about us
Bikram Yoga Bay Ridge is committed to providing you with quality instruction of Bikram’s beginning yoga course in a safe and healthy environment. Nothing has been added or taken away from this tremendous sequence so you can receive maximum benefit. All teachers have completed Bikram’s Teacher Training course, an intensive training led by Bikram & Rajashree Choudhury and several senior staff members of the Bikram Yoga College of India. In addition to this initial training course, all teachers are required to attend a recertification seminar with Bikram every three years in order to remain a Bikram Yoga teacher in good standing.
Instructors
Junki
When did you start practicing Bikram Yoga?
2006 Winter... I think :)
What brought you to your first class?I wanted to do some kind of exercise, but I don't do jogging or any kind of outside exercise. However, I really wanted to SWEAT! My co-worker introduced Bikram to me and I just loved it from the beginning.
What kept bringing you back?Bikram weather... Heat & Humidity! I am totally amazed how much I can sweat on the tiny mat.
Do you still have tough classes? How do you get through them?Always!!! I always thought that the class would become easier after two month training. I was totally wrong. I want to get all benefit which I'm supposed to receive in 90 minutes. I don't want to miss anything!!
What's your favorite Bikram saying?"You're never too old, never too bad, never too sick to start from scratch and start again" and "No Money is No Honey"
What do you do when you're not teaching?Of course, Practicing!!!
What are your top three tips for new students?- Take it easy and try to stay in the room for 90 minutes
- Enjoy the feeling AFTER the class
- Try at least 10 times before stop coming
Feel so good after the class :) The best way to keep your health!! I don't need to see a doctor anymore.
Nancy
When did you start practicing Bikram Yoga?
Feb 2005. In Los Angeles, CA
What brought you to your first class?My friend, a fellow high school Math teacher, had been going to Bikram Yoga and I had been going to a different yoga studio. So, we tried out each others' studios and I couldn't believe how different Bikram Yoga felt -- the heat was truly amazing.
What kept bringing you back?Well, to be honest it really wasn't love at first class for me. It was SO HARD! But, somewhere inside I knew that it was good for me; it was what I needed. So, I kept dragging myself back into the hot room. Once I started seeing my body shape change, and feeling better about myself, I developed a more regular practice and was hooked.
Do you still have tough classes? How do you get through them?Of course I still have tough classes! Often I'm just dying inside! When I am having a hard time, I talk to myself: "I'm going to be okay." "Everything is going to be just fine." "I'm not really dying." "I can breathe." "There's plenty of air in the room." Some combination of those usually gets me through class. I try to avoid thinking things like "Why did you have to eat that pizza?" "Why doesn't the teacher just open the door?" "Isn't there some emergency in the lobby? I should really leave the room to check on it." You know, my mind likes to play tricks on me just like anyone else's. My determination to finish class and stay strong has greatly improved over time and practice. I have learned that I'm usually much stronger than I'd like to give myself credit for -- I can choose to keep going, to not give up.
How did you know you wanted to be a teacher?I was a stressed out Math teacher, and my daily yoga class after school was the best part of my day. I didn't ever want to stop doing this yoga -- it was making me a much better person. So, I decided to make a big commitment to it, and become a Bikram Yoga teacher.
What's your favorite Bikram saying?"Take it easy, honey. KILL YOURSELF!"
What do you do when you're not teaching?I'm rarely allowed outside of Bay Ridge. ;) BUT, when I do have some free time, I like to hang out with my little pup, and my little nephew... they remind me that there's more to life than just work work work. (Although, I do enjoy my work, it's just a bit much sometimes!)
What's your favorite Brooklyn hangout?Bikram Yoga Bay Ridge, of course! (Did you read my response to the previous question?!?)
What is your advice for new students?- Before you even take your first class, promise yourself that you'll come back for a second class.
- Come in WELL HYDRATED and on an empty stomach. (Don't come in the morning after a night out -- that's a surefire way to feel terribly sick and never want to come back again.)
- Check your EGO and your EXPECTATIONS at the door. (In other words, don't feel silly if you have to sit down a lot, it's really fine. AND, just be open to try it the Bikram way -- it works!)
The results -- it works, plain and simple. Whatever you need you can get here.
What else should we know about you?I have received more from this yoga than I ever imagined possible. I grew up the sickly asthmatic kid who didn't have to participate in gym class... I feel like I have a new set of lungs, a new spine, and best of all a new positive outlook on life (for the most part, you know, I'm still human.) It's truly amazing.
Katie
When did you start practicing Bikram Yoga?
I took my first Bikram class in a studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the fall of 2003.
What brought you to your first class?I went to my first class because I had already been practicing by myself in my little geo-dome for about two years.
