Daniela "Danny" Schwartzman, Studio Co-Owner
I took my first Bikram class 2012 in San Francisco by chance and I was totally unprepared. Because I have suffered from low blood pressure for all my life, I was not sure in the beginning whether yoga under these conditions would be for me as I was super dizzy during my first class! So I started reading and talking to practitioners and asking them, what Bikram Yoga is, how it works and what benefits they have experienced. Hearing these amazing stories about how it changed people’s lives, I tried again the very next day... In the weeks and months that ensued, I felt a dramatic improvement in my physical health and mental clarity. The feeling after having taken a class is beyond description... it’s addictive! During my 60-day challenge in 2013 (60 classes in 60 days), I became aware that I wanted to share my experiences and teach this yoga, which culminated in my attending teacher training in Los Angeles in Fall 2013.
In the past year, I have taught Bikram Yoga in three continents -- Europe, Asia and on both coasts of the US. Bikram Yoga changed my life - personally and professionally, physically and psychologically - inside out, from bones to the skin. I am excited to share my passion for Bikram yoga and to create a loving, healthy yoga community.
“Yoga is everything.”
In the past year, I have taught Bikram Yoga in three continents -- Europe, Asia and on both coasts of the US. Bikram Yoga changed my life - personally and professionally, physically and psychologically - inside out, from bones to the skin. I am excited to share my passion for Bikram yoga and to create a loving, healthy yoga community.
“Yoga is everything.”
Dan Schwartzman, Studio Co-Owner
I started practicing yoga while working as a reporter for a small town newspaper in 2005. Like many people, I was suffering from a bad lower back due to genetics and abusing my body from years of sports.
In the morning, I would wake up and stretch for 20-minutes just so I could straighten my legs and go to work. So, at 23. I started experimenting with any kind of yoga — willing to try anything to get some relief. Ultimately I found Bikram Yoga in March 2006 and went 10 times in 10 days. I knew I would never need back surgery. That kind of empowering feeling kept me coming back to Bikram 3-4 days a week for the ensuing six years while I wrote for papers on both coasts and later started my own international education magazine called Cafe Abroad InPRINT. I went to Bikram Teacher Training in Fall 2010 in San Diego and, since training, I have taught at more than 15 studios (including Bikram Yoga Brewster) and practiced all over the country and around the world. In fall 2011, I completed my second bicycle tour – a 2,000-mile bike-riding and yoga-teaching adventure down America’s West Coast, which I documented for Adventure Cycling Magazine. Eight years into my practice I’m still learning “what this yoga is all about.” I am committed to sharing Bikram Yoga with others.
“Change your mind, change your body, change your life.”
In the morning, I would wake up and stretch for 20-minutes just so I could straighten my legs and go to work. So, at 23. I started experimenting with any kind of yoga — willing to try anything to get some relief. Ultimately I found Bikram Yoga in March 2006 and went 10 times in 10 days. I knew I would never need back surgery. That kind of empowering feeling kept me coming back to Bikram 3-4 days a week for the ensuing six years while I wrote for papers on both coasts and later started my own international education magazine called Cafe Abroad InPRINT. I went to Bikram Teacher Training in Fall 2010 in San Diego and, since training, I have taught at more than 15 studios (including Bikram Yoga Brewster) and practiced all over the country and around the world. In fall 2011, I completed my second bicycle tour – a 2,000-mile bike-riding and yoga-teaching adventure down America’s West Coast, which I documented for Adventure Cycling Magazine. Eight years into my practice I’m still learning “what this yoga is all about.” I am committed to sharing Bikram Yoga with others.
“Change your mind, change your body, change your life.”
Molly Jacobus, Teacher
I took my first Bikram yoga class in the summer of 2011 on a hot afternoon in my home town of Brewster, MA. I went in not knowing what to expect, it being my first ever yoga class of any kind. I had no idea what, but something happened in those ninety minutes. After a tangy, odiferous sweating of a sweat I had never thought possible, I was in a state of utter relaxation and tantamount elation. I felt truly alive, and I fell in love with the practice. After two months I was finally able to do something I’d never been able to do in my life.. I could touch my toes! I love when a person says ‘I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible’. That is EXACTLY the reason you do it, so you can gain flexibility, and gain strength beyond what you ever thought possible!
After two years I decided to go to teacher training, so I could give back to this community that had given me so much. This yoga has helped improve not just my physical wellbeing, but mentally and emotionally as well. Through the physical study of asana, you can get an in depth look at your true nature of being. Even after years of study and practice, there’s still so much more room for growth. I greatly appreciate being a part of this wonderful yoga community, and at whatever point in the grand adventure of life your are on, I can help with your progression and development through the teaching and understanding of Bikram yoga.
Life is a journey, each day a blessing, and if you take the time to invest in yourself, in your life, you will be rewarded more than you ever thought possible. Happy sweating!
After two years I decided to go to teacher training, so I could give back to this community that had given me so much. This yoga has helped improve not just my physical wellbeing, but mentally and emotionally as well. Through the physical study of asana, you can get an in depth look at your true nature of being. Even after years of study and practice, there’s still so much more room for growth. I greatly appreciate being a part of this wonderful yoga community, and at whatever point in the grand adventure of life your are on, I can help with your progression and development through the teaching and understanding of Bikram yoga.
Life is a journey, each day a blessing, and if you take the time to invest in yourself, in your life, you will be rewarded more than you ever thought possible. Happy sweating!
