OUR STUDENTS

Andrea White

Read About Andrea

Tell us something about yourself. I am a medical esthetician, massage therapist, Bikram yoga certified teacher, and Group Exercise certified instructor turned into a stay-at-home mom. I started doing Bikram yoga in 2011. That same year I went to the Bikram yoga training in L.A. However, I have never taught a class! I have always been very athletic and enjoy doing many different types of workouts. After getting ill, I was no longer able to endure the strenuous workouts I was used to and I came back to my yoga practice after many years away. When did you start doing yoga? I started doing yoga in 2011 but would often take periodic breaks from it. I started back consistently in 2018.  Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? My absolute favorite class is Ali's Vinyasa Flow (heated and non-heated)! I also love Kristi's Flow class and Val's Cardio Fit. Ali is a goddess and helps you remember you are one too. Her flows are this beautiful sequence that take you on a journey. In her class I get out of my head for 75 mins. Get my ass kicked and feel like I’ve done a deep meditation! My favorite postures are arm balances and inversions. I love the challenge of them! What do you love about Yoga Health Center? What I love about YHC is that everyone is there for common reasons.  Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I am part Inuit. Do you have a favorite quote? "Anything you accept fully will take you into peace. This is the miracle of surrender." - Eckhart Tolle



Nichole Herbert

Read About Nichole

Tell us something about yourself. I was a dancer (jazz and ballet) and a runner for 20 years before I started my yoga journey. I love running, but I thought I had to give it up and I was looking for something to replace running. My friend Gloria asked me for months to try Bikram yoga. Eventually I tried it and as it turned out I was able to continue running for three more years because of how my body was adapting and changing from doing yoga. I have a saying about doing Bikram: “Come for vanity and stay for sanity.” When did you start doing yoga?When did you start doing yoga? I began in 2003 at Regina’s old studio on El Camino. After my first class, I laid on the floor, completely and utterly spent, and said…“I LOVE it!” I have been doing Bikram ever since. Later on I added yin yoga and core classes, but that’s another story.  Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I only do three classes since I like what I like: Bikram, yin, and core. Regina had to convince me to go to core. As I said, “I like what I like (wink).” My former thoughts on core: I would rather run another mile than do a sit up. I hated the concept of core work because it hurts. But core with Val was IT for me; the music, the vibe, the positivity. And I love this Val-ism: “Your mind tells your body what to do.” I noticed after doing core classes for a while that my Bikram practice popped. Val works with us to train our functional muscles which carried over into boogie boarding with my kids at Hilton Head Island, crawling under redwood trees in Yosemite, and even sliding on a greasy restaurant floor in high heels without falling down. Thank you Val! My favorite pose is half tortoise, especially when a teacher (like Regina) comes by and adds to my stretch by pressing on my sacrum. I feel as if I’m getting a gift from heaven. I stay in the pose because I love it so much. What do you love about Yoga Health Center?? YHC is all about love. Regina’s love permeates the studio. No other studio anywhere feels the same.  Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I am a crazy momma of four daughters and that’s why my ideal weekend starts like this—Friday massage at 4:30 pm followed by Happy Hour at 6:30 pm, then yoga on Saturday morning at 8:00 am. Do you have a favorite quote? “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal.” -- Winston Churchill



Gloria

Read About Gloria

I grew up in Chicago and danced professionally with the Atlanta Dance Theater in the mid-70s. I was also a Spin Instructor in San Francisco and work as a Radiologic Technologist for 40 years. When did you start doing yoga? I started practicing yoga 20 years ago. Regina was one of my early instructors at the original and smaller Yoga Health Center. I also traveled to the City to practice Vinyasa with Rusty Wells, who was the Guru of Vinyasa. Also, North Beach Yoga was one of the first studios of Bikram with Beverly. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? This may seem odd, but I love Camel. It's a heart opener. We could all use a big heart for kindness. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? First of all, I love the owners Bob and Regina. What a GREAT place to practice. It is a very clean studio, the staff is friendly, and the people are welcoming. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? If you are engaging in a conversation with me, I would probably bring laughter to you! Favorite Quote? Dedicate your yoga practice on and off the mat to our Earth, and to all the unfortunate lives who struggle every day to live.



