Day 25: (Thursday 3/28)

WOW! Just five more days until my 30 Day Challenge is over. Actually...it went by faster and smoother than I thought (so far). And here I am eating a few strawberries and pieces of TJ's 85% cacao dark chocolate for a little treat:) 

I feel like I've really improved this week. I think after getting my period I started pushing myself harder since I started to notice changes in my body. It's funny how one week I'll improve a lot at a difficult posture, but also be not so great at a posture I'm normally pretty good at. I've found that this week I have  not been looking forward to Standing Bow Pose, Triangle Pose, and of course...Locust Pose (with both arms/elbows under body). 

For awhile, I was beginning to get really good at Standing Bow Pose. It seemed like my legs were getting stronger, my balance better, my upper body lower, and my kick higher. For some reason over the last week or so, I can't seem to keep my balance. Once I get into the posture I can do great. I've even learned to not get right into it until my standing leg is completely locked. (*I'm actually slowly improving on locking the knees and realizing my postures won't be their best until I do so). So I don't know what the deal is with my balance. I asked the instructor after class and she said just what I thought...that it may just be a weak spot for me and to remember I am still a beginner. Locking the knee is important, but she said our minds can mess with our balance and concentration. Maybe I am fretting it too much or expecting to be too perfect from the get-go. I just know I can do it because I've seen it, so that just gets frustrating. 

                                     Yogi in perfect Standing Bow Pose

The Triangle Pose is my other nemesis. I really don't look forward to it and it takes everything out of me, but when I get it right I feel like a beast:) It's all about strength, alignment, and endurance. When I put my mind and strength to it, I actually have a great Triangle Pose, but to me...it's the most strenuous pose. It looks easier than it really is.

                                                Two yogis in Triangle Pose

Finally, Locust Pose. I seem to have no problem with lifting each individual leg up in Locust (which is part of the 26 postures), but I have a difficult time putting my mouth on the towel when it's time to do Locust Pose with both legs in the air and both elbows under my body. I do it every time. Like I've mentioned in past posts, I have never had to sit out or give up on a posture. Nor have I ever left the room. But...I dread putting my mouth on the towels and elbows under me for this one. I have really been trying to lift my legs higher though, especially this week. Hopefully if I keep pushing I can slowly get higher. I wonder if everyone else has a hard time with this one.

      

Yogi in Locust Pose

*The top one is with one leg (which I have no problem doing. The bottom one is with both elbows tucked under the body, arms straight, mouth on the towel, knees locked, and both legs lifted. It may look easy, but I'm telling you...it's quite a task.

Like I've mentioned before, my caffeine and alcohol/beer/wine intake has been significantly lower. Not that I drank a lot of alcohol/beer/wine before, but I did have 2-3 cups of coffee a day. Since I started the 30 Day Challenge (25 days ago), I have only had 4 and a half cups of coffee. That's just a little over what I'd have in one day! And...still only half a beer (first week bowling with my husband's co-workers), a glass and a half of champagne (on my 29th birthday), and a half a glass of chardonnay with dinner last week! My husband and I used to have a glass of wine or two with dinner either every night or every other night! Couldn't feel better! I've been really using our new Vitamix blender, making after workout smoothies and breakfast smoothies. Can't wait to share one of my recipes:)

Check this one out:

Creamy Protein Grennie (smoothie)

1 cup of frozen organic mango

1 cup of frozen organic strawberries

1/2 large avocado

2 cups of raw organic spinach

1 tbsp. TJs soy vanilla yogurt

5 leaves of basil

1 drop of local/raw/organic honey

2 oz. TJs lowfat original soymilk

2 oz of filtered water

1 cup of ice

Day 20: (Saturday 3/23)

I totally had to tell myself this before going to my 20th Bikram Yoga class in 20 consecutive days in a row today. 