What kept bringing you back?I keep coming back because I loved how good I felt! I love sweating, I love being strong, I love being flexible. My mind was still for 90 minutes at a time. I knew right away that I could practice for the rest of my life.
Do you still have tough classes? How do you get through them?I always have tough classes. Isn't that what I paid for? There are a few things that get me through my really tough classes. I focus on my breathing and the words of the teacher. If I am focused on what I am doing in the moment I have no time to enage in the crazy thoughts my mind has. "oh it's hot, I can't do this, I feel sick, why is the teacher so hard, why didn't I drink enough water, my elbow itches" I also think of my students. I don't want my students to give up, so I won't give up. I am strong for them, i try to be a good example. I give my energy to the people around me in class so they can keep going too. I know that everytime I do something that is more than I think I can handle I become a better person.
How did you know you wanted to be a teacher?I just knew I was going to teach Bikram yoga. Then I met Bikram at a seminar and he asked me when I was going to come out to teacher training. Easy choice.
What's your favorite Bikram saying?My favorite Bikram saying, so hard to decide, " you have nothing to lose because you had nothing to begin with"
What do you do when you're not teaching?What don't I do when I am not teaching? I am currently into swimming for Team New York Aquatics and taking pilates lessons. I love reading, being with my family and listening to punk rock music on the subway.
What do you like best about Bay Ridge?My favorite Bay Ridge hangout is Bikram Yoga Bay Ridge. I get to do advanced with Nancy and Caroline on a regular basis. It is awesome.
What is your advice for new students?Come as much as possible. Consistancy is the key. Take care of yourself. The class won't change, you have to change. Lock your knee.
What's the best thing about Bikram Yoga?The best thing about Bikram yoga is how it makes you be you.
Jakob
When did you start practicing Bikram Yoga?My first class was 10 years ago, but being a poor college student I didn't have enough time or money to dedicate myself to a regular practice until 2004.
What brought you to your first class?I had been doing all sorts of exercise for weight loss, and nothing seemed to be doing the trick. After my first class, I knew I had found something profound and special. I was hooked.
What kept bringing you back?I'm not so sure, cause each class was so hard and I could hardly get through my classes without leaving the room for the first few years. I think it was the constant challenge and just the fact that I felt so good even if I didn't have a "good" class..
Do you still have tough classes? How do you get through them?OF COURSE I still have tough classes. Almost every class is tough! I just focus on breathing and listening to the instructor, and even after 10 years I listen to my body. I've never been too proud to sit out of a posture every once in a while.
How did you know you wanted to be a teacher?I knew that if I wanted to lose weight and keep it off, I would have to dedicate my life to fitness. I knew after my first class I wanted to teach.
What's your favorite Bikram saying?There are so many! "99% right is 100% wrong" and "I don't sell cheesecake." Don't make me pick one!
What do you do when you're not teaching?Practice yoga, travel the world, and throw peanuts at people.
What do you like best about Bay Ridge?Finally getting off the subway!
What is your advice for new students?Don't give up, just keep coming back even if it remains difficult for a while. There's no such thing as a bad class, except for the one you don't come to! IT's never so bad that it can't be fixed with Bikram.
What's the best thing about Bikram Yoga?The mental focus and clarity one recieves from it. In only 90 minutes, good things come in small packages.
Grzegorz
When did you start practicing Bikram Yoga?
I started my dedicated Bikram practice in March of 2009, after practicing other yoga for several years.
What brought you to your first class?I heard Bikram Yoga is a very therapeutic practice, and I wished to heal my chronic back pain and depression of four years. I also knew that staring at myself in the mirror would improve my self-esteem.
What kept bringing you back?After two weeks of daily practice my back pain stopped, and I was finally happy, finally smiling, and I will never stop.
Do you still have tough classes? How do you get through them?Yes of course! I am human too! I get through them by focusing on my breathing and deep down knowing that this is SO SO SO good for me.
How did you know you wanted to be a teacher?I knew the minute I would step into the architecture office where I worked for several years.
What's your favorite Bikram saying?"If you're not sweating, work harder!"
What do you do when you're not teaching?Practicing, learning, eating, sleeping, riding the subway, enjoying life. Sometimes I dabble in photography, drawing, anything creative...
What do you like best about Bay Ridge?What I like best about Bay Ridge is that my favorite teachers of all time work there, and also that the Subway sandwich shop is two blocks away.
What is your advice for new students?Come in with no expectations, stay hydrated, stay in the room, get used to the heat, do your best, and have fun! Welcome to your new life!
What's the best thing about Bikram Yoga?Meditating in a 105 degree room while sweat is running down every part of your body
What was your first Bikram Yoga class like?I remember it clearly, it was Thursday night, the class was packed, and all I was thinking was "Why is the teacher talking so fast and loud I can't meditate!" Now after practicing Bikram Yoga nothing steals my peace! If you can mediate inside that room you can mediate anywhere.
