Beyond Hot Yoga is truly a respectable studio that offers a wide variety of classes led by knowledgeable and skilled instructors. I've been coming here for over a month now, and I've consistently felt welcomed and encouraged by every instructor. I will note that each instructor has their own teaching style and slight variations in how they run their classes, but they all clearly have your best interests in mind. The classes are HOT, hotter than a lot of other studios in the area. If you're not looking for a challenge, this might not be the place for you. If I had to recommend one class, I'd recommend trying out the Sunday class with Maria. She's awesome, and the class always forces me to get up on a Sunday morning. The studio is very clean and well maintained. The women's locker room has plenty of space and showers, which come in handy after sweating it out in class. Be sure to bring your own mat, a full sized towel, and plenty of water. If you forget anything, they usually have some available. read more

Neighborhood gem. Popped in for a few classes with Jose and Jessica...their instruction is subtle and you don't feel like you're getting yelled at while practicing your peace. Space is intimate and hidden in a shopping center. Bought a class pack and noticed they are expanding their services by adding a hot hiit class and a hot Pilates too. Yay! Jessica also makes fresh juice! Can't wait to put an order in soon. *the only reservation I have is for the studio members. BE QUIET IN THE HOT ROOM BEFORE CLASS. For real. You don't know what someone is going thru, processing and why they are there trying to meditate in silence. Posting a "Keep conversations out of the hot room is respectful to all yogi's" should be posted. But seriously y'all, no one needs to hear about weekend plans, where you are for lunch, etc. it's rude and defeats the purpose of someone coming in early to be within self. read more

I tried out this yoga studio for about a month. I never tried Bikram Yoga before so I decided to give it a shot. My first class showed me how intense it would be. It was a 90 minute class at about 110 degrees Fahrenheit. By the end of the class I was overheated, had consumed about 6 cups of water, and a cold shower in the locker room felt like heaven. After feeling that the heat from the Bikram Yoga class was too intense, I also tried out their Vinyasa Yoga class. This class is done at about 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit and is accompanied by a lot more active yoga movements. The temperature was more comfortable and made this class more to my liking haha. I still did Bikram classes 3x a week but added 2 Vinyasa classes as well. I really enjoyed my yoga experience here. Learning new yoga movements like Eagle Pose and Warrior II helped improve my balance, flexibility, and mobility. My favorite instructor was Lilly who taught the Vinyasa class and was helpful to beginners. I just wish they offered more Vinyasa Classes at the studio (they only have 2-3 classes a week). The studio also sells their own organic pressed juices which is quite tasty and healthy. read more

Beyond Hot Yoga - Yoga Near Me - Centreville, Virginia

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I've been to a few hot yoga studios. But, I still consider myself a beginner. The classes are for all levels. I wish they had a specific class for beginners. Anyways, I wasn't feeling this studio. I just don't like that the instructor doesn't demonstrate any positions. You just have to watch what other people do and follow them. That's basically my biggest complaint. I just wish that they have somebody showing you how to do the moves. 3 stars read more

Omg this was awesome!! First time here and first time doing yoga and it was awesome The instructor Jose was super cool and really good I wish I lived here so I could come back Hopefully they have one just like this place in Carlsbad CA read more

Started Bikram yoga in this studio around a year ago. But was very random in my attendance. But jumped back on the saddle few months ago. Have been a member for 4 months now. I must say that I am loving every aspect of it. This is a very humble studio. They are what they show. The instructors are fabulous. Very hard to say which one is the best. Each one has their own strengths. But I am a little biased towards Jose. Only one word comes to my mind "Discipline". I am a sucker for discipline. His instructions are precise and his persuasive word gets you to push yourself a little bit harder and further then you were a day before each time you do his class. The facility is near and clean and they have a steady flow of dedicated Bikram practitioners. Would recommend this studio to all. read more

