Blah, Blah, Blah Bikram Blog! LIFE in HARMONY

BIKRAM YOGA EL PASEO is all about BALANCE AND HARMONY!! As the seasons change so do we!
Temperatures are rising outside of the hot room which means it’s almost time for SUMMER SPECIALS and SUMMER HOURS!!! It’s the time of year that we tell Yogis to come inside the ‘HOT’ room and “cool off” from the Deserts high heat! 105 Degrees doesn’t seem so bad when the temperature outside fluctuates between 110 and 120+ degrees!!

This Summer our owner Ann Marie celebrates YEAR 11 of ownership!!! WOW!! Time sure flies when you are sweating out toxins!! This is the first time Ann Marie will be taking the summer off and allowing her well oiled machine that she has nurtured for the past 11 years to keep the OM fires burning.

Full Time Teacher, LINA CASTRO emerges to the forefront in Ann Marie’s absence and will take on the role of Studio Manager to keep the Summer Hours Schedule running smoothly so that the studio can stay open for all you Die Hard Yogis – Please reach out and thank her when you have a chance. We have also added a Studio Coordinator to keep the hOMe fires burning behind the scenes and she will make sure the studio stays stocked and inventory levels of beverages and paper products are well at hand. She will be responsible for studio cleanliness and laundry and oversee studio payroll and daily bookkeeping. PLEASE WELCOME: APRIL FISCHER to our TEAM!!!

SUMMER SPECIALS WILL START JUNE 1ST:
~ NEW STUDENT SUPER SPECIAL: $70 for FIRST month for BRAND NEW LOCAL RESIDENT STUDENTS to our studio – DRIVERS LICENSE required to purchase this special! One month unlimited after that will be regular price or one can sign a 12 month auto debit contract at the reduced rate of $115/ mo OR purchase a summer special- below. (REGULAR ONE MONTH PRICE: $165)
~ 3 MO SPECIAL FOR $330/1 MO for $120 – CAN PURCHASE THROUGH AUGUST 15TH

SUMMER HOURS will start JULY 1st and Run though Mid October and will be as follows(Take a picture so this is readily available):
SUNDAY: 10am & 3pm
MONDAY: 6:30am & 6pm($17commuity class)
TUESDAY: 9am & 4pm
WEDNESDAY: 9am & 6pm($17community class)
THURSDAY: 9am & 4pm
FRIDAY 6:30am & 4pm
SATURDAY 8am & 10am

Ann Marie will be in and out all summer so one will never know when she will appear to take class, teach class or just pop in to see her OMazing yoga community!!
Life in Balance
Life in Harmony

Have a GREAT SUMMER YOGA PEEPS!!

NAMASTE`

Blah, Blah, Blah Bikram Blog….RESET, REFRESH, REBIRTH

At Bikram Yoga El Paseo we are at the halfway mark in to our 30 day challenge. This annual challenge done in January / February is always a great reset to cleanse the body and the mind from the old and welcome in the new!!

Bikram Yoga can single handedly do this. We beat up our bodies on a daily basis by the activities we participate in on the outside and the toxic foods and beverages that we put in the inside. There is nothing like a hot Bikram Yoga class to purge the body of these detrimental toxins.

I had lofty ideas for January. I was thinking “Dry January” but I knew I couldn’t start till I came back from Cabo on January 7th because, well ….. Tequila! Enough said.

I lasted a full week starting January 7th, and then couldn’t resist a glass of celebratory red wine at a dear friends birthday party on January 14th. I drank about a half glass, then accidentally spilled the rest on his light tan couch! Yup … Guilty … IT was a sign .. and that was enough to reaffirm the rest of the “dry” month.

I decided to go a step further.

This year I decided to personally double up on my challenge and on Day 12, I began a five day cleanse / reset dietary plan. I did not want to think about it, meal plan, or prepare food in advance so I took the easy way out and ordered the 5 day kit .

Nicely packaged in 5 individual boxes with each item scheduled for a particular time of day it seemed pretty simple. They say our gut is our second brain , so cleansing my digestive system from the inside while simultaneously purging toxins during my Bikram practice proved to be a challenge like no other.

