Testimonials

Dear Kylie & Team,

Four months ago I found myself darkening the doorstep of your studio and I haven’t looked back since.

Exercise and fitness have always been a large part of my life; something I enjoy and a great way of dealing with the stresses of everyday life. Unfortunately the last few years have been very personally challenging, particularly the last seven months, and I have struggled to find inner peace. I was prompted to try Bikram yoga because I wanted to avoid turning to medication to balance my moods and to also give myself a new physical challenge.

My best classes have been on the days where I have been at my most emotionally fragile. Some days I have literally wiped tears from my cheeks as I walked across the car park and then used the intensity of the heat and the postures to push my demons aside as I fought to “stay in the room”. After the class I feel like I have not only been cleansed of physical toxins but also of toxic thoughts and emotions.

Bikram yoga has been a life line; not simply a hobby, a practice or a form of exercise and I don’t know how I would have coped without it. Thank you to all of the instructors who have brought their knowledge, experience and heart to every class – what an amazing group of people you are and what an amazing influence you have had on my life.

Sam Monroe, Wellington Point

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For a long time one of my major goals has been to follow in my late father’s footsteps during WW2 in New Guinea by trekking over the Owen Stanley Range to Kokoda. Earlier this month I undertook a trek in New Guinea with a focus on the war history during 1942. I came away more informed and with the utmost respect for all the soldiers who took part in this “bloody campaign”.

From talking to people who had preceded me and from what I had read about Kokoda, I knew it was arduous and not to be underestimated. Apparently Kokoda is rated as the toughest trek of its kind in the world.

After 35 years of veterinary practice the spirit was willing but the flesh was weak so I needed to first get fit to achieve my goal. This started when I began Bikram yoga at Capalaba in early 2009 after my mate, Tony Kerrin, recommended I give it a try. Since then I have practiced about three times a week and there is no doubt about my improved level of fitness. Strict medicals are now required for aspiring Kokoda trekkers to help prevent further tragedies on the track. In February of this year I had to pass treadmill stress tests to be accepted for the trek. Fortunately I had done a similar test 20 years ago and was able to compare the before and after. Then my fitness was rated as average (not a surprise, I was working ridiculous hours and not exercising) whilst the recent result has improved considerably and is now rated as excellent. At this point the only change to my routine was Bikram yoga (retirement probably helped as well). After the medical and for the next four months I endlessly climbed hills and put as many miles into my legs as I could manage. Towards the end I was exercising 6 days a week and my wife, Lyn, was calling me “the mountain goat”.

Was it enough? Nothing could adequately prepare you for the Kokoda experience except Kokoda. I could try and describe Kokoda’s difficulty as like going to Bikram yoga for 8-9 hours a day, continue that for 10 days straight, and then you might be close.

In retrospect, it was the correct decision for me to make Bikram yoga a major part my preparation for Kokoda. Being accustomed to exercise in heat and humidity your body copes better with the physical and mental demands. The inner strength that you develop also enables you to continue to put one foot in front of the other and prevents the words “I give up” ever entering your head.

Was Kokoda worth it? Every step! Was it difficult? Unbelievably! Did Bikram help? Absolutely!

Bill Upton, Capalaba

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When you hear someone tell you that Bikram Yoga changes your life…just know that it can, it will and for me it has…

I started practising BY not so much for the fitness and stretching side of things but more so for the mental and internal benefits. For about 10 months now I have been practising for 5 days a week. It’s now a large part of my life and takes priority at the beginning of my day. It’s my time. I know the distinct change that the yoga has made to my IBS and Coeliac Disease and has allowed me to quiet my mind, focus on me and to cope better with the challenges of owning a business.

BY has given me more of a positive, confident and “can do” attitude. It has proved to me that I can do much more than what I realise. In every class you achieve a little more and you can’t help but smile during those moments.

For me, 90 minutes of yoga in a hot room has done so so much for me as a person and everyday I am thankful for that….