Lisa Russell, Visiting Teacher
“I started practising Bikram Yoga in July 2010, after pounding my body in the gym and running for years I needed a good stretch. And that’s what first attracted me to start yoga. I discovered a Bikram yoga studio near where I lived in London and although at first I was terrified of exercising in the heat (I don't like saunas!) I was also intrigued about how the heat would help my stiff body. After only a few classes I was amazed at how better my body felt - and also something I wasn't expecting - my mind. Spending 90 minutes not thinking about anything from the outside world was just what I needed. I was hooked and soon gave up my gym membership. I was pretty sure I’d be back in the gym after a few months, I was bound to get bored of doing the same 26 postures every day!!!
My love for the practice grew and grew and after a few months I knew that I wanted to become a Bikram teacher one day. I enjoyed my admin job in London a lot but I knew it wasn't what I wanted to do forever. It took me some time to save the money to go to teacher training but I eventually got there and graduated in the fall of 2013 in Los Angeles. It was by far my biggest accomplishment - getting myself there and getting myself through the training and those first few months as a new teacher. Since the first day I stepped into the hot room it’s completely changed my life....mentally, physically and spiritually.
Since I graduated from teacher training I have taught in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Delhi, Luxembourg, Vienna, Göteborg and in the US. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work alongside and be mentored by wonderful studio owners and teachers from all around the world. But I’m most grateful for having the opportunity to share my love for the practice with the students - because ultimately that’s why I choose to become a teacher - to help people love and heal themselves with yoga.
My love for the practice grew and grew and after a few months I knew that I wanted to become a Bikram teacher one day. I enjoyed my admin job in London a lot but I knew it wasn't what I wanted to do forever. It took me some time to save the money to go to teacher training but I eventually got there and graduated in the fall of 2013 in Los Angeles. It was by far my biggest accomplishment - getting myself there and getting myself through the training and those first few months as a new teacher. Since the first day I stepped into the hot room it’s completely changed my life....mentally, physically and spiritually.
Since I graduated from teacher training I have taught in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Delhi, Luxembourg, Vienna, Göteborg and in the US. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work alongside and be mentored by wonderful studio owners and teachers from all around the world. But I’m most grateful for having the opportunity to share my love for the practice with the students - because ultimately that’s why I choose to become a teacher - to help people love and heal themselves with yoga.
Erin Paulsen, Visiting Teacher
I started practicing Bikram yoga in San Francisco in 2007. I loved it immediately! I didn’t want to leave at the end of class. I tried other types of yoga previously but I had never experienced anything like this... It was like I had been doing it my whole life. A few years later a Bikram teacher told me I should become a teacher. I went to Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Fall 2010. And again, I didn’t want to leave at the end. I’ve been teaching ever since. Yoga is my life; not just my job. I learn something new EVERY TIME I take class. It never gets boring AND it can change your life for the better - if you let it. Bikram yoga is so much more than just a physical practice. In the Bhagavad Gita the meaning of Yoga is explained as; “a deliverance from contact with pain and sorrow”.
Over the past six years I’ve taught at over 30 studios; teaching in San Francisco for a few years and then eventually from coast to coast. I’ve taught at yoga festivals, yoga retreats and competed in 3 Regional Yoga Asana Championships. Last year I became a judge for USA Yoga. Hopefully, one day, yoga will be an Olympic Sport… it’s getting close! The greatest thing about Bikram yoga is that anybody can do it and at any level. Good news! You are “Never too old, never too bad, never too late, never too sick to start from scratch once again.” See you in the hot room!
Over the past six years I’ve taught at over 30 studios; teaching in San Francisco for a few years and then eventually from coast to coast. I’ve taught at yoga festivals, yoga retreats and competed in 3 Regional Yoga Asana Championships. Last year I became a judge for USA Yoga. Hopefully, one day, yoga will be an Olympic Sport… it’s getting close! The greatest thing about Bikram yoga is that anybody can do it and at any level. Good news! You are “Never too old, never too bad, never too late, never too sick to start from scratch once again.” See you in the hot room!
Ann Marie Coppin, Guest Teacher
I was first introduced to Bikram Yoga in 2000. I only dabbled when it came to my Bikram Practice. In 2007, after living in California for 4 years, and then moving back to the hectic lifestyle in New York City, I knew I had to go back to practicing Bikram Yoga on a regular basis. It was the only way for me to survive, mentally and physically. One day, I walked into a studio in NYC and signed up for a membership and then practiced almost everyday for two years until September 2009 when I took the journey to the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training. Upon graduating, I moved back to California and went back to working full time at a law firm and teaching Bikram Yoga in the evenings.
After a year, I decided that I didn't want to do the 9-to-5 anymore. So, I adjusted my lifestyle to be able to get by financially as a yoga teacher. I gave up most of my materials belongings because I wanted to, not because I had to, and traveled the world to take or to teach. I lived and taught Bikram Yoga in Scandinavia, Europe, and also domestically in the United States. Recently, I decided that I wanted to ground myself for a year or two and chose New England area as the place for me to live.
Practicing Bikram Yoga is my medicine for life. No matter how difficult the practice becomes for me, I know the answers are in my yoga practice.
After a year, I decided that I didn't want to do the 9-to-5 anymore. So, I adjusted my lifestyle to be able to get by financially as a yoga teacher. I gave up most of my materials belongings because I wanted to, not because I had to, and traveled the world to take or to teach. I lived and taught Bikram Yoga in Scandinavia, Europe, and also domestically in the United States. Recently, I decided that I wanted to ground myself for a year or two and chose New England area as the place for me to live.
Practicing Bikram Yoga is my medicine for life. No matter how difficult the practice becomes for me, I know the answers are in my yoga practice.