Pretty Little Paleo: Interview with top Bikram Yoga Instructor Joann Stephens!!

Happy Monday PLP readers. I'm getting back to hardcore Paleo after that out of control weekend so I promise some great recipes. I am also working on a series of interviews highlighting some really healthy inspirational people this week. My first interview is Joann Stephens a Bikram yoga instructor. She also happens to be my mom! For those of you who haven't tried Bikram its a class that runs exactly 90 minutes and consists of a set of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. Bikram is practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees with humidity of 40%. I have done it quite a few times and it is no joke. If you are thinking how can yoga be that hard please go to a class and see for yourself! So here is my interview with Joann…. ENJOY!

K: Tell the PLP readers a little about your background.

J: I am a 54 year old who wants to remain happy and healthy so I can continue to enjoy every day!!! (and not look too badly doing so)

K: What inspired you to become a Bikram instructor?

J: I began practicing about 6 years ago and thought I love this yoga and heard how rigorous the teacher training was (which they were not kidding) and thought "I have never really tested myself to the limits and now would be the perfect time" It was harder than I could have EVER imagined EVER and completing teacher training made me so compassionate in the hot room. I now think that anyone who enters the room (105degrees and 40% humidity) is a rock star!!!!

K: What benefits do you think PLP readers can gain from starting a Bikram practice?

J: The benefits from this practice are numerous but the most important to me is the mental fortitude, each day my practice is different and if I can face myself in the mirror and give everything I have that day I win! The physical benefits are numerous and include improving flexibility, strength and balance. It also helps to manage weight and take inches off just where you want them to come off.

K: How important is diet when practicing Bikram yoga?

J: Practicing also helps you live cleanly in other areas of your life because if you have a crazy night of bad food and too much drink you WILL feel it in the hot room. If you eat well and take care of yourself then practice is so much more rewarding.

K: Whats the most challenging but rewarding posture?

J: the 26 postures are done in the same order each time - one building on the next so I actually love all the postures but choosing one would be Trikanasna - Triangle Pose which every part of your body and if you don't focus on your breath you will have trouble holding the posture. When done well you feel so strong.

Most importantly I think that everyone should try a Bikram class and just see what if is like and feel the BLISS

Joann teaches at Bikram Yoga Naperville if you would like to attend her classes!