Rachael Abney

Read About Gloria

I grew up in Chicago and danced professionally with the Atlanta Dance Theater in the mid-70s. I was also a Spin Instructor in San Francisco and work as a Radiologic Technologist for 40 years. When did you start doing yoga? I started practicing yoga 20 years ago. Regina was one of my early instructors at the original and smaller Yoga Health Center. I also traveled to the City to practice Vinyasa with Rusty Wells, who was the Guru of Vinyasa. Also, North Beach Yoga was one of the first studios of Bikram with Beverly. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? This may seem odd, but I love Camel. It's a heart opener. We could all use a big heart for kindness. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? First of all, I love the owners Bob and Regina. What a GREAT place to practice. It is a very clean studio, the staff is friendly, and the people are welcoming. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? If you are engaging in a conversation with me, I would probably bring laughter to you! Favorite Quote? Dedicate your yoga practice on and off the mat to our Earth, and to all the unfortunate lives who struggle every day to live.



Fernando and Lucy Montilla

Read About Nichole

Tell us something about yourself. I was a dancer (jazz and ballet) and a runner for 20 years before I started my yoga journey. I love running, but I thought I had to give it up and I was looking for something to replace running. My friend Gloria asked me for months to try Bikram yoga. Eventually I tried it and as it turned out I was able to continue running for three more years because of how my body was adapting and changing from doing yoga. I have a saying about doing Bikram: “Come for vanity and stay for sanity.” When did you start doing yoga?When did you start doing yoga? I began in 2003 at Regina’s old studio on El Camino. After my first class, I laid on the floor, completely and utterly spent, and said…“I LOVE it!” I have been doing Bikram ever since. Later on I added yin yoga and core classes, but that’s another story.  Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I only do three classes since I like what I like: Bikram, yin, and core. Regina had to convince me to go to core. As I said, “I like what I like (wink).” My former thoughts on core: I would rather run another mile than do a sit up. I hated the concept of core work because it hurts. But core with Val was IT for me; the music, the vibe, the positivity. And I love this Val-ism: “Your mind tells your body what to do.” I noticed after doing core classes for a while that my Bikram practice popped. Val works with us to train our functional muscles which carried over into boogie boarding with my kids at Hilton Head Island, crawling under redwood trees in Yosemite, and even sliding on a greasy restaurant floor in high heels without falling down. Thank you Val! My favorite pose is half tortoise, especially when a teacher (like Regina) comes by and adds to my stretch by pressing on my sacrum. I feel as if I’m getting a gift from heaven. I stay in the pose because I love it so much. What do you love about Yoga Health Center?? YHC is all about love. Regina’s love permeates the studio. No other studio anywhere feels the same.  Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I am a crazy momma of four daughters and that’s why my ideal weekend starts like this—Friday massage at 4:30 pm followed by Happy Hour at 6:30 pm, then yoga on Saturday morning at 8:00 am. Do you have a favorite quote? “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal.” -- Winston Churchill



Betsy

Read About Elaine

I was a yoga student here at YHC before I started working here. I loved the vibe so much at YHC that I wanted more. I have worked at other yoga studios…let’s say that this one is the best one (for me). When did you start doing yoga? When I was in junior high (mid-late 90s), I rented a yoga video from the library. It was called “AM/PM Yoga for Beginners” by Patricia Walden. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? The hot fusion yoga class is my favorite. I like that it’s a combo of Bikram and Vinyasa, and I like the music and the teachers Kat and Chuck. Eagle is my “signature pose” because I like to fly. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I like the community, the people, and the lively vibe. The people here are happy and there is a warm atmosphere. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I used to work in SF politics as a blogger and campaign communication consultant in social media (2007-2013). I was something of a pioneer since social media was just getting started at that time. Favorite Quote “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” (Theodore Roosevelt, from his speech "Citizenship in a Republic" delivered at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France on April, 23,1910)



