Issue No.14 - September 2009

For the month of September only, get 6 Months of Unlimited yoga for only $400 (regular $599). That's like getting 2 months of free yoga! If you have a current membership that hasn't expired yet, don't worry... purchase the sale now and it won't begin until your current membership runs out. Payment plans are also available.

If you still haven't come in to try out Bikram's Yoga (why not?!!), we have a limited time introductory offer that'll knock your socks off: 1 week unlimited yoga for only $20. You get a week to take as many classes as possible, then save $20 on your new membership. Come in soon to try it out, there's no telling when this special offer might end.

Yup, it's baaaack!

A 30 Day Challenge is exactly what you think it is: 30 consecutive Bikram Yoga classes in 30 days. This is an ongoing tradition in the Bikram Yoga world and if you're looking to make a big impact on your body and your health this fall, there is no better way. Some may find this challenge a little daunting but if you think there is a chance, no matter how slight, that you could possibly complete the challenge, then it is worth a try. There will be plenty of support around the studio to get you through your challenge.

If a 30 day challenge doesn't work for you at this time, how about challenging yourself to practice 1x a week more than you already are? There are many benefits to upping your practice and the results you want to see will appear much more quickly.

The Challenge begins October 5th and ends November 3rd. For details and to sign up, see the front desk today!

We are all familiar with stress, whether it is acute stress: tax deadline, job interview... or chronic stress: caring for a terminally ill loved-one, high pressure career... Most of us deal with some form of stress or another on a daily basis nearly all our lives. We feel that it's "normal" to be stressed. We live with the stress. But what kind of effect can stress have on the body?

Over time and with repeated emergencies - or at least events and conditions that we perceive as stressful - the body becomes overwhelmed by the constant release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline and their acidic, corrosive effects. We're exhausted, and the immune system, endocrine system and nervous system cannot function at their best, which causes high blood pressure, sleep disorders, chronic headaches, neck tension, backaches, depression and anxiety. Phew!

With the natural science of yoga we tap into the body's intrinsic healing system, calming and reintegrating the mind, body and emotions. Through the postures and the breath work in Hatha Yoga, we take back control and turn off the fight-or-flight response and its flood of bad biochemistry.

In 2005, a German study compared groups of women who were acutely distressed over a three month period. Those who practiced yoga showed significantly lower levels of cortisol compared to those in the control group, and made significant decreases in their levels of perceived stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression. They reported higher levels of well-being and they improved physically as well; women suffering from headaches or back pain experienced marked relief. Countless other studies have shown yoga's effectiveness in stress management. All you need to do to begin de-stressing is get up off that couch and heal yourself by practicing Hatha Yoga.