OUR STUDENTS

Andrea White

Read About Liam

When did you start doing yoga? I started doing yoga at the gym in late 1990's . It was a basic Hatha Flow class. I then joined Yoga Tree in SF and sampled Iyengar, flow, and restorative classes in a studio setting.
I started Bikram Yoga in 2007 at Funky Door yoga SF, and became hooked. It has been the most challenging practice of yoga I’ve experienced and the benefits have been life changing. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? My newest fave class is with Ciara on Wednesday’s at 4:45 pm. But I still love yoga with Bill and Chai on Saturdays with Regina. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? YHC is by far, the cleanest, and best studio I’ve been too! Even the regulation of the heat/humidity and the immaculately clean changing rooms was a big plus, especially if you’ve been to other Bikram studios! Everyone working at YHC is a friend and each have inspired me to stay regular with my practice. And I value the sense of community amongst everyone (staff and yogis). Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I celebrated my 50th birthday with a trip to Paris and spent a week doing Bikram Yoga in French. Amazing to hear the same dialogue in another language and the Parisian teachers were hard core! NO leaving the room and ONE water break only. It was hell, and I loved it! Favorite Quote? Leonard Cohens song “Anthem”
"Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in."



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 Gitte

Tell us something about yourself. I’m from Sweden. I have been in America for 30 years now. Originally, I came here as an Au-Pair for a year but when I was offered a modeling contract in New York City, I took the opportunity to stay and work in America. After a while I got tired of the pace of big city life and moved to Key West, Florida. I lived right on the ocean and would jump in from my yard and catch lobsters to put straight on the grill. I would also feed Angelfish from the dock. The slow pace in Key West was just what I needed. After Key West, I came to San Francisco and met my (now) husband Matt. I manage and operate our family’s chiropractic clinic, Rivera Chiropractic Group, on El Camino Real right here in San Carlos. When did you start doing yoga? I started doing yoga when I lived in Key West. It was about 25 years ago that I took my first Bikram yoga class there. I still remember the small room, the carpet, and other unpleasant factors, but I loved the yoga. I was searching for something different than regular exercise—something deeper and something new. It took me three classes before I could stay in the room for the whole 90 minutes. I remember Bikram and his wife Rajashree came to the Key West where we got to practice with them for the day. I stuck with Bikram yoga and when I moved to San Francisco, and I found Regina’s studio on El Camino Real. That was about 22 years ago. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I need a combination of classes to feel balanced, so you can say that I have three favorite classes. I love Val’s class for the strength building and endurance training effects. It is a great work out and a kick ass class. I love Bikram classes because they are centering and I like the detox part from sweating. Bikram classes are very meditative for me and I’m a better person when I do Bikram. Searching for something deeper, I discovered Brad’s meditation and sound healing classes and my husband and I have been going weekly. It was just what we needed! I love this class for how Brad presents and teaches it; he himself is a gift and I learn something new in every class. Plus, the sound of the crystal bowls is soothing and healing. It’s relaxing to tune into the sound; it calms your mind and puts you at ease. Eagle is my favorite pose because of how I feel. It works every joint. Doing eagle squeezes you out like a sponge. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I love that there’s such a great variety of classes and for what you can achieve both physically and mentally if you do a combination of classes. The instructors are kind, engaging, and caring. There’s a great energy here and I of course have to mention how much I **LOVE** Regina’s chai tea! Do you have a fun fact about yourself? For a couple of years, I worked for a company demonstrating wireless tracking and surveillance equipment to the FBI, Secret Service, US Navy, and police. It got especially “fun” when I got to ride along for certain operations to demonstrate. I grew up on a farm in Sweden and I love to ride horses and I also love to garden. They both connect me with nature and they are both forgiving and not. Favorite Quote I have so many favorite quotes that I can’t pick a favorite. Besides, my favorite quotes change. Whenever I read, I find a great quote and that’s my favorite at that moment.