Caroline
When did you start practicing Bikram Yoga?Spring 2000
What brought you to your first class?A friend of mine became certified as a Bikram yoga teacher, I was trying to be a supportive friend.
What kept bringing you back?Relief from chronic lower back pain and the stress-relief
Do you still have tough classes? How do you get through them?Every class is tough for me! Physically, mentally, and often both simultaneously. The longer I practice, the easier it is for me to embrace the struggle. I get through them by taking care of my body and what I put into it. I've cut back to one cup of coffee a day from two/three-a-day habit. I stay away from sugar as much as possible. I maintain a pretty healthy diet, and I take some nutritional supplements. I am a big fan of coconut water and Elete to replenish my electrolytes and make-up for the cup of coffee I drink each day. I am an ex-smoker and I drink alcohol very rarely. The 90 minutes in the hot room have taught me not to take my health for granted and thats very motivating when I feel like giving up. I still eat things that may not be so great for my yoga class the next day, but I accept the consequences and realize I brought it upon myself. I know I won't die in class, but those classes are probably THE WORST!!!
How did you know you wanted to be a teacher?In 2005, for my birthday, I went to a 3-day seminar given by Rajashree Choudhury, Bikram's wife. I did 2 classes a day, and my whole weekend revolved around Bikram yoga. I decided then I was going to commit myself to a regular practice for the rest of my life and consider becoming a teacher
What's your favorite Bikram saying?I can't pick just one! My favorite one at the moment is: "If anyone can steal your peace away from you, you are the loser" or this one: "Just kill yourself"
What do you do when you're not teaching?Practice, eat, sleep, hang out with friends and family, and lots of other secret things :-)
What's your favorite Brooklyn hangout?Bikram Yoga Bay Ridge, of course!
What is your advice for new students?ANY BODY can do this yoga. As a beginner, please don't be discouraged if you cannot do much at first. Learning yoga is like learning how to walk when you were a baby, except that as adults you have developed an ego, which can get in the way of learning.
Accept that it will be hard and trust that the teacher and every student in the room knows exactly how you feel and is rooting for your survival.
Come everyday during your intro week and see how dramatic the change from your first class to your 7th class can be because of your hard work and open mind.
What's the best thing about Bikram Yoga?Everthing
What else should we know about you?I hate to exercise and i used to be revolted by sweat, mine and especially everyone else's. For the last 5 years I've planned my life around my yoga practice. I try to practice 5/6 times a week and I sweat more than most men. Bikram yoga changed the way I live and I hope to share my love for these 26 postures and two breathing exercises and the benefits of this series with everybody who walks into the hot room for the rest of my life.
Staff
Jonathan
When did you start practicing Bikram Yoga?
Spring 2005
What brought you to your first class?My wife brought me, but I honestly can't remember how she convinced me to go. Must have been a bribe...
What kept bringing you back?I felt right away that it was great for my body, but I really hated the heat. That kept me from forming a regular practice right away.
Do you still have tough classes? How do you get through them?Yes, all the time. I mostly tell myself that it's always hot in the room, and that I always survive the heat. Also, it feels really good to push through my struggles and not give up. Well... it feels really good after class at least.
What do you do when you're not working at BYBR?I was a fulltime software engineer until a couple of months ago. Now I spend more time doing work for the studio, and more recently started studying my dialogue for teacher training.
What do you like best about Bay Ridge?Besides the studio? I like walking my dog, Violet, around different blocks, admiring the crazy Bay Ridge architecture. I also love some food spots in Bay Ridge. The home fries at Pegasus are awesome!
What is your advice for new students?Stay calm and breathe throughout class. Also, be ok with not being a super yogi/yogini. People spend years practicing this yoga and still struggle. It takes time, sometimes lots of it. Just stick with it, and you'll see changes.
What's the best thing about Bikram Yoga?It really helps with my anxiety. There are days where my mind is going crazy and I think "What is wrong with me?". Then I realize that I haven't taken class yet, and that's the problem.
Jeannie
When did you start practicing Bikram Yoga?June 2009
What brought you to your first class?I wanted to try yoga and was looking for something challenging.
What kept bringing you back?How I feel when class is finished.
Do you still have tough classes? How do you get through them?Most of my classes are a "labor of love". I focus on breath and pushing through.
What do you do when you're not working at BYBR?I run around after two amazing little girls and am getting ready to go to nursing school.
What do you like best about Bay Ridge?Bay Ridge has a lot of great places to "hang". I enjoy walking on Shore Rd.
What is your advice for new students?- Hydrate before class
- Just breathe
- Stay in the room
The breeze you get when the teacher opens the door. Just kidding! It helps me focus, gives me energy, and relaxes me all at the same time.