I wasn't having the best day to begin with after my husband and I found out that the Oakland Running Festival we were so excited about costs $50 to participate in. Yeah, we waited in line to register this morning for an hour and fifteen minutes and there was no mention on a fee until you fill out your form. And this was just for the 5K, the half and full marathons cost over $100 each! We would have loved to participate, but didn't have that kind of extra money lying around, so we're going to run our own 5K with friends around Lake Merritt tomorrow. Not a catastrophe, but definitely annoying. Our day was a little rushed after that, time was cut short at the Grand Lake Farmer's Market, but we got what we needed. My husband and I woke up early to register for the race, so we were tired by early afternoon. It didn't help we stayed up late watching the Best of Will Ferrell on S.N.L. (watched the Cowbell skit and Harry Carrey skit two or three times each...hehehe:) But regardless of the little set-backs and being tired...I made it to my 20th class of my 30 Day Challenge. I honestly feel like a beast. What has got me through this challenge so far is beyond me! Who cares though, because I have almost completed my first 30 Day Challenge!

I don't know about any of you readers who practice Bikram Yoga regularly, but I look forward to the several sit-ups we have to do in between many of the postures. I couldn't appreciate those more and seem to actually get a boost in energy after them. Triangle Pose has been much more difficult than usual. It could be because it's that time of the month for me or that I'm actually beginning to do the posture correctly. It's one of those postures that seem easy, by the way they look, but require so much concentration, strength, and proper alignment. I've been suddenly disappointed with my lack of progress with balance during Standing Bow Pose. For me, it's definitely one of the poses that I can be great at one day and blah on the other. I'm trying very hard not to be so critical of myself though and take it one day at a time. 

I just can't believe I only have 10 more days left of my 30 Day Challenge! I'm going to be super proud of myself once I've completed the challenge. Looking forward to doing better tomorrow and every day after that.

Day 17: (Thursday 3/21)

Just pushing through my 30 Day Challenge:) I took the 6:15 p.m. class tonight and felt great afterwards. I had a nice class too. I had a hard time on Tuesday because I started menstruating and Tuesday is my busy day, but I still got through it! This week I got back on a consistent regime of crunches and stretching before class too. 500-1000 crunches a day, depending on how much time I have. I'm also kind of training for a 5K run on Sunday. A 5K is only 3.1 miles, but I haven't been running consistently in awhile. It's been really off an on since the fall. I really think (actually I know) doing Bikram Yoga every day has helped build up my endurance and strength, so I'm sure I'll see the benefits on Sunday. I still continue to struggle with a few poses, but I have noticed an overall improvement since I started practicing a few weeks ago. My Awkard Pose has definitely gotten much stronger, but I continue to struggle with the Locust Pose that involves moving just the feet up and keeping my face in the towel. I know part of it is that I need to try and move my elbows even more together under my body, but still feel like I am missing understanding another part I am supposed to do. Maybe I'm just self-critical or because I can't see myself in the mirror when I do it that I am unsure if I am doing the posture the best that I can. Today I was also very proud of myself since I stayed almost completely still during all of the Savasanas. I am also getting more patient about my Standing Head to Knee Pose and locking my knee better and longer each time. Now it is officially Day 18...Since I started the challenge I have only had 3 cups of coffee and a glass and a half of champagne on my birthday. Other than that I have been staying very hydrated and getting even more creative with my Vitamix blender. Feeling strong:)

Day 15: (Tuesday, 3/19)

Well...the halfway point has arrived. Today at 4:30 p.m. I'll be taking my 15th class in my 30 Day Challenge!!! Last night I had a great class too (even though there were a group of women who were very distracting in the class right behind me). I haven't said anything or complained the whole time I've been attending classes at FDY, but this group of women seem to always be doing the opposite of what they are supposed to be doing. Last night while I was really trying hard to perfect my Camel Pose, the young women directly behind me was picking at her toenails and sitting on her mat. These same women have distracted me in class by burping very loudly often, picking at their hair or skin, getting up and leaving during balancing poses, etc...Not to mention they take almost ten minute showers and are often the first ones in because they don't take their final Savasanas (final rest on mat after leaving the room). Anyway, as much as I've tried to ignore it, I finally said one thing last night. Two of them were chatting loudly on their cell phones in the locker room right after class and I had to be one of those people who said "Um, you aren't supposed to talk on the phone in the studio or locker room." I hate having to do that, but they were on a roll last night and I had to endure the whole class near them. 

When I started taking Bikram Yoga classes a few weeks ago I read a few blogs with similar experiences and said I doubt I'd have an issue with anyone, but it just happens. Especially if you are doing a 30 day challenge and are at the studio for 2-2.5 hours every day. But what can you do. It made me realize not only do I need to be aware of where I sit even more in the room to be most comfortable...but I should try to not focus so much on distractions. Even if it's REALLY difficult. lol.