DAY 1 CLEANSE / DAY 12 BIKRAM CHALLENGE: After sweating for 90 minutes in the hot room I began my internal cleanse diet. For breakfast I enjoyed a lemon drink that tastes like “lemonade” and Super Chocolate smoothie that is loaded with protein and healthy greens. Midday snack was bone broth, and lunch was a super berry smoothie and another “lemonade”. Dinner was Lemon soup and my final “lemonade” (I get three of these per day …. who hooo)

My husband brought home a Five Guys hot dog loaded with onions and ate it in our kitchen for lunch. He did forgo the fries and for him thats a big challenge in itself. I realized my biggest challenge would be sticking to this plan while smelling his food. 30 yoga classes in 30 days… piece of cake. No alcohol ? No big deal. No solid foods just all liquids? Definitely challenging. Smelling solid food to boot?…. well, this may be too much to bare.

Meanwhile, back at the studio, the overachievers, the type A personalities if you will, were breaking ahead of the pack and doing more than one class per day. We call that “doing a double” . 180 minutes a day contorting your body in 105 degrees is not easy feat and definitely not for those who baby themselves!!

I made it through the first day of my cleanse unscathed! Yay!

DAY 2 CLEANSE/ DAY 13 BIKRAM CHALLENGE: I started out my morning before sunrise. I taught / took the 6:30am class then took a second class that was a working interview for a new teacher at 9am. Yes, I did “a double”. Truth be told, it was my second double since the challenge started. I guess it takes one to know one when it comes to Type A personalities. So even though I was up at 5:30am to get to the studio to fire up the hot room, my first break to dive into my Cleanse didn’t begin till 10:45am. My morning “lemonade” was a refreshing after the sweat treat!!! I breezed through day two of the cleanse.

DAY 3 CLEANSE/ DAY 14 BIKRAM CHALLENGE- Yikes…. I’m not going to lie. I really started to struggle with no solid food. I made it through all the bone broth, powdered protein and “lemonade” but after a long day of activity and mental struggle I wasn’t sure I could stomach dinner. So, I got comfortable, adjusted my attitude, put my best smile forward and sipped the Lemon soup part of the cleanse for dinner (while I identified as a green MM. It’s not easy being green!) I went to bed dreaming of Dodi’s “Beet Salad!” If you have never had the Beet Salad at The Nest you really need to go try that! It is by far THE BEST in the desert and will be one of my first solid meals when I’m off this cleanse!!!

DAY 4 CLEANSE/DAY 15 BIKRAM CHALLENGE: Didn’t Sleep well but started my day with the “lemonade” packet of the cleanse AND the most unbelievable fun group of Yogis and Camaraderie at the studio!!
A lot of laughs, joking with fellow challengers, reception room shenanigans, Watermelon Joe’s watermelon and pictures!! My Bikram Yoga Teacher Training Roomie is in town and helping me out and its been great having her here as well!! Shout out to Katty Chiachian!!

On day 15, I surprised the top over achiever with a trophy sticker instead of the usual flame . I knew this would spur on the other overachievers even more. I mean who would not want to see a tiny trophy sticker on their chart rising above the flames? JK, but I knew they would all get a kick out of it because there really is no competition here except with oneself!

Good to know that the challengers are keeping the faith!! Onward and Upward toward the second half of our challenge. I took the 8am class , ran home, showered and will go back for “a double”….. for no other reason than to take the new teachers class and provide her with feedback! It’s all part of the process and the challenge when you are juggling owning a business and being responsible for everything, and teaching , and putting in a full 8-9 hour day at the dental office mid week!

Thank God my husband is supportive (albeit the hotdog) and brought extra water to the studio, replaced HVAC filters and helped me with the laundry that I swear multiplies in the hampers overnight!

I finished Day 4 of the cleanse feeling great! I’m definitely over the hump and ready for Day 5 full speed ahead to finish my commitment to myself and my health.

DAY 5 CLEANSE / DAY 16 CHALLENGE: Up before sunrise once again to “ fire up the blender” so to speak! Got to the studio early to prepare to teach the 6:30am class! My TT roomie taught the 9am for me so that I could practice and complete my 16th day of the Bikram Challenge. After a couple of super busy, hot morning classes and the studio buzzing, I went home to relax and sip on some bone broth and digest a protein smoothie . The great thing I’m really enjoying about this plan is that I don’t have to think about it or prepare.

I headed back to the studio to teach a private lesson and ended my day with my FINAL soup packet. DONE , FINISHED….. 5 days of cleansing my body from the inside while I’m in the midst of purging the toxins from the inside out!! It’s such a great feeling of accomplishment!

