Join the Boiler House teaching crew, visiting teachers, and your fellow Yogis as we embark upon an exciting workshop into the larger sequence from which the 26/2 postures were composed. The 84 Asana workshop is different from the 26/2 in that there are: more postures (84), less heat, and the class is led through demonstration, conversation, and individual instruction.

The 84 Asana Class is the same as 26/2 in that: you are practicing traditional Hatha Yoga Therapy from the Ghosh line of Yogis, it is effective for every level of student when practiced mindfully under proper instruction, technical precision is required to receive maximum benefit, and you will feel totally amazing after practicing either sequence consistently.

If you're strong and able to first take the beginning class prior to the 84, that's awesome - go for it. If not, simply arrive for the 84 as many times as you can while also maintaining your regular 26/2 practice on the days you're not doing 84.

All the basic technique and foundations are available in the 26/2. With 84 we can broaden those foundations to support a deep and mindful Hatha Yoga practice. All levels are welcome in this beginner friendly workshop. The class duration will run as long as it takes to go through the entire sequence effectively. 

The 84 Asana Workshop will begin Saturday, April 6 then continue:

Tuesday's and Thursday's at 7:45 PM (directly after 6PM Class Savasana)
Saturday's 11:45AM (directly after 10AM Class Savasana)
We will hold 18 classes over 6 weeks.

Price = $180 to attend as many of the 18 you can, or, $25 per individual class.

We plan on taking a lot of photos of the postures and will put together something nice to take home for those who attend the most classes - to show off your progress over the 6 weeks.

Feel free to send us your questions at contact@bikramyogaprovidence.com, or, simply chat with us at the desk your next class!

There is so much knowledge available to broaden our foundations, grow, and teach more and more people Yoga! We hope you take advantage of this very unique and exciting foray into the technique and sequence that created 26/2.

I can remember in the early days of my practice how little disposable income I thought I had. There were so many things I had to buy - daily coffees for myself and my entire group of friends (they'll like me if I buy stuff for them, right?), sushi lunches with Jenny that lasted 3 hours and cost over $100 - we had to eat, why not eat off a beautifully displayed three tiered boat covered in raw fish? It was fun, but how long did the enjoyment last? It lasted exactly until the last California roll. After that, the feeling that set it was a profound sense of guilt - and being stuffed with shrimp tempura. This guilt grew and grew with every swipe of my credit card -- pushed me to work longer hours, and found me weeping at the psychiatrist for a solution to the endless energy exchange that money and keeping up with Jones's (or Kardashian's as the phrase we know now) had found its way into my life.

With a full belly and guilty heart, I would make my way to Yoga (after digesting a bit). The studio I practiced at was small, independently run, and artfully instructed. My teacher Elizabeth was a Yoga technician - incredibly fit, highly precise with her teaching, and honest to the core. An amazing thing happened when Elizabeth said at the sign-in desk, "Oh, Derek looks like you're due to pay. How about a month unlimited?" Muscle memory kicked in, my hand shot back for my wallet, and produced my credit card. I can still hear the sound of that swipe today, many years later. The amazing thing was, in that instant, in that single transaction, I became elated. I signed the receipt and walked into the changing room and almost burst into tears. I had made a purchase that was completely devoid of any guilt or regret. In this one transaction I had purchased the ability to spend time with Elizabeth - a master teacher if there ever was one, I had a second home where the requirement was the unfolding of my highest good. I had a place to sweat out the sushi. I was in a hot room where my Diesel jeans were not allowed. I could clearly see the reflection of my own self in every move of my body. A path to personal fulfillment was rolled out like so many red carpets I dreamed of walking down one day -- only this one was gold, shining, and would continue to unroll as long as I was prepared to keep moving forward. If she had asked for every penny in my bank account I would have given it to her because what she was providing -- what I was creating for myself -- was so deeply precious.

Money is no different than any other type of energy in the universe. In fact, money is a wonderful thing as it is a direct reflection of our potential energy into something kinetic and real. Money literally brings things into our hands that were first thoughts in our minds. What more blatant connection to mind and body could there be than the observation of money -- where we spend it and how we value the world we create.