So I am still working at balance, locking my knee, staying still during Savasanas and specific poses, but my Standing Bow Pose was great on both legs last night! And despite the shaking...I stood in the pose the whole time without falling! I still need to figure out the best way to get my hair out of my way, but low enough to do really well on the Rabbit Pose, but I'll figure it out eventually.

Wish me luck! It's going to feel good checking off Day 15 on the board after class:)

This is what each of the 26 postures of Bikram Yoga look like and what they are called ;)

Day 14: (Monday 3/18)

Wow! I can't believe I am almost halfway finished with my 30 day challenge! Things have been going great! I wish I had more time to write, but I'm glad that I am putting my Bikram Yoga first, blog second. That's how it's supposed to be right? :)

It was my 29th birthday on Thursday, 3/14 and I was excited to start my day with a class. Oddly enough, I had a teacher I didn't know on my birthday, but it was still cool because I was surprised at the end when the whole class sang "Happy Birthday" to me while we were lying in Savasana. Haha! I received two free one month (unlimited) passes to give to two friends and two 20% off coupons for Funky Door Yoga on retail, massage, or a private lesson. What a nice treat! 

So I am still working on staying still during Savasanas. I'm definitely more aware and trying very hard to not fidget, but I'm such a multi-tasker it's hard sometimes to relax. Specifically, I've been REALLY working at the Standing Head to Knee Pose, Standing Bow Pose, Triangle pose, and Rabbit Pose. There are of course a few poses I don't look that forward to, but I pride myself in never taking a break by sitting/lying down during poses OR by leaving the room. Never have and don't plan to:)I've only improved because I've been consistent and I push myself every class. 

I'm still struggling with locking my knee better and I can't seem to get both of my legs as high in Locust Pose, but for some reason I can lift each leg higher when they are lifted alone. Perhaps because I am still relying on the pressure on the other leg a bit still. Lastly, I am still working on my balance. Again, I know part of getting better at that is learning to lock my knee better, but I also have very arched feet and wondered if that has anything to do with my struggle. Some days I do well in Standing Bow Pose and others not so much...but I think that is for everyone. I've even seen two different instructors taking the class fall out of difficult positions, so that made me feel better.

This week I'll be incorporating some light running into my routine. I've been off and on with it lately and I need to be more consistent. Plus, my husband and I are planning on participating in the Oakland Running Festival this-coming Sunday. We'll just be running a 5K, but hey...gotta be ready. I don't feel as prepared as I should be, but then I remembered I am practicing Bikram Yoga for 90 minutes EVERY DAY for 30 days! 
I should be fine:) Nevertheless, I will be doing some practice/warm-up running this week. 

Well, I'm going to finally get some sleep. Looking forward to checking off another day/class on the Funky Door Yoga chart!

Day 7: (Monday 3/11)

YAY!!! I'm finished with with my first week of my 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge! I feel great and can't wait to go to class at 6 a.m. Second week...HERE I COME! :)

Day 6: (Sunday 3/10)

Well, after class tomorrow (well, really today), I will have completed one full week of Bikram Yoga every day! I am so proud of myself and couldn't feel better. I got through my first week coming off of a horrible ear infection too, so I'm double proud!

Today was different than others though. I brought my husband Adam along. I was so excited to show him what I've been doing every day for 90 minutes and what I'll be doing for the rest of the 30 day challenge and beyond. I know he is a "gym guy" and he likes running, but I just asked him to try it once and that he'd never have to try it again if he didn't want to. Maybe I hyped it up too much, but it wasn't for him. I kinda knew he wasn't for yoga in general, I just didn't know he would get so frustrated. It was awesome that he finished the class without leaving (not surprisingly many people do), but it was a struggle for him...something he's not so used to experiencing. Part if it was getting used to the heat, but he also commented on the smell. I remember my first day thinking "How and the hell do people stay in this rank room?" But after awhile, I didn't even really notice any smell. One of the main reasons he tried it is probably out of curiosity of what I do every day and I told him David Beckham does it too:)I recently read that he is one of the many athletes and celebrities that do. Beckham is really the only one of those people he likes though, so I only mentioned him. Hehehe...

