text: I visited Bikram Yoga Paradise Valley with a month-long Groupon.  I have been practicing yoga in some form for about 13 years, and hadn't ever tried Bikram before.  I generally despise humid heat, so it seemed like an all-around bad idea.  However, I felt like the Groupon was a great deal, and I wanted to try a new experience.\n\nI was warmly welcomed when I first showed up for class, and they were very encouraging for my 11 year-old daughter to join for the 2nd half of class as well.  I was surprised by how \"accomplish-able\" the hot environment was, and the combination of good instructor dialogue and watching other students made me feel like I could keep up with no problem, even for the poses that I hadn't done before in other yoga forms.  Huge bonus for the instructors making a point to know everyone's name to call out corrections and praise during class.  The stress of using class as a moving meditation really makes this an individual practice in the midst of the community.  Great sense of energy every step of the way.\n\nI did 4 classes with 4 different instructors in the first week, and saw some students multiple times.  The sense of community at this studio is great.  Everyone is incredibly positive and welcoming.  I am definitely sticking with this studio, and the personal challenge of Bikram practice.