Bikram 30 Day Challenge Diary
Day 1: A letter to myself. *Class dedicated to: strength of the mind & body.
Day 2: Oh hello day 2. I've seen you before a handful of times, back to back days are intense. Eating 1.5hrs before class was the perfect amt of digestion and peak sugar/energy level achievement. Still feeling the effects of the steak & red wine clogging the bod. Only sat for one triangle. Felt that "I'm building strength back" thought at many moments. Definitely felt the heat. *Class dedicated to: encouraging friends & family. Thank you:)
Day 3: Forced to go to a class at certain time of day which meant taking from my least favorite instructor. I knew today would be tough so I sat in a "cooler" part of the room only to be told that I had to move from the windows (cool spot) due to crazy instructor. Felt like a highly mechanical, military like session, impersonal and just there to get in and get out. A wave of slight dehydration hit during third posture of floor series. Hours later, really feeling lightheaded/dehydrated/headache. Class dedicated to: peace of mind & clarity.
Day 4: So when I first started 3 days ago so much was rumbling in my head that I think my ability to zone out was actually just deafening noise that the only route was total shutoff mode. Today, more clarity but little things kept creeping into the meditation and throwing me off a bit, not to mention the heater guy popping into class every 5min to test the fans. Minute distractions. Lower back is crampy esp during Camel but working through it. Class dedicated to: being grateful for these 90 min, even though they are tough.
Day 5: A GREAT CLASS. Oh such a wonderful class. As always happens when I take a bikram break and then jump back in, I never think I'll make it back to feeling strong and really owning the postures. PJ, one of my top fav instructors, led us through such the perfect balance of lighthearted mental state and kick your butt strengthening series. I sat in the front row for the first time since coming back. I held standing head to knee with elbows half bent for 30 seconds on both legs. I moved deeper into posture in "right leg in left leg out" (drawing blank on posture name) and got my foot flexed and off the ground. I was hoping a day like today would arrive soon after this challenge began simply to grant me some extra motivation. Class dedicated to: Trusting my gut.
Day 6: I would say I'm on a roll, but that would be the total way to jinx this challenge so disregard that mental note. Day 6 was a Friday and Friday's are normally a day off for me workout wise. Especially after the previous 5 days. I went with a little grump in my face and body but as soon as class got beyond pranayama breathing, I was in a groove. Perfect heat today. Great instruction from Dan helping me tweek positions that have been giving my lower back a bit of trouble recently. Class dedicated to: Those who've come before us. Been thinking alot about my Pap Kernion the past few days---this past Tuesday wouldve been his 92nd birthday. Wonderful memories of my childhood with him :)
Day 7: Well that wasn't fun. I mixed up the class time in my Saturday morning vegging out and ended up going to scarycrazyawful Bruce's bikram torture chamber class which was the next offered. BRUTAL. I couldnt even look myself in the eye as I tried to control my breath(which was out of control due to hating the way he runs his class more than the cardio challenge---which was intense for sure). Mean instructors that put students down do not get my vote. Class dedicated to: just breathe.
Day 8: My first bikram date;) Lee (semi-enthusiastically) offered to join me for today's session. Killer/awesome class always easier when you practice with someone else. So much more motivating by simply making the process less of a chore and more of a shared activity! Who's next?! Class dedicated to: my supportive hubby. (who jokingly thinks I should dedicate every class to him haha.)
