We could give you all sorts of reasons why you should consider making Bikram Yoga part of your life. But instead we're going to let some of our students, everyday folks who practice at Bikram Yoga Harlem, tell you their stories:

My name is Lillie Madison.  I would like to tell you about my first 30 days yoga challenge.  It all started when my doctor recommended that I should look into yoga for my arthritis.  It would help me with my flexibility in my left leg and overall well-being.  After talking about it with my family, my son Anthony as a Christmas gift gave me that push in the right direction with a 30 day pass into Bikram Yoga.  It was right in the neighborhood, so I don't have to travel far from home.  When I first arrived at the center I could hardly climb up the flight of stairs; I had to take one step at a time because of my left leg.  Now I can use both of my legs together since I have been going to my yoga classes daily.  On my next visit to my doctor this past week he noticed that walking and mobility has been improving.  When I told him that I joined a yoga gym in my neighborhood, he then said to me to keep continuing on taking yoga and I should improve even more in the future.

After years of 'wear and tear', way too many injuries, 2 ruptured discs, being left unable to walk more the a few feet without experiencing excruciating pain and essentially being bedridden for a month and a half, on February 16th, 2009 I had major back surgery. 6 months later I made my return to Bikram Yoga!!! After that first class back (and after wiping away the tear of joy), I knew was on the intense road to a full recovery.

Bikram Yoga is now without a doubt the essential factor in my physical, spiritual and emotional health. Taking classes at Bikram Yoga Harlem provides the motivation and accessability I need to continue in my recovery.

Now, one year later, I am proud to say that through the practice of Bikram Yoga and the Bikram Yoga Harlem instructors and facilities I am unquestionably stronger than I have ever been!! Physically and emotionally! Thank you so much!!! Namaste.

Well, how can I explain it.  It started 6 months ago when I met a great friend of mine, Theresa, in Harlem at French Cafe.  I was so excited to see her and she looks great, so the next question was "How are you doing and how are you keeping your body in great shape?"  Her answer was, you know, I do Bikram Yoga.  I was like "What?!?"  She invited me the next day uptown to this Bikram studio, called Bikram Yoga Harlem.  To her surprise, I showed up and then took the class.  The first 30 minutes I thought I was going to die.  I ran out of the room, went and threw up and almost fainted.  I sat outside for 10 minutes, then Adam, one of the owners asked me how I was doing. I said ok, so he asked if I wanted to come back in the room.  I said Why not?  I finished the class, stiff and a little shaken up.  I came back a couple of times and in the middle of August signed up for the yearly membership.

Since then I've been practicing 4 times a week, but after my return from France in January, I upgraded and pushed myself to a new height, meaning 2 classes a day, Monday thru Friday, with rest on Saturday and Sundays!  I have now finished my 5th week straight and still have 8 weeks to go.  I feel great and my practice is improving in several of the asanas.  I do encourage yogi friends from the studio to join me on week 10, only for that week, and every yogi that joins me during that period I will raise some money for each who joins me and donate to a charity.  This specific practice that I am doing is nothing else than a personal challenge; everyone can create or do one for themself!  Only Love.  Namaste.

As someone who has no athletic background (or ability) I was terrified to take a Bikram yoga class. I was afraid of the heat, the intensity and my ability to keep up. I started talking about going to the studio in December and did not take my first class there until May. When I walked in (with my husband, because I was too afraid to take class alone) Adam greeted us and we immediately felt welcomed.  The teachers at the studio are amazing! They push you, challenge you and support you all at the same time!  Though we started slowly, my husband and I now practice regularly at the studio.  I can honestly say that when I don't practice in a while I feel the difference. Not only has Bikram yoga helped me feel physically better (less migraines, more energized), but as someone who is very anxious and stresses everything, it really has taught me the ability to feel more in control and relaxed in difficult situations at work and in life.

When I got pregnant I thought I would have to stop practicing - everyone had an opinion on how practicing would affect the baby.  I have, however, continued practicing.  I was reassured by how knowledgeable the teachers are and also the support that I received. Teachers helped me during class and before and after class modify the poses and push myself in a way that was beneficial for me and safe for the baby. My doctor said my decision to continue practicing should be based on how I feel and I feel so much better when I practice than when I don't. I have been to other studios and none are like Bikram Yoga Harlem. I know the fact that I am still practicing is due to the comfortable and supportive space that BYH provides. Its nice to have a place in the neighborhood where you can go and see friendly and familiar faces. Its like the "Cheers" of Harlem (except we don't drink, we sweat.)

N.B. Sebastian says:  If you are a regular practitioner of Bikram Yoga, and become pregnant, talk to your physician first, and then the teachers about modifying your practice.  If you are pregnant and have not practiced Bikram Yoga before, this is not the time to start!  Wait until after you have your baby, and then come visit us!

I am grateful that a good friend suggested Bikram Yoga Harlem when I started my yoga practice.  The owners, Erik and Adam, have created a yoga community in their studio.

All the teachers are fantastic, and have helped improve my yoga practice through their guidance, support, encouragement and caring.

My whole body is changing from the inside out and is getting stronger and more flexible by the day.  Yoga lifts my spirits after a day of the stresses of city life like no other form of exercise has ever done for me.  Some of my favorite people go to the studio and I am inspired and motivated by their efforts and growth.

This is a way of taking care of myself and it heals and brings great joy into my life.  For these reasons I have attended every single day since I joined on September 1, 2009.  I'll see you there at the studio.