Bikram Yoga Pensacola has opened its doors at 1151 Office Woods Drive, Suite C, in Pensacola, as the only studio on the Emerald Coast offering the innovative and renowned system of the 26-posture sequence selected and developed by Bikram Choudhury from the original 84 hatha yoga asanas, combined with specific heat to systematically work every part of the body and give all the internal organs, veins, ligaments, tendons and muscles everything they need to maintain optimum health and maximum function.

Independently owned and operated by Nicole Trboyevich, who is also the lead instructor and studio director, and Rob Myers, explain that each component takes care of something different in the body, yet they all work together synergistically.

​Bikram Yoga Pensacola maintains a 3,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, complete with men’s and women’s locker rooms, showers and a mat/towel rental service. The Hot Yoga room brings students healthy heat with an abundance of fresh oxygen. The HVAC system is equipped with UV-filtered and ionized air. This removes all bacteria and impurities. The non-absorbent, hygienic flooring with an antimicrobial treatment protects against bacteria and allergens. 

In business for nine months, all five Bikram Yoga instructors are graduates of a nine-week 500-hour, comprehensive teacher training by Choudury and his team of senior teachers. Our clientele [worldwide] is 7 million strong,” says Trboyevich. “Why 7 million? Because this yoga is for everyone. Every size, shape, gender and ethnicity in the same room. Our emphasis is on safety and effectiveness, not on how well you can do the posture or what you would typically find in a yoga magazine. Our philosophy is alignment of the body over the depth of the posture. Our teachers understand that every body is different. Breath, stillness, rest and time will heal the body; these aspects are major components of Bikram Yoga.”

About her own personal journey, Trboyevich says, “My childhood interests were sports, outdoor activities and learning about animals. I grew up with three older brothers, so I had to be tough and athletic to keep up. I believe that I was led to yoga because of my interest in athletics, body mechanics and nature. I tend to do what is natural to me, and yoga is the most natural form of exercise, as you use your own body to change.

“My biggest influences were my first yoga teachers and fellow practitioners,” says Trboyevich. “Seeing my teachers guide their students in and out of postures was a huge inspiration. I knew I needed to be a part of it. My teachers and peers were always willing to learn more. To see students just like me work hard to change themselves was and still is a huge aspect of why I do what I do. I have had and still have amazing teachers who teach with compassion and patience.”

About the rewards of her yoga career, she says, “Seeing people change themselves not only physically, but mentally. We see our students dramatically change their bodies, their mind and their hearts. They smile more, they are lighter and free. They see the bigger picture. It all starts the minute they walk in the Hot Room and see themselves in the mirror. Ninety minutes dedicated to themselves.”

She notes that one major accomplishment is her experience of Bikram Yoga teacher training. “Part of our training was to teach in front of 500 other trainees,” she says.” I had a fear of public speaking my whole life. In school, I would have questions during class, but I was too afraid to speak. I would blush from head to toe, start to shake and my heart would pound at the thought of raising my hand to ask a question. My academic scores suffered because of this fear. At 31 years old, I went to Bikram Training. I faced my fears everyday for nine weeks in order to teach this yoga. I am now comfortable with public speaking.”

Trboyevich has definite plans for the future. “I hope to grow our Pensacola yoga community and beyond,” she states. “There are many different styles of yoga out there. Bikram Yoga is just one of them. More yoga in the world—its a beautiful thing. Its an honor to be a part of it. I will continue to help people become their true selves through yoga.”

As for the personal highlight of her career, Trboyevich relates, “I can remember the exact Bikram Yoga class at my home studio in Traverse City, Michigan. During a student demonstration, I said to myself, ‘This is it. How can I make this happen?’ I was so inspired by both the student and my teacher that eight years, later here I am—a Bikram Yoga teacher and a studio owner, I still can’t believe it! I have never felt something so deep in my heart before. Most people never find that their whole life. I am lucky.”

For more information, call 850-912-8668 or visit BikramYogaPensacola.com.