Gregory Peck

Read About Gregory

My first Bikram class was in 2011 when I lived in Hermosa Beach. It was all I could do to stay in the room and spent a good portion of class lying on my back trying not to cry. I was surprised at the intensity and surprised I already looked forward to my next class. I liked the structured sequence of poses, silent meditation, and focus on breathing. It is definitely not a race. I tried other forms of yoga but found my flexibility (or lack of) required too many straps, blocks, and other training aides. The heated Bikram room was friendlier for me so as a lifelong athlete I was inspired to incorporate Bikram into my lifestyle and began my practice. I like I little bit of motion every day so added Bikram in between cycling, volleyball, rollerblading, skiing, the gym, and golf. ​ In 2014, my wife and I relocated from Hermosa Beach to San Carlos. I practiced at various Bikram studios around Silicon Valley from Los Gatos, Mountain View, Santa Clara, San Jose to San Mateo not realizing Yoga Health Center was in my own backyard. I’ve been a member here since October 2015 and don’t plan on leaving any time soon. After pushing past 50 a few years back, I’m counting on Bikram to help me fight the good fight. Decades of volleyball has taken its toll on my knees and shoulders, so I was happy to trade in volleyball at the beach for hiking in the Belmont Open Space Preserve. I also love cycling up Kings Mountain Road. During the 20-minute climb I channel my inner Bikram breath to keep my legs pumping. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I’m thankful for Regina and her incredible Team at Yoga Health Center. Each class is an opportunity to learn and grow. Each teacher provides a unique perspective. This past year I expanded beyond Bikram to fitness classes with Val, Susan and Robin. It’s wonderful to have so many great class options. Note to self: do not follow a Bikram class with Core Sculpt... it felt like that first day in Hermosa Beach with me lying on my back trying not to cry. It does work the other way around though with a Fitness Class followed by a Bikram (thank you Robin).

Finally, I’d like to wish Regina continued success with the expansion. The studio was great to begin with so will be even more so in a few short months.



Madison

Read About Madison

What brought you to our studio? Being an athlete is what brought me to yoga. At first, I really liked it for the extra stretching and great sweat, but after I started practicing, I saw a lot of professional athletes and read a lot about the mental benefits behind yoga. It helps you focus, get centered, and become more aware of yourself. All of the physical and mental benefits have really helped me reach a new level in my game (basketball) and also helped me become a much more positive person. I have been practicing for about a year now and come 5-7 times a week. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? The people and employees are very friendly. It is a very positive and welcoming environment and community. I love our yoga studio.



Joel and Joy Kellman

Read About Nichole

Tell us something about yourself. I was a dancer (jazz and ballet) and a runner for 20 years before I started my yoga journey. I love running, but I thought I had to give it up and I was looking for something to replace running. My friend Gloria asked me for months to try Bikram yoga. Eventually I tried it and as it turned out I was able to continue running for three more years because of how my body was adapting and changing from doing yoga. I have a saying about doing Bikram: “Come for vanity and stay for sanity.” When did you start doing yoga?When did you start doing yoga? I began in 2003 at Regina’s old studio on El Camino. After my first class, I laid on the floor, completely and utterly spent, and said…“I LOVE it!” I have been doing Bikram ever since. Later on I added yin yoga and core classes, but that’s another story.  Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I only do three classes since I like what I like: Bikram, yin, and core. Regina had to convince me to go to core. As I said, “I like what I like (wink).” My former thoughts on core: I would rather run another mile than do a sit up. I hated the concept of core work because it hurts. But core with Val was IT for me; the music, the vibe, the positivity. And I love this Val-ism: “Your mind tells your body what to do.” I noticed after doing core classes for a while that my Bikram practice popped. Val works with us to train our functional muscles which carried over into boogie boarding with my kids at Hilton Head Island, crawling under redwood trees in Yosemite, and even sliding on a greasy restaurant floor in high heels without falling down. Thank you Val! My favorite pose is half tortoise, especially when a teacher (like Regina) comes by and adds to my stretch by pressing on my sacrum. I feel as if I’m getting a gift from heaven. I stay in the pose because I love it so much. What do you love about Yoga Health Center?? YHC is all about love. Regina’s love permeates the studio. No other studio anywhere feels the same.  Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I am a crazy momma of four daughters and that’s why my ideal weekend starts like this—Friday massage at 4:30 pm followed by Happy Hour at 6:30 pm, then yoga on Saturday morning at 8:00 am. Do you have a favorite quote? “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal.” -- Winston Churchill



Melanie

Read About Gloria

I grew up in Chicago and danced professionally with the Atlanta Dance Theater in the mid-70s. I was also a Spin Instructor in San Francisco and work as a Radiologic Technologist for 40 years. When did you start doing yoga? I started practicing yoga 20 years ago. Regina was one of my early instructors at the original and smaller Yoga Health Center. I also traveled to the City to practice Vinyasa with Rusty Wells, who was the Guru of Vinyasa. Also, North Beach Yoga was one of the first studios of Bikram with Beverly. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? This may seem odd, but I love Camel. It's a heart opener. We could all use a big heart for kindness. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? First of all, I love the owners Bob and Regina. What a GREAT place to practice. It is a very clean studio, the staff is friendly, and the people are welcoming. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? If you are engaging in a conversation with me, I would probably bring laughter to you! Favorite Quote? Dedicate your yoga practice on and off the mat to our Earth, and to all the unfortunate lives who struggle every day to live.



