whole world, "yourself". I feel so truly blessed with my new yoga family. Namaste.

My professional background began as a CPA, working in Corporate America for 25 years. Ten years into my career I began practicing yoga during my lunch hours at work at the onsite fitness center offered through my employer. Once I started, I never looked back. I've been practicing yoga since 1997 and can't imagine life without it. During the economic downturn in 2009, my position was eliminated after 15 years of moving up through the ranks of mid-management. So I did some soul searching and decided to take my first yoga teacher training in 2010. I have my 200 hour certification in classic Hatha yoga, have taught students from ages 8 - 94 years old, including chair yoga, and I continue to teach at the corporate fitness facility where I originated as a student. Gotta love Karma! During this time the universe brought me to Taz and Pearland Bikram Yoga. The heat was quite intimidating at first, but I have come to respect the love-hate relationship I now have with it. I've become centered, mindfully aware, detoxed from the inside out, and enjoy the mental challenge as much as the physical one. I enjoy bringing these benefits to all who join us. And as always.... "May the light within me honor the light within you." Namaste!

Originally from New Jersey, I moved to Texas in 2006. I enjoy exercising, feeling fit and healthy, and conquering new challenges. When I first heard about Bikram yoga, I knew it was something I wanted to try; it just took me a while to find PBY. My first class was in March 2010, and I was immediately hooked. My physical and emotional reactions to the class caught me off guard and piqued my curiosity; I had to keep coming back to see if I could figure it all out, and I haven't yet. I have completed 30 and 90 day challenges. The hot room has been a haven for me during these past few years, as a place of constant challenge and growth. It is my goal to provide strong, energetic classes in which you can get a great workout, conquer obstacles and achieve goals. See you in the hot room!

I had read and heard a little about Bikram yoga, or "hot" yoga and thought that me and my husband, Ronnie, should try it. Then I ran into a work acquaintance who had been practicing Bikram for some time and he thought that we would really benefit from it knowing our backgrounds in running, racing, training for marathons, weight lifting, and many years of taking spin classes. A little time passed and I got an email from the same acquaintance telling me about Pearland Bikram Yoga. I told Ronnie about the email, but we didn't rush right over. Then, on December the 29th 2009, we were at the Academy in Pearland, realizing they were in the same parking lot as the yoga studio, we decided to stop in and ask some questions. We met the owner, Taz and eventually got signed up. The rest is history. We also felt that we could benefit from the yoga. Now, after practicing for two and a half years I am studying to become an instructor and working very hard to learn the dialogue. I also hold a full time job at a local company that I've worked for for more than 30 years. There is really nothing like this yoga but I have trouble really describing all the ways it works. It has changed my life in many ways. My first instructor was Meiying Leung. I will always remember Meiying saying that a 30 day challenge would change your life. I also remember her stepping on my foot in triangle to help me keep my foot flat. The hot yoga has proved to be a good experience! I look forward to a time when I can help others with their practice. You can always learn more and more and more, just like the dialogue says.