When did you first try hot yoga?

Back in 2007, I was invited by a friend to try doing as many classes as I could in 30 days. My local Bikram studio was offering an intro for $30. I came 19 times in 30 days.

What injuries did you earn over the years?

As a golfer, my body was broken down in both knees, wrists, and mostly my back.

How did yoga find you? What did you know about yoga?

I found an old ’70’s paperback on yoga in my mom’s home library when I was 13 years old. It blew me away to see the human body do those things. I read very little, and mostly just tried to do the postures I saw in the book.

Over the next 15 years, I just did a random postures sporadically throughout the day or the weeks. No consistency. Finally found Bikram Hot Yoga and was hooked the first drive home from class.

How was your first Bikram hot yoga class?

You will never forget your first Bikram yoga class. My first class was humbling. I thought I had “done yoga” in the past.  Never had I done this! This 90 minute class was the hardest thing I had ever done. Period.

My lungs felt like they were on fire and my shoulders we so tight. I thought like I made the biggest mistake of my life, and we were in the first set of breathing!

That night, my body felt more balanced and flexible. I slept a full 8 hours.  When I woke up, I didn’t have any of my normal “morning pains” – the creaky knees, tight back, tight neck, grumpy, etc.

I came back to the yoga school the next day at 9:00am.  I couldn’t wait. The whole system made perfect sense to me.

Why did you become a teacher?

Because they made me.

Why did you create Old Man Yoga |OMY|?

I believe EVERYONE can benefit from this yoga, and it is my mission to help spread the word anyway I know how.

Over the years, I have been inspired by the older generation of students at the various schools of yoga I have been teaching. They are most often the mentally strongest students and the ones who hold the postures with the most focus in the room.

Mostly, I want my dad and nephew to become consistent in their own yoga practices. However that shows up for them.

What did you know or think about yoga before your first class?

I knew that it improved flexibility and was essential for good physical condition, especially as one matures.

What is the biggest change you have noticed since starting yoga?

I have exercised consistently for 35 years. I am two years into the yoga practice. Nothing has strengthened my core more than yoga. Yoga has brought relief to by aching knees, improved my balance and posture and I am more flexible than I was too.

How often do you practice?

I try to practice at least four times per week.

What is your favorite thing about class?

There are multiple benefits to participating in a class. It’s a dynamic experience that provides not only great physical benefits, but mental as well.

What did you know or think about yoga before your first class?

I didn’t know anything about yoga.

What injuries or ailments did you earn over the years?

Back and shoulder pain.

How often do you practice?

About 3 times a week.

What is your favorite thing about yoga class?

How it makes you feel.

Do you tell your friends you practice yoga?

I tell everybody. My friends make fun of me but will not try it.

What piece of wisdom would you like to share with someone who is thinking about trying hot yoga for the first time?

Go as many times as you can in the first 30 days.

What did you know about yoga before your first class?

Very little.

When did you first try hot yoga and why?

Almost two years ago. Ex-wife told me about it. She thought it would help with my headaches.

What injuries or ailments did you earn over the years?

Severe daily chronic headaches for over 25 years.

How do you feel after a hot yoga class?

Invigorated and very relaxed.

What is the biggest change you’ve noticed since starting yoga?

Headaches are gone! Becoming more flexible.

Anything else you’d like to add?

This is the hardest thing that you will ever love to do.

What did you know or think about yoga before your first class?

I knew almost nothing, except I had realized that stretching after the workout in the gym helped me better than that workout itself.

What injuries or ailments did you earn over the years?

I had a disk herniation in the past and a related nerve injury that affected my ability to load my left leg and foot.

Describe your first Bikram Yoga experience?

I felt I was about to die, but it also gave lots of flexibility and energy to my body. I decided to stick in and consider it one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

How do you feel after class?

Of course you are tired after class. But you also feel light, younger, and more flexible. You are not “old man” tired, you are “young man” tired, like after a long game in your 20s.

What is your favorite thing about class?

I am focused on my body and have no capability of thinking about my every day problems. It is the only place where I can turn the daily routine off. It is not only a body workout, it is also a big mental relief.

Do you tell your friends you practice yoga? Do you consider yourself a yogi?

Yes, I do. They think I am crazy doing all that at my age. No, I am not a yogi. Becoming one seems too demanding to me.