I will make it overseas for the teacher training at some stage so I can share with others what it has done for me…

Kirsten Telfer, Capalaba

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Hi Kylie,

Bikram Yoga has almost single-handedly turned my life around, putting me on a path to good health that I never could have imagined. When I first started I was 15Kgs overweight, smoked a pack a day, carelessly drank too much alcohol and coffee and was not getting enough exercise. I knew I needed a lifestyle change, but didn’t even know where to start. When a friend recommended I try this yoga I accepted, but I didn’t really know what to expect. Certainly, I did not expect it to turn my life inside out and make such dramatic physical and mental changes. Four months into my practice and I’ve lost those extra 15Kgs I was carrying, I’ve successfully given up smoking, been eating a much healthier diet and have learned the importance of quietening the mind. This may seem like a lot of change – and yes, it has been.. but I can honestly say that changes just naturally started to occur. The road to good health becomes quite plain to see and this clarity feels great! Bikram has taught more truths about my body, mind and spirit then any discipline has before and has changed my outlook on life so much for the better. I have so many thanks to give to Kylie and her teaching team for their inspiration, direction and ongoing support and encouragement. Discovering yoga has been a life changing event for me and one that I know I can maintain indefinitely. I wholeheartedly recommend Bikram Yoga to anyone who is looking for the change that they seek but has not yet found. For me, I know yoga has made my life much more complete and I’m absolutely certain it can do the same for anyone out there. But, you have to make a bold move, be brave and and just get yourself into the studio. You wont regret it.

Chris Paterson, Capalaba.

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Kylie,

I just wanted to thank you for saving my life. Before taking your classes, my blood pressure was around 150/95 which was threatening to lead me to a hereditary heart attack. Both my parents died of massive heart attacks. The medication I was taking had worse side effects than benefits so I had to find an alternative. After many life changing changes to diet and fitness regimes my blood pressure stayed too high. Since taking your classes my blood pressure has dropped to around 128/75, the best it has ever been. So thank you and don’t give up on me, I need your expertise more than you will ever know. Cheers!

Fred Pommee, Alexandra Hills.

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Ten months of Bikram Yoga has transformed my body, mind and soul: I am ten kilos lighter; more flexible, much stronger; free from eczema and psoriasis; have improved posture and digestion; greater focus and stamina. I feel more energised at 42 than I was at 22, so my yoga practice has become an integral part of my life. If you choose to be hooked on anything, get hooked on Bikram Yoga!

Helen Taylor, Redland Bay.

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Lower back pain has been a part of daily life for me for a number of years. After many medical consultations and having tried a range of treatments that tended to mask rather than heal the problem long term, I was starting to fatigue emotionally from the constant discomfort and failure to really make any real progress that improved my quality of life.

I knew I needed to engage in more exercise in order to build strength and alleviate the pain but I was also aware from previous experience that, if the exercise was not selected and managed carefully, this made the problem worse. After researching on the internet for the best exercise regimes to support the lower back, I decided to turn to yoga. I then did a search of my local area and found Kylie and Bikram Yoga Capalaba and I haven’t looked back! After the first class I knew that it was the beginning of real change for me physically and mentally. The more I go to Bikram Yoga classes, the more I can feel my body building in strength, particularly across the entire spinal region. This is the first time I have felt in control of the course of improvement in my lower back and this empowerment has brought me great optimism for the future. Along with the specific benefits to my lower back I am also generally more fit and healthy and I am thriving on the renewed energy I have to engage in my work and enjoy the rest of my life. I am loving the mental stimulation, challenge and clarity that is derived from my practice and appreciate the supportive way in which Kylie has encouraged my development since the first class. I am so glad that I discovered Bikram Yoga Capalaba as it has really impacted powerfully on my well-being. For me, 2008 was the year that Bikram Yoga gave me back my quality of life, Thank-you!

Jacqui Zervos, Wellington Point.

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Being a woman in her early forties and not quite used to being called middle aged Bikram Yoga certainly has changed my life…

giving me more confidence in my mind and body to cope with every day life. I have struggled with calcification in both shoulders after 24 years of hairdressing. I have had 2 knee operations which ended my love of competitive sport and then my GP tells me I am developing arthritis in my lower back. Now after Bikram Yoga Capalaba, I can hold my arms above my head and balance on one leg for 1 minute. My legs are even starting to feel like I have some type of muscle again…yahoo!!! Mind you, that has taken a lot of pain and determination!!! No pain No gain, does that sound familiar!!! Another thing, I love seeing familiar faces and just saying hello to each other is sometimes all that’s needed because we all are having similar experiences. And to you Kylie, I love your warmth and caring ways you show to everybody, you inspire me everyday!!!

Angie Gibbons, Capalaba.

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I love the Yoga and yesterday I had a good old cry in my third posture (the one where you lift and wrap your leg around as you go into sit position) which really gave me no energy for the rest of the class. I was surprised, as I thought I had set myself up well before the class drank heaps of water and was in good spirits.