Majority of the classes do not start on time. This bothers me considering how I also seem to be rushing to get there promptly. Also, none of the instructors perform yoga while in class. In reflection, I now think this I why I think they all talk too much. I am no expert but from the few Bikram studios I have attended, all the instructors are also doing the moves (initially). Here, they teach you to look at the mirror and just listen to the instruction. Online registering is very convenient and I prefer it most because it makes me accountable. I feel as if I have to attend because I told them I would. The new student registration of $39/month is not to be missed. As soon as I read that online, I jumped at it. Please remember to being a towel for you and your mat. A water bottle will be your lover and minimal clothing. Wear as much as you are comfortable with. Seriously. There are people in there with two piece bathing suits. Christine is very chatty and has no problems calling me out by first name when I wasn't doing a pose correctly...Which was almost everytime! Not a huge problem but I after a while I can see how it might be intimidating for a new beginner. At first I was agitated but then I remembered that I came to class to calm down and de-stress so I adjusted my attitude...and my body. Jose talks so fast it sounds as if you are in a live auction. But he is cool with me because he gave me a free towel (normally $2) when I forgot one. read more

If yoga is your thing, I'd recommend Bikram Yoga in Centreville. With a Groupon purchase I attended the Vinyasa Yoga (60 minutes, 85-90 degree) class & Yin Yoga (90 minutes, unheated). Found the lack of connection with anyone that works here a bit off putting as class enrollment is done online via their website & check-in is completed via a monitor in the lobby upon arrival. Yet at the same time, this is efficient & obviously cuts down on overhead costs for the establishment. The class instructor is the only employee onsite so entry door is locked at class start time; don't be late or you won't get in! All shoes are left at the main entry located within the lobby area. Locker rooms provide showers & cubby area to store your belongings during class, but I don't recall any secure lockers available. No cell phones are permitted into the classroom. Bring your own mat & towel (you'll need it!) or I believe they have some onsite for purchase/rental. They also offer juicing & apparel for sale as well. While I did find the Vinyasa class challenging & did like 'sweating it out', I have determined personally that yoga just doesn't hold my interest. If you're like me & like trying new things, they are always running an new client special for unlimited classes for a month. Price tends to vary between $39 - $49. read more

I was really excited to try yoga for the first time. I bought a Groupon after reading great Yelp reviews, while sitting in my 3 month old son's hospital room. I desperately needed stress relief. People kept telling me yoga was the way to go, so I listened. I figured getting a deal for 10 classes would be a nice intro to not over-commit myself if I didn't exactly love it. Well, I did love it. Hot yoga made me feel amazing and helped shut my brain off for an hour and a half. Rachael was a fantastic instructor in Vinyasa and Bikram, made me feel welcome and not like an idiot as a first timer. Also enjoyed my Yin class with Trish, very mellow and great stretching. Then par for the course life got crazy with more health issues in the family and home buying, etc. I had only used 3 of 10 classes and found my pass about to expire. I REALLY wanted to use those classes and then sign up for a package because it felt like a nice place. I wanted this to be a place that I could go for stress relief and fitness. I thought, it can't hurt to ask for a small extension. Most businesses can be a bit flexible to show good customer service, right? I mentioned all the recent family hardships and asked them. ***Message from the studio back to me*** Hi Shayna, Thank you for your email. We have a very strict studio policy regarding extending Groupon packages due to their extremely low profit margin, so we will not be able to extend your Groupon package. After expenses we most times actually loose money. The only time we make a profit is if the person using the Groupon purchases a package. Please let me know if you have any other questions *********************************** So that's how it is? That...is SO extremely off putting I can't even express. Isn't a yoga studio supposed to be peaceful and welcoming? I wasn't asking them to give me a free pass or anything, nor should I care about your profit margins. I have a business degree, so I understand that lingo, but not everybody would and likely doesn't give two flicks of a pen. The studio wasn't actually going to LOSE money. Every class I attended was packed, so if the instructor was already paid then there was no money lost unless everyone there was riding the Groupon train. My thoughts...if you don't want to honor a Groupon, don't offer it. If you don't need to offer it to lure in new members, then don't? Maybe I'm just being selfish but I could really have used a sanctuary. Final thoughts/// Namaste? Nah...I'mma go...somewhere else. read more

