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Holly Gilbreath
Studio: Grapevine

When Sherri told me I had been selected as student of the month I was shocked, so much so I turned around to see if she was speaking to someone behind me. It was also special to me that Sherri was the one whom told me as one of my earliest class memories is with her. I have been a student at Bikram Grapevine since March of 2006 so I'll do my best to remember back to my initial experience then onto more recent years while also not making this too long as Bikram yoga has changed my life in so many ways.

My whole life I have always been athletic – either playing volleyball, basketball, track, or cheerleading throughout my adolescent years, then continued working out after college by going to the gym, cycling or aerobics classes. I was beginning to get bored of my usual routine of going to the gym, doing some cardio on the treadmill/elliptical/bike and then lifting weights so when a friend of mine said she had been going to yoga and really enjoying it I decided to try it out. I really just thought it was for the Hollywood celebrities. I am probably not like most students in the fact that the heat has never bothered me, in fact that is probably the one thing I love the most about this class (hence the reason I'm always on the left side of the room by the hot dog). I've always believed that a workout is not really great unless you've sweat a lot so this yoga just might work out. Also, I'm always cold and am pretty much accustomed to the summer months in Texas having lived here my entire life. What was really hard for me to get use to was not having an instructor to watch, but rather myself in the mirror and no music! What do you mean there will be no one in the front yelling and screaming in a microphone for me to push it up that hill, no blaring music and I cannot talk to my neighbor? Now this was really outside my comfort zone. After the first breathing exercise I thought this is way too easy and I have wasted an afternoon workout without possibly burning any calories. I got through the first class and left thinking I would never come back and waste a workout on this yoga hoopla. These folks are more interested in meditation and having an easy stretching class. Well, my thoughts of course changed after I woke up the next morning and couldn't move! Hmm, perhaps it was a better workout than I thought and/or I am not as flexible as my cheerleading days. I do not believe it was my first class as that is a blurred memory, but it was for sure in the first ten classes that Sherri had to nicely tell me during class that I had a rip in my leggings. Thank goodness that I was in the back of the room and could finish class without too much embarrassment. That is when I realized that this was a serious class that warranted some new workout clothes that did not involve cotton either as it is does not absorb sweat well throughout 90 minutes of class.

This yoga kept me sane and my stress level in check as I completed my masters (Aug 06' – May 08') while also working full time. I would get up to go to the 5:30am class at least 3 times a week since the afternoons were spent studying and I was now craving this workout. I confess and I'm sure my husband would agree that I am in a bad mood still to this day if I miss class when I had scheduled to go – it is addicting! I even have Bikram on my iPod so if I'm traveling I don't miss for an extended period of time. (hotel saunas are great for Bikram) As most of you are well aware long lapses without Bikram is painful. Throughout this time I still continued going to the gym a couple of days a week as well as running. This all came to halt all of sudden around September of 2008 I couldn't run anymore without pain. Something in my right knee was really bothering me. I finally got an MRI and went to a specialist in January 2009. The MRI showed a badly torn medial meniscus on my right knee. Years of sports and running had finally taken its toll. The doc made it seem like a routine thing that wouldn't be that big of a deal to someone my age. I scheduled the surgery for the end of February like it was no big deal and I would just be back to the same routine a week later. Reality set it the morning after my surgery. I realized how easy it is to take two healthy functioning knees for granted. My mental and physical determination was really tested to the limit. The therapist was asking me to do exercises that looked so simple yet I could barely do them which almost drove me crazy, but the years of being in the yoga room (calm and silent while focusing on myself) actually helped me get through the therapy. I was getting my knee stronger and was finally back to walking the dog, but after a month I was determined to be back at yoga. I was craving the heat and knew that it would be really good for my knee. I went to the back row and told myself I would do the best that I could and to not push it so darn hard which is what I am usually in there doing. I'm not going to lie, it was frustrating not being able to do all the postures like I was use to, but my mental strength continued to encourage me do only what my body would allow. Although I wouldn't have wished upon a knee surgery, I am thankful it helped me realize how much Bikram has done for me both mentally and physically. The yoga continues to teach me. My self esteem, confidence, patience, discipline and focus have all improved tremendously. Tensions from work or home seem to melt away in the heated room. I no longer have road rage and would be happy to let you pull in front of me. No matter how tired I am before class (best place to take a cat nap), I'll have tons of energy afterwards (energizer bunny).

The students of Bikram yoga Grapevine continue to impress me and inspire me each and everyday to be a better student. It is such a treat to practice with such friendly, supportive and encouraging people. The teachers are the best as well. They are always energetic, uplifting, and I continue to learn something new every class. I don't know how I could have missed that after 4 years, but ok got it now. I have visited other studios and it makes me realize how special we have it here. It is an honor to be named student of the month, thanks for the opportunity to share my Bikram journey.

Namaste'