PLEASE NOTE: THESE ARE POSTED IN THE ORDER I RECEIVED THEM, WITHOUT NAMES ATTACHED...

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Namaste Alan,



I wanted to send my thoughts on Bikram Yoga while it was still a fresh experience.



I really liked it is an alternate way to get an arobic type experience. Actually, it sort of reminded me of some arobic classes I've taken at the Y, very structured and diciplined. The heat actually made it easier for me to move into poses that are normally difficult. I felt exilertated and energized during the entire session. I felt a little sick to my stomach once(even though I did not eat for 5 hours prior), but it quickly passed as I concentrated on the posture. I imagined I would have some pain or discomfort in my injured wrist, but it actually feels the best it's felt for two weeks. I still feel great. I will definately take this class again. Also, it was interesting that sivasana was used in between the sitting poses. That is exactly what Desikachar recommends in his book, resting poses between each asana.



On the other hand, this is not a class I would teach. I am more for the holistic approach to Yoga, the spiritual part seemed to be missing from this class. Again, it seemed more like a Y step or arobic class. Too "drill sargeant" like or maybe even "cultish". Do they only perform certain postures? The instructor made a comment that Bikram does not do child pose. Tonight's class seemed to stick to a few certain poses and watching the "regulars" it seemed they really knew the routine.



Anyway, I liked it as a personal fitness experience, but would not teach it.


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1) How did you feel about the class overall, and would you go back?



It was quite a challenge and yes I would go back.



2) How did you feel about the instructor, Jeanette?



She would have made a perfect drill sergent.



3) How was the pacing of the class for you? And how about Jeanette's monologue? The pace was fine.....but the constant commands were a bit annoying. It did seem to keep your mind from wandering though.



4) At what point did you want to leave the room? How long did the feeling last? Did it come and go? I was fine till we laid on our abdomens and began contracting postures. I felt like throwing up....and yes it came and gone. I didn't feel like leaving though.



5) How often would you do Bikram Yoga, if ever again? What do you think your body could handle? Do you think it's important that your body recuperate for some time before doing another session, or do you feel that you could do this kind of thing every day, or even twice a day?



I am thinking I may like it once a week. This morning I usually feel stiff. I was limber and rested even though I got less sleep time. I wouldn't want to do it again today.




6) What thoughts/feelings came up for you during the class? You don't have to share anything too personal, but anything that you would be willing to share might help the rest of us.



I thought about strength and endurance. I like being challenged. It felt healthy eventhough it made me feel sick. I thought about the desert and snowflakes. I felt completely in the moment.



7) What did you like in particular about the class, and what didn't you care for?




I just feels very cleansing. It was regimined but I think that is what kept you focused and not whimping out.



8) Bhishnu Ghosh, Yogananda's younger brother, was Bikram's fitness trainer/guru, and with him Bikram developed his yoga program. What do you think Yogananda would have thought about Bikram Yoga? Was the class spiritual enough for you?




Yogananda would not have participated in this yoga practice. But I do think it has value. It is not spiritual in the way we are used to but, because I was not going to give up I felt a unity of mind and body with my spirit leading.



9) How do you feel now after the class? What are you feeling? How has it changed your perspective on things, if at all? How did the class change your perspective of Yoga? Of me? Of the YTT program? Of the Sunshine State Yoga style of Yoga (is there one?)?



Last night I felt relaxed and fell right asleep. This morning I feel limber and my mind fresh. It has not changed my perspective on Yoga....its just another way. Alan you are still wonderful and I wouldn't trade a traditional Yoga class for this only.



10) Ready to do this again as a group next month? Absolutely!!!


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PERSPECTIVE FROM A NON YTT STUDENT-



1) How did you feel about the class overall, and would you go back? I was excited about the class at first as I had wanted to try Bikram for some time. About 30 minutes into the class, my thoughts were that I hated it, thought I was going to die >:O... but I felt great after the class (and proud of myself that I made it through!). If I had to describe it in a nutshell, I'd have to say it felt like "Yoga BOOTCAMP".



