Val Sklar discovered Bikram yoga when she was 27, after months of discomfort from degenerative arthritis in her right hip joint, caused by a broken hip at the age of 13. Her Orthopedist told her there was nothing that would improve her condition, and the best she could do was whatever exercise didn't seem to worsen her joint pain. His prognosis was that the situation would deteriorate until the pain became unbearable, leading to an inevitable hip replacement.

Several months later, she tried her first Bikram yoga class. Based on her doctor's prognosis, she was very skeptical of future results or benefits, but she was determined to not give in to the pain without a fight. After six months of regular practice, most of her joint pain disappeared and remained so, as long as she continued to practice. Val was so overwhelmed with the healing power of Bikram yoga, she gave up her corporate career to become a Bikram teacher and opened her Bikram's Yoga College of India, Pasadena, in November 1998.

Bikram yoga helps reduce or eliminate symptoms from a large number of chronic diseases, and it is invaluable in preventing injuries for those with healthy bodies. She invites all those interested in working hard and having fun to join her!

Click here to read an article on Val from the Pasadena Weekly.

For more information on Bikram Choudhury, go to www.bikramyoga.com.
 
 

Val practicing bound lotus pose, an advanced Bikram yoga pose.