"Look back, go back, way back..."
Certified Bikram Yoga Teachers
Every class at Bikram Yoga Winston-Salem and Bikram Yoga Greensboro is led by a qualified,
experienced and certified Bikram Yoga teacher. Each teacher has completed Bikram Teacher Training which is an intensive nine-week training session requiring over 500 hours of study. Bikram personally trains and certifies his instructors to ensure that his methods and philosophy are preserved and properly taught. Every one of our teachers also keeps his/her certification up-to-date.
We Practice and Teach
Bikram yoga teachers are a passionate hardworking group of people from all walks of life. We teach yoga because it dramatically changed and healed our own bodies and minds, and we want to share its benefits with everyone. See who's teaching this week.
Trudy Swenk
Owner/Director, Bikram Yoga Winston-Salem – Certified TT Fall 2001
Frequency of practice: 4 to 5 classes per week (more in winter months)
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: I had a terrible back and had spent many hours at the chiropractor for lower back pain. Of course the spine then relates to the extremities and the leg pain was beginning. My upper spine was beginning to curve forward just like my mother's and I felt I was losing inches in height. I needed a SAFE workout at 50 years old when I began doing Bikram Yoga.
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: With constant practice, my back got better and better and became straighter as well. I felt the front of my spine open up and I was taller. My arms' reach was farther and the mobility of my neck increased 100%. I gained energy and slept better. Bikram Yoga changed my life in ways I never anticipated and continues to add the benefits still after 11 years of practice.
Most challenging posture: All postures are challenging to me. They change all the time. I think Toe Stand (Padangustasana) has been the most difficult for a couple of years now. I'm sure another posture will slide in to take its place in the future.
Favorite posture: I love Standing Bow Pulling (Dandayamana-Dhanurasana) because I think of the blood going to the side of my heart on each side. I adore Separate Leg Stretching (Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Paschimottanasana) because I feel my hamstrings and back opening and lengthening.
Favorite Bikram-ism: SO many: “It is always darkest under the lamp.” “10 seconds or 10 years… you choose.” “All you need to know in life to succeed is how to LOCK THE STANDING KNEE.” “You have no idea how powerful you are. You have gold Rolls Royce body and you are trying to start it with Volkswagon key. This yoga gives you RIGHT KEY, now you can go 200 mph as meant to be.”
Advice for new students: Breathe, stay in the room, and try the right way. This is never a competition, NOT EVEN WITH YOURSELF. Go out of your mind, concentrate on your breath and stillness. Be profoundly nonjudgmental of yourself and others. Every practice is your perfection for that particular day.
Bruce Swenk
Owner/Director, Bikram Yoga Greensboro – Certified TT Spring 2005
Frequency of practice: 4 to 5 times per week
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: Before Bikram Yoga I was beginning to experience a medical condition called The Aging Process. I was in my early 50s and thought (like most people) that it was inevitable, something you should just accept. Then Bikram Yoga came into my life. I realized that I could do something about it. It wouldn't be easy but the rewards would be great. I have actually become healthier through my 50s. And now I'm looking forward to enjoying life in my 60s with a healthy body that is vibrant and full of energy.
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: Change is one of the laws of life. Nothing stays the same. So when it comes to your health, are things getting better or worse? When I started doing Bikram Yoga, little by little my health (physical and spiritual) continued to get better. It is very empowering to know that you can control the direction that your health is going.
Most challenging posture: Standing Separate Leg Stretching (Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Paschimottanasana) I decided early in my practice that the challenging postures were the ones I needed the most.
Favorite posture: Standing Bow (Dandayamana-Dhanurasana) I love this posture because I am amazed that I can still do this. If I can still do Standing Bow in my 70s, life will be good.
Favorite Bikram-ism: My favorite quote would have to be one that I say in class a lot: “The better it gets, the better it gets.” When you do Bikram Hot Yoga life gets better.
Advice for new students: The best advice I can give to new students is be patient and come as often as possible when you first get started. So many students come, do it one time, and never come back. If you will give this yoga an honest try and start feeling the benefits, you will be on the path to better health and a better life.
Sharon Barnett
Certified TT Spring 2010
Frequency of practice: At least 4 classes per week – 5 or 6 times is ideal for me
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: Osteoarthritis in both hips, elbows and hands
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: Better posture, more flexible, stronger. More aware of what my body is telling me. Outlook more positive, better determination and self control. Yoga works through you and it'll change you're life, for the better.
