Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Edwards.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was invited to try Bikram Yoga in 2005 when my sister was attending a Vinyasa yoga teacher training and part of her certification process was to attend a Bikram Yoga class. At the time, the only studio (other than in Chicago) was in my suburb, Naperville, so I was onboard to join my sister. Frankly, I was more excited to go for sushi with her afterwards.
I’ll never forget my first class. I was a 20-year smoker, suffering from chronic back pain and I struggled to keep up with my sister alongside me. We were competitive swimmers growing up so I felt I had to keep up with her. Somehow in my long cotton yoga pants and a tank top, I survived class without having to take a break. I recall asking my sister after class, “Did you get the license plate of the truck that just plowed me over?” Her response was, “Don’t you feel great?”
I thought to myself, I’m not sure what I feel, but I knew this yoga was a game changer for me. I was excited because it was my yoga class combined with my cardio workout- killing two birds with one stone, how efficient is that! From there, I’d use Bikram Yoga sporadically, primarily as a means of weight-loss for the upcoming swimsuit season or post-holiday indulgence to detox and shed those holiday pounds. I didn’t realize at the time, Bikram Yoga gives you what you need, not what you want. I now look back and call this “my seasonal Bikram practice”. Bikram Yoga had other plans for me…
Fast forward a few years, I’m mid-thirties running the family business and suffering from my Dad’s passing. I was stressed, depressed, overwhelmed and not so thrilled about my career path. These feelings brought me back to the hot room as I found solace being in class. It was my time to decompress and let go of my job worries and anxiety for 90 minutes.
I continued a regular and consistent practice and was experiencing improved focus, less stress and anxiety, I was no longer suffering from chronic back pain (diagnosed in 2011 with degenerative disc disease in my lumbar spine) and I was beginning to see a future for my career path plus enjoying the consistent weight-loss. I remember thinking, “What if I left the family business and opened my own studio?”. So I set the goal January 1st, 2011 to quit smoking and if I remain a non-smoker by mid-March, then I’ll sign-up for Bikram Yoga Teacher Training for the fall of 2011. My goal was set… the seed was planted.
With the support of family and friends, I left the family business and attended Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in the fall of 2011. I knew from the moment I decided to attend teacher training that I wanted to open up a Bikram Yoga studio and share the healing benefits of this yoga with as many people as possible.
In fall 2013, I opened Bikram Yoga Aurora outside of Chicago and never looked back. It’s pure excitement to witness people’s lives improve- their bodies changing in front of my eyes, their hearts being mended and minds expanding to new possibilities. I am lucky, as well as honored, to be a Bikram yoga studio owner and I am forever grateful to Bikram Choudhury for bringing this yoga to life. Teaching Bikram Yoga truly is the best job in the world!
Today, I practice Bikram Yoga regularly to keep my mind clear and sharp, my body healthy, toned and youthful, my heart open and my eyes bright. Each class is a reminder that no matter what I’m going through, those 90 minutes are all for me; to feel alive, loved and healthy.
Has it been a smooth road?
For the most part, yes. However, I went through a divorce after a year of being opened, so having to support my studio and handle all of the responsibilities of owning a business entails, that was definitely my biggest obstacle. The toughest challenge is getting people into our hot room who feel scared, intimidated or embarrassed to start a yoga practice. If I could say one thing about Bikram Yoga, it would be- it’s for everybody!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bikram Yoga Aurora – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Bikram Yoga Aurora specializes in the original hot yoga “Bikram Yoga”, a 90-minute hot yoga class consisting of 26 postures, performed in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity. What I’m most proud of is that we stay true to the Yoga Lineage, where we do not deviate from the 26 posture sequence.
What sets us apart from other local “hot yoga” studios is that we staff Certified Bikram Yoga Instructors who are passionate about this yoga and who have all been certified by the creator, Bikram Choudhury- attending his 500-hour, nine-week rigorous teacher trainings.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about our city is the diversity. Bikram Yoga is truly for everybody- every shape, size, color, religion, etc.
Pricing:
- New Student One Month Intro Pass $39 for Unlimited Yoga & Pilates (includes free mat rental)
Contact Info:
- Address: 1555 Butterfield Road Aurora, IL 60502
- Website: www.bikramyogaaurora.com
- Phone: (630)585-7758
- Email: info@bikramyogaaurora.com
- Instagram: https://twitter.com/bikramaurora
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bikramyogaaurora
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bikramaurora
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bikram-yoga-aurora-aurora
- Other: https://reviews.listen360.com/bikram-yoga-aurora
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