Was very apprehensive about giving yoga a chance, let alone in a studio surrounded by complete strangers who would definitely "judge me." After many people telling me that the benefits would be worth any type of embarrassment, I decided to finally give Bikram Yoga Centerville a try. I'd read the negative reviews, but I was not disappointed whatsoever. Obviously, with me not being flexible at all and never having done yoga outside of a video in my living room, I started with a friendlier, less strenuous class in Yin yoga. The instructor, Rachael, immediately put me at ease and made me feel comfortable with everything, even before entering the studio. And although I'm sure I looked like a complete disaster in there, she still offered positive reinforcement during and after class. I would recommend this location and class to anyone apprehensive, but interested in enjoying the benefits of yoga. I woke up this morning feeling great. Will definitely make the effort to go again. I do suggest leaving any valuables at home or in your vehicle as there are no lockers. They do lock the doors at start time, so be prompt! read more

It's hard to review a Bikram yoga studio as anything other than three stars, because by design and intention, all classes and studios are exactly the same.. So it's a little hard to stand out. Also, many people buy into the dogma of Bikram, so their reviews are more about their love of yoga than the actual studio. But Bikram Centreville does a few things to go above and beyond, warranting a four star review. First, if you've never taken a hot yoga class, I'm sure you've googled the crap out of bikram and you know what to expect. You can't take a bikram class on a whim, because you really need to hydrate the entire day before you go. So PLAN your first visit, don't just show up one hour after you've decided to reform your fitness lifestyle. Plan to arrive a little early to fill out paperwork (the website says 30 minutes, but 15 will do). When you walk in, the lobby is gorgeous. Very few yoga studios I've been to have such an expansive and spacious lobby. Fill out some initial paperwork, and leave your shoes to the left. The teacher was really friendly and chatted with me before my 6am class. The studio is locked during classes, but I wouldn't feel comfortable bringing all my stuff to shower without actual locked storage (I just went home after class) Ask the teacher where the hot and cold sides of the too are (by the door will generally be a little cooler). Check out the locker room - it's GORGEOUS and definitely more spacious than many others. The one thing I didn't like was you can't really lock your things up anywhere - there are cubbies, but not lockers. The class is exactly what you'd expect from any Bikram class. 26 postures and two breathing exercises. You can look up the series anywhere online if you want to know what to expect. I took class from Dagmar, and she was definitely one of my favorite bikram teachers, adding her own flare. She deviated from the Bikram script a tiny bit, but in a good way. Honestly I've taken A LOT of yoga classes, and Dagmar is an excellent teacher. After class you are free to lay in the heat if you'd like to sweat a little longer. I stayed and added some non-bikram poses, and no one seemed to mind. Overall, one of the nicer bikram experiences I've had. There were a few extra things (spacious, nice carpeting in the room, beautiful decor) and a few things I was surprised they didn't have (cool face towels for after class seem to be the usual) but overall definitely worth checking out. Additional small info: Drop in class $18 Towel rental $2 (don't know about mats, I brought my own). Right now there's a one month unlimited for $39 read more

Place is awesome. Staff is friendly and experienced. Since I started attending I have notice a great change in my energy, endurance and health. Highly recommend. read more

Beyond Hot Yoga - Yoga Near Me - Centreville, Virginia

I'm hooked. I've been doing Bikram for a while now and was super excited to see this new location so close to home. The studio I went to before, was always packed. Though the class is always pretty full here, the instructors are all attentive. They've been helpful enough to give me pointers and help me push myself a lot! It's both a great workout and a great way to clear your mind and regain focus. read more

I don't think I have ever been so passionate about something as I am about Bikram yoga. What makes this place so awesome it is located right down the street from me, Maria and Jose (the owners) are the nicest people ever and very encouraging. This place is super clean and the teachers are very knowledgable. I try to come here at least 3-4 days a week. I have managed to lose a couple pounds and look at life in a different way. Before yoga I was very stressed out especially about work but now I manage to get things done without high levels of anxiety. Now the only anxiety I really feel is when I go a couple days without Bikram yoga. My mom also comes with me to the studio and I think this place has worked wonders for her as well. My moms blood pressure was dangerously high before Bikram and had to take medication to control it. The medication was doing more harm though because she felt like a walking zombie when taking it. Aside from high BP she also suffered from depression, chronic bladder issues, migraines and feeling lethargic all the time. I had no idea Bikram yoga would eventually restore her health but it has with consistent attendance! My mom no longer has to take harmful drugs and is a much more happier person. My husband also comes with me and he loves it as well. The only reason why I thought twice about writing this review is because I did not want the studio to get more packed but I know by spreading the word others will benefit from it like my family and I have! read more