Most challenging posture: Toe Stand (Padangustasana)
Favorite posture: Half-Tortoise (Ardha-Kurmasana)
Favorite Bikram-ism: “Your practice will cause doors and windows to open and through them you will see things differently. You will start to see the good things in life and forget about the bad.”
Advice for new students: Be patient with yourself. Focus on your breath during your practice and you will be able to hear what your body is telling you. The right way is the hard way, biggest benefit to you. Stay strong and do your best.
Robin Cater
Certified TT Fall 2008
Frequency of practice: 3 to 4 classes per week
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: No medical conditions to speak of, but certainly at that time, a lack of awareness of the power we have to heal ourselves
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: Maintained strength and flexibility in my arms, wrists, and hands which take a beating when I work in clay… I'm a full-time potter. I am much more immune to disease and bodily breakdowns that you see all around you in this world. Now I experience, on a daily basis, a natural sense of well being which positively affects my physical health.
Most challenging posture: At this point in time, Toe Pose (Padangustasana) on my left side is most challenging. Somedays I just cannot get my 10 fingers on the floor to begin bending my knee. But I do attempt the posture.
Favorite posture: The first 8 years or so of practicing Bikram Yoga I would have favorite postures. Now, they are all favorites. For me they all melt into one complete comprehensive asana. Sorry I can't name just one, I tried!
Favorite Bikram-ism: “You Have No Idea” - In the yoga room and out in the world I have discovered so many wonderful things about myself and life I constantly find myself saying what Bikram said throughout Teacher training… “You Have No Idea!”
Advice for new students: First, get informed. Check the website, call or drop by the studio to get well prepared for your first class… proper hydration, fitted shorts and top, empty stomach, open mind, and a humble attitude (no ego) for starts. During your practice, main thing to do is focus on your breath, listen to the dialogue best you can, and keep your vision on yourself in the mirror always. Avoid judging your practice, your postures. And one last thing… SMILE as often as you can. Really, it makes a difference!
Jennifer (Jen) Girard-Krebs
Certified TT Fall 2003
Frequency of practice: As many as possible
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: Chronic upper respiratory infections and tension headaches, trouble sleeping, anxiety, excess weight and general stiffness
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: I am stronger and more flexible. My body shape is more toned and sculpted. I no longer have headaches and chronic respiratory infections. My sleeping and weight have regulated. I have discovered my inner place of calm, power and wisdom.
Most challenging posture: Currently it is Standing Bow Pulling Pose (Dandayamana-Dhanurasana).
Favorite posture: I love/hate them all – they form a beautifully powerful healing dance.
Favorite Bikram-ism: “It’s so simple.”, but not necessarily easy.
Advice for new students: Prepare yourself physically and mentally. Plan to try it for at least one week – coming as many days in a row as possible. Then come to your first class and just take it one breath at a time.
Lisa Helton
Certified TT Fall 2011
Frequency of practice: 4-5 times per week
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: I had a ruptured disk in my lower back and 3 bulging disks in my upper back. I was not able to bend over! Severe sciatica and painkillers ruled my life.
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: I have my mobility back! I can bend, left and live my life again! I have lost about 70 lbs. since starting my practice.
Most challenging posture: Standing head to knee (Dandayaman-Bibhaktapada-Janushirasana). One day, in the future I will get my forehead to my knee.
Favorite posture: Standing bow (Dandayamana-Dhanurasana)
Favorite Bikram-ism: “If you have a healthy spine, you will have a healthy life.”
Advice for new students: Don’t give up, especially in the beginning. Bikram yoga is difficult, but every class makes your mind and body stronger. It is a slow process, but so worth the result!
Rebecca Jordan
Certified TT Spring 2002
Frequency of practice: Around 3 (ideally 5)
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: Runner’s knee, patella tendinitis, hypoglycemia, alcohol issues
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: Stable blood sugar, healthy knees, better muscle tone, reduced stress & anxiety, less desire for strong stimulation, better sleep, better eating habits, more self-love & self-acceptance
Most challenging posture: Awkward (Utkatasana) – all 3 parts
Favorite posture: Toe Stand (Padangustasana), Triangle (Trikanasana), Camel (Ustrasana)
Favorite Bikram-ism: “You have to go through the Hell to get to the Heaven.”
Advice for new students: Never judge your practice. Just keep coming back. Consistency is more important than frequency. Alignment & breath are everything, depth is nothing. Go for 100% of what you can do NOW – tomorrow will take care of itself.
John Mabry
Certified TT Fall 2010
Frequency of practice: 3-4 classes a week (not enough!)