Rachael Abney

Read About Sirinee

Tell us something about yourself. I was imported from Thailand, so I speak fluent Thai. I am very fortunate to live and work in Belmont with my husband and daughter. We are just 2-3 miles from YHC. I volunteer with the Rotary Club of Belmont/Redwood Shores. Every year the club donates refurbished cars to veterans and grants scholarships to high school students and teachers. I also sponsor three middle school students in Thailand; two girls and one boy! When did you start doing yoga? Three years ago, I was looking for a new workout regimen; one of my clients told me about YHC. I attended my very first yoga class with Regina and loved her (but not the heat!). This is more than just a class, I told myself. This place is special! Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I would love to take more classes when time permits. For now, Core Fusion, Core Fit, and Iyengar are classes I am taking, and love every minute of it. We always smile after the class, feeling good that we survived and “we made it!” I learn so much about how our body works and how each muscle impacts each other in Susan’s Core Fusion class. This is the class that I block on my calendar so I won’t miss it. My favorite pose? Hmmm... Savasana. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? Thanks to Regina and Bob for building YHC into more than just a Yoga institution. Instructors, staff, and members are caring and kind to each other. It is a great community. When I compare today and three years ago, I am much stronger, healthier and balanced. Thank you to all. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I would like to keep those fun facts to myself In case I want to run for governor, senator, or president... just a joke! Favorite Quote My mom’s last words: “You have ability and means. I hope you will continue to help poor people like your dad.”



Fernando and Lucy Montilla

Read About Gitte

Tell us something about yourself. I’m from Sweden. I have been in America for 30 years now. Originally, I came here as an Au-Pair for a year but when I was offered a modeling contract in New York City, I took the opportunity to stay and work in America. After a while I got tired of the pace of big city life and moved to Key West, Florida. I lived right on the ocean and would jump in from my yard and catch lobsters to put straight on the grill. I would also feed Angelfish from the dock. The slow pace in Key West was just what I needed. After Key West, I came to San Francisco and met my (now) husband Matt. I manage and operate our family’s chiropractic clinic, Rivera Chiropractic Group, on El Camino Real right here in San Carlos. When did you start doing yoga? I started doing yoga when I lived in Key West. It was about 25 years ago that I took my first Bikram yoga class there. I still remember the small room, the carpet, and other unpleasant factors, but I loved the yoga. I was searching for something different than regular exercise—something deeper and something new. It took me three classes before I could stay in the room for the whole 90 minutes. I remember Bikram and his wife Rajashree came to the Key West where we got to practice with them for the day. I stuck with Bikram yoga and when I moved to San Francisco, and I found Regina’s studio on El Camino Real. That was about 22 years ago. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I need a combination of classes to feel balanced, so you can say that I have three favorite classes. I love Val’s class for the strength building and endurance training effects. It is a great work out and a kick ass class. I love Bikram classes because they are centering and I like the detox part from sweating. Bikram classes are very meditative for me and I’m a better person when I do Bikram. Searching for something deeper, I discovered Brad’s meditation and sound healing classes and my husband and I have been going weekly. It was just what we needed! I love this class for how Brad presents and teaches it; he himself is a gift and I learn something new in every class. Plus, the sound of the crystal bowls is soothing and healing. It’s relaxing to tune into the sound; it calms your mind and puts you at ease. Eagle is my favorite pose because of how I feel. It works every joint. Doing eagle squeezes you out like a sponge. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I love that there’s such a great variety of classes and for what you can achieve both physically and mentally if you do a combination of classes. The instructors are kind, engaging, and caring. There’s a great energy here and I of course have to mention how much I **LOVE** Regina’s chai tea! Do you have a fun fact about yourself? For a couple of years, I worked for a company demonstrating wireless tracking and surveillance equipment to the FBI, Secret Service, US Navy, and police. It got especially “fun” when I got to ride along for certain operations to demonstrate. I grew up on a farm in Sweden and I love to ride horses and I also love to garden. They both connect me with nature and they are both forgiving and not. Favorite Quote I have so many favorite quotes that I can’t pick a favorite. Besides, my favorite quotes change. Whenever I read, I find a great quote and that’s my favorite at that moment.



