I first came across Bikram Yoga in Hamburg Germany in 2009. At that time I was finishing my Psychology degree and spent lots of time sitting in front of the computer, writing my thesis. I had been to many yoga classes and was always curious about that Bikram Yoga everyone seemed to talk about. I have to admit being fairly bored with most ‘normal’ yoga classes I was sceptical at first. So I did a little bit of research before going to my first class. I already knew the postures I was going to do and what I was in for…. Or at least I thought so.
I got to the studio all prepared and ready to sweat it out. I walked in after a class had just finished and saw all those sweaty people coming out of the room, looking exhausted but extremely happy and content.

 
I was always physically active and fit and have done everything from Judo, Snowboarding and Field hockey to Ballet, which left me with a very fit but also injured and quite tight body.
Being fit and active and usually quite good at physical activities I thought my first class was going to be no problem at all. But just like most people in their 1st class I was in for a surprise!

 
The heat, the humidity and all those instruction’s by the teacher just blew me away! I had never sweated that much in my entire life! I have to say that I loved the intensity of it straight away but I was really struggling to keep my breath calm not to mention my mind.
Being a bit of a perfectionist I wanted to ‘perform’ well in my first class – so I worked extra hard! This attitude brought me to my knees by Standing Bow Pose. I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest and if I didn’t sit down right now I surely would pass out. I could not believe how the students in the front row stayed so calm, cool and collected the whole class through.

My ego was broken then and there (which I now know to be a good thing)! I had found my Master and I knew instantly I would be doing this for the rest of my life! Within 2 weeks of practicing I noticed a profound difference in the way I felt physically, mentally and emotionally and had told all my friends about this magical Yoga. And I knew I wanted to teach it eventually…

 
In September 2011 I went to do my Teacher Training with Bikram Choudhury himself in Los Angeles, which I would definitely count as one of the best (and certainly most challenging) experiences of my life!
Ever since getting back from Training I have been teaching full time and Managing the Studios together with Jodie & Sean which has the biggest blessing. I can honestly say to be one of those lucky people who truly love their job – to be honest calling it a ‘job’ seems unjustified, as it is truly living and breathing my passion!

 
Bikram Yoga has changed my life on so many levels and continues to do so every day. If I get stressed out, tense, worried or overwhelmed by life’s demands the best remedy is a Bikram Yoga Class! It clears the mind, detoxifies the body and makes you appreciate the little things (after 90 minutes of sweating a shower, a cold drink and fresh air all seem pretty special, guaranteed!).

 
My passion for this yoga continues to grow as I see how it changes and improves other people’s lives on a daily basis. I believe that changing the world can only be done by every man and woman changing themselves first.
As we practice this Yoga we get to know ourselves more and more and realise our true magnificence. Bikram Choudhury calls this process ‘Self Realisation’. And as you realise who you really are, you realise how everyone else is just like you and vice versa! We all want, feel and fail the same in slightly different ways. Over time this yoga will create beautiful harmony in your mind, body and soul, giving you a sense of peace and connectedness.

 
Please come in and take a couple of classes with an open heart & mind and just see what happens!
I look forward to seeing you soon and being part of your journey towards yourself!

With joy,

Mara