Day 9: I've learned over the past few classes that the moving meditation and peace it brings is really transformative in my day. I have to learn to not pick up the phone and call/text/email back right after leaving class as reentering the NYC world after class is quite jarring. Today's morning session was so peaceful. It's still not NOT hard though. My chest rises and falls very dramatically at times. My pulse races in standing bow pulling pose. My quads shake like crazy in the standing seperate leg streching one. But boy am I making progress. Class dedicated to: SKr
Day 10: Okay I needed an easy day. And got it. Finally. Class dedicated to: this being a lifelong "sport." I hope I'm 90 and still doing yoga :)
Day 11: Ali joined me and we both got our butts kicked today. Great instructor, Jen, but the studio is having a tough time keeping the various pockets of the room at a constant temp---there are literally microclimates in every corner that swing 5-10degrees, a HUGE difference in humid heat. It was the first time since Day 1 that I had wanted to run out of the room but proud that I did not. Muscles are starting to get a bit tired. Class dedicated to: Ali. Just by being there she made the class that much more enjoyable to attend :)
Day 12: Today was a "namaste" kind of class. The guy next to me was a big ol pile of grumble mad---a big huffing and puffing mess(although in great shape.) Concentration had to be super focused. Battled the changing temps. Still finding calm in the 26 poses becoming such a routine and habit. Class dedicated to: my hometown girls & childhood memories.
Day 13: A few things of note: 1---while my concentration on one point on myself and standing still is getting very good and I'm pretty determined about breath control....that one point on my body is the tiny mole above my belly button. I'm pretty sure they want you looking on your forehead or your eyes. I think this is a natural coping mechanism I've developed as in when my heart races and I calm down by breathing SEEING myself fatigued would make it worse. So I stare elsewhere. Going to try and get out of this habit by next week. 2---My heart seems to be getting cardiovascularly stronger w each class aka i can tell recovery time is shorter. 3---I was extra fidgety in savasana. I'm never fidgety in savasana. Weird. I think my shorts were too tight. Oops. Class dedicated to: FRIDAY :) TGIF.
Day 14: Lee joined again! Sat on the "cold" side of the packed room. Odd and unfocused instructor but still a good Saturday class and kickoff to a few days off football watching. Really stretched in tree stand and rabbit pose today. Small changes that make such a difference. Class dedicated to: One thing at a time...
Day 15: So I offically hate bow pulling pose. My gimpy hips are such a struggle to get parallel to the floor and honestly, I feel like so many other people in class around me cheat. Bothers the heck out of me. Had the best camel pose to date. And Day 15 marks my "over the hump" of the 30days! Class dedicated to: I've totally got this challenge. Empowerment.
Day 16: *yawn* I was sleepy and lethargic today. Morning classes always awaken different senses and today it was that I need to take it easy and listen to my body. My muscles are starting to get a bit tired and I could reallly juse a day off or better yet a massage haha. I'm finding that my feet, ankles and stabilizer ligaments & tendons are getting hella strong. I got corrected in standing bow to get my left hip DOWN (what else is new?). Class dedicated to: My Mom! She's decided to become a certified hatha yoga instructor :)
Day 17: Okay, so taking Pepto + NyQuil last night to ward off what felt like queazy stomach and headcold wasn't the best idea. Medicine head all day long. All the detoxing has really made my system sensitive to medicine and boy did I feel that today. Groggy, yawn-filled morning combined with no caffiene turned this into a "just get through it" kind of 90min practice. Practicing what I preach....the only yoga class you regret is the one you dont attend. Even after being a total weakling in every posture today, it was better than not going and forfeiting this challenge, no brainer. Class dedicated to: my friend Jenny, a gal pal I've had since I was 7yrs old who is kicking ass and taking names these days in buisness school and life in general. Love you!
Day 18: Best class to date. Feeling all kinds of crappy before class(physically this darn cold, mentally becoming quite drained from the discipline this challenge requires) and had a lovely conversation with 4 different instructors who parted words of encouragement and wisdom and "I've been there" stories. PJ lead us through such a great class and even stopped to tell a brief yoga story during savasana that was just the motivational kick I needed. Still feeling a bit under the weather but the yoga brought back a good deal of life to today. Class dedicated to: making mindful choices.
