Teacher Spotlight: Meet Kim
Tell us a little about you.
I started my yoga journey almost 3 decades ago. I initially came to yoga as a stretching class during my career as Division 1 collegiate swimmer. I later found yoga to help with some knee and back discomfort after a decade of running in marathons and competing in full Ironman Traiathlons. When I was introduced to Bikram Yoga, it provided the intensity I was looking for without the wear and tear on my body.
What is the biggest impact that yoga has had on your life?
It has had a profound impact on my life. I have met some of my best friends in the yoga room. It has helped me develop mental and physical strength. It has improved my concentration and given me the ability to step out of my comfort zone to lead a productive life. It has allowed me to maintain a fitness level that I previously considered unattainable at my age!
When do you apply the lessons of yoga in your daily life?
I do not consider myself a morning person, but I wake up at 5am almost every day so I can get my practice in before I can make up an excuse. I practice the entire 90 minute 26 & 2 sequence 5-6 days a week. Twice a year, I do a 60 day challenge. Yoga to me is a moving meditation, and prepares me for my workday and helps me deal with whatever life decides to throw at me. For almost 2 decades, this style of yoga has been the most important part of my daily routine. It is non-negiotiable, like brushing my teeth.
What are your 3 go-to poses if you need a quick practice?
Backbends! I sit at a computer when I am not practicing yoga. My go-to's are Pranayama breathing, the Half Moon standing backbend (sometimes 3-10 backbends a day), and a spinal twist.
What is your favorite style of yoga right now and why?
I have experimented with other forms of yoga only to return back to the Bikram series time and time again. Bikram yoga is physically accessible to people of all ages and conditions. The postures require only normal range of motion available to everyone. I am constantly humbled by the 26 & 2 series. This seemingly simple sequence of postures is challenging, yet theraputic. The repetitive nature of the practice makes this a truly healing yoga. The same postures can help improve athletic performace for one person and facilitate injury rehabilitation in another person.
What is unique about your classes and your style of teaching?
I teach because it is a passion of mine! I practice what I teach, and it a priceless gift to offer this unique style of yoga to you. I consider myself a lifelong student of this sequence. When I am not at work, I can often be found talking about or studying Bikram's yoga sequence. I believe this 90 minute sequence has meaning and importance. People ask me if I ever get tired of teaching the same postures. My answer is ‘this practice is the foundation which you can notice subtle changes, which in turn allows students to transform.’