Alexis started with us in February of 2006. Since then, she has used Bikram Yoga to recover from injuries, lose weight, make friends, and even train for a new career. She is a fixture at the studio as one of our cleaning staff, she completed a 100-day challenge, took a break, and is now in the mid-200′s of a year-long Bikram challenge. Her plans include attending Teacher Training in the near future.
About 2 weeks into her 1st 100-day challenge
Around day 225 of her 2nd "100-day" challenge
Back to Bikram — In Alexis’s own words:
“Get used to it. You will be in pain for the rest of your life.”
This is what I was told by doctors following a debilitating work injury.
After 6 months of bed rest, I decided to recommit to Bikram Yoga in a 100 day challenge. For the first two weeks, my husband dropped me off and picked me up from class, because the pain was so great I could not drive the 10 minutes to the studio. Twenty months later, I am on day 225 of what started as my second 100 day challenge. Because of the Bikram Yoga and my dedication, the pain is almost gone, and I returned to work part-time five weeks ago after a twenty month hiatus. Bikram Yoga has been both my medicine and my physical therapy.
I have gained so much since walking into my first post-injury Bikram Yoga class in May 2009. When I started I was 180 pounds and size 14, by far the heaviest I’ve ever been. Now I’m 150 pounds, size 6 and in the best shape of my life. But my physical changes are only a fraction of the benefits that my drive and determination have led me to. I feel a sense of calm, clarity, and serenity now, one that I never could have imagined. The storm that once raged inside me has been transformed to a powerful fire that gives me strength and power. This has come hand in hand with healing my body. This is the force that drives me to get on the mat and push to sweat away my pain every day, especially the days that I don’t want to.
All these things I get out of my practice pale in comparison to the fact that through Bikram Yoga, I have gotten my life back.
My story is one of pain and perseverance: determination to reclaim what was once mine and constantly improve on it. Bikram Yoga has changed my life and has become a part of my path and my journey.
I know now that in order to live a pain-free and healthy life that my practice will be a lifelong one, and for that I am excited. Despite the roller coaster, I have never given up; I have never faltered. I have learned that the days that I don’t want to show up are the days that I need it the most.
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Never do I regret injuring myself. It has brought me back to Bikram Yoga.