Day 19: (SOAPBOX alert): My mind drifted today during final savasna about how I got to this point. This point in life where I am able to make a physical (and yes, time) committment to this 30 days of practice. I've had alot of friends, aquaintences, and even 1 random person in the lockerroom ask me about my "secret" to this whole healthy living thing. It's taken me years to find what works for me---to find what makes me feel strong and content both mentally and physically. For me, it was about taking my tough witted ego out of the equation and just making a habit of the things I knew were right. I've had a great role model in my life, my Mom, who was ahead of her time in the whole vegetarianism/holistic life outlook. While I'm not a vegetarian (quick stink with it pre-wedding but not my chosen path), I am able to glimpse into the future by having parents that live a healthy lifestyle. Staying not just active but FIT. Eating enough greens, staying away from loads of processed foods, and cleansing my body through yoga. And you know, indulging and enjoying the indulgance every so often. Class dedicated to: Friends, just do it. do what feels good and do more of it. whatever it is and make it a habit.
Day 20: "Breathe. Eat a warm meal. Appreciate Life. Namaste" - PJ, instructor. So so happy it is Friday. Class dedicated to: my sweet friend Milly who has been a bikram buddy through my year post hip-surgery and the of the most encouraging and uplifting friends in life. XO!
Day 21: I'm realizing more that days of struggle---the ones where the heat and humidity are just brutal---are the ones that bring about the most change and future strength. Class dedicated to: just that.
Day 22: The light---the teeny tiny very far ahead of me still light at the end of the tunnel came into vision tonight. After a weekend of family visitiing and Sunday friend activites, a late night class was the only option. I'm feeling renewed and ready to tackle the week (and did one helluva full locust pose today, hip bones only things on the ground, body full up in air....got a good smile and congrats from the instructor...needed that!) Class dedicated to: my sister....all that we share and our growing connection even as we are cities apart. XO.
Day 23: I just....I hit another wall today. My body's tired and spent. I was wishing all class that today was actually the last day. I imagine this is how some runners feel during the month leading up to a marathon. You know you can do it, but just want the satisfaction of the victory already. That's where I'm at. Class dedicated to: the journey and the steps along the way.
Day 24: Little things. Like keeping my foot straight not slightly pigeon toed in standing bow pulling pose....or keeping a completely flat back while going into standing seperate leg stretching pose and aligning my hips with the crown of my head and all my fingers are wrapped perfectly around my heels. Those little things. It's amazing to breathe through the 26 asnas now and be able to fine tune like this. Class dedicated to: SKr. On her birthday, may this serve as a marker in the beginning of all new things to come. XO.
Day 25: Continuing the small adjustments. 90 minutes doesnt seem so long anymore...I blink, eagle pose is done. Blink again, standing is over. Camel hits, a surge of energy is felt. And class ends. Wow, I've come a long way! Class dedicated to: SO full of thanks and gratitude for those that have checked in with me along this journey. It is more motivating than you'll ever know!
Day 26: With the end in sight, the reflections have begun. I cannot believe I'm not only going to get through this, but get through this *well. My lung capacity and breathing are at a peak of personal practice. Finding my breath in the dreaded triangle pose, small sips of air in the first backward bend, breathing through camel, I really have come to surprise myself and let my body find it's groove. Class dedicated to: Just breathe.
Day 27: Tonight's class felt like I was floating. A breezy 90min. Class dedicated to: ahhh, the weekend :)
Day 28: Turning off and just allowing a 90min freedom from thought is a powerful thing. I felt very impowered by how far I've come these weeks in letting it all go during class. Releasing the noise. Funny how the world works...(discovered this article this weekend, spot on.) Class dedicated to: turning off. silence.
Day 29: Sometimes Lee and I joke that if we ever met Bikram Choudhury in person we'd say "Oh it's so nice to meet you!" and then slap him across the face (I mean he created the most intense yoga ever, the slap is in jest;) Today, I wanted to scream in class today. I hated every moment. One day before my month ends, I had my "come to Jesus" revelation and it was this: even when you're at the height of this practice, there's always lessons to be learned and you just can't take yourself so seriously. Class dedicated to: breathe, stretch, shake, let it go.