A regular practice can not only add quality to life, it can add years of life. Health and vitality, mental and physical clarity, energy, joy, fun, friends, family, and connection are priceless and immaterial commodities that fuel the greatest parts of life. However, something has changed in the Yoga community that has me a little nervous. There is a great push for us to do things for 'free' or highly discounted to attract students. Strike "nervous" it actually makes me (in a very zen, Yoga studio owner kind of way) furious.

What's amazing is that the investment you make in your practice might actually open a space in your heart and mind that moves you toward fulfilling your passions in life. With the added years that can come through the health beneifts, you have more opportunity to earn and enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you question the value of a regular practice, ask youself whether the beneifts will outweigh the expense in 10 years. Imagine yourself reflected at that fork in the road and observe the two different images facing one another. Which would you rather be?

At the Boiler House we have made a considerable attempt to keep Yoga affordable to the people. It's a tough economy, there's a lot of competition in the Yoga world now as there are studios everywhere -- and we run a serious business dedicated to developing You - our students - so that you may derive the benefits of your hard work.

We dedicate ourselves to providing the highest quality instruction in the most fabulous space at a price that will allow you to still enjoy this wonderful town we live in. If you're reading this and Bikram Yoga just isn't your thing - go wherever you feel good and pay them even more than what they ask for. Work harder at your practice and let your teachers see how much you appreciate them by remaining dedicated to revealing your highest self.

With all this said, if you are truly in financial trouble and literally cannot afford the Yoga we will never turn you away for an inability to pay. However, we will expect you to be the most dedicated student if you are indeed not paying for the service -- you must fully utilize the practice.

You're worth it, get your money's worth!

In November, Boiler House Bikram Yoga will be the featured fitness business for www.providenceonline.com and it's related publications. Their fitness editor, Jane Govednik, stopped in for class and had me prepare a couple responses to her questions. I gave her quite a bit of content for the article so I thought I'd put the complete responses here. Providence Online is an awesome source for everything happening aorund town. Check it out:

1. Why did you decide to open Boiler House?
Opening a Yoga studio is a labor of love. I began looking for space in
Providence over two years ago. Providence has so much incredible real estate in
so many different neighborhoods I had a lot to look at and lots of things to
consider. When I arrived at The Boiler House is Rising Sun Mills my business
partner and I knew immediately this was the place for us. We wanted to open a
space in a location that could draw people from all areas while helping to
uplift the local neighborhood. Yoga is a vehicle of transformation. The
management team at the Armory Revival Company (the owners of Rising Sun Mills)
have embraced this project with open arms and worked hard to create a healing
space for our community both local and beyond. Providence is working hard to
revitalize its neighborhoods and we want to be part of that
transformation.
 
2. What is your Bikram yoga background (how did you become interested in it, what
made you want to open a studio)?
I began practicing Bikram Yoga when I was 16 at Bikram Yoga Dallas,
Texas. My history with health and wellness is long and torrid.  At 14 I was
diagnosed morbidly obese. Being young and feeling trapped in your body is a
terrible feeling. Bullying, dieting, and being unable to breathe and play with
your friends is very tough both physically and emotionally at any age.  When the
doctors told me I may not live past my 25th birthday because of my obesity I had
to make a personal decision to take control of my health.  I made a 10 year
promise to myself that by my 25th birthday I would be fit, healthy, and feel
amazing. Not long after this promise I heard Madonna talking about hot, sweaty,
Yoga on the radio. Something told me I had to try it.  So, at 16 I took my first
solo drive into trendy Dallas to take my first Yoga class ever at Bikram Yoga
Dallas. It was early in the class when I realized how beneficial the practice
would be for me. I was immediately attracted to the honesty and intensity of the
practice. There's no hiding from yourself in a room full of mirrors.  There's no
way to cultivate anything but peace when your eyes are full of sweat and you're
trying to balance on one leg. There's no better way to exercise than by working
directly next to the bone--from the inside out.  I practiced for almost five
years before taking a semester off of college in 2006 to attend Bikram's teacher
training program in Los Angeles. Since graduating from Bikram's training and The
University of North Texas, I have taught extensively across the world at dozens
of studios, participated as a mentor at Bikram's Teacher Training, and managed
Bikram Yoga Oswego in upstate New York.  I wanted to open a studio because it's
my passion and my belief that Yoga heals not only bodies but restores, improves,
and extends quality life to those who practice it. Regardless of the style
anyone practices, I encourage everyone to find a Yoga studio near them and take
the first steps toward a dedicated practice -- you'll forever thank
yourself.
 
