I was a high school jock, hopefully looking forward to some college football when a knee injury and broken tibia and fibula sidelined those plans at age 17.  After a short time I realized that running, or any jarring movements, sent me to the emergency room to have my knee drained.  I tried, the Nordic track, the elliptical, the tread- mill, spinning at New York Sports, Pilates and some previous yoga to stay in shape. 

I have had three surgeries on the left knee, the first, 40 years ago, was so awful that I had to have my knee finally bent under anesthesia, since it was actually 'frozen' after surgery, and two arthroscopic on the right.
 
I have been thru 5 physical rehabilitations for my knees, and have had knee replacement surgery recommended for both knees... and then I came to Bikram Yoga @the Palisades about 3 months ago, on the recommendation of my friend Julia.  I have never felt better, nor have I looked back.  At age 64, I am a 20 year cancer survivor and I owe that to Nicholas Gonzalez, MD. He has changed my life medically and Bikram has enlightened it physically and spiritually.
 

I try to practice every other day. I just love how I feel after the Sequence is over.  What a wonderful sense of accomplishment, a sense of pure physical exhaustion and the knowledge I made another journey thru the Bikram's Torture Chamber. I emerge different than when I entered.  I am fulfilled and happy with myself for doing another class and healing and helping my mind, body and spirit to recover.  I also finish the Sequence without pain or hurting myself physically and I know that I got a complete body tune up.

Oh, by the way..i was finally able, with a little push from Jessica, to hold my insteps and do a  Bow Pose  so after 64 years there is progress. Many thanks to Sean and Monica, Eune and Jessica for all their support and guidance

 

P.S.  Remember, lock your knees, last chance, lock your knees.