So I have a predicament... I arrived in Firenze a week ago to begin a three month study abroad program. I'm having an amazing time, but... I miss Bikram yoga! I cannot find a studio anywhere near me (Rome and Pondenone are the only ones and they are too far). I just started practicing a few months ago; coming to a complete halt is so frustrating because I was just beginning to see real improvements in my practice. Does anyone have any advice about how to do maintenance in the interim between now and my next class? Or perhaps... know of any hot yoga studios near Florence? I'm open to all suggestions, so please let me hear them! Thanks!

Hi everyone! Question here... I love bikram, have practiced for a few years now - took a break in the middle but I've been back to it for over a year now. I adore this practice. I live in a rural area, and I know there is a shortage of bikram teachers here. I've started a conversation with my studio owner about teacher training. We haven't really sat down to go over it yet... but it seems like there are a lot of hurdles in place. The cost is very high. I'd have to leave my day job and husband for nine weeks (which I'm prepared to do I think...) But I really want to teach yoga, and bikram in particular. The other thing is, I have a condition in my foot that's slowly improving but it prevents me from going up on my toes in awkward pose (second and third parts.) Other than that I can do everything. I guess I'm looking for some feedback on 1) paying for that teacher training... and 2) a small ailiment - should I wait till it's totally 100% and I can go up on my toes to go to training if I can find a way to pay for it?

Ahh, LadyGuru... how you have struck a nerve with me! (In a good way!) It is precisely experiences like yours that drew me to Bikram teacher training. I remember being so turned off myself by overly militant teachers. I couldn't understand creating tension around the simplicity of the 26-asana series. There are so many benefits one can discover with a regular Bikram practice. Oh, how I wish I could find words to "fix" your first class experience! Or how I wish you could come practice at my non-carpeted studio! All I can tell you is what I tell my own students: no matter what your instructor says, you can only do what the body will allow at that very moment. Anything more, and your effort becomes force. Sometimes I'm convinced Bikram teachers get so "in your face" to help students get their minds out of the way, but a little kindness helps, too!

thanks for your warm welcome, alltwisted. i actually logged in here because i just took my first Bikram class today. i am interested in learning about all the different types of yoga first hand. i had re-emerged on to the yoga scene about six years ago. i had a strong practice prior, about 20 years ago and Hatha yoga was all that was available. i'm feeling Bikram isn't the right fit for me, personally. i'm not a "no pain, no gain" yogini. i prefer the "ahimsa" approach. it didn't resonate with me when i was told "if you begin to feel nauseous, that's ok". and "if it hurts, that's good, it's supposed to." i didn't mind the heat so much, but the carpet gave off an undesirable odor. i'm not a hygiene-phobe, but the environment just didn't seem clean. i'm not sure if these things a reflective of this particular teacher and studio, but i wish i could say that my experience was more positive. any feedback you have would be appreciated...

sonya, what more would you like to know? Bikram yoga is a 26-posture series, done in a heated room. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask us. You can also visit Bikram's website for more: http://www.bikramyoga.com