End of Week 1

Today is Day 9! I can’t believe I’ve already made it this long, but I have and there is proof! Inside the studio there is a board with all the 30 day participants names and every time you go to a class you put a star next to your name like in Kindergarten. I have 8 stars and in a few hours will have #9. It’s pretty amazing how gratifying it is to place the sticker, especially since the challenge started with about 30 people and there are significantly less who have actually made it this far. Maybe I’ll be the last one standing?

I’m beginning to feel like a regular, I know most the poses in order (Hatha) and I can do a Vinyassa –chataranga- updog- downdog combo. I have even been in the front row once. I am for sure getting stronger and have advanced some positions beyond the basic versions too, but have learned that once you get the poses – the challenge gets harder as you begin be able to work the stretches deeper instead of just worrying about balance.  A few other leanings I’ve had are that it is never ever ever a good idea to come to class on an empty stomach (you will get very dizzy), that it is best to have 2 sets of everything as sweaty yoga clothes from the day before do no always dry out in time and finally, if you  tell people you are going to hot yoga every single day for 30 days they will without a doubt think you are crazy!

As always, Namaste.

Days 2 – 4

I successfully finished the first weekend of my Hot Yoga Challenge. Last night after completion of day 4 I finally had the feeling that I might be getting stronger (despite the voice inside my head wondering if the daily soreness I’m feeling will ever go away). So far, I have done a 1 Hatha, 1Power Vinyasa and 2 Yoga Sculpt classes. Yoga Sculpt was new to me and is the class that almost broke this camels back (on day 2!) The first time I went I found myself wanting to cry 2 separate times. 1^st  out of despair somewhere in the middle when I thought I was going to pass out from exhaustion and 2^nd out of relief when the hour was over. I had to go again last night (the only class offered) and fortunately it was significantly easier. Not sure what changed – maybe knowing what to expect helped? Right now, I can say for sure that my weakest link is arm strength – guess all those glasses of wine I’ve been lifting to my mouth have not provided enough resistance training (maybe I need a bigger glass?).

Looking forward I am excited for classes to come and ready to keep going, but am nervous for some upcoming logistical challenges.  So far I know of at least 3 days this month when I will have scheduling conflicts and have a few times found myself wondering why I chose to do a 30 day challenge during a month with 2 major holidays… Thanksgiving and Apple Cup in Pullman + my awesome BF surprised me with plans to go to the Eric Church concert after work next week (one of my favorites) which will interfere with all available yoga that day. I am determined to make it all work though - so be it if I have to do a couple of 5pm and 8:15pm double headers (think of all the calories I’ll get to eat!)

Until then I’ll stick to 1x a day- tonight I’m back to Hatha. Namaste.

Day 1

Getting the routine down will take some time I think. The studio is great, just how I remembered it from the 4 sessions I went to about a year ago. My only complaint is of the lack of a locker room. Coming straight from work I had to change from my slacks and heels in a single stall public restroom that the studio shares with the other business in the building (I was very nervous something was going to end up in the toilet). If it weren't for my authentic short and tight yoga uniform I would consider changing at work but I think it best to keep that image out of my co-workers' heads. Maybe if I get miraculously swim-suit model sexy, like around day 28, I'd reconsider, but even then that'd be a stretch. Plus, if I really got that hot I'd want to hide my bod until I could profit from the combination of photo and very interesting expose' being written right now! haha j/k, well kinda at least. Anyway, the class was 65 min Hatha. Not bad. Short and sweet and to the point. Plus, considering I have recently been to some 90 min sessions it felt ok. Nevermind the part where my legs were shaking so hard near the end where I thought I was gonna conck my head with my knee during a forward fold. I was able to avoid an injury but I'm prety sure im going to be sore in the a.m. Tomorrow, Friday, there is only 1 option at 630pm. Punctuality has never been my forte but I know unless I want a double on Sat I better have my yoga matt ready. I assuming it could be crowded too so I best be there with plenty of time to spare. Until then, Nameste

It's getting hot in here

It's getting hot in here... Well not yet at least, but in less than 24hrs I will be embarking on a Hot Yoga challenge that will without a doubt turn it up a notch. It's called the 30 Day Challenge and it is just that. Participants sign up for 30 Hot Yoga sessions in 30 days in effort to become more fit, create dicipline in thier lives and embrace the yoga culture. So why me and why this? It's really twofold. I can stand to get in better shape and firm up the evidence of a decliciouly fantastic summer and i'm at a place in my life where I need to push a few boundaries. Most of the pieces in my life have already fallen into place, I have a great job, have created a fashionably cozy nest in my very own condo (that I share with a great roommate) and have a loving boyfriend and tight network of friends and family that fill my social calendar. But I want more. Aside from the above mentioned activites my other hobbies include tv, reading, shopping, eating and working out a little here and there. All valid interests and rewarding time fillers, but nothing that requires commitment or provides me with a sence of self- fulfillment. I'm using this challange to prove a point to myself that I can set out and accomplish a self-directed goal - with the support of my network. And where better to find self-fulfillment than amongst the likes of devout yogis? I'll admit, it's not going to be easy. Aside from the physical challenge there will be some emotional and logistical challenges too. Logistically, I need to make time every single day 30 days straight for Hot Yoga including travel time all within the confine of the studio's schedule. The location is close to home, but I currently partake in many activities closer to the city, including work. Emotionally, I will need to fight for my commitment to this journey knowing it may result in occasionally missing out on some other things that I enjoy. Furthermore, while it will never be my intent, there is a chance I may disappoint important people in my life as I put myself first. So now, about the blog. I figured that spending an hour a day sweating in a balmy and very likely to be fragrant (in a bad way) room with complete stranges might have some humorous moments. Hopefully as I document my journey there be a few laughs from both me and any readers I acquire. Maybe i'll even be able to inspire someone else to take a challange of their own. Nameste.