Betsy

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



Gregory Peck

Read About Sirinee

Tell us something about yourself. I was imported from Thailand, so I speak fluent Thai. I am very fortunate to live and work in Belmont with my husband and daughter. We are just 2-3 miles from YHC. I volunteer with the Rotary Club of Belmont/Redwood Shores. Every year the club donates refurbished cars to veterans and grants scholarships to high school students and teachers. I also sponsor three middle school students in Thailand; two girls and one boy! When did you start doing yoga? Three years ago, I was looking for a new workout regimen; one of my clients told me about YHC. I attended my very first yoga class with Regina and loved her (but not the heat!). This is more than just a class, I told myself. This place is special! Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I would love to take more classes when time permits. For now, Core Fusion, Core Fit, and Iyengar are classes I am taking, and love every minute of it. We always smile after the class, feeling good that we survived and “we made it!” I learn so much about how our body works and how each muscle impacts each other in Susan’s Core Fusion class. This is the class that I block on my calendar so I won’t miss it. My favorite pose? Hmmm... Savasana. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? Thanks to Regina and Bob for building YHC into more than just a Yoga institution. Instructors, staff, and members are caring and kind to each other. It is a great community. When I compare today and three years ago, I am much stronger, healthier and balanced. Thank you to all. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I would like to keep those fun facts to myself In case I want to run for governor, senator, or president... just a joke! Favorite Quote My mom’s last words: “You have ability and means. I hope you will continue to help poor people like your dad.”



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 Sirinee

Tell us something about yourself. I was imported from Thailand, so I speak fluent Thai. I am very fortunate to live and work in Belmont with my husband and daughter. We are just 2-3 miles from YHC. I volunteer with the Rotary Club of Belmont/Redwood Shores. Every year the club donates refurbished cars to veterans and grants scholarships to high school students and teachers. I also sponsor three middle school students in Thailand; two girls and one boy! When did you start doing yoga? Three years ago, I was looking for a new workout regimen; one of my clients told me about YHC. I attended my very first yoga class with Regina and loved her (but not the heat!). This is more than just a class, I told myself. This place is special! Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I would love to take more classes when time permits. For now, Core Fusion, Core Fit, and Iyengar are classes I am taking, and love every minute of it. We always smile after the class, feeling good that we survived and “we made it!” I learn so much about how our body works and how each muscle impacts each other in Susan’s Core Fusion class. This is the class that I block on my calendar so I won’t miss it. My favorite pose? Hmmm... Savasana. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? Thanks to Regina and Bob for building YHC into more than just a Yoga institution. Instructors, staff, and members are caring and kind to each other. It is a great community. When I compare today and three years ago, I am much stronger, healthier and balanced. Thank you to all. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I would like to keep those fun facts to myself In case I want to run for governor, senator, or president... just a joke! Favorite Quote My mom’s last words: “You have ability and means. I hope you will continue to help poor people like your dad.”



Melanie

Read About Sirinee

Tell us something about yourself. I was imported from Thailand, so I speak fluent Thai. I am very fortunate to live and work in Belmont with my husband and daughter. We are just 2-3 miles from YHC. I volunteer with the Rotary Club of Belmont/Redwood Shores. Every year the club donates refurbished cars to veterans and grants scholarships to high school students and teachers. I also sponsor three middle school students in Thailand; two girls and one boy! When did you start doing yoga? Three years ago, I was looking for a new workout regimen; one of my clients told me about YHC. I attended my very first yoga class with Regina and loved her (but not the heat!). This is more than just a class, I told myself. This place is special! Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I would love to take more classes when time permits. For now, Core Fusion, Core Fit, and Iyengar are classes I am taking, and love every minute of it. We always smile after the class, feeling good that we survived and “we made it!” I learn so much about how our body works and how each muscle impacts each other in Susan’s Core Fusion class. This is the class that I block on my calendar so I won’t miss it. My favorite pose? Hmmm... Savasana. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? Thanks to Regina and Bob for building YHC into more than just a Yoga institution. Instructors, staff, and members are caring and kind to each other. It is a great community. When I compare today and three years ago, I am much stronger, healthier and balanced. Thank you to all. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I would like to keep those fun facts to myself In case I want to run for governor, senator, or president... just a joke! Favorite Quote My mom’s last words: “You have ability and means. I hope you will continue to help poor people like your dad.”



