What was your first Bikram class like?
First class was about five years ago, a friend invited me to go with her to Bikram Yoga City Hall (Singapore). The studio was very smart, we were a bit pressed for time by the time I had filled out the necessary forms. The only spots free were in the front row next to the podium. To this day I wish the teacher had moved me to the back and provided some sort of explanation about what to expect. The class was full, the room was hot, I tried and I died. I think I stopped being aware of anything around me at about Tuladandasana and the remaining fifty minutes was agonising. I dragged myself out of the room at the end of the class and water had never tasted so good or a shower felt like such a beautiful mind blowing experience. It took a couple of months before I tried again at a studio in Sydney (Rozelle), a totally different experience and straight away I was hooked.
What inspired you to become a Bikram Teacher?
I am a new teacher and so for me almost every class is a highlight. It’s the little things – students not leaving the room when you can see they want to but refusing to give in to the temptation. Students trying beyond their normal capability, students getting the rush from completing a class and being challenged, exhausted but looking forward to doing it all again.
What is your favourite posture?
Favourite posture is definitely standing head to knee pose, mainly because I cannot do the posture properly – I am still unable to lock both knees. Five years I have been trying, people talk about incremental improvement, for me it’s in micrometres. I am enjoying the work in progress.
What are one of the MANY highlights of being a Bikram Teacher?
My teachers inspired me to become a teacher, I have learnt something from every single teacher who has ever stood in front of me and waived their arms around. The yoga fascinates me and right from the start I knew I wanted to share the joy that comes from a regular yoga practice.