I could tell during the class he was frustrated and annoyed, but I asked him before we went to just stay positive because even if he doesn't get anything from it or like it...I do and everyone else there does. He said it was boring and it's definitely not for him, but honestly he didn't try more than half of the positions. It was difficult for him to just lie in Savasana too, so I wish he could try it just once more. *Savasana is simply lying down on your back with your arms at your sides and palms up. I don't want to push him either, but I received 2 free month passes because my birthday is this week. I let him use one (or really start one) today, but now it will be wasted if he doesn't attend again. I asked if we could take it back and I could just pay for his class as a drop in once we finished class and I spoke with him about his experience, but he was already put into the computer system. I was actually happy (as bad as that may sound), because I want him to want try it again. Maybe he'll try a class without me there, with another instructor, once he knows what he's got to work on, and once he's prepared and more hydrated. Regardless, after hearing him say, "It's simply glorified stretching, but I know you love it hun." and "It's just not my thing. I don't see the point." I was a little disappointed. He did say that he has even more respect for me now and that he can't believe I do it for 90 minutes every day. I'll be sure to post again if he decides to go to another class. All I know is he's sleeping like a baby beside me right now:)

As for me, I feel like I'm getting better every class. I have been drinking at least three 750 ml Camelbacks of water a day, plus juices and smoothies, I've been trying to sleep no less than 7 and no more than 9 hours a night. It's difficult with my schedule, but I am the kind of person who needs my sleep or 30 Day Challenge turns into 30 days of Grinch Risa. Hahaha! I have had a total of 2 and a 1/2 cups of coffee and 1 espresso since I started the challenge 6 days ago. That is HELLA AWESOME for me! I'm used to drinking several coffees, espresso, lattés, and/or cappuccinos a day. My skin is just glowing and super clear too. 

My goals for the first week (Days 1-6) was to survive, start increasing my water intake, and get into the habit of going every day. My goals for week two (Days 7-14) are to get better at locking my knees more, try to stay completely still for every Savasana pose, and to focus more on my balance on standing poses rather than depth. I've noticed I have the strength, flexibility, and coordination to do all of the standing poses, but I have a problem with balancing (which most likely has to do with working on locking my standing knee more). If anyone has advice about how to practice this better, please let me know. Those are my goals for this week. I'm excited to post tomorrow after finishing Day 7. Good luck to all of you other yogis and newbie yogis out there doing the 30 Day Challenge. One week almost down!

Day 3: (Wed. 3/6) 

The 26 poses of Bikram Yoga

I did it! I got through my first three days of my Bikram Yoga 30 Day Challenge! I feel great too. My skin is glowing, I'm less tense, I'm super energetic, and I'm improving each time I attend class. For those of you who don't know what Bikram Yoga is all about...basically you work your ass of doing 26 different Bikram Yoga poses standing and on the floor of a 105 degree room. For those of us who are fairly fit and enjoy the heat, it may seem pretty easy...but it's definitely harder work than you think. Each time I go to class I get more and more flexible, my knees lock better to maintain poses longer, my breathing gets more into a rhythm, and am learning to become more comfortable being uncomfortable with sweat rolling all down my face and body for 90 minutes. 

A fellow activist friend of mine offered a free month of Bikram Yoga pass for Funky Door Yoga on Facebook back in December. I quickly said I'd love to try and out and take the pass (I couldn't be happier that I did)! I have been attending the FDY in Berkeley since I live in Oakland, but there are two other FDYs across the Bay in San Francisco. I've never tried Bikram or Hot Yoga before (so I don't know what the competition is like), but so far...I LOVE Funky Door Yoga! My first official class I attended was just last Monday, Feb. 25th and just after taking 3 classes I wrote my name on a big chart at the FDY front desk that was for 30/60/90 day challenge participants. So some participants or fellow yogis are taking 60 or 90 day challenges. I thought 30 days would be a good start for me, plus I'm going out of town next month, so it wouldn't work out. I am excited to share my thoughts, progress, tips, and other things about my new favorite thing to do...Bikram Yoga!

A few tips:
1)Don't wear to much clothes (You'll take them off anyway after 5 minutes in the heated room)

2)Anyone with long hair should wear your hair up to stay cool, but not on the top of your head. Some poses require putting your head on the ground or on the knee.