3. Are all classes the same in terms of poses and sequence? Are they for all
levels, or geared more toward beginners/intermediates?
Bikram Yoga is a beginning Yoga class accessible to any body type and
level of fitness. We do not have different levels of classes. Rather, we take
the position that in this life we are all beginners. A Bikram Yoga class is
unique in that there can be two people standing next to one another from
completely different backgrounds and levels of ability who are equally
challenged by the practice.  While the postures and breathing exercises are the
same each day, each class is different. The mind and body are constantly
changing. By keeping the postures and technique the same, the body and mind mold
around the healing nature of the practice. The postures are designed to
constantly challenge the body -- there's always a 'next step' in the posture
that moves you deeper as you improve. By keeping the practice consistent, we can
witness the change in our bodies and selves over time in a very direct and
tangible way. New students should arrive to class well hydrated prepared to
sweat and work hard. We offer introductory offers so that new students have an
opportunity to try several classes. Usually the first couple classes are very
challenging as the practice and heat are new to the body. After a few classes,
however, the Yoga starts working its magic and students begin to feel absolutely
amazing.

Thanks Jane for taking the interest in our studio. See you soon!
--Derek Stout
 

My first couple years of teaching, and even still, I get feedback that hurts.  I've found that the exact same information hits us differently depending on who it comes from and at what place in our personal growth we hear the information.  Two people might tell you the same thing, but at different times with different tones, and somehow it has different meaning.  Giving feedback is extremely tough as this is an emotional and personal relationship business.  Find a studio where you fit energetically so you're able to receive some of the tough lessons that come through serious feedback.  If you feel immediately comfortable, chances are you're not being properly pushed to grow.  After teaching thousands of classes,  I'm still nervous before teaching a class.  This keeps me sharp and humble.  A 'great mentor' will not give feedback to damage, control, or limit a person's potential.  A great mentor will observe and eliminate patterned obstacles that stand between connection. A great mentor has a deep understanding of the postures through their own kinetic understanding of the postures--they practice what they teach.  A great mentor leads through years of experience.  A great mentor will not accept every aspirant as not everyone requires their lessons.  New teachers are exactly this: new.  I learned as a new teacher that knowing nothing is a great place to be, as there is only progress from there. My ego gets knocked down a every once in awhile to remind me that I am still a beginner.  Yoga is a multi-lifetime process based on trial and error to find what works.  "Be humble you are made of earth, be noble you are made of stars."  "look into the mirror and see the reflection of your teacher"--Craig Villani.

My dream of opening a studio began somewhere around the second breath of my first class at Bikram Yoga Dallas. I really knew it in standing separate leg stretching when I looked forward to see the owner Denise smiling at me upside down with sweat pouring off her body. She was in the best shape I'd ever seen, working harder than I could ever imagine, smiling at me. I knew I had found a practice that would carry me through and forward to real fitness--mind, body, and spirit. This was in the year 2000 and I was 16. It was a real challenge to make it to Yoga. I was graduating high school, working full-time at a coffee shop, and had just moved out of my parents house....

For some crazy reason I made a choice to take the hour long drive from suburban Plano, Texas to the heart of trendy Dallas and practice with a room full of people much my senior in what I learned later was infamously a hot, hard, humid, and strict studio. I wasn't aware at the time, but those same people who were taking class with me would become life-long friends in later years. See, the buzz for Bikram Yoga hadn't really set in like it has now. Sure there were quite a few studios, but nothing like the growth we've seen since then. The vibration was so high that in those classes there were at least 10 soon-to-be studio owners I can think of off hand, and maybe more. Certainly there were many other teachers who were 'born' from that torture chamber. I learned then that nothing comes without hard work, patience, and dedication. It was in these crazy classes where heat and humidity would max out in a mix of 85 sweaty bodies that I began to understand what true peace meant and where it came from....