Day 30: I did it! Standing so tall tonight. Very proud of myself :) Class dedicated to: one simple phrase...."do yoga. life is better. the soul is happy" -Lorenza (instructor)
Day 2: Oh hello day 2. I've seen you before a handful of times, back to back days are intense. Eating 1.5hrs before class was the perfect amt of digestion and peak sugar/energy level achievement. Still feeling the effects of the steak & red wine clogging the bod. Only sat for one triangle. Felt that "I'm building strength back" thought at many moments. Definitely felt the heat. *Class dedicated to: encouraging friends & family. Thank you:)
Day 3: Forced to go to a class at certain time of day which meant taking from my least favorite instructor. I knew today would be tough so I sat in a "cooler" part of the room only to be told that I had to move from the windows (cool spot) due to crazy instructor. Felt like a highly mechanical, military like session, impersonal and just there to get in and get out. A wave of slight dehydration hit during third posture of floor series. Hours later, really feeling lightheaded/dehydrated/headache. Class dedicated to: peace of mind & clarity.
Day 4: So when I first started 3 days ago so much was rumbling in my head that I think my ability to zone out was actually just deafening noise that the only route was total shutoff mode. Today, more clarity but little things kept creeping into the meditation and throwing me off a bit, not to mention the heater guy popping into class every 5min to test the fans. Minute distractions. Lower back is crampy esp during Camel but working through it. Class dedicated to: being grateful for these 90 min, even though they are tough.
Day 5: A GREAT CLASS. Oh such a wonderful class. As always happens when I take a bikram break and then jump back in, I never think I'll make it back to feeling strong and really owning the postures. PJ, one of my top fav instructors, led us through such the perfect balance of lighthearted mental state and kick your butt strengthening series. I sat in the front row for the first time since coming back. I held standing head to knee with elbows half bent for 30 seconds on both legs. I moved deeper into posture in "right leg in left leg out" (drawing blank on posture name) and got my foot flexed and off the ground. I was hoping a day like today would arrive soon after this challenge began simply to grant me some extra motivation. Class dedicated to: Trusting my gut.
Day 6: I would say I'm on a roll, but that would be the total way to jinx this challenge so disregard that mental note. Day 6 was a Friday and Friday's are normally a day off for me workout wise. Especially after the previous 5 days. I went with a little grump in my face and body but as soon as class got beyond pranayama breathing, I was in a groove. Perfect heat today. Great instruction from Dan helping me tweek positions that have been giving my lower back a bit of trouble recently. Class dedicated to: Those who've come before us. Been thinking alot about my Pap Kernion the past few days---this past Tuesday wouldve been his 92nd birthday. Wonderful memories of my childhood with him :)
Day 7: Well that wasn't fun. I mixed up the class time in my Saturday morning vegging out and ended up going to scarycrazyawful Bruce's bikram torture chamber class which was the next offered. BRUTAL. I couldnt even look myself in the eye as I tried to control my breath(which was out of control due to hating the way he runs his class more than the cardio challenge---which was intense for sure). Mean instructors that put students down do not get my vote. Class dedicated to: just breathe.
Day 8: My first bikram date;) Lee (semi-enthusiastically) offered to join me for today's session. Killer/awesome class always easier when you practice with someone else. So much more motivating by simply making the process less of a chore and more of a shared activity! Who's next?! Class dedicated to: my supportive hubby. (who jokingly thinks I should dedicate every class to him haha.)