I got really frustrated! Almost like my first class. I know I am doing this for my own health and can see great improvements in myself, but cannot understand why what seems to be very simple is so difficult for me. e.g. I can now go backwards but can’t bloody stand on one leg….. There is a hell of a lot of ‘crap’ to get rid of from this body, I only wish I could find more time to come more often. I love your classes (especially the way you do the dialogue)… This is probably the first thing I have ever done that I have lasted this long with, as exercise and me have always been like the north and south pole. I still cannot believe that I last 1 1/2 hours (in heat), as apposed to 30 minutes in a gym. But the difference is you Kylie and the dialogue. We all have to keep going… it is like having your own personal trainer (perhaps that could be a line in your advertising). Anyway just wanted to tell you I really fluffed up last session, just lost my mojo. I guess some classes are stronger than others. I can feel my legs getting stronger and my back opening up so I guess just like the hair advert….it won’t happen over night but it will happen…. see you next week.

R. K., Wellington Point.

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Hi Kylie,

Like a lot of your “followers”, I too am so grateful to have found you. I am going to make it my New Year’s pledge to do a 30 day challenge. Thanks again for making my 40′s not such a bad place!

Gillian Hirst, Coorparoo.

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I just had to tell you, today I did toe stand, ever so briefly and only on my right leg, but I did it! And I came back up too. I was so excited I almost clapped. Thank you so much. So now I wonder how long before I get my hips sorted out so that I can do the left leg. Hopefully, not another 6 months! Thank you for making yoga so enjoyable, I really look forward to coming. Yoga helped to make 2008 a great year for me personally! See you later in the week.

Colleen Lines, Wellington Point.

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Kylie,

Thank-you for this YOGA, I am enjoying it. Tonight I seem to have pushed my hardest yet, it’s 9.10pm and my arms are still shaking and legs red. I was so pleased with my effort and achievements.

Lorenz Loeken, Alexandra Hills.

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Hi Kylie,

My 2 little boys and I came for our first ever Yoga session yesterday evening and WOW, what an experience.

We thought we were all quite fit since my boys play football, soccer, baseball, karate etc and I’ve been running marathons for the last 18 months and ice-skate regularly…. but boy were we not prepared for the WORKout (emphasis on “work”) yesterday. After suffering through a few sports injuries in the past few months and going to chiro and physio, we thought it was time to strengthen and build up our core strength. And that was exactly what the class did. After the 1st 3 minutes of exercise… breathing exercise, mind you, … the 3 of us were sweating like pigs already! I don’t know how we survived till the end of the class but suffice to say, we have a very very healthy respect for Yoga being a HIGH INTENSITY SPORT. The best part is, we don’t feel sore at all. In fact, our lungs do feel larger and my body longer and more fluid. Its amazing! Anyway, just wanted to drop a little note to say Thank You and keep up the good work. The place looks fabulous although I think you are running out of room – not surprise at the demand though! I’ve already recommended it to a few other girlfriends.

Magdalene Gorczynski, Capalaba.

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While doing our planning meeting with our Business Coach last week he declared my doing yoga daily a trigger action for Gary to succeed in Business. It will now be a priority above everything else. YES!!! I can’t wait for the New Year.

Richele Husk, Daisy Hill.

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Dear Kylie,

Thank you for creating a safe and supportive environment in which I can push my body, mind and spirit to their absolute limits. I did 3 classes today and feel fabulous. Steve was encouraging and supportive and helped keep me energized which I really appreciated. One thing I know for sure now is I can do anything I want to do once I make up my mind.

Helen Taylor, Redland Bay.

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Hi Kylie,

Thanks again for your awesome classes and great inspiration and motivation. I’m certainly one of the ones feeling the benefits, though I still, and probably always will, find it very challenging!

Clair Long, Thornlands.

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For the last few years, I have been under a deal of stress, caring for my aged father and subsequently handling his death,

cleaning up the family home and then buying and settling into my own home. As a result of this period of turmoil in my life, my blood pressure had become abnormally high. I sought medical advice which did not improve my situation. I decided to try an alternative path. I had known of Bikram Yoga for some time, but had not pursued it because of the situation with my father. In October 2008, I decided it was time to do something about it. I started attending Bikram Yoga Capalaba. At the same time my medical advisor monitored my blood pressure. Soon after starting Bikram Yoga, my blood pressure returned to a normal reading.

Marguerita Gregory, Acacia Ridge.

