In 2001 I went to sleep feeling great and woke up in the morning with three herniated discs. Little did I realize that this was life-changing. My pain was excruciating. And even with eight oxycotin's a day, I couldn't stand up to take a shower for months. I refused surgery because the post-surgical patients seemed no better off than me.

Before

Although the herniated discs eventually healed, my back was crooked and hurt all the time except when I lay in bed. Any activity - simple tasks like grocery shopping, playing on the floor with grand babies or walking any distance irritated the now crooked muscles next to the spine. I chose a restaurant – not by the food, but by the kind of padding in their chairs. And I never traveled without a back pillow.

Over the years I tried chiropractors, deep tissue massage, visceral massage, acupuncture, laser therapy, light therapy and cranial sacral therapy to break up scar tissue. Despite these treatments, I watched tv in bed, ate dinner in bed and used an ipad instead of my computer because I could do so lying down. I was discouraged; tired of being disappointed with the failure of each therapy I'd tried.

However, Tara Adkins told me that a version of yoga that I'd never heard of could actually use exercise to straighten my back. It sounded crazy. She claimed that exercising the right way could change the fascia which would balance my crooked muscles, straighten the lumps in my back and alleviate the pain. Was I skeptical? Yes. Did I want to get my lazy self out of bed to try and fix my problem? No. I'm 64 years old, over weight and not in the best shape. However, I didn't have much to lose. So I figured I'd give Bowspring a try. But no way was I fit enough to try an hour class. Or even a half hour class.

Five minutes a day was more my speed. Tara started me with one pose - lying on my side, which I did for maybe thirty seconds two or three times a day. Two weeks later, she added a standing and walking pose and a getting out of a chair posture. Was it fun? Not particularly. Was I excited? Not really. However, Tara noticed that while my lower back was very tight from tucking my pelvis, in a few days it had relaxed a little bit into a more correct Bowspring posture. And I had less pain!

After 5 minutes a day for 6 weeks

Okay so now I was encouraged. I figured if my back hurt less, and if I practiced the posture a bit more, maybe my pain would lesson even more. And at first it did. Then my lower back got sore. But it was a different pain than before. This pain was simply from weak muscles. Tara told me the new curve in my lower back needed support from underneath and gave me a way to engage my butt muscles. And she told me I could help support my lower back from above by filling my upper back. Okay, this is not so easy. My muscles get tired. However, the more I practice the posture, the less pain I feel.

This was exciting. Encouraging. Gave me hope.

Am I pain free? Not yet. However, I still only practice the poses about five minutes a day. Instead, I try to remember to use the posture when I walk and sit and stand. When I forget my posture the pain returns and prods me to do better. Should I practice more? Probably. But I'm working on it and there's been significant progress.

I can now go to the store and unload the groceries before I have to lie down. I take short walks with my new puppy. I see improvement in my posture. I'm not all better, but it's only been about 6 weeks, five minutes a day of Bowspring. I'd now like to do more, not because this is fun but because it's helping me so much, but I'm going slowly because my initial fitness level was poor. However, the good news is that I'm remembering to keep my posture in the correct position more often. It's becoming more natural and easier - and Tara thinks I can keep improving, keep diminishing the pain. I'm becoming a believer.

I wish I could report that I'm totally pain free but that's not the case. Not yet. But when I'm vertical I do have pain-free times, sometimes for an hour or two, which I've never had before. I've been in pain for 18 years so I guess I won't get better over night. Gaining flexibility and strength is a slow process; an ongoing process. But it's working!!! Day by day, week by week I'm seeing improvements. The pain is less. So if you are hurting, I'd encourage you to try working with Tara and Bowspring.

Tara may be young and thin and look as fit as a pro athlete but she understands pain and how depressing it can make you feel. She's been there. She's fixed herself. She's fixing me. Maybe you should give her a chance to help you. What have you got to lose?

Susan Kearney, Florida

A few years ago I woke up and I couldn't move my neck. I was terrified and completely shocked. I hadn't injured myself, there really wasn't much warning other than a little discomfort, and suddenly, I was incapacitated.

I went to the doctor and there wasn't much that could be done except for medication to alleviate the pain. I didn't want to just mask the symptoms, so I went to a chiropractor. For two years, I went to a chiropractor several times a month and massage at least once monthly. And neither are covered by my medical insurance so it became expensive.

Then I tried Bowspring yoga with Tara. Even during the first class, I felt my spine move and I felt and heard the "cracking" that I had come to crave and need from chiropractic care. Since then, I have gone to her class at least once a week for a year and I can feel the change in my body. Not only am I lighter in my movements, more centered and balanced, but I no longer need to go seek chiropractic care or massage as frequently. For those who are seeking a practice to fulfill both physical and mental health, I wholeheartedly recommend Bowspring. It has made an enormous positive impact on my health.

Becky Geiger
Teacher

I have enjoyed Tara's Bowspring classes so much. Not only are her classes fun, she has such an eye for detail and it helped me greatly in improving my form. I like how she adjusts her classes accordingly to each individual's skill and energy level for the day, giving us the option to do less or more, depending on how we feel.

During my pregnancy and after the birth of my baby, she showed me specific poses to help me stretch and build strength, always being mindful of how my body was feeling. She shared what worked for her during her pregnancies and the recovery period, which I really appreciate. She has also been a great support during the challenging period of me figuring things out as a new mom, both mentally and physically. The postpartum period was lonely and tough for me, a lot of it mental. She helped me to see the progress and growth of my baby when a lot of times I was focusing on my sleep deprivation and the daily tasks at hand, and losing sight of his development. Her encouragement and support went a long way in helping me gain confidence not just as a mother but in myself again. She is an amazing person and teacher.

Ru Hui Lie

Three hours of postures; my body felt like liquid. I felt energized after yet in that peaceful cozy way. I felt lighter, unaffected by gravity.

Sophie Burnet, Vancouver

Tara was one of my first yoga instructors and I was very lucky that she was integrating the Bowspring technique into her classes. It has helped me become healthier and more balanced, words can't describe how much her classes have changed my life. The sciatic issues I had for years are now slowly going away. This is of course after many months of practice. Tara brings a very calm and encouraging energy to her classes. She really helped me discover more about myself!

Peter Zhang

I feel incredibly lucky to have taken classes with Tara for a couple years now. Her passion for Bowspring is clear to see! I leave every class with a new appreciation for the practice and feeling lighter, stronger and more aligned. Her warm and engaging teaching style instills in you (no matter what level you are) the confidence to explore, play and embrace that wonderful lightness of Bowspring!

Christine Roberts

Tara is an amazing and inspiring instructor. I have been taking Tara's Bowspring classes for nearly a year now and my practice has improved in so many ways. I'm stronger and I have a more versatile practice. She has a beautiful way of taking student requests and blending them with the core of Bowspring practice. Tara's super soothing voice, smart alignment and cool and eclectic music playlists always keep me coming back. She is definitely one of my favorites.

Shirlyn Jackson

Tara's yoga class is fantastic! Her Bowspring practice is unique, focusing on working your entire body and finding your natural alignment and balance. Thanks to her, I get a great workout and a smooth flow. I feel more open and flexible, and have less back pain. Thank you Tara!

Alicia Bouras