Day 9: I've learned over the past few classes that the moving meditation and peace it brings is really transformative in my day. I have to learn to not pick up the phone and call/text/email back right after leaving class as reentering the NYC world after class is quite jarring. Today's morning session was so peaceful. It's still not NOT hard though. My chest rises and falls very dramatically at times. My pulse races in standing bow pulling pose. My quads shake like crazy in the standing seperate leg streching one. But boy am I making progress. Class dedicated to: SKr
Day 10: Okay I needed an easy day. And got it. Finally. Class dedicated to: this being a lifelong "sport." I hope I'm 90 and still doing yoga :)
Day 11: Ali joined me and we both got our butts kicked today. Great instructor, Jen, but the studio is having a tough time keeping the various pockets of the room at a constant temp---there are literally microclimates in every corner that swing 5-10degrees, a HUGE difference in humid heat. It was the first time since Day 1 that I had wanted to run out of the room but proud that I did not. Muscles are starting to get a bit tired. Class dedicated to: Ali. Just by being there she made the class that much more enjoyable to attend :)
Day 12: Today was a "namaste" kind of class. The guy next to me was a big ol pile of grumble mad---a big huffing and puffing mess(although in great shape.) Concentration had to be super focused. Battled the changing temps. Still finding calm in the 26 poses becoming such a routine and habit. Class dedicated to: my hometown girls & childhood memories.
Day 13: A few things of note: 1---while my concentration on one point on myself and standing still is getting very good and I'm pretty determined about breath control....that one point on my body is the tiny mole above my belly button. I'm pretty sure they want you looking on your forehead or your eyes. I think this is a natural coping mechanism I've developed as in when my heart races and I calm down by breathing SEEING myself fatigued would make it worse. So I stare elsewhere. Going to try and get out of this habit by next week. 2---My heart seems to be getting cardiovascularly stronger w each class aka i can tell recovery time is shorter. 3---I was extra fidgety in savasana. I'm never fidgety in savasana. Weird. I think my shorts were too tight. Oops. Class dedicated to: FRIDAY :) TGIF.
Day 14: Lee joined again! Sat on the "cold" side of the packed room. Odd and unfocused instructor but still a good Saturday class and kickoff to a few days off football watching. Really stretched in tree stand and rabbit pose today. Small changes that make such a difference. Class dedicated to: One thing at a time...
Day 15: So I offically hate bow pulling pose. My gimpy hips are such a struggle to get parallel to the floor and honestly, I feel like so many other people in class around me cheat. Bothers the heck out of me. Had the best camel pose to date. And Day 15 marks my "over the hump" of the 30days! Class dedicated to: I've totally got this challenge. Empowerment.
Day 16: *yawn* I was sleepy and lethargic today. Morning classes always awaken different senses and today it was that I need to take it easy and listen to my body. My muscles are starting to get a bit tired and I could reallly juse a day off or better yet a massage haha. I'm finding that my feet, ankles and stabilizer ligaments & tendons are getting hella strong. I got corrected in standing bow to get my left hip DOWN (what else is new?). Class dedicated to: My Mom! She's decided to become a certified hatha yoga instructor :)
Day 17: Okay, so taking Pepto + NyQuil last night to ward off what felt like queazy stomach and headcold wasn't the best idea. Medicine head all day long. All the detoxing has really made my system sensitive to medicine and boy did I feel that today. Groggy, yawn-filled morning combined with no caffiene turned this into a "just get through it" kind of 90min practice. Practicing what I preach....the only yoga class you regret is the one you dont attend. Even after being a total weakling in every posture today, it was better than not going and forfeiting this challenge, no brainer. Class dedicated to: my friend Jenny, a gal pal I've had since I was 7yrs old who is kicking ass and taking names these days in buisness school and life in general. Love you!
Day 18: Best class to date. Feeling all kinds of crappy before class(physically this darn cold, mentally becoming quite drained from the discipline this challenge requires) and had a lovely conversation with 4 different instructors who parted words of encouragement and wisdom and "I've been there" stories. PJ lead us through such a great class and even stopped to tell a brief yoga story during savasana that was just the motivational kick I needed. Still feeling a bit under the weather but the yoga brought back a good deal of life to today. Class dedicated to: making mindful choices.