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Thank you for the great lessons and great encouragement.. With all the dance lessons I do, Bikram Yoga has really helped me to be more flexible and my concentration is awesome. However I must say when my Mum asks me what is the bestest part I am would still have to say ‘THE END’! I love coming to Bikram with my Mum & Dad!! And I love my Teachers! C U @ class!..x o x o

Tayla-Lea Schulz (10 years old).

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Thanks Kylie,

Had so much fun up there with you all!! Can’t wait to do it all again soon.

It is so great to see the studio like a flower petal blooming and I’d love to add to that when and if I can. I truly believe it’s the people and the intention behind the studio that makes it work so it’s so important to keep up that beautiful positive attitude you have. Also I really believe it’s beneficial to add new smiling faces of visiting teachers once in a while to keep things exciting and inspiring for you as well as your students. Awesome job, so glad I could see the results of your hard work and teach your lovely students!

Jana Zurawlenko (Bikram Yoga Teacher – Sydney).

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Hi Kylie,

I would just like to thank you and your amazing teachers for helping me get through my back problems,

I would spend $60 to $80 three times a week to go to physio to help me with on going back problems due to mainly computer work, since coming to you 6 months ago I have not been back to the physio, Even though my work load has not changed my back is so much stronger and aligned. Whilst in the class I must be honest and usually wish I were elsewhere, even though I find it enjoyable, hmmmm, but when I get through another Bikram class I feel so accomplished with a clear mind. Thank you for providing not a quick fix to my problem but a cure.

Sandy Vassiliou, Wynnum.

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Hi Kylie,

Great work on making the finals of the Business Achiever Awards again. No surprises there, you deserve it all.

I want to congratulate you for being one of the people to make ‘my list’. My list of the people who have been a positive influence in my life. I am surrounding myself with positive people and influences and you are definitively there and I thank you. I tried something different in my last class, I smiled all the way through it. I found it made a huge difference and I was not nearly as exhausted at the end. Thanks again for everything you do for me and so many others. Don’t ever underestimate the influence you have on people and the aura of the world in general. The world needs more people like you. If I could franchise YOU then I know a lot more people would benefit from what you have to offer. Don’t ever change. Keep fighting the good fight.

Cheers from, The busted up Fruit Man!

Fred Pommee, Alexandra Hills.

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Bikram Yoga found me when I was unhappy and overweight.

I was skeptical about how this yoga could help me. Strangely I got hooked after my first class. That was a year ago. I am now 12kgs lighter and still grateful for this yoga. The transformations that occur in that room are amazing and life changing. I’m addicted to something good!!!

Michelle Johansson, Manly.

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I started doing Bikram yoga at the start of February this year, 9 months ago. People have always looked at me and told me I look strong and fit, so for me beginning yoga was nothing to do with physical change. If someone was to crack open my head however,

they would find a mess that can be made only by a life time of self loathing, depression and rock bottom self esteem.

When I started Bikram, the changes in me were immediate. I became more patient, less aggressive, kinder, happier, less stressed, and “less prickly” as a friend has since told me. I have since taken an active and formal interest in yoga and its ideals, philosophy, values and beliefs. I have at last found “home”, a place in my self where I not only belong but I am accepted. This home is becoming a nicer place to be every day, and I am at last giving myself the love and respect that is necessary to be happy in life – my aim for the future is for this love to become overflowing so that I may give selflessly to others.

My journey in yoga has only just begun. My life with out yoga would be akin to a life with out electricity; once it is understood how many ways it can improve every aspect of life, not to use it would be to make life harder and less enjoyable.

Every thing about Bikram yoga is good for me; the heat, the (demanding) dialogue, the postures, the series, the sweat, the tears, the pain, the release, the hard classes and the impossible classes. There is no fat, nothing to trim in a Bikram class – every moment is to make us stronger in every way. That is why Bikram yoga is part of my daily life.

Namaste.

Dan

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I had spoken to Kylie when the studio first opened loved what i heard but hadn’t had the opportunity to begin until recently.

I’d heard so much about Bikram which wasn’t favourable, but still wanted to form my own opinion. So with an open mind I approached the first class & have honestly embraced & loved it from the beginning. The classes are certainly challenging but that just adds to the holistic approach I feel. The positive affects it has on you are endless but relative to the individual, I think. You really have to try the experience, do yourself a favour. Yes, I am addicted!

Namaste.

Melanie Cassidy, Victoria Point.