For those who have never heard of the 30 Day Yoga Challenge it is a test to see if you can do 30 sessions of yoga (in our case, Bikram) in 30 days. The amount of dedication it takes is commendable with the busyness of our everyday lives. Even for the experienced yogi, the challenge can truly test you.
Inspired by our friends at Bikram SLO, a few of the team here at Mika are joining together to conquer this challenge! The studio decided that this was a good time to set up the challenge and set the start for today. So we thought, “wouldn’t it be awesome and motivating to have the participants share their experiences during the challenge?” That is why over the next few weeks we will be blogging about our experience with the 30 day challenge & are inviting those in the yoga community to share their personal experiences as well.
Are you READY!? If you are participating, all you have to do is reply to our weekly blog post & share! We will post a new topic over the course of the next 4 weeks and we would love to hear your stories. Feel free to post as often as you like. Let’s give it a go together!
The topic for this week is:
What inspired you to sign up for the 30 day challenge? (For those who have done it before, please give us some stories or advice!)
Laura and Molly on the left and our challenge friends on the right
Hello from Maine! I completed my first ever 30 day challenge on January 31st, which I began January 1 with Hart Yoga a Bikram Yoga studio. Taking 30 classes in 30 days, it was amazing and I continue this month with a 20 classes in 30 days challenge! WHat inspired me? High Blood Pressure warning from the doc in late December, let to my searching for a way to address it with a regime of exercise that would be buildable and doable in winter in Maine! I stumbled upon Hart Yoga’s website and the announcement of the challenge. Completion meant 1 free month of Bikram classes, a new appreciation for committed practice and a love of Bikram. Vicki, the owner of the studio, is a terrific teacher and encourager!!
I just completed my very first 30 day challenge this past Monday (2/6) after been practicing Bikram yoga for about a year. At the beginning of the challenge I didn’t think much of it until I got to the 2nd week, my muscles were getting to another level and I could feel every muscle and discover new ones. Hydration became an obsession, I drink plenty of water and coconut water (electrolites) became my best friend. I feel very STRONG, physically and mentally. I rewarded myself by buying my very first Mika bottoms. I will definitely do another 30 day challenge before the summer.
Hi from Australia,
Just completed Day 11 of the 30 Day Challenge so nearly half way! So far so good, my body feels lighter and is opening up a lot. A lot of tension has gone out of my back and shoulders. Each day is different…definitely a love/hate relationship with this yoga!….I wanted to increase my practise this year so that is my inspiration! I’ve been practising for six years but on average only twice a week so the heat(and especially humidity where I live!) is still hard to take, but during this challenge I have found more peace with it, but the key is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!! Oh and I’m not drinking alcohol during this challenge and have noticed a big difference already.
I definitely recommend doing the 30 day challenge..you’ll feel fantastic and I hope one day to get into some Mika Yoga Shorts!!
I am on day 64 of a 365 day Bikram challenge. I have don’t about 80 consecutive classes including doubles. I can’t tell you how amazing you will feel, how more in-touch with your body you will feel, and how gratifying the experience will be. I started this with a 30 day challenge. That turned into 60 and I just decided on day 59 to make it 365. I did a double today and my second class was my best practice ever. I have eliminated 2 medications from my regime and am titrating off another (anxiety and depression). My practice helped me identify some food intolerances (I would feel sick when going to class when eating certain foods). Get plenty of sleep, learn what foods to can eat and still make class without feeling like your going to puke! I learned to get up at 5:30 AM to have a vegan-gluten free protein shake (so delicious coconut milk-strawberry, 1/2 banana, 2 ice cubes)for a 9 AM class. Immediately after class I have 1/2 c oatmeal, 1T chia seed, 5 prunes-diced, 2/3 c water. This has helped me maintain energy after class.
Have fun with it–it’s soooo worth the effort!
Rachel’s response really resonates with me. I finished my first 30 day challenge on Dec 23 last year. Although it didn’t change my medication (again for anxiety and depression), it did change my eating habits. Food becomes your fuel, you make better decisions with it, and I ditched the coffee in favour of about 4 litres of water a day.
I was inspired to do it because I had only done 10 classes before beginning the 30 day challenge and noticed a HUGE difference in my mood, my body, my mind, my life. I wanted to see how 30 days in a row could change more.