2) How did you feel about the instructor, Jeanette? Great instructor, high energy.



3) How was the pacing of the class for you? And how about Jeanette's monologue? Pacing was very fast, but I think that is necessary for this type of class so that your mind is not tempted to wander or lose focus of the task at hand.



4) At what point did you want to leave the room? How long did the feeling last? Did it come and go? I would have to say my first thoughts of wanting to leave the room were about 30 minutes into the session. It lasted the rest of the session. The nausea and need for fresh cool air were the biggest reason for my wanting to leave.



5) How often would you do Bikram Yoga, if ever again? What do you think your body could handle? Do you think it's important that your body recuperate for some time before doing another session, or do you feel that you could do this kind of thing every day, or even twice a day? I would like to do Bikram maybe once per week. If I got more used to it, maybe a couple times per week. To make a decision on how often I felt like I could do it (ie. daily or a couple times per day), I'd really need to do it a couple more times and see how long it would take (or if) my body/ lungs could get used to it... if ever.



6) What thoughts/feelings came up for you during the class? You don't have to share anything too personal, but anything that you would be willing to share might help the rest of us. Honestly, at one point I started to cry : from frustration that I was not feeling well, couldn't leave, felt like I couldn't keep up, didn't have any clue how much longer the "torture" would last, etc.. But eventually I regained focus and moved on. At one point, my thoughts led to me chuckling at myself for being such a wimp!



7) What did you like in particular about the class, and what didn't you care for? I liked the fact that the 26 asanas covered every muscle group. I liked that the heat made my body more "pliable". I liked the thought of sweating out toxins that we were working on pushing out of our bodies. I liked the pace, even though I felt "wore out". I had a hard time with not having cool fresh air to breathe. I had a hard time holding on to body parts as the sweat made my hands very slippery. It was hard not knowing during the session if we had 30 minutes left to go?, an hour left to go?, 15 minutes left to go? before the end. Having not taken the class before, I had no frame of reference.



8) Bhishnu Ghosh, Yogananda's younger brother, was Bikram's fitness trainer/guru, and with him Bikram developed his yoga program. What do you think Yogananda would have thought about Bikram Yoga? Was the class spiritual enough for you? I can only answer the 2nd part of the question... For those who have studied yoga, yes, I think the class was spiritual in a way that you really had to push yourself, focus, persevere, challenge your mind and body- knowing yoga teachings. For a new person who is not "in tune" with the spiritual side of yoga and the intense mind piece to it, they might have just thought of it as a physical workout.



9) How do you feel now after the class? What are you feeling? How has it changed your perspective on things, if at all? How did the class change your perspective of Yoga? Of me? Of the YTT program? Of the Sunshine State Yoga style of Yoga (is there one?)? This morning, I feel great. I am that great-kind-of-sore you are the day after a great workout. I am more excited about going back to the class than I was during the last 20 minutes of class. I think I lost 5 lbs of sweat (seriously, my pants are looser today). I feel energized and light and positive. One of the things yoga has taught me (I've been practicing for just over 1 year now) is that you must rise to meet challenges and not back away because it is "uncomfortable" and to open your mind to other practices/ styles and that everything you are introduced to makes you grow as a person.



I love that you are open to trying new things and encourage that in your students. (I was joking when I said I thought you were trying to kill us, of course;-).) I also like that you take what you find most useful from all styles of yoga and make your own class... and change it up a lot so that we can be exposed to a variety of poses and styles.



10) Ready to do this again as a group next month? YES!!!


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Hi, Alan, definitely interesting last night -- intense!!! I'm still trying to sort out my experience -- but very intriguing! If -- when -- I do it again, I'll definitely prepare better!


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My overall quickie response was WOW, Difficult, Glad I tried it, Not sure I want to again, Good for the soul.......
Thanks


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1) How did you feel about the class overall, and would you go back?


Yes, it was very challenging. I would like to go back and maybe do a little more than I was able to do the first time.


2) How did you feel about the instructor, Jeanette?


I liked her, she seemed to be able to watch the entire room and give good feed back.


3) How was the pacing of the class for you? And how about Jeanette's monologue?