Daisy

Read About Elaine

I was a yoga student here at YHC before I started working here. I loved the vibe so much at YHC that I wanted more. I have worked at other yoga studios…let’s say that this one is the best one (for me). When did you start doing yoga? When I was in junior high (mid-late 90s), I rented a yoga video from the library. It was called “AM/PM Yoga for Beginners” by Patricia Walden. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? The hot fusion yoga class is my favorite. I like that it’s a combo of Bikram and Vinyasa, and I like the music and the teachers Kat and Chuck. Eagle is my “signature pose” because I like to fly. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I like the community, the people, and the lively vibe. The people here are happy and there is a warm atmosphere. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I used to work in SF politics as a blogger and campaign communication consultant in social media (2007-2013). I was something of a pioneer since social media was just getting started at that time. Favorite Quote “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” (Theodore Roosevelt, from his speech "Citizenship in a Republic" delivered at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France on April, 23,1910)



Liam

Read About Elaine

I was a yoga student here at YHC before I started working here. I loved the vibe so much at YHC that I wanted more. I have worked at other yoga studios…let’s say that this one is the best one (for me). When did you start doing yoga? When I was in junior high (mid-late 90s), I rented a yoga video from the library. It was called “AM/PM Yoga for Beginners” by Patricia Walden. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? The hot fusion yoga class is my favorite. I like that it’s a combo of Bikram and Vinyasa, and I like the music and the teachers Kat and Chuck. Eagle is my “signature pose” because I like to fly. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I like the community, the people, and the lively vibe. The people here are happy and there is a warm atmosphere. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I used to work in SF politics as a blogger and campaign communication consultant in social media (2007-2013). I was something of a pioneer since social media was just getting started at that time. Favorite Quote “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” (Theodore Roosevelt, from his speech "Citizenship in a Republic" delivered at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France on April, 23,1910)



Bennie

Read About Elaine

I was a yoga student here at YHC before I started working here. I loved the vibe so much at YHC that I wanted more. I have worked at other yoga studios…let’s say that this one is the best one (for me). When did you start doing yoga? When I was in junior high (mid-late 90s), I rented a yoga video from the library. It was called “AM/PM Yoga for Beginners” by Patricia Walden. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? The hot fusion yoga class is my favorite. I like that it’s a combo of Bikram and Vinyasa, and I like the music and the teachers Kat and Chuck. Eagle is my “signature pose” because I like to fly. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I like the community, the people, and the lively vibe. The people here are happy and there is a warm atmosphere. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I used to work in SF politics as a blogger and campaign communication consultant in social media (2007-2013). I was something of a pioneer since social media was just getting started at that time. Favorite Quote “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” (Theodore Roosevelt, from his speech "Citizenship in a Republic" delivered at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France on April, 23,1910)



Brett Leonard

Read About Brett

I was born and raised in Center City, Philadelphia with my three sisters. I attended a Quaker school and grew up playing basketball and skateboarding. I moved to the Bay Area 20 years ago to work in technology. When did you start doing yoga? I was introduced to Bikram Yoga about 17 years ago, when my roommate was attending teacher training in Los Angeles. Over the past nine months, I have begun to practice hot yoga on a regular basis at YHC and the results have been wonderful. The practice has brought me many kinds of benefits. Notably, I have felt a significant reduction in the lower back and neck pain that I have experienced regularly for the past ten years. Moreover, my emotional well-being and mental clarity have never been better. The practice constantly provides me much-needed balance and resilience, both physically and emotionally. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? My favorite class is hot yoga weekdays at 6:00 am. My favorite pose is standing bow-pulling pose. I feel I’m most present and focused during this pose. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? The entire YHC staff has always made me feel welcomed and valued. The different instructors bring a diversity of teaching styles and approaches to the classes which I believe lends to a fuller practice. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I once fell asleep in Savasana before a Sunday morning class got started. My snoring woke me up and several people were giggling. I can promise that will NOT happen again! ;) Favorite Quote "We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started." —T.S. Eliot



