#TheJuiceStore Yoga Series: The Story of Bikram Yoga

We had the chance to chat with Fiona McNamara and learn more about her Yoga journey.

What inspired you to start this?

I feel very fortunate in my own yoga journey to have crossed paths with so many inspiring teachers and practitioners that inspired me, trained with me, taught me, encouraged me and helped me on my way. I have spent the last 6 years training to a high standard in the States and in Europe which enabled me to represent Ireland internationally for the last 5 years and live my dream when I placed amongst the top 10 competitors at the most recent International Bishnu Ghosh Cup. I always knew I wanted to set up a school in Dublin to bring home what I learnt through my own experience away. My vision was always to open a school with an exceptionally high standard of teaching combined with a mindful approach.

What type of yoga do you teach?

I teach Bikram yoga which is a series of 26 hatha postures and 2 breathing exercises done in the safety of a heated room and designed for ALL levels. I have been practicing this sequence for 14 years and continue to benefit and learn from it daily. While the postures remain the same, the body continues to change. It is therapeutic on many levels in that it is a total body work out — inside and out, it improves strength and flexibility, it promotes healing through the circulation of fresh oxygenated blood and eliminates conditions of stress produced by fast-paced lifestyles.

How much of yoga is mental and how much is physical?

Yoga is union, balance. Balance of mind and body. They go together. Some students take class because they want to change their body shape and then enjoy the peace of mind that they get from the practice. Others come to de-stress their minds and are pleasantly surprised to see their body shape transform. Coming to class can definitely be mind over matter. I always say the hardest part is getting yourself to class. It is always a big deal when students show up for themselves to take this 90 minute class. One always feels better for it, physically and mentally.

What kind of people come?

This yoga is suitable for everyone and we get every type of person through our doors. Students range from young to old, from complete yoga beginners to long term practitioners, from athletes who want to compliment their physical training to the everyday person who needs to de-stress from a long day at work, as well as students with mental, medical or physical challenges. The only thing you need for this class is a spine. The spine protects the central nervous system. By breathing and moving your spine you shift energy, you move cerebral fluid, you flood your body with oxygen, you allow for healing, for change and a transformation on many levels. Getting in shape physically is just an external bonus, the real healing happens internally.

What makes you proud?

I am proud on a daily basis when students make the time for themselves to practice. I never get tired of seeing students leaving after 90 minutes feeling proud of themselves, feeling re-energized, feeling better and leaving happy and ready to face the world with a more positive mindset then when they arrived. What happens in just 90 minutes is amazing. What happens with a consistent practice is life changing. We offer a 30 day introductory special which allows new students to come as often as they can for 30 days. The transformation that can happen in these 30 days is remarkable. I love seeing new students see themselves transform on so many levels. The practice, the teachers and the studio are just facilitators to allow the individual to experience their own potential to transform.

Who is one person you look up to and why?

I have many great teachers I look up to but above all I look up to my students. They teach me everything.

How do you keep everyone motivated?

I keep everyone motivated by continuing to work on my own practice everyday. This is my main priority, everything else is secondary. It’s the only way. My students see me, I motivate them, I see them, they motivate me.

What 3 words would someone use to describe your yoga studio?

Personal, professional, mindful.

What can people expect coming into your studio?

Expect to be feel great after just 90 mins. Just show up, it’s that simple!