The pacing felt slow, but it could be the fact that I was talking myself into staying the enire time, no way of knowing how much time had passed.


4) At what point did you want to leave the room? How long did the feeling last? Did it come and go? I wanted to leave several times. I felt overheated and nausiated. It was discouraging knowing that in a regular class you could do the postures. Kneeling helped, but several times I tried to rejoin the class and felt light headed. My heart was racing several times and I felt like my body was hot all the way to the core.



5) How often would you do Bikram Yoga, if ever again? What do you think your body could handle? Do you think it's important that your body recuperate for some time before doing another session, or do you feel that you could do this kind of thing every day, or even twice a day? I would like to be able to concentrate on it for a good month to build up my endurance and lose a few pounds in the process. If I had the time, I could do this everyday. When I left I felt I would need days to recuperate, but today I am ready to try again.



6) What thoughts/feelings came up for you during the class? You don't have to share anything too personal, but anything that you would be willing to share might help the rest of us.


My thoughts were pure survival of the 90 minutes without leaving. I could only concentrate on what I was doing and amazed at how much I was sweating.


7) What did you like in particular about the class, and what didn't you care for?


I would have to take the class again, my concentration was only on making it through.


8) Bhishnu Ghosh, Yogananda's younger brother, was Bikram's fitness trainer/guru, and with him Bikram developed his yoga program. What do you think Yogananda would have thought about Bikram Yoga? Was the class spiritual enough for you?


It was spiritual in the respect that I had to dig very deep to stay. I don't know enough to decide what he would think


9) How do you feel now after the class? What are you feeling? How has it changed your perspective on things, if at all? How did the class change your perspective of Yoga? Of me? Of the YTT program? Of the Sunshine State Yoga style of Yoga (is there one?)?


I feel like I cleansed my body of toxins and I am amazed that I made it through. I look forward to trying again to challenge my body further. I am still amazed by your abilities.


10) Ready to do this again as a group next month?


Yes!


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Alan,



it was a challenge! Nothing like charming, gentle, spiritual Alananda Yoga - just the general like Jeanette's commandos and rigorouse tempo!



But I have to say it was an interesting experience and I liked it. Not like a yoga, more like a sauna + aerobic. Good for the skin, once a week (I loved to go to sauna in Europe and was doing that on the weekly schedule and that would be a good substitute).



On the beginning her voice was very disturbing to me, but after a while I realized (after one of the girls started to panic) that in these extreme conditions it is maybe a good way to keep people together. - Nobody tried to escape!



I wanted to leave just after I entered the room, but it got better after a while. Probably the next session would be much easier for me then the first one, because of the same program. I would know what is coming next and how much longer do I have to suffer!



The temperature made me much more flexible and I was able to go farther with my postures then normally.



After the yoga I was extremely proud of myself and excited. The good feeling stays till today and no sore muscles!



Thanks for the opportunity.


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1) How did you feel about the class overall, and would you go back?


Last night was my second visit to the Bikram studio and a much more positive experience than my first. During my first class, the intense heat, bright lights and style of teaching overwhelmed me. I Also, at the first visit there were only six students. Last night, I felt incredible energy from the class. I also knew what to expect from temperature, atmosphere and teaching style and therefore found it much easier to remain positive and focused on the yoga.


2) How did you feel about the instructor, Jeanette?


I think Jeanette presents herself as strong and knowledgeable instructor. She seems to have a thorough understanding of Bikram: the poses, how to present them and the physiological benefits of the practice.


3) How was the pacing of the class for you? And how about Jeanette's monologue?


The pacing of this style class is different than any other style of yoga that I have practiced. It is fine, but not my favorite. I much prefer a vinyasa yoga practice. At times I found her monologue to be somewhat annoying and to be too much of a constant stream of information. I do, however, think she proved herself knowledgeable.


4) At what point did you want to leave the room? How long did the feeling last? Did it come and go?