3)Bring at least one water bottle (Coconut water is also great because it has so many electrolytes to refuel during or after such a nice workout)

4)If you aren't provided towels and mats, bring at least one towel to put on your mat so you don't slip.

5)Take off jewelry or glasses (When it gets hot you'll want it all off anyway, but it's also difficult to put your hands under your feet with lots of rings and bracelets. As for the glasses, they'll slip down your face from the sweat and will distract you).

6)Please DO follow that rule about not eating at least 2 hours before class. Need I say more? hehehe:)

7)Always get to class at least 15 minutes before it starts. You'll need to set up your mat and towel...and most importantly get a good spot. (If you're a beginner, it is recommended you stay near the windows or back door).

8)Even if you'd rather take a shower at home or if you don't have time to do your entire shower routine at the studio, at least wash your face and body in a quick shower so you don't get a toenail fungus or break out from all of the sweat. Basically do what you hope all the other yogis are doing.

9)Don't wear makeup (especially eye makeup)! I came from work to class one day and didn't have time to wash my mascara off before class. Boy was that a mistake! Right when my face started sweating, mascara got into my eyes and they were burning for the first half of class until it all came off. Just get some makeup remover wipes and keep them in your yoga bag. 

10)Don't shave your legs right before class (unless you never cut yourself:) This is a funny one...right before my first class I shaved my legs and cut myself a few times on each leg. Honestly, I never cut myself that much, but that day I guess my razor was unruly. So the whole drive to class I am wiping my legs where I cut myself to stop the blood. By the time I got to the studio I was relieved that the blood stopped flowing. But...five minutes after I am in the 105 degree studio my cuts on my legs start bleeding again! haha...I had no idea my little cuts were bleeding again until we had to bend our chests to our thighs. The heat started the bleeding again. I was so embarrassed that somebody noticed, but everybody was concentrating so hard I don't think anyone did. Good thing I brought my own personal towel I was able to wipe off my legs a few times and roll up the towel. Needless to say, it was not fun. 

11)Breathe! Try to breathe through your nose as much as possible too.

12)Start planning your meals and snacks throughout the day better. Since you are not supposed to eat 2-3 hours before class, it's important you plan your day out. I suggest eating 3-4 hours before class and of course soon after class to replenish. Also think about what you are eating of you don't already. I already eat a mostly vegan diet, except fish on occasion, but I have a real addiction to coffee. Since I started Bikram Yoga last week I have only had two cups of coffee! I normally have two cups a day at least! After you start doing Bikram though, you start to naturally think more about what you eat and how you take care of your body. It's great!

13)Taking care of your body & mind means also getting enough sleep. If you are able to, eight hours is always ideal. But if you are a graduate student/teacher like me or if you have kids... get at least 6 or 7 hours of sleep.

14)Do your research! If you are reading this, you already are...but just read up a little more on Bikram Yoga. It never hurts to go in class at least knowing the basics or to see if it's right for you. There's no beginner class, everyone takes the same class (regardless of experience), so it definitely helps to know a little of what you're getting into.

15)Stay positive and motivated! Don't get discouraged if you can't do as awesome as the experienced yogi next you, think of it as more motivation to attend more classes and push yourself more each time. If you can (not going out of town and your schedule allows it), take a 30 day challenge. Believe me, once you start you won't be able to stop.

I hope this helps if you are thinking about trying Bikram Yoga out. After just a week and a half I feel so much more toned, my mood is much happier and relaxed, and my flexibility, concentration, strength, and balance have all improved tremendously! I have always been more fit and flexible than the average person. I also have a lot more endurance than others, but I have been off and on exercising for over a year now (which isn't like me). I have also noticed some other things I need to work on. I need to work on my balance (which includes learning to lock my knees better). I also need to try not to get distracted by wiping my sweat off or fidgeting while lying down in "savasana" or during poses. Lastly, I am working on regulating my breathing and trying to breathe through my nose more. During poses is when it's most important to breathe, but many of us get so consumed with trying to get the pose right we forget to breathe correctly or at all. If you don't, you are bound to have a headache when you leave. Regardless, always try to finish a class! I haven't left in the middle of class and I don't ever intend to, once the first half is over it slowly gets easier. Make it through. You'll feel hella good afterwards:)