This studio is my jam! The lobby is spacious and inviting, the locker room is always clean and plenty of space to store your personal belongings. The hot room is my favorite (and what keeps me coming back) - it's a very calming/serene atmosphere, as it should be! Prices are reasonable and the instructors are very well informed. They have very regular practitioners, which creates a welcoming sense of community. Go! Get your sweat on! read more

It's been nearly a week since I've been here. Since practicing Bikram in 2008 and moving, I've been looking for a studio to call 'home.' This is definitely one of the newer studios for practice with modern amenities to include a very clean and large locker room. My experience with customer service: could definitely use some work. I was new and stood there waiting for someone to greet me (it wasn't busy.) With years of customer service under my belt, this is important - especially for business. I also find it weird that they have 3 people behind the desk but not one of them said hello until I finally grabbed their attention. For practice, the studio is awesome! The older studios I've been practicing at in the area have carper that I'm not a fan of (especially if you are taking a class and entering right after the previous one concluded.) With that being said, expect to sweat a lot! The difference with this studio is that the instructors use a mic while teaching - caught me off guard and definitely takes some getting used to. I have not taken a class with every instructor, but with the ones I have - I would encourage to change their learning style. Since I am not a beginner, and understanding body movement, I know the poses rather well but form is important to me. Since form matters and getting into the postures is crucial, I notice that some instructors rush into poses or don't explain 'how to' get into the poses correctly which can injure our bodies. Just a tip for beginners - LOOK AROUND. Don't be afraid to raise your hand or since they do each pose twice, watch the first set and then participate in the second set. Practice makes perfect! namaste, read more

I really love this place, and i'm trying my best to go more... i personally love that the instructors are not doing the poses with you and instead are walking around the room talking you through it. If they see you struggling they will show you what you should be doing so you arent lost or doing the poses incorrectly. plus if you're a real beginner they can show you ways to work up to the full poses. its always very clean and the instructors (at least the ones i've had) arent they yoga snooty people that can come to mind. i've always at least had a giggle or two during class. on my way to class tonight with a new instructor (for me). super excited :) read more

This studio is a GEM, so glad I live near it!! (Before finding this, I had memberships at Lifetime and Body & brain yoga. Since finding this I have been to other bikram classes, while on vacation.) The Instructors are amazing! They are so kind, knoledgeable and GENUINE!! They stay on the topic of health, detoxifying and yoga, which I really respect. Other studios bring weightloss and reproduction into the picture to a degree which I found offensive. It just makes sense here, I love the atmosphere. Bikram Yoga is, of all the types I know of and have tried, the most beneficial, complete exercise. The differences after two months of doing this regularly are wonderfully suprising, any health changes that might of happened with other yoga, for me, werent as noticable. I had kinda given up on my knee because it has been problematic (espicially during exercise) due to overexertion riding horses and running in highschool, its amazingly better now. The environment there is very clean, wonderful lighting, warm, comfortable... smells good. Changing areas are fully equipped with sinks, plenty of shelves and hooks, extra countertop space with hairdryers, And the 3 real tile showers are lovely too, I enjoy showering there, very clean authentic... doesn't have that gym/hotel feel. Just all around love this studio. read more

Really convenient location! I signed up for the new student unlimited month. I have taken 4 classes so far and each instructor has been fantastic! It's a good size studio and the restrooms are very clean. They lock the doors during class so you can leave you things in the changing room without worrying. I really like it so far! Only downside: I had been to another bikram studio that would pass out cold hand towels soaked in lavender... I wish this studio would do that as well but aside from that it's a great studio! read more

I have tried a few yoga studios but I have been coming back to this one because the space, the instructors and owners Jose and Maria are the best. They offer Hot Yoga, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin yoga classes. They also tasty pressed juices!! read more