I really didn’t ever want to leave the room. I knew from my last experience that the first half of the class included the standing poses and then we would be able to move to the floor, which inherently seems easier to me. There were several times that my heart was racing and I needed to pause and regain my composure. I felt that at times her mention of “racing heart” or “negative thoughts” contributed to my own intense feelings and that no mention of those types of things may have been better for me.


5) How often would you do Bikram Yoga, if ever again? What do you think your body could handle? Do you think it's important that your body recuperate for some time before doing another session, or do you feel that you could do this kind of thing every day, or even twice a day?


Maybe once or twice a month. I think it is a good form of detoxifying the body and definitely a mental challenge. It is not my favorite form of yoga, but maybe it would grow on me the better I am able to handle the heat so that I could go deeper into a meditation and concentration on deriving the most physiological benefit from the postures.


6) What thoughts/feelings came up for you during the class? You don't have to share anything too personal, but anything that you would be willing to share might help the rest of us.


I felt a lot of positive energy from the people practicing around me and this helped me to stay present in the moment. I focused on each pose as it came rather than worrying about “how much longer” or “how many more poses.” At several points, my head was swimming with dizziness and I really had to focus my breathing.


7) What did you like in particular about the class, and what didn't you care for?
I liked the group energy and the repeating of each pose twice because it gave me a second opportunity to refocus and regain composure when I did start to wander or mentally breakdown from the heat. I prefer practicing without bright lights, flowing from posture to posture and a gentler presentation.


8) Bhishnu Ghosh, Yogananda's younger brother, was Bikram's fitness trainer/guru, and with him Bikram developed his yoga program. What do you think Yogananda would have thought about Bikram Yoga? Was the class spiritual enough for you?


Hmmmmm….I am not sure I am far enough in the book to comment on all of this…. I think that at this point I could better compare the Bikram experience to the general ideas presented in the Heart of Yoga. It seems Bikram is much more regimented and focused on “the right way of doing each posture” and “moving to or beyond your edge” than yoga as presented in the HOY. It seems to me that the HOY is about moving between postures and feeling what is right to you as the individual practitioner. I did not find the class to be at all spiritual. In fact, I told my husband that I equated it to “yoga training” and that for me, I would feel like I was training for the Ironman again if I had to regularly practice Bikram.


9) How do you feel now after the class? What are you feeling? How has it changed your perspective on things, if at all? How did the class change your perspective of Yoga? Of me? Of the YTT program? Of the Sunshine State Yoga style of Yoga (is there one?)?


I feel fine….not sore or too dehydrated or anything like that. I am curious about what you thought about the class, the instructor and the Bikram style in general (especially as compared to other “power” or more physical styles such as Ashtanga).


10) Ready to do this again as a group next month?


Let’s do it!


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1) How did you feel about the class overall, and would you go back?


I really liked the class because it appealed to my sense of a challenge. Also, it’s part of the journey of new experiences and yes, I would go back.


2) How did you feel about the instructor, Jeanette?


I thought Jeanette was a professional instructor who deftly moved you through one posture to the next, with clear, thoughtful instructions. It was obvious to me that she understood the process intimately and was conscientious of the practitioners and guests alike.


3) How was the pacing of the class for you? And how about Jeanette's monologue?


At first I thought the pacing was quick, but as I became more comfortable and confident with the process and more in tune with Jeanette I was able to follow along better. Not to say I didn’t think it was still a little fast pace, but I understood it better and was able to take advantage of opportunities to build my energy which in turned allowed me to preserve. At a point there was no time. Her monologue reminded of an aerobics class I took. It was like a drill sergeant, but after a time it was rhythmic. Again, I think this was just a matter of adjusting to a different cadence. But, I thought she did a good job of encouraging, praising and pushing you to go deeper.


4) At what point did you want to leave the room? How long did the feeling last? Did it come and go?


I didn’t want to leave the room at any time, but I did wonder if I would be able to complete the class a few times. I felt nausea twice and that passed quickly once I slowed down and let my heart and breath catch up to each. Also, once I pushed myself back into the process that helped the feelings of fatigue and nausea fade.


5) How often would you do Bikram Yoga, if ever again? What do you think your body could handle? Do you think it's important that your body recuperate for some time before doing another session, or do you feel that you could do this kind of thing every day, or even twice a day?