Sirinee Tippakorn

Read About Elaine

I was a yoga student here at YHC before I started working here. I loved the vibe so much at YHC that I wanted more. I have worked at other yoga studios…let’s say that this one is the best one (for me). When did you start doing yoga? When I was in junior high (mid-late 90s), I rented a yoga video from the library. It was called “AM/PM Yoga for Beginners” by Patricia Walden. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? The hot fusion yoga class is my favorite. I like that it’s a combo of Bikram and Vinyasa, and I like the music and the teachers Kat and Chuck. Eagle is my “signature pose” because I like to fly. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I like the community, the people, and the lively vibe. The people here are happy and there is a warm atmosphere. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I used to work in SF politics as a blogger and campaign communication consultant in social media (2007-2013). I was something of a pioneer since social media was just getting started at that time. Favorite Quote “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” (Theodore Roosevelt, from his speech "Citizenship in a Republic" delivered at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France on April, 23,1910)



Lisa Caparra

Read About Nichole

Tell us something about yourself. I was a dancer (jazz and ballet) and a runner for 20 years before I started my yoga journey. I love running, but I thought I had to give it up and I was looking for something to replace running. My friend Gloria asked me for months to try Bikram yoga. Eventually I tried it and as it turned out I was able to continue running for three more years because of how my body was adapting and changing from doing yoga. I have a saying about doing Bikram: “Come for vanity and stay for sanity.” When did you start doing yoga?When did you start doing yoga? I began in 2003 at Regina’s old studio on El Camino. After my first class, I laid on the floor, completely and utterly spent, and said…“I LOVE it!” I have been doing Bikram ever since. Later on I added yin yoga and core classes, but that’s another story.  Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I only do three classes since I like what I like: Bikram, yin, and core. Regina had to convince me to go to core. As I said, “I like what I like (wink).” My former thoughts on core: I would rather run another mile than do a sit up. I hated the concept of core work because it hurts. But core with Val was IT for me; the music, the vibe, the positivity. And I love this Val-ism: “Your mind tells your body what to do.” I noticed after doing core classes for a while that my Bikram practice popped. Val works with us to train our functional muscles which carried over into boogie boarding with my kids at Hilton Head Island, crawling under redwood trees in Yosemite, and even sliding on a greasy restaurant floor in high heels without falling down. Thank you Val! My favorite pose is half tortoise, especially when a teacher (like Regina) comes by and adds to my stretch by pressing on my sacrum. I feel as if I’m getting a gift from heaven. I stay in the pose because I love it so much. What do you love about Yoga Health Center?? YHC is all about love. Regina’s love permeates the studio. No other studio anywhere feels the same.  Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I am a crazy momma of four daughters and that’s why my ideal weekend starts like this—Friday massage at 4:30 pm followed by Happy Hour at 6:30 pm, then yoga on Saturday morning at 8:00 am. Do you have a favorite quote? “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal.” -- Winston Churchill



Gitte Rivera

Read About Elaine

I was a yoga student here at YHC before I started working here. I loved the vibe so much at YHC that I wanted more. I have worked at other yoga studios…let’s say that this one is the best one (for me). When did you start doing yoga? When I was in junior high (mid-late 90s), I rented a yoga video from the library. It was called “AM/PM Yoga for Beginners” by Patricia Walden. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? The hot fusion yoga class is my favorite. I like that it’s a combo of Bikram and Vinyasa, and I like the music and the teachers Kat and Chuck. Eagle is my “signature pose” because I like to fly. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I like the community, the people, and the lively vibe. The people here are happy and there is a warm atmosphere. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I used to work in SF politics as a blogger and campaign communication consultant in social media (2007-2013). I was something of a pioneer since social media was just getting started at that time. Favorite Quote “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” (Theodore Roosevelt, from his speech "Citizenship in a Republic" delivered at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France on April, 23,1910)