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: Back injuries and knee injuries that never seemed to go away after decades are gone. With regular yoga practice, they are now memories. The mental and spiritual healing is even more amazing. This yoga gives me peace and tranquility.
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: This yoga truly is a fountain of youth. Body, mind spirit, all become younger, stronger. The healing is powerful! I see it in myself, my parents, my family, my friends, and so powerfully in my students. It never ceases to amaze me!
Most challenging posture: Standing Head to Knee (Dandayamana-Janushirasana)
Favorite posture: Triangle (Trikanasana)
Favorite Bikram-ism: “If someone makes you angry, you're the loser.” Also, regarding breathing: “Our hungry lungs are like a dog devouring his food.”
Advice for new students: Breathe! If you're feeling panicky, chances are you're holding your breath! So just breathe, breathe, breathe.
Nadia Meyer
Certified TT Fall 2011
Frequency of practice: As many as possible.
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: Inter-costal chondritis, weight issues.
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: I can breathe without panic, and I am in the process of reclaiming my healthy toned body.
Most challenging posture: Locust Pose (Salabhasana)
Favorite posture: Changes frequently.
Favorite Bikram-ism: “I hate lazy people.”
Advice for new students: Never take your body for granted (It is an honor to have one). When you come in to your yoga, come prepared mentally and physically to challenge yourself to your greatest potential (whatever that is for you on any given day). Validate yourself, both for trying and for making the step toward your own greatness. There is no point in diminishing yourself, you are a beautiful being that is willing to look into your own eyes through a mirror, so see your beauty, recognize your efforts, and keep coming! You will be amazed at how awesome you are!
Tu Nguyen
Certified TT Spring 2006
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: After graduating from college, a string of jobs and a sedentary lifestyle left me feeling unhealthy, medicated, overweight, malnourished, and stressed.
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga has been like a tune-up for my entire being, helping me appreciate and respect my physical form through stretching, compressing, and sweating all over inside out bones to skin, fingertips to toes.
Most challenging posture: All of them, including staying in the room!
Favorite posture: Standing Backbend
Advice for new students: Make sure your water, towel, and smile are big enough for 90 minutes, ’cause you will need all three.
Elisabeth Snow
Certified TT Fall 2011
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: I began yoga with extreme tightness, stiffness, and soreness in my shoulders, hips, and hamstrings from running and swimming.
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: It has has been like hitting a “reset” button and has stabilized my body, dramatically improving my flexibility, athletic performance, quality of sleep and stress levels.
Favorite posture: All of the back bends, and Hands to Feet Pose (Pada-Hastasana)
Favorite Bikram-ism: As long as you can make someone happy, you did your karma yoga. + When you have the leg in the air in Balancing Stick, are you thinking what your dog is doing at home?
Advice for new students: The beginning is always the most difficult part. Be patient and kind to yourself, and before you know it, it will get easier. The heat will get easier to handle. Remember that all of your teachers were once beginners too, and we have all had rough classes. Teachers are not here to judge you, we are here to help you.
Alexandra (Alex) Umstead
Certified TT Fall 2010
Frequency of practice: As many as possible!
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: Sciatica due to herniated discs. Also, tightness everywhere from years of running and strength training. I was also under a tremendous amount of stress from my job as a social worker, from being a foster parent, and from recent losses in my life. I had insomnia as well.
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: There are too many to list. My back pain and sciatica are no longer debilitating. I sleep like a baby. I lost over 20 lbs. I am more flexible and comfortable than I ever believed possible. Bikram Yoga not only changed my body. It changed my life.
Most challenging posture: Standing Head to Knee (Dandayamana Jhanusirasana)
Favorite posture: Camel (Ustrasana)
Favorite Bikram-ism: “Yoga is the only subject where the object is you.”
Advice for new students: Leave your expectations at the door. Breathe. Listen to your body. Smile. Have fun. Drink a ton of water. Struggle hard. Remember that the things in life that are the most worthwhile are those that require the greatest effort.
Debbie Vrsecky
Certified TT Summer 2004
Frequency of practice: 3 days a week
Pre-existing medical conditions prior to starting Bikram Yoga: Sub-luxing patella and lumbar bulging disc
Changes in your body since practicing Bikram Yoga: The above are taken care of as long as I practice
Most challenging posture: Changes with every practice!
Favorite posture: Same as above!
Favorite Bikram-ism: “You have to go through the hell to get to the heaven.”
Advice for new students: You have a different body history, shape, and age from most everyone else in class. Do the best that you can do without self-criticism.