I would definitely do this again. Since I love my current yoga practice, I could easily envision doing this on a monthly basis. I do believe it is important for your body to recoup after this type of session. I can’t imagine doing it more than twice a week.


6) What thoughts/feelings came up for you during the class? You don't have to share anything too personal, but anything that you would be willing to share might help the rest of us.


I remember thinking how difficult it was for me to find my breath, in particular my ujjayi breath. Also, I remember filling every lobe full of air. At one point I realized that the breath in the smallest corner of my lungs was cool and there was no space void of it ( prana?) I don’t know how to describe it. I felt completely submissive to Jeanette’s instructions. Her instructions were followed without introspection; at one point I was just doing. Selfless….oohh, big thought ;-)


7) What did you like in particular about the class, and what didn't you care for?
I loved how supple and flexible I felt. I liked the sweating ( I know weird), but I didn’t like my clothes sticking to me, especially my pants. I didn’t like looking at myself in the mirror as a focus point, but that’s me. I like my focal point somewhere else, crack in the wall, line on the floor, corner of the room. I don’t like looking at me. I never look like I feel….they don’t match, it’s like looking at someone else in the room. Not uncomfortable, but distracting…


8) Bhishnu Ghosh, Yogananda's younger brother, was Bikram's fitness trainer/guru, and with him Bikram developed his yoga program. What do you think Yogananda would have thought about Bikram Yoga? Was the class spiritual enough for you?


I just can’t imagine Bikram Yoga as Yogananda’s yoga of choice. I don’t envision him working that strenuously. (Now, I know this answer could be completely off base because I do not proclaim to understand the many facets of Yogananda.) The class was not necessarily spiritual, but the class was a preparation for spiritual encounters (know what I mean?) I felt as though it really opened my channels in ways that I was not prepared for. The question therefore is, were you prepared for the emotions and spirituality that presented itself after the session? What surprised you most about how you felt after the class? The intensity of the feelings would be my answer.


9) How do you feel now after the class? What are you feeling? How has it changed your perspective on things, if at all? How did the class change your perspective of Yoga? Of me? Of the YTT program? Of the Sunshine State Yoga style of Yoga (is there one?)? hmmm, now that is an interesting question, I never labeled your style, interpretation of yoga as SSY style of yoga. What is in a name?


I feel extremely sensitive today and very in tune. Today I would have liked to have meditated first thing this morning instead of getting right into the real world. It was very surreal entering school today. All students were wonderful and I was very low keyed. My experiences last night were anything but low keyed. This experienced has only emphasized how important you are as my teacher and how intuitive you are to the needs of a well rounded yoga student. You have consistently broadened my horizons. I would be so enthralled to be you as you witness the growth of your students. I think you have hit the mark for you YTT because you are introducing experiences that students might otherwise not have an opportunity to engage in. AND you are nurturing a spiritual experience for us. How blissed we are. Ok, I’m deep ending now, time to go….. see you today, tomorrow and forever.


10) Ready to do this again as a group next month?


YES!!!!!


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1) How did you feel about the class overall, and would you go back?



Overall, I enjoyed the challenge of the class, and I would go back. With that said, I enjoyed the challenge in the same way I enjoy finishing a race, overcoming a difficulty, or pushing myself to new limits. This is not, however, why I chose to practice yoga! I sincerely appreciate the discipline involved in doing this type of yoga, as well as the detoxifying benefits associated with sweating so much. I am glad to know that I can handle a difficult mental and physical challenge, and I do feel that the challenge forced me to focus on my breath in a way other classes do not, yet it is not the way I would prefer to practice regularly. At this point I would think taking this class once a month would be a good way for me to focus on the mental and physical challenge this yoga presents, and rid my body of anything I need to sweat out.




2) How did you feel about the instructor, Jeanette?