It's a challenge to review a yoga studio without also thinking of my experiences in practicing yoga. Focusing on the studio: - Jose and Maria are the principals but try a class with different teachers: they all have different perspectives. Even though the yoga is always the same you can learn and pick up different tips from each one. - The teachers don't practice with you but the advantage is they can look at what you're doing and offer suggestions. No matter how long or short you have been practicing, there's always something to learn. - No excuses: they are open almost every day and there's at least one class per week so it fits any schedule as early as 5:30am or as late as 8:00pm - Features mostly Bikram hot yoga, and some vinyasa and yin yoga classes If I were to choose one word for this studio, it would be "challenge." It's open and welcoming to anyone, whether first-timers or long-timers, and the people are great. But bottom line is yoga is about *you* and only *you*. If you stick with it, they help you to challenge yourself to do more for yourself. It's cliche, but sometimes cliches are true: you get back as much, if not more, than what you put in. read more

This place is the greatest! Jose and Maria are so encouraging and such great instructors. I have tried a few different hot yoga studios and non compare to how well run these classes are with such great staff and excellent facility space. They go above and beyond to make sure each student feels welcome and wanted in class and it's such a challenging yet relaxing workout! They always push you to do your best and don't expect you to do anything more than you feel confident doing. I can't say enough great things about this studio. Oh and lastly, one of my other favorite instructors is Dagmar!! She is such a ray of sunshine and makes class go by so quickly because she makes it so fun! Everyone is amazing here!!! read more

Super friendly and non-judgmental yoga studio. Had the best yin and yang yoga class today (not heated) ! The studio is really nice and extremely clean. I am OCD and I have no complaints about this studio - it's very clean. I have been to other hot yoga studios where it reeks from the heat, but not this studio. Everyone in class was really nice and very welcoming. Swyann, my teacher was amazing and taught me some fabulous new techniques. She was very good with her poses, instructions and counting. I can't wait to go back next week! ‍ read more

Can't say enough good things about Bikram Centerville. Incredible instructors, everyone very friendly and welcoming. You will work hard in class (105 degrees, 40% humidity- you sweat A LOT), but it's all about doing the best you can. If you need to rest have a seat on your mat. There is no judging so definitely no need to worry if you can't do some of the postures. Do the best you can today keep at it. As someone that loves to play basketball Bikram Centerville has given me another option for a great workout without all the pounding on your body that basketball is. Come join us for a class, you won't regret it read more

Terrible, terrible, terrible terrible turrible customer service & just interpersonal skills in general. Was planning on spending a lot of money on clothes & juices but will never be back. read more

Nice place, literally peaceful. Great staff and members are nice, friendly and understand my needs and challenges as beginners, never judged. Bathroom/Lockers areas very comfortable, clean neat; but not that private for my taste, not used to; even though bathroom/locker is all female area, I just go home and get changed. The guys members are cool are very respectful, everyone goes there to practice YOGA, not clowning around -like in gyms-. The hot yoga is intense but you get used to pretty quick - instructor are very conscious of your needs again very helpful. I am very positive that my ill got better due this hot yoga practice. Even though they offered variety of yoga environments I haven't start other styles yet, but will do. Instructors are positive in encouraging you to explore, to find out your style. Location is great, very convenient. I took the new members' offer $49 unlimited. and got hooked. I have been there now for little over 3 months, slow down the assistance, and after seen my health going backwards... I got motivated to go back a much 3 days a week, as I started off which brought an immediate change to my health and habits. Let's do this read more

Another place that I have no idea how I didn't review up until now! I had previously done Bikram before coming to this studio, so Bikram Yoga Centreville was not my intro to Bikram but more an intro to Yoga in the area. Last summer I decided to take a break from running as my form of exercise and I was in the area for a couple months, so I decided to sign up for the intro deal of $39 for unlimited Yoga for a month (which is by the way an amazing deal). And once I've completed my first class, I decided to "treat" myself with a two weeks Yoga challenge, where I'd go to one class for 14 days in a row. Let me tell you that it was awesome!! I mean granted some classes I wished I could run out of the door and jump in a pool, and other times I didn't even want to walk into the room, but there was never a class where afterwards I didn't feel on top of the world. 90 minutes in 104 degrees is a long time, but your body really adjusts to it, and honestly, it makes you feel so good. Fast forward to today (one year later in which sadly I didn't practice any yoga) and I find myself back in the area and decided to go back to the studio. The place is still as awesome & clean, the instructors friendly and helpful, and I still walk out of the door feeling amazing even though 20 minutes earlier I felt like I was dying. Do yourself a favor and drop by. You will not regret it! read more