Ever since I finished the challenge, I’ve wanted to another one. Perhaps this is the oomph I need? Good luck and enjoy it!
x
Here I am on my second day of a 30 day yoga challenge. I started yoga back in December as a way to substitute some sort of exercise as I recuperate from an injury sustained during kickboxing. Within two weeks of my injury I started doing yoga, then I wanted a bit more a challenge which brought me to bikram yoga. Certainly the price offer was good though the drive isn’t. The other reason why I started bikram on the 30 day challenge is that I have two computer certifications which I have been studying for. I believe practicing bikram yoga will allow me to concentrate and study better as I move forward with my certifications. So far so good, my back feels better too. I still go to the gym to complement the 30 day challenge, so far so good. I am not sure if I can complete the 30 day challenge because of 12 hour shifts that I work but I am willing and determined. By the way, my yoga instructor is a rock star, I mean a yoga star. Just like milk, her instructions does a body good.
Just completed my third day of a 30 day yoga challenge. So far so good, 27 more days to go. Back feels better, don’t each as much, and I have a yoga headache. My yoga instructor for the day Cindy says if I am getting a headache then I am doing this properly. Also, I also lost 2.5 pounds. I gained 8 pounds during my injury.
I will be going on my fourth day of my 30 day challenge. My only hurdle is the possibility of leaving for a class in Las Vegas for a job requirement. Then when I return I just have to make it up. Preparing my mind mentally and body physically. Even though I do yoga right now I continue to lift light weights and do calisthenics. My instructor Valerie and Cindy are yoga stars. Maybe I should ask for their autograph?
Hello from SLO town, CA
On day 4 as well! I must admit, when I first heard about doing the challenge, I thought to myself, “No way, not this time, I’m too busy, I’m traveling a few times out the month- impossible.” I totally did not think I was going to be able to commit to doing this, but after some more thought I asked myself: What if I did more yoga? Would it make me more efficient with my time? Most likely.. Would it make me a happier busy girl? Totally. Will it help with my stress, back soreness, sleep & eating patterns? Of course! Could I find some studios to go to when I’m in Vegas & NY? Absolutely…& it would make the trip even more fun! So… all my excuses ended up getting shot down & suddenly I convinced myself I could take this on. I sure hope I stay strong!
It’s pretty cool to read all of the other responses so far & I feel like this blog is totally going to help me stay motivated- I told myself I would write at least once a week on my challenge experience. I liked reading about some of the diet tips people have written so far-Rachel’s smoothie & oatmeal snack sounds good- might have to try that this week! Well, that’s all for now …. Off to 6:30 class… so far, so good:)
Completed day four, so far so good. It’s not the yoga that’s going to kill me, its the price of gas since I have to travel 28 miles from home to studio. Wow, such dedication, huh? Actually I just enjoy it and cost has never been a factor when it comes to this. Let’s see how long I can keep this attitude, the price of gas is nearly $4 a gallon. One of the reasons I selected this studio instead of one closer to me is the diversity of instructors. The instructor for the session was Maggi, she must have been a Marine Drill Instructor, she has the most rhythmic and commanding voice thus far. The irony of the drill for the day is that I wasn’t as motivated. My body hurts right now, my doctor’s visit today scoffed at me going to bikram yoga. Whatever, he is a grumpy old man anyway. I know yoga teaches us not to be judgmental, I am not going to change overnight.
In spite of yoga I still lift weights, do push-ups, sit-ups, and how to start running once again. I stopped in December due to a sports injury, got on with hatha, now bikram, then resume sports, and continue with yoga. Hmmm, I think the heat is getting to my head, need to breathe out all that stale air. 
By the way, my name is misleading I am a 44 year old male who does yoga, running, kickboxing, lifts weights, push-ups, sit-ups, drives 28 miles in one direction for bikram yoga, all that and a bottle of beer afterwards. 
P.S. In addition to the above novel I just typed I accidentally omitted running. One last thing the best thing my instructor Valerie told me was that I was able to do my pose and smile. Thanks Valerie.
Guess what? I didn’t get to do my 30 day challenge today. I was studying for a certification exam. I arrived at work tonight, scheduled changed. No fault but my own. I will pursue 30 until it’s over. It doesn’t matter if I finish last or first or all, it only matters that I finish, in the end I finish what I started. To quote the Post Office “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” My appointed round is to finish the 30 days. Tomorrow I get to tough it out with my first yoga drill instructor, Valerie. She’s tough, smiling, caring, and ouch, HARD.