I felt Jeanette was very focused and engaged in the class. I appreciated her preparation and apparent knowledge about what she was teaching. I felt that she tried to connect with everyone in the room, and to take the time to acknowledge everyone.
I do not agree with her militant approach or with pushing people beyond their edge, as I feel it is our responsibility to honor our bodies, and only we know what is appropriate for us, however, I would assume this is not her style, but Bikram's.



3) How was the pacing of the class for you? And how about Jeanette's monologue?
The pace and the monologue seemed appropriate for the type of class we were in. I prefer a slower pace, more flow, and less monologue, but I respect this as Bikram's style. I do think that her continual talking helped to keep me in the moment, as I easily could have drifted off in to la-la land from the heat and exhaustion.



4) At what point did you want to leave the room? How long did the feeling last? Did it come and go?


Towards the end of the standing postures I began to feel like I wanted to leave the room. The feeling came and went through out the remainder of the class, while in a posture I would completely loose that thought and felt great, but very quickly after coming out of a posture the thought would resume. It made me focus more on what I was doing and my breath in order to try to keep the thought from my mind. It was worse when Jeanette would talk about how our hearts were pounding, and when other people wanted to leave.



5) How often would you do Bikram Yoga, if ever again? What do you think your body could handle? Do you think it's important that your body recuperate for some time before doing another session, or do you feel that you could do this kind of thing every day, or even twice a day?



I will definitely do this again, once a month seems appropriate to tackle this type of challenge and detox. I'm sure I could handle more, but I did not enjoy it enough to want to do it more often. If I want to sweat a lot I can go to the gym. As far as recuperation, I felt fine by the time I got home, and the next day I did not feel any different. I was most concerned with dehydration, but as long as I have enough fluids I'm sure I could do this very regularly.



6) What thoughts/feelings came up for you during the class? You don't have to share anything too personal, but anything that you would be willing to share might help the rest of us.



I lived in Arizona for 7 years where you can easily go 3 months with daytime temps reaching well over 100 degrees, so I was so surprised by how oppressive the heat felt to me, and how much I was sweating. I also felt shaky and a bit foggy a few times during the class. I wondered how healthy this was for me, physically and mentally. I wondered if I might push myself to far and overheat. On a positive note, I felt very flexible and painless, and I felt very good about being able to make it through the class, particularly in terms of overcoming my desire for a breath of fresh cool air!



7) What did you like in particular about the class, and what didn't you care for?
I addition to what I have mentioned in my other answers, I liked the sense of accomplishment and focus I got from the class. I did not care for the bright lights, and lack of music.



8) Bhishnu Ghosh, Yogananda's younger brother, was Bikram's fitness trainer/guru, and with him Bikram developed his yoga program. What do you think Yogananda would have thought about Bikram Yoga? Was the class spiritual enough for you?



I can not say what he would think. As for myself, I did not feel it was a very spiritual experience. I was more focused on making it through the class and breathing than I was on spiritual growth. I definitely prefer a yoga class where I feel I am improving myself in more ways than just what I could do in the gym.



9) How do you feel now after the class? What are you feeling? How has it changed your perspective on things, if at all? How did the class change your perspective of Yoga? Of me? Of the YTT program? Of the Sunshine State Yoga style of Yoga (is there one?)?



It was a good experience. It confuses me a bit how yoga can be so different depending on the style and teacher, but I also think it is good that I am exposed to so many different ways of doing something. I suppose it makes me feel that there is something out there for everyone and every style. I definitely prefer your approach and feel that my own practice is much more closely aligned with what I have seen and heard from you. I like to feel challenged when I practice but I like to feel good too. Practicing yoga, the way I prefer to, helps to bring me peace, clarity, focus, and a general sense of well being, while I am practicing and afterward. I love the way I feel as I breath, move, stretch, and push myself. I always finish practicing feeling better than I did before and feeling like a better person; I can not say I felt that way Monday night, in fact I did not even sleep well that night. I feel that our YTT program supports everyone finding the style best suited to them, I appreciate your openness to our interpretation of yoga, though I definitely want your guidance and input to help me learn and grow.



10) Ready to do this again as a group next month?



Yes, actually I will not be here next month, but I will join you in July.

Da SunShine Yoga Academy YTT Students & Friends