Best Yoga Studio! I've been taking classes here on and off for 2ish years. Recently I took some time off work and committed to getting back in shape. I've practiced at many studios and gyms all over the country and I have to say that BYC is the best! They make you feel welcome. They encourage you to push yourself. They are supportive of you and your goals. They congratulate you on your accomplishments. And they cultivate a sense of community and well-being that is genuine and energizing. There is no better example of yoga in practice than at BYC. Also, I did a 30 day challenge so I was at the studio everyday for a full month and I have to say that it is so clean! Everyday it was clean. The changing rooms/bathrooms and the yoga room are always spotless. This is no small feat and is a testament to their commitment as a business, not just a yoga studio. read more

I use 3 different Bikram studios and this is by far the best one. The cleanest. Friendliest. And always the most humid even during this cold snap of 8 degrees. They make everyone feel welcome. Their studio does not have the typical Bikram smell. Their showers and bathroom are clean. I highly recommend going to this studio if you are on this side of town. Beginners are always welcomed. They are a no judgement studio. I had class with Lukas and he was the perfect person to have class with for the mindset I was in yesterday. Each instructor has their own style and each is great. read more

best bikram place! the teachers are amazing and supportive, and you HAVE to try the coldharvestraw juice! order www.coldharvestraw.com. I'm addicted to it AND it's healthy! read more

I enjoyed hot yoga at this studio. The location was great and the staff/instructors were excellent. I love the place.

Very welcoming environment and the teachers are so nice! The class moves at your pace too which I like as some people aren't as skilled in yoga yet. Everyone that goes here is so nice and even if it's your first time, no one laughs at anyone and often times clap for you and congratulate you. read more

Yoga is supposed to help you de-stress. Honestly I made a mistake of signing up for a package at this location. Again MY mistake. but the staff here has not been very helpful in finding a solution for their customers. I am not asking for a refund but I just wanted to use the remaining value of my package to purchase a new package but they won't allow that. I've had better customer service at Tysons. I did like the studio because it wasn't as busy and they kept it very clean but this whole package experience has left me not wanting to go back to this location. read more

I bought the $39 intro class with my friend. After being in my first class for 10 minutes, I thought WTF am I doing in a 104+ degree room with 40% humidity . I am so glad I finished the 90 minutes. It will change your life. After my 16th class, I am officially a bikram yoga addict. I have noticed my body changing for the better. It also has helped released stress. The 90 minutes fly by. The studio is super clean. The teachers really do care about the students and even try to remember your name. If you want to know what a Japanese Ham Sandwich is , come try out a class or two. My favorite instructors are Matt & Maria. read more

Awesome place, and the staff make you feel like family. Also, their fresh pressed juices are great.

I've been practicing at Bikram Yoga Centreville for a little over 3 years now. The studio is clean, the locker rooms are roomy and the classes are not too hot and not too cold; but just right. I call them Goldilocks classes. The studio owners have created a warm and inviting culture that is very inclusive and accepting. I have practiced at other studios in the area that have their cliques -- that is not the case a BYC. They appreciate and respect the practice but they also remind you that "it's just yoga". In 2016, they added Barkan Vinyasa, Yin and Forest Yoga. I enjoy the Vinyasa classes and attend as my schedule allows. My only suggestions would be to incorporate more Vinyasa and early morning classes into the schedule. While this isn't the studio I started my practice in, it is the studio I am proud to call my yoga home. read more

Love this studio! All of the instructors are amazing! The studio and locker room have plenty of room for everyone.