The developer of the program states that you will not crave sweets after this cleanse. It’s amazing how participating in a cleanse like this brings one back to the basics and what is really important in life like the taste and texture of eating real food and the importance of slowing everything down!!! I’m really just craving nutritious food that tastes good but also is good for your body. First day coming off the cleanse and following a hot sweaty Bikram class, I drank a quarter of Luscious Lorraines Orange sunrise immunity juice and a quarter of her Heavy Metal Detox juice. Then I went home and scrambled some eggs with a couple avocado slices. I knew I had to incorporate solid foods slowly. I never ate so slow in my life. Savoring each bite and really focusing on the flavor and the texture as if I had never eaten solid food before. Soooo GOOD!

I’m now ready mentally and physically to finish my challenge off strong!!! It helps to have such amazing support at the studio. The Challengers have all been great inspirers and the non challengers have been amazing in rooting us all on this journey. Many of the non challengers are actually secretly doing it along with us and seeing their commitment and excitement is fulfilling as well.

Our challenge ends just in time for Valentines day and maybe I’ll be ready for a piece of chocolate by then! My main goal was just to start out this year with the healthiest body and clearest of minds, but the added benefit of fitting into some of my favorite clothes is definitely a bonus! By March I’ll be ready for Fashion Week El Paseo and I am excited to bring along some of my favorite, most loyal Yogis who meet challenges every day and do it with strength and determination! I am so blessed to have my life surrounded by amazing people in our Yoga Community.

We will keep all posted on the final results of our 30 day challenge that ends February 13th and see if our trophy holder gets to hang on to it or if another challenger will surpass him in classes. For now he proudly wears his tiny trophy on his shirt!!

The New Year brings a Rebirth and I have to say the energy and the camaraderie in the studio has never been better and is so infectious!! This is going to be the best year yet – I can feel it!! I am looking forward to a great year of OMazing classes and fun studio outings!

Hope to see you in the hot room soon!!

Namaste`

Blah Blah Blah Bikram Blog our 30 DAY CHALLENGE is HERE! AND There is no place like hOMe!!

At Bikram Yoga El Paseo we understand the value of a BRAND NEW YEAR!! A time to start fresh, rid yourself of old habits, and be the best you can be at every level.

Every year Bikram Yoga El Paseo hosts a 30 day challenge. In years past we chose a charity and made it a Charity Challenge and donated 100% of the proceeds to said Charity!

This Year our motto is “Charity begins at hOMe”. Many of our students have struggled with depression, overeating, over drinking and financial losses in the aftermath of Covid 19. So this years focus is on restoring our own health and well being. Putting ones own health first can restore us to be a productive members of society and be in the best possible position to help family , friends, and loved ones!

I personally am super excited to start this years challenge. I am so ready for 30 days of consistent Bikram Yoga to strengthen and heal my body, challenge my mind and instill life long healthy habits! I am ready to be down in the trenches with my students and sweat out all the toxins and restore proper bodily function.

I had a whirlwind 2022!! I got married, had a milestone birthday and traveled more than I have ever have in the past. It was truly amazing and I loved every minute of it. I experienced so much history, regional foods , amazing sights and excursions. I had some down time, walk on the beach time and shop till you drop time!! But all this excitement has a price.

Being out of ones routine, especially as we get older……. did I mention my milestone birthday….?? A day doesn’t go by lately that Im not reminded that Im not 20 anymore . No one knows better than I that NOTHING puts the body back into working order and NOTHING gets the nutrient rich oxygenated blood moving faster into stagnant areas and extremities of the body better than BIKRAM YOGA!!

While most physical activities beat up the body…. Hello golfers, tennis players pickleballers, and weight lifters – Bikram Yoga resets the clock and restores the body . It’s truly a fountain of Youth and enables you to continue to do all the other activities that you love!

January 15 is the start date for our “30 Day – Charity begins at hOMe challenge!! “ Why not put yourself first! Why not make yourself, your health and your own life a priority!! Come FLY with us!!

Join us down in the trenches and come get your sweat OMMMmmmmm. You will not regret it!!

Because of my teaching schedule and my dental days and wanting to make it possible for my students and myself to practice right along side them, I’ve added special pop up classes during the challenge that will enable all of us to meet our goals around our busy lifestyle!

Hope to see you in the hot room soon!!
Namaste`

Ann Marie

HaPpY New Year – HaPpY New YOU!! 30 day challenge starts Jan 15,2023 !!!! Increase your level of nutrient rich oxygenated blood, detox toxins , and get healthy and fit! Come get your Sweat OM!