Excited about this blog… I joined our local Slo bikram studio almost a year ago and I try to practice 3-5 days a week. I’ve told everyone I know about it, along with telling them I think my Mika clothes and grippy towels are my best friends making me stronger in each class. I know it’s in my head but if I forget to do laundry or if rather my sister that is also doing the 30 day challenge wears all my clothes also forgets to help do laundry, I literally feel less charged for class :p LoL I was excited to tell Laura that I planned on doing the 30 day challenge, as she was and is my inspiration to continue getting better at this beautiful practice. The best advice I have for diet is drinking my 1/3 lemonade to 2/3 water with Chia Seeds… I drink this all day along with 1 aloe water per day. At 31yrs old I get more complements about my figure than I did at 18, and that’s after having 3 kids!!! Inspiring hope within… So I can give myself to others!!! Namaste
I really felt motivated to attend yoga today, it’s started with a nice beautiful, sunny, Paso Robles day. The wind blowing enough to keep one cool and enough warmth to keep it pleasant. To make it even better I downloaded some new music from ITUNES and was listening to Party Rock Anthem and I’m Sexy and I Know it on my down to SLO. How can I not get motivated to go down to SLO to get this event going. When I got to SLO I studied for an hour for my exam and doing some studying at the studio while waiting for the previous class to empty out the premises. The music and the weather really motivated me. Once I got dressed for class it even got better for Valerie was the instructor, she has a nice soothing voice. Not only is she a yoga instructor, she is also a life coach. If a student has a problem, she may give some life success tips; that’s one stop shopping.
She is all of that and a bag of chips. Valerie, if you are reading, all the things I am saying are compliments. I have been impressed with all the instructors at the studio. Cindy has a nice rhythm to her tone, then there’s the drill instructor, Maggi. I believe she has the most commanding voice thus far. During the class I was actually able to accomplish some difficult poses, its the one in which I lift my knee up and bend down to a squat. I didn’t even hear the sound of rice krispies “snap, krackle, pop” Not bad for a 40 something guy. Upon completion of the class I went to a Thai restaurant to nourish myself and drove to Atascadero to have a bottle of beer, two bottles of beer as a matter-of-fact. Now that’s a day. Oh, one last note, it’s not the 30 day challenge that will stop me it’s the price of GAS. Do or die I will never quit nor lie. Thank you for to all instructors.
[...] to Week 2 of the Challenge & going strong so far! What great responses in our first post! Thank you so much to everyone that has shared so far! It’s really motivating to read about [...]
Wow… this is great stuff here on the Mika blog. Congratulations Challengers! We are more than 1/3 of the way through… Day 11 today.
Angel, bytheway, YOU are indeed the rock star/yoga star. Who signs up for their first Bikram class and starts the challenge on the same day? Not too many. I also had a far commute when I started practicing Bikram back in Florida… keep it up, although you missed a class or two… the 30 Day Challenge is about showing up to class no matter what your body is going through. Incidentally, on day 2 of this challenge I had a super sore back and on a regular day I would have seriously considered skipping class. “NOCANDO! I must go to class, my name is on the board! I’ll just go and do what I can.” I was so happy I went, my body felt much better afterwards. Like Lisa Starr says, the only class you’ll regret is the one you didn’t go to.
My main inspiration for this challenge is to improve my flexibility and get my butt on the floor in Fixed Firm pose. Also it’s fun to be part of the 30 Day Challenge group: a bunch of yogis working hard just because it’s a great thing to do for yourself. See you in class. (^_^)
PS: Turmeric helps to increase flexibility in the ligaments and tendons. Use this spice on your food or get it in pill form.
Hey, what about that 30 day challenge. Well, its been a bust for me. For one I am studying for certifications, number two, price of gas, number three I am currently in Fremont for training for IT certifications. I have no excuse I take full responsibility. I enjoy it the yoga class and I am about to resume my kickboxing once again, not to say I am good at it. I took yoga to recuperate and heal, its done that. I return on Saturday to resume the class once again wondering who is the yoga instructor that will give the challenge. To quote General Douglas McArthur ” I shall return” In the absence of yoga I will run with the sounds of yoga masters Maggi, Valerie, and Cindy barking commands in the back of my head. Gunnery Sgt Maggi, I am following your orders. Please be kind to me. Yes, two more miles. Yes, longer stretches. Yes, more I will balance on my eagle pose. Yes, I will return to Saturday. Thanks.