What a great studio. Maria and Jose do such a great job of running the studio. Very clean, no hot yoga stink to the yoga room, and good teachers. read more

Beyond Hot Yoga - Keep going with your practice! - Yoga Near Me - Centreville, Virginia

I've been going to different yoga classes for about 4 years now (from NOVA to Bali!) and Lili from hot vinyasa on monday nights is by far my favorite teacher ever! She is so sweet and helpful and has taught me more than any teacher before. Her class is my favorite and she makes 90+ degrees for 90 minutes bearable! read more

First of all, please forgive the length of this review. I felt inspired to contribute this morning. I EXTREMELY RARELY write a review about anything but I simply have to say something about this place, the people, and this type of yoga! I had developed stomach issues this past spring (probably as a result of stress) that persisted through the end of June and caused me to lose nearly 30 lbs - and I'm not big! I'd been to doctors who were stumped, tried yogurt and probiotics - none of which helped. After the first few classes, I experienced a profound change. I am completely back to normal - maybe even better than normal! The ONLY difference is having taken up Bikram Yoga. I am amazed and extremely grateful to have my health back! By way of a little background, I've run 5 marathons but sustained a foot injury in 2009 left me without any form of exercise or outlet for the stress I put myself under in my work. I just can't stand traditional gyms, hate treadmills and stationary bikes, can't tolerate stairclimbers or elliptical machines, and suffer ear infections when I swim ... I have such an aversion to gyms that even though those amenities are provided on my rental property at no charge, I haven't set foot in that gym in the 3 years I've lived here. I had heard about Bikram Yoga years ago but was in the process of getting my PhD and simply didn't have the time to pursue it, but it came up again in a casual conversation with one of my students this past June (I am a teacher.) She said she did yoga at Bikram Centreville and highly recommended it. Something moved me that day. I can't say exactly what, but I went into the studio and signed up. The staff member I spoke with that day, Catherine, was very positive and inviting. I told her I was brand new and she encouraged me to give it a try. Their $39 for the first month offer was more than reasonable. I bought a mat that day and came back the next. I admit I had a very difficult time with the first class because I had no experience and therefore no expectation of upcoming poses. It was extremely challenging, which as a distance runner, I welcomed, but I must admit I kept wishing I had a watch. 90 minutes seemed to drag by, and it was such a relief when it was over... HOWEVER, the feeling I had after leaving that class is something that makes me come back nearly every day. It was like the feeling I used to get from running for hours at a time - without the knee aches, foot pain, sciatic jabs, or muscle tightness. My mind, for the first time in my life, was at peace. It was slowed down, not racing as it usually does with all the "things I need to do." I remember my flip flops squishing under my feet which were sliding around on them from all the sweat - a most satisfying feeling for me, honestly, and I was struck (and continue to be struck) with the fact that I simply was incapable of walking fast. I sauntered to my car and took a deep breath. I felt wrung out, but not in a bad way at all... it was like a renewal - something completely foreign to me after working out. Ever since that first day, classes seem almost too short! I know the sequence of poses and am improving in my form. I remember Dagmar, one of instructors, told us to look in the mirror and acknowledge the teacher, for WE were the teacher - she was only our guide. She announced and explained the poses, gave encouragement, and gently corrected people. I emphasize the "gentle" part especially because I am extremely harsh with myself. My critical mind is always pulling me apart, pointing out deficiencies and comparing myself with everyone else in every aspect of my life. My self-talk began to change with that class. I fell out of a pose and remember looking at myself and saying to myself, "that was really great - you're getting better!" That thought has seriously never entered my mind before ... As for the staff and instructors, I continue to be struck with how positive and encouraging each one is. Matt was my very first instructor and he couldn't have been more positive if he tried. The instructors are all different, but for me the comfort is in the fact that the order and pace of the classes don't vary from instructor to instructor. I have learned something from every class and I continue to improve. That peaceful mind that I leave with is precious to me. The studio is new - only a year old. The room is spacious and mirrors line 2 of the walls, with windows on the third side that have soft curtains over them so that natural light can enter the room without being a distraction. I also love the floor of the room. That may sound weird, but it has a wood pattern though it's like walking on felt. The only word that comes to my mind to describe it is "yummy"! This is proving to be a life-chaning experience. Thank you Bikram Centreville! read more