Day 19: (SOAPBOX alert): My mind drifted today during final savasna about how I got to this point. This point in life where I am able to make a physical (and yes, time) committment to this 30 days of practice. I've had alot of friends, aquaintences, and even 1 random person in the lockerroom ask me about my "secret" to this whole healthy living thing. It's taken me years to find what works for me---to find what makes me feel strong and content both mentally and physically. For me, it was about taking my tough witted ego out of the equation and just making a habit of the things I knew were right. I've had a great role model in my life, my Mom, who was ahead of her time in the whole vegetarianism/holistic life outlook. While I'm not a vegetarian (quick stink with it pre-wedding but not my chosen path), I am able to glimpse into the future by having parents that live a healthy lifestyle. Staying not just active but FIT. Eating enough greens, staying away from loads of processed foods, and cleansing my body through yoga. And you know, indulging and enjoying the indulgance every so often. Class dedicated to: Friends, just do it. do what feels good and do more of it. whatever it is and make it a habit.
Day 20: "Breathe. Eat a warm meal. Appreciate Life. Namaste" - PJ, instructor. So so happy it is Friday. Class dedicated to: my sweet friend Milly who has been a bikram buddy through my year post hip-surgery and the of the most encouraging and uplifting friends in life. XO!
Day 21: I'm realizing more that days of struggle---the ones where the heat and humidity are just brutal---are the ones that bring about the most change and future strength. Class dedicated to: just that.
Day 22: The light---the teeny tiny very far ahead of me still light at the end of the tunnel came into vision tonight. After a weekend of family visitiing and Sunday friend activites, a late night class was the only option. I'm feeling renewed and ready to tackle the week (and did one helluva full locust pose today, hip bones only things on the ground, body full up in air....got a good smile and congrats from the instructor...needed that!) Class dedicated to: my sister....all that we share and our growing connection even as we are cities apart. XO.
Day 23: I just....I hit another wall today. My body's tired and spent. I was wishing all class that today was actually the last day. I imagine this is how some runners feel during the month leading up to a marathon. You know you can do it, but just want the satisfaction of the victory already. That's where I'm at. Class dedicated to: the journey and the steps along the way.
Day 24: Little things. Like keeping my foot straight not slightly pigeon toed in standing bow pulling pose....or keeping a completely flat back while going into standing seperate leg stretching pose and aligning my hips with the crown of my head and all my fingers are wrapped perfectly around my heels. Those little things. It's amazing to breathe through the 26 asnas now and be able to fine tune like this. Class dedicated to: SKr. On her birthday, may this serve as a marker in the beginning of all new things to come. XO.
Day 25: Continuing the small adjustments. 90 minutes doesnt seem so long anymore...I blink, eagle pose is done. Blink again, standing is over. Camel hits, a surge of energy is felt. And class ends. Wow, I've come a long way! Class dedicated to: SO full of thanks and gratitude for those that have checked in with me along this journey. It is more motivating than you'll ever know!
Day 26: With the end in sight, the reflections have begun. I cannot believe I'm not only going to get through this, but get through this *well. My lung capacity and breathing are at a peak of personal practice. Finding my breath in the dreaded triangle pose, small sips of air in the first backward bend, breathing through camel, I really have come to surprise myself and let my body find it's groove. Class dedicated to: Just breathe.
Day 27: Tonight's class felt like I was floating. A breezy 90min. Class dedicated to: ahhh, the weekend :)
Day 28: Turning off and just allowing a 90min freedom from thought is a powerful thing. I felt very impowered by how far I've come these weeks in letting it all go during class. Releasing the noise. Funny how the world works...(discovered this article this weekend, spot on.) Class dedicated to: turning off. silence.
Day 29: Sometimes Lee and I joke that if we ever met Bikram Choudhury in person we'd say "Oh it's so nice to meet you!" and then slap him across the face (I mean he created the most intense yoga ever, the slap is in jest;) Today, I wanted to scream in class today. I hated every moment. One day before my month ends, I had my "come to Jesus" revelation and it was this: even when you're at the height of this practice, there's always lessons to be learned and you just can't take yourself so seriously. Class dedicated to: breathe, stretch, shake, let it go.
Day 30: I did it! Standing so tall tonight. Very proud of myself :) Class dedicated to: one simple phrase...."do yoga. life is better. the soul is happy" -Lorenza (instructor)