Daisy

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



Liam

Read About Liam

When did you start doing yoga? I started doing yoga at the gym in late 1990's . It was a basic Hatha Flow class. I then joined Yoga Tree in SF and sampled Iyengar, flow, and restorative classes in a studio setting.
I started Bikram Yoga in 2007 at Funky Door yoga SF, and became hooked. It has been the most challenging practice of yoga I’ve experienced and the benefits have been life changing. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? My newest fave class is with Ciara on Wednesday’s at 4:45 pm. But I still love yoga with Bill and Chai on Saturdays with Regina. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? YHC is by far, the cleanest, and best studio I’ve been too! Even the regulation of the heat/humidity and the immaculately clean changing rooms was a big plus, especially if you’ve been to other Bikram studios! Everyone working at YHC is a friend and each have inspired me to stay regular with my practice. And I value the sense of community amongst everyone (staff and yogis). Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I celebrated my 50th birthday with a trip to Paris and spent a week doing Bikram Yoga in French. Amazing to hear the same dialogue in another language and the Parisian teachers were hard core! NO leaving the room and ONE water break only. It was hell, and I loved it! Favorite Quote? Leonard Cohens song “Anthem”
"Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in."



Bennie

Read About Bennie

Bennie is 28 years old and was born in Inglewood, California and raised in Fairfield. He has 4 sisters, two older and two younger. Bennie Attended Chaminade University of Hawaii and played on the men's basketball team. He graduated with a degree in Psychology. He has played professional basketball in three countries (Australia, Brazil and China). Bennie is a cancer survivor and is currently the girls basketball coach at Sacred Heart Prep. His favorite TV show is "The Office" and he is a Los Angeles Laker fan. When did you start doing yoga? I started yoga because I wanted to increase my balance and flexibility. After a few months of practice I started to become more aware of the mental focus and breathing aspect of yoga. I also enjoy the discipline and commitment to yoga that comes before the results. I apply these same concepts to my everyday life. I have played basketball for most of my life, and since my commitment to yoga I feel better before during and after I play. I am convinced i am decreasing my chances of injury which ultimately means I will be able to play the game I love for years to come. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? Hot Bikram. Standing Split. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I love the atmosphere that each instructor creates with their teaching styles. It is very encouraging, and positive place all of the time. It is also a great social activity, especially after completing a tough 6am class. It feels like you completed a team task. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I’ve played with or against a few NBA players including Klay Thompson, Isaiah Thomas, Matt Barnes, Tyreke Evans, Orion Green, and Damien Lillard. Favorite Quote? “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”



Brett Leonard

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



Sirinee Tippakorn

Read About Sirinee

Tell us something about yourself. I was imported from Thailand, so I speak fluent Thai. I am very fortunate to live and work in Belmont with my husband and daughter. We are just 2-3 miles from YHC. I volunteer with the Rotary Club of Belmont/Redwood Shores. Every year the club donates refurbished cars to veterans and grants scholarships to high school students and teachers. I also sponsor three middle school students in Thailand; two girls and one boy! When did you start doing yoga? Three years ago, I was looking for a new workout regimen; one of my clients told me about YHC. I attended my very first yoga class with Regina and loved her (but not the heat!). This is more than just a class, I told myself. This place is special! Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I would love to take more classes when time permits. For now, Core Fusion, Core Fit, and Iyengar are classes I am taking, and love every minute of it. We always smile after the class, feeling good that we survived and “we made it!” I learn so much about how our body works and how each muscle impacts each other in Susan’s Core Fusion class. This is the class that I block on my calendar so I won’t miss it. My favorite pose? Hmmm... Savasana. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? Thanks to Regina and Bob for building YHC into more than just a Yoga institution. Instructors, staff, and members are caring and kind to each other. It is a great community. When I compare today and three years ago, I am much stronger, healthier and balanced. Thank you to all. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I would like to keep those fun facts to myself In case I want to run for governor, senator, or president... just a joke! Favorite Quote My mom’s last words: “You have ability and means. I hope you will continue to help poor people like your dad.”



