Penny Bond

December 2018

Tell us a little bit about yourself - where you were born, where you grew up, career, hobbies, interests, etc. 

I was born at Oswego hospital and grew up in the town of New Haven as the youngest of thirteen children. After graduating from Mexico high school I attended SUNY Oswego where I obtained my Bachelors degree in Math Education. My career began doing cover leave positions at several schools in the area and I finally settled in at Fulton. After teaching for about ten years, I decided to continue my education at SUNY Cortland to obtain my CAS in Educational Administration. I am currently the math department chair at GRB high school and have worked there for 23 years.

What brought you to the Bikram Yoga practice? Where did you first learn about Bikram Yoga? 

For fun I like to golf and downhill ski. These activities are physical and the strength and flexibility yoga provides has helped me with both. I decided to try Bikram yoga after my friend Danielle convinced me of the benefits. 

How often do you practice? 

I try to practice yoga at least three days per week now.

What specific physical issues, if any, did you have before taking your first class? What changes have you seen/felt in your body- overall physical and general well-being? 

My job is very stressful and yoga has helped me to deal with this stress. Since beginning Bikram yoga a year ago, I have lost a few pounds and several inches. My chronic hip pain and lower back pain have nearly disappeared and my blood pressure has dropped significantly. The tightness I used to feel in my chest due to stress is now gone and that has been the most beneficial change of all.

What are the greatest benefits of your practice?

Practicing yoga helps bring my life into balance. I never realized how important it was to take care of myself first in order to be able to take care of others. 

How has this practice changed your health and life? Any emotional or other benefits? 

Yoga has changed my life in so many positive ways both mentally and physically and I will be a yogi for life. When I retire, I would like to become a yoga teacher.

What is your favorite part of Bikram Yoga Oswego?

The yogis at Oswego Bikram yoga are a family the teachers are wonderful. They have encouraged me during every step of my yoga journey.