Bikram's Yoga College of India

Twelve years ago I stumbled into my first Bikram Yoga class with Mike. It was somewhere out on the Katy freeway, which at the time, was quite an unlikely location. Since then I've bought a 10 lesson package every single month and continued my practice. When I took my first class I couldn't even see my toes, now I can easily touch them. When I took my first class I was strong, but I wasn't flexible and I had no balance. Now, twelve years later and in my early 50's, I am still strong, but I'm also flexible and I have great balance! I also feel and look at least 10 years younger than I did when I walked through that door. Bikram Yoga turns back the hands of time. Once the Fountain View school opened I started to practice there because it's close to my home, but every now and then I take class at South Blvd for old times sake. Over the years a number of other "hot yoga" classes appear around town, and being around so long myself, I'm curious and always check them out. What I discover is that I always recognize the "teacher" as a fellow student that recently stood next to me on the front row and took class from Joani and Mike and their great team of teachers. And I discover that there's a reason Bikram Yoga Houston has the longevity and reputation for greatness that it does. Imitation may be the best form of flattery, but it is, after all, imitation.... if your looking for honesty, integrity, skill, compassion, wisdom, experience and powerful results, run, don't walk, run, to Bikram Yoga Houston.

I have been practicing at Bikram Yoga Houston for 2 years now and I have to disagree with the review that said the owners are only about making money. I feel, since the directors and staff are so kind and supportive of me and other students, that I need to stick up for them. First of all, they do not advertise a "30 Day Challenge", at $20 per class. That's just ridiculous. The schools have a 60 Day Challenge and I have never been pressured or have seen them pressure anyone to do that. Bikram, himself, says to brand new students "Do 60 classes in 60 days and you will receive a new body, new mind, new spirit." What the owners of Bikram Yoga Houston suggested to me, and what I have heard them say to new students is, 10 classes in 30 days to receive the maximum benefits of this yoga. And practicing in LA myself, like the reviewer below, Bikram says the exact same thing - 10 classes in 30 days for maximum benefits. There are class packages to help us save money. It's not $20 per class.

Bikram Yoga Houston is great. They have several classes a day, at many convenient times. Although I practice mostly at the Fountainview location, I have found both schools to be friendly and very supportive. I have issues with my knees at times, and I have emailed the directors, and Joani has always gotten back to me, with suggestions and modifications to help with my knees. I have practiced at many Bikram studios, and "hot" yoga studios, and I have not found a friendlier studio than Bikram Yoga Houston. I am moving to the northeast soon and am sad about not being able to practice here but will visit and always come back to Bikram Yoga Houston! It's the best.

I've been doing Bikram Yoga for close to 10 years and completely believe in its mental and physical benefits. After moving to Houston a few months ago I continued my practice at the Bikram studios on South & Fountainview. Having been to studios all over the States I must candidly admit that this is one of the worst in the country. The problem is the owners have put the business above the yoga. At the end of each class the owner begins a shameless sales pitch that's masked as looking out for the health of the students. Like clockwork he brings up the "Bikram" challenge -- follow Bikram's advise and take 60 classes in 60 days (even discounted to $12 per class that's a very expensive challenge indeed). I've trained with Bikram at the main studio in LA and he's never brought up this so-called challenge. All the teachers in LA, including Birkam, and teachers at every other studio I've been to really focus on the benefits of the yoga. It's become apparent to me that the Houston owners, though they certainly believe in Bikram yoga, are far more motivated by their need to be as profitable as possible. I have nothing against running a successful business, however, it's offensive when the owners hide their true motivation -- to make as much money as possible -- behind Bikram Yoga's recuperative benefits.

Was there when it opened and have been going ever since. LOVE IT. The yoga is consistent, the teachers and staff are the BEST and I've never felt better in my life. It's hot, no doubt, but the rewards and benefits derived from this yoga are immeasurable. I'm hooked. This is the first time I've ever looked forward to working out. This will be my 6th year with Bikram Yoga.

The instructers work with you to get the most of every pose. Since I have rheumatoid arthritis, it is very diffiult to do some of the poses, but the instructors provide assistance throughout the class. It is a great class for joint mobility and strength training.