ABOUT BIKRAM YOGA

Bikram Choudhury, the father of Bikram yoga or "hot" yoga, developed the sequence of Hatha yoga postures as a marriage between mind and body. The postures systematically stretch and compress every part of the body, to re-energize, re-activate, revitalize and rejuvenate. Hatha yoga, the "science of will," ensures a healthy body and strong mind.

For more information about Bikram yoga in Honolulu, go to www.bikramyogahonolulu.com.

SALA COSTA

Age: 59

Profession: flight attendant, Hawaiian Airlines. "On the plane, you are a nurse, doctor, security and a sounding board. You have to be mentally alert at all times to diffuse conflict and danger. So, yoga is my therapy—a way to de-stress," Sala said.

Home: Kaimuki

Height: 5 feet 4

Weight: 135 pounds

Stays in shape by: Sweating out all toxins and remaking her body from the "inside out — from bones to skin" at the Bikram Yoga studio in Kaimuki (737-5519).

Workout habits: Practices Bikram yoga four times week. The classes are all 90 minutes long and take place in a room heated to more than 105 degrees."

When and why she started working out: "I played netball, softball, volleyball, and was on the track and field team. At 17, I was awarded "woman athlete of the year" for my high school, Church College of Western Samoa. I lifted weights for years and tried every aerobic fad. I am an ex-Taerobix addict. I was a professional Polynesian dancer for 17 years, so my knees definitely took a beating. The pain was so bad at one point. Bikram saved my knees."

My good foods: "My parents had a plantation, and that's how I got started as a tomboy — climbing all those trees. Fruit was our sugar."

My bad foods: Well, I love my Polynesian food — Samoan, Tongan, Hawaiian. And that means a lot of starch, and anything with coconut milk.

My biggest motivator: "I just love the way my body feels when I am practicing yoga. It's really a moving meditation. I go to church every Sunday, but my yoga is also like a religion for me. I get so many compliments about my complexion. People can't believe I am 59. But it's not only about the physical." Yoga means union — the meeting of mind, body and breath.

What saves my sanity: "The camaraderie of my fellow yogis. Yoga is the only time that I can center the universe on myself and not worry about anyone else's problems."

My next challenge: "I'd love to explore the homeland of my grandfather, China, one of the few places I haven't visited."

Advice for those in the same boat: "I want to encourage women, especially young women, that if you are in an emotionally or physically abusive relationship, walk. Never let anyone demean you. Take control of your body and mind."￿