Madison Blanton

Read About Nichole

Tell us something about yourself. I was a dancer (jazz and ballet) and a runner for 20 years before I started my yoga journey. I love running, but I thought I had to give it up and I was looking for something to replace running. My friend Gloria asked me for months to try Bikram yoga. Eventually I tried it and as it turned out I was able to continue running for three more years because of how my body was adapting and changing from doing yoga. I have a saying about doing Bikram: “Come for vanity and stay for sanity.” When did you start doing yoga?When did you start doing yoga? I began in 2003 at Regina’s old studio on El Camino. After my first class, I laid on the floor, completely and utterly spent, and said…“I LOVE it!” I have been doing Bikram ever since. Later on I added yin yoga and core classes, but that’s another story.  Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I only do three classes since I like what I like: Bikram, yin, and core. Regina had to convince me to go to core. As I said, “I like what I like (wink).” My former thoughts on core: I would rather run another mile than do a sit up. I hated the concept of core work because it hurts. But core with Val was IT for me; the music, the vibe, the positivity. And I love this Val-ism: “Your mind tells your body what to do.” I noticed after doing core classes for a while that my Bikram practice popped. Val works with us to train our functional muscles which carried over into boogie boarding with my kids at Hilton Head Island, crawling under redwood trees in Yosemite, and even sliding on a greasy restaurant floor in high heels without falling down. Thank you Val! My favorite pose is half tortoise, especially when a teacher (like Regina) comes by and adds to my stretch by pressing on my sacrum. I feel as if I’m getting a gift from heaven. I stay in the pose because I love it so much. What do you love about Yoga Health Center?? YHC is all about love. Regina’s love permeates the studio. No other studio anywhere feels the same.  Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I am a crazy momma of four daughters and that’s why my ideal weekend starts like this—Friday massage at 4:30 pm followed by Happy Hour at 6:30 pm, then yoga on Saturday morning at 8:00 am. Do you have a favorite quote? “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal.” -- Winston Churchill



Carole Henmi

Read About Gloria

I grew up in Chicago and danced professionally with the Atlanta Dance Theater in the mid-70s. I was also a Spin Instructor in San Francisco and work as a Radiologic Technologist for 40 years. When did you start doing yoga? I started practicing yoga 20 years ago. Regina was one of my early instructors at the original and smaller Yoga Health Center. I also traveled to the City to practice Vinyasa with Rusty Wells, who was the Guru of Vinyasa. Also, North Beach Yoga was one of the first studios of Bikram with Beverly. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? This may seem odd, but I love Camel. It's a heart opener. We could all use a big heart for kindness. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? First of all, I love the owners Bob and Regina. What a GREAT place to practice. It is a very clean studio, the staff is friendly, and the people are welcoming. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? If you are engaging in a conversation with me, I would probably bring laughter to you! Favorite Quote? Dedicate your yoga practice on and off the mat to our Earth, and to all the unfortunate lives who struggle every day to live.



Sue Manian

Read About Gloria

I grew up in Chicago and danced professionally with the Atlanta Dance Theater in the mid-70s. I was also a Spin Instructor in San Francisco and work as a Radiologic Technologist for 40 years. When did you start doing yoga? I started practicing yoga 20 years ago. Regina was one of my early instructors at the original and smaller Yoga Health Center. I also traveled to the City to practice Vinyasa with Rusty Wells, who was the Guru of Vinyasa. Also, North Beach Yoga was one of the first studios of Bikram with Beverly. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? This may seem odd, but I love Camel. It's a heart opener. We could all use a big heart for kindness. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? First of all, I love the owners Bob and Regina. What a GREAT place to practice. It is a very clean studio, the staff is friendly, and the people are welcoming. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? If you are engaging in a conversation with me, I would probably bring laughter to you! Favorite Quote? Dedicate your yoga practice on and off the mat to our Earth, and to all the unfortunate lives who struggle every day to live.



Elaine Santore

Read About Elaine

I was a yoga student here at YHC before I started working here. I loved the vibe so much at YHC that I wanted more. I have worked at other yoga studios…let’s say that this one is the best one (for me). When did you start doing yoga? When I was in junior high (mid-late 90s), I rented a yoga video from the library. It was called “AM/PM Yoga for Beginners” by Patricia Walden. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? The hot fusion yoga class is my favorite. I like that it’s a combo of Bikram and Vinyasa, and I like the music and the teachers Kat and Chuck. Eagle is my “signature pose” because I like to fly. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I like the community, the people, and the lively vibe. The people here are happy and there is a warm atmosphere. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I used to work in SF politics as a blogger and campaign communication consultant in social media (2007-2013). I was something of a pioneer since social media was just getting started at that time. Favorite Quote “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” (Theodore Roosevelt, from his speech "Citizenship in a Republic" delivered at the Sorbonne, in Paris, France on April, 23,1910)