Lisa Caparra

Read About Gitte

Tell us something about yourself. I’m from Sweden. I have been in America for 30 years now. Originally, I came here as an Au-Pair for a year but when I was offered a modeling contract in New York City, I took the opportunity to stay and work in America. After a while I got tired of the pace of big city life and moved to Key West, Florida. I lived right on the ocean and would jump in from my yard and catch lobsters to put straight on the grill. I would also feed Angelfish from the dock. The slow pace in Key West was just what I needed. After Key West, I came to San Francisco and met my (now) husband Matt. I manage and operate our family’s chiropractic clinic, Rivera Chiropractic Group, on El Camino Real right here in San Carlos. When did you start doing yoga? I started doing yoga when I lived in Key West. It was about 25 years ago that I took my first Bikram yoga class there. I still remember the small room, the carpet, and other unpleasant factors, but I loved the yoga. I was searching for something different than regular exercise—something deeper and something new. It took me three classes before I could stay in the room for the whole 90 minutes. I remember Bikram and his wife Rajashree came to the Key West where we got to practice with them for the day. I stuck with Bikram yoga and when I moved to San Francisco, and I found Regina’s studio on El Camino Real. That was about 22 years ago. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I need a combination of classes to feel balanced, so you can say that I have three favorite classes. I love Val’s class for the strength building and endurance training effects. It is a great work out and a kick ass class. I love Bikram classes because they are centering and I like the detox part from sweating. Bikram classes are very meditative for me and I’m a better person when I do Bikram. Searching for something deeper, I discovered Brad’s meditation and sound healing classes and my husband and I have been going weekly. It was just what we needed! I love this class for how Brad presents and teaches it; he himself is a gift and I learn something new in every class. Plus, the sound of the crystal bowls is soothing and healing. It’s relaxing to tune into the sound; it calms your mind and puts you at ease. Eagle is my favorite pose because of how I feel. It works every joint. Doing eagle squeezes you out like a sponge. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I love that there’s such a great variety of classes and for what you can achieve both physically and mentally if you do a combination of classes. The instructors are kind, engaging, and caring. There’s a great energy here and I of course have to mention how much I **LOVE** Regina’s chai tea! Do you have a fun fact about yourself? For a couple of years, I worked for a company demonstrating wireless tracking and surveillance equipment to the FBI, Secret Service, US Navy, and police. It got especially “fun” when I got to ride along for certain operations to demonstrate. I grew up on a farm in Sweden and I love to ride horses and I also love to garden. They both connect me with nature and they are both forgiving and not. Favorite Quote I have so many favorite quotes that I can’t pick a favorite. Besides, my favorite quotes change. Whenever I read, I find a great quote and that’s my favorite at that moment.



Gitte Rivera

Read About Gitte

Tell us something about yourself. I’m from Sweden. I have been in America for 30 years now. Originally, I came here as an Au-Pair for a year but when I was offered a modeling contract in New York City, I took the opportunity to stay and work in America. After a while I got tired of the pace of big city life and moved to Key West, Florida. I lived right on the ocean and would jump in from my yard and catch lobsters to put straight on the grill. I would also feed Angelfish from the dock. The slow pace in Key West was just what I needed. After Key West, I came to San Francisco and met my (now) husband Matt. I manage and operate our family’s chiropractic clinic, Rivera Chiropractic Group, on El Camino Real right here in San Carlos. When did you start doing yoga? I started doing yoga when I lived in Key West. It was about 25 years ago that I took my first Bikram yoga class there. I still remember the small room, the carpet, and other unpleasant factors, but I loved the yoga. I was searching for something different than regular exercise—something deeper and something new. It took me three classes before I could stay in the room for the whole 90 minutes. I remember Bikram and his wife Rajashree came to the Key West where we got to practice with them for the day. I stuck with Bikram yoga and when I moved to San Francisco, and I found Regina’s studio on El Camino Real. That was about 22 years ago. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I need a combination of classes to feel balanced, so you can say that I have three favorite classes. I love Val’s class for the strength building and endurance training effects. It is a great work out and a kick ass class. I love Bikram classes because they are centering and I like the detox part from sweating. Bikram classes are very meditative for me and I’m a better person when I do Bikram. Searching for something deeper, I discovered Brad’s meditation and sound healing classes and my husband and I have been going weekly. It was just what we needed! I love this class for how Brad presents and teaches it; he himself is a gift and I learn something new in every class. Plus, the sound of the crystal bowls is soothing and healing. It’s relaxing to tune into the sound; it calms your mind and puts you at ease. Eagle is my favorite pose because of how I feel. It works every joint. Doing eagle squeezes you out like a sponge. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I love that there’s such a great variety of classes and for what you can achieve both physically and mentally if you do a combination of classes. The instructors are kind, engaging, and caring. There’s a great energy here and I of course have to mention how much I **LOVE** Regina’s chai tea! Do you have a fun fact about yourself? For a couple of years, I worked for a company demonstrating wireless tracking and surveillance equipment to the FBI, Secret Service, US Navy, and police. It got especially “fun” when I got to ride along for certain operations to demonstrate. I grew up on a farm in Sweden and I love to ride horses and I also love to garden. They both connect me with nature and they are both forgiving and not. Favorite Quote I have so many favorite quotes that I can’t pick a favorite. Besides, my favorite quotes change. Whenever I read, I find a great quote and that’s my favorite at that moment.



