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Hot 26 & 2 (Bikram) and Yin Instructor

Laurel Hanson graduated from the inaugural True You Hot Yoga teacher training in January 2015 after an extensive 200-hour course which, in addition to a focus on asana (posture) understanding, included yoga theory, the Eight Limb Paths of Yoga, the history and philosophy of yoga, Sanskrit, anatomy, and the Bishnu Gosh and Hatha Yoga lineage. True You is an Original Hot Yoga Association (OHYA) certified training and Laurel is an OHYA certified teacher. The OHYA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the Hot 26&2 popularized by Bikram Choudury.  OHYA: “The original hot yoga community has experienced some changes the last few years, but the OHYA remains passionately dedicated to the series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises done in a heated room. While we acknowledge the incredible yoga system passed on to us from Bishnu Ghosh and Bikram, and we are grateful for the knowledge we’ve been given, the OHYA aims to pave the path forward for the future of our studios, teachers and greater original hot yoga community.”

Laurel has been a Bikram Yoga practitioner since 2003.  She was first drawn to the practice because of job stress and stress-related injuries, like neck strain, migraines, and insomnia.  With a regular practice she found lasting relief from such issues along with renewed energy.
After being laid off in the economic downturn she took some time off from yoga and began her new journey, Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby.  After participating in a full-contact sport it didn’t take long for her to see the benefits a Bikram Yoga practice could provide.  Not only did a regular Bikram practice alleviate pain and muscle fatigue but, after a few months of consistent practice, gave her an athletic edge her teammates could easily notice.  Better flexibility, more endurance, mental focus and clarity, balance, and muscle control made her a stronger more agile skater and took her to the next level.  “At first the other girls called me crazy for going to Bikram then coming to practice.  After a few months however, they were always asking ‘What’s that yoga you’re doing?”
She completed teacher training in January of 2015 and is more dedicated than ever to spreading knowledge of the power of a strong practice.  “Yoga helps with every facet of life, whether you struggle with depression, mood, lethargy, chronic pain, or are an athlete looking to up your game, yoga is the answer.”  – Laurel
Laurel also has her undergrad degree from UCLA and her Master’s degree from the University of Chicago in English/ Creative writing. She uses her writing skills to spread the word on her other passions, healthy food, recipes, gardening, the female mystique, and of course yoga.