What was I thinking? I did two sessions today one with Cindy and one with Valerie, I feel it in my lower back now. Thank goodness for ibuprofen. I knew I was going to do two today since I packed two pairs of shorts and underwear in anticipation. Yesterday I went to my other regular practice in Atascadero which prepared me for today’s class. I actually wanted to go to SLO but the schedule online only showed one class and its the one I missed. Yes I woke up late and I know I won’t make it to SLO if I left at 830am. I still do my cardio, my weights, and calisthenics on top of bikram yoga. Thank you again to two of my instructors, they have been great so far. Coincidentally, I haven’t had any other instructors since the trio of Cindy, Maggi, and Valerie. Thank, enjoy your evening
[...] wish everyone the best & thank you so much for all the great comments in our first post. It seems that is where the comments are being kept so keep on posting there if you’d like. [...]
I completed another practice today after a busy day at home then went to the studio and got ready for the day’s session. Not bad I must say, not much participants but enough to get us motivated. Once all complete went back to North county and celebrated by eating Korean food, went home did laundry, took a shower, and now updating the blog. I am contemplating doing two tomorrow. I will contemplate until the time when I have to wake-up. I hope they establish a Bikram studio in North County sometime in the near future. They only have one yoga studio there I think another would do well such as this one. Hint.
….I am picking up good vibrations, she’s giving me excitations…..Yes, the very lyrics from the Beach Boys “Good Vibrations” What does it have to do with yoga for today. ALOT. Today was excellent, we have an instructor who conveyed good vibrations as I was feeling lethargic contemplating if I should stay or should go meaning stay in bed or should I go to yoga. Good Vibrations is the order of the day. Now I am going to down load this tune to my IPOD. Fantastic entrance, smile all to the top of the sky, youthful charisma, surfs up and party all the time beat, I am hyped for my next class. Thank you Rachel.
It’s a tough day in class, almost felt as if I wasn’t going to make it. One of the things that I have learned being in sports in high school and serving in the Navy is that you finish what you started and I did. Along with that I felt good to complete the class and accomplish a difficult pose supta vajrasana with some degree of difficulty but made it. Cindy once said that one of her students said that if they don’t feel dizzy after class then they didn’t try hard enough. I felt dizzy after class and had to rest for about 30 minutes before I commenced my drive to my humble abode back in Paso Robles. Thereafter which I celebrated with a bottle of beer and hot shower with cold water rinse; refreshing. Upon completion, then update the blog. I must say upon completion of 30 day challenge I will miss the challenge and the happy instructors who guides us through our practice. To all the instructors I salute you for you, you guide, you work, you preach the practice and do this day in day out almost six hours a day. Thanks to all of you. Namaste
My 8th of March 1630 class was great led by Maggi. She was gracious, always smiling, and rhythmic in her commands. The class was relatively small and had a few open spaces that was quite noticeable. The class was still tough as I still had my headache therafter. I actually thought I was going to go to my kickboxing class but decided otherwise after the conclusion of the class. I will not succeed in making 30 classes but have broken 10 now. It’s just working night shifts and studies is putting a damper on my effort. I make every opportunity to try different instructors as I hear a different sets of instruction during my practice, all are great by far. If I was to hear one instructor all the time everyday for the next 30 days I would hear a different sets of instruction all the time which I never heard before. I thank the yoga instructors of SLO for I vow my head to you to instruct and work the heat day in day out. Namaste
This is my last blog entry. I didn’t complete 30 yoga sessions but I believe only 11. However it did succeed in making me attend more classes such as the 1630 class today. Today was my first walk-in class and I loved it just as much as I did before. Surprisingly, there were more guys and than gals, machitude left at the door before entry. When I complete 45 classes I have a surprise to all instructors. Thanks to all. Namaste.
I am on day 6 of my 30 day challenge, it is DEFINETLY love hate..some days i feel so empowered and strong others i just want to walk out of the class. It is also a very strange emotional journey, some days i feel so happy and energetic others i want to cry my eyes out for no reason..cant wait to see how i feel after the 30 days!