Madison Blanton

Read About Sirinee

Tell us something about yourself. I was imported from Thailand, so I speak fluent Thai. I am very fortunate to live and work in Belmont with my husband and daughter. We are just 2-3 miles from YHC. I volunteer with the Rotary Club of Belmont/Redwood Shores. Every year the club donates refurbished cars to veterans and grants scholarships to high school students and teachers. I also sponsor three middle school students in Thailand; two girls and one boy! When did you start doing yoga? Three years ago, I was looking for a new workout regimen; one of my clients told me about YHC. I attended my very first yoga class with Regina and loved her (but not the heat!). This is more than just a class, I told myself. This place is special! Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I would love to take more classes when time permits. For now, Core Fusion, Core Fit, and Iyengar are classes I am taking, and love every minute of it. We always smile after the class, feeling good that we survived and “we made it!” I learn so much about how our body works and how each muscle impacts each other in Susan’s Core Fusion class. This is the class that I block on my calendar so I won’t miss it. My favorite pose? Hmmm... Savasana. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? Thanks to Regina and Bob for building YHC into more than just a Yoga institution. Instructors, staff, and members are caring and kind to each other. It is a great community. When I compare today and three years ago, I am much stronger, healthier and balanced. Thank you to all. Do you have a fun fact about yourself? I would like to keep those fun facts to myself In case I want to run for governor, senator, or president... just a joke! Favorite Quote My mom’s last words: “You have ability and means. I hope you will continue to help poor people like your dad.”



Carole Henmi

Read About Carole

I vividly remember the first time I walked into Regina’s studio (at 636 El Camino) 22 years ago. She was vacuuming the studio while she was seven months pregnant. I am honored to say that I hold the record for being the longest running YHC member; I began at Regina’s studio in January of 1997. I've been going for 22 years! I started when I was 39 and am now 61...whew! And thanks to 22 years of Bikram, I truly feel stronger and more flexible now than when I started. When did you start doing yoga? I have been practicing yoga off and on since 1996. Do you have a favorite class? Favorite pose? I still love Bikram and I love all the classes I take. YHC teachers are well chosen and from a wide spectrum. I have fun. Toe stand is my favorite pose because I have to focus and be in my body. If I’m not, I can’t hold the pose. Doing the pose is a thermometer of my presence. What do you love about Yoga Health Center? I love the community and that Regina doesn’t make it so precious; I can have fun here. This place has a real vitality. I appreciate the free chai on Saturdays and the variety of classes. This studio has kept me healthy for over 20 years. I was in average shape at age 39. Now I’m healthy and fit in my 60s. It’s truly transformative. And it’s humbling to be in classes with students half my age and I love it! Do you have a fun fact about yourself? For many years I have traveled to remote parts of the world to support endangered indigenous tribes and their cultures. I've been with the Achuar in Ecuador, the Masai in Kenya, and the Hmong in Laos. One of my more memorable experiences was in Bolivia, travelling down a river for two days in a small, very leaky dugout canoe with a dozen people from a remote Amazonian tribe, one chicken, and a broken solar panel! We took turns bailing the water out of the canoe with a coconut shell... :-) Favorite Quote I have the perfect quote for hot yoga! “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” -- Isak Dinesen



Sue Manian

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



Elaine Santore

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