Blah Blah Blah Bikram Blog: An Attitude of Gratitude !!

At Bikram Yoga El Paseo this past Friday morning I couldn’t help but notice the gorgeous morning sun and COOLER temps outside as I got to the studio just before 6am to teach the early morning class. Hopefully the dreaded humidity of summer is gone and we are heading into a beautiful fall.

I would be remiss however if I didn’t say a proper goodbye to this fabulous summer of memories. After 35+ years of consistent full time work, I took a GIGANTIC LEAP and took a lot of the summer off. I had a milestone birthday as well and as THE “retirement age” is getting closer and looming over me, I honestly feel that my summer hiatus was well deserved!!

After 35+ years of Dental Hygiene practice, 11 years of Bikram Yoga teaching, and 10 years of owning and running a studio while still practicing Dental Hygiene, I can honestly say that I left behind a well oiled machine that I worked tirelessly over the years to cultivate. This would not have been totally possible however, without, as Paul McCartney would sing, “with a little help from my friends!” My friends and Yogis at Bikram Yoga El Paseo!!!

A BIG shout out and THANK YOU to my OMazing TEAM!!!

IN June I got married on the Amalfi Coast of Italy and while honeymooning in Europe, I had no worries about the studio because I left it in good hands. SHOUT OUT to my fabulous teachers: Kristin London, Alix Spears, and Carolina Castro for stepping up to the plate to teach extra classes to cover my schedule! They were all also flexible in covering each others classes so some could take long weekends to beat the heat, and Kristin could take a wonderful vacation week to visit her adorable granddaughter Aubrey in Texas!!

Special SHOUT OUT to long time staff member Dennis Guest for stepping in and stepping up whenever and wherever needed! He has come to the rescue more than once!

GREAT BIG SHOUT OUT to Alix Spears who not only covered more teaching classes, but took on all the studio management duties and administrative duties along with the laundry and cleaning in my absence. She did all the grunt work essentially. Double duty teaching and managing is very challenging and my appreciation for her efforts is enormous!

My summer follies didn’t end when my honeymoon ended and I was off again to visit family in Washington state and Chicago. Once again I had to call on my OMazing team and the teachers stepped up to the plate to cover extra classes. This time not only for me but for Alix as well as it was time for her to head out on her 2 month European adventure!

THANK YOU 🙏 Kristin London and Carolina Castro for taking on the extra classes and to Dennis Guest who was right there with them helping out where needed! Additionally, this time I hired student Janell Picard to handle all my management and administrative duties as well and my “grunt work.” BIG SHOUT OUT to Janell!!!

Upon my return I had to chuckle a little with the comments I heard from my “acting” studio managers. They heard me say a couple of times “welcome to my world.” I can remember hearing those words from a former student of mine who was a certified Bikram teacher and had owned and sold 2 Bikram studios on the East Coast. He stated, “How do you like owning a studio? I bet there are days you wish you were just a teacher again: Walk in , teach class, and walk out without all the added headaches!?” I hadn’t been an owner long enough at that point understand the magnitude of that statement. That would come later. He went on to say that he doesn’t miss owning the studio or even teaching and in his retirement he is “very content just practicing!”

I can honestly say that after 10 years of doing it ALL, I STILL LOVE ❤️ TEACHING and I STILL LOVE ❤️ Practicing and missed them both immensely while I was gone. (Although, I did get to sneak a couple classes in up north thank God.) Managing and running a studio is definitely challenging and I can’t always say “I love it” but the warm welcome I got when I came hOMe and the gratitude that the students shared for me keeping the studio open and running is worth the aggravation that I’m sure every business owner encounters.

I always start my Bikram Yoga classes out with asking the Students to consider what they are grateful for and to always practice with gratitude! In this crazy world where people tend to find numerous things to complain about, one should be able to find and focus on – that ONE thing of which they are grateful!

Today I am grateful for my amazing summer and my even more amazing team that collectively kept the hOMe fires 🔥 burning in my absence this summer!!! (Literally and figuratively 😉 )

It’s great to be hOMe, back into my routine, and back in the hot room for sure!!!

Goodbye summer! HELLO FALL!!
Hope to see you in the hot room soon!

“DO YOGA, BE HAPPY, FLOSS DAILY”
Namaste`

Ann Marie 🔥