Bikram 30 Day Challenge - Week 1
Written by AnnaDenise on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 21:57
A year after first trying and falling in love with Bikram yoga (read my posts on it here and here), I decided to do something to push myself over the edge of sanity. Or at least, that's what most people in my life seem to think. I've decided to take on the Bikram yoga 30 day challenge, where I go to class every day for 30 consecutive days. Of course, I drew about it (as always, click on the images to see a larger picture).
Week one started on June 2nd (a Monday - I like starting things on Mondays).
I had heard that the 30 days would be mostly a mental and emotional (as well as a physical) challenge, but I had not expected the claustrophobia I felt the first few days. Especially day two and three I was seriously doubting my mental health, feeling completely stuck when thinking of 28...27 more days to go.
Day four fortunately changed this, when I finally convinced my friend Debbie to come along and I was finally able to focus on something else besides my own non-stop mental chatter (thank you, Debbie!). She of course LOVED the class ;-)
And then the physical challenge started. I usually practice four to five times a week, taking a day rest in between classes. Day five and six were rough. I was just so... tired. Kostas, one of the yogis that started the challenge with me really dragged me through class at one point. Afterwards, my teachers then sent me straight to the organic store downtown to get some supplements (protein powder, magnesium, Himalayan salt, vitamins, coconut water, and lots of fruit and veggies).
Glad to say that made a world of difference physically and I ended the week on a high note, feeling very peaceful, strong and flexible. All classes seem to blend into one and I noticed today, that by the end of each day I really look forward to class (I take the evening classes, after work). Also, my teachers (Audrey, Sameer, Fitzjoy, and Aleksandra) and fellow students are very supportive. Thank you, all, if you're reading this by chance.
Since I know you all care greatly about my yoga practice, I'm glad to let you know I'll be posting an update again next week. Hurray, right?
PS: Unlike what a lot of people seem to think, I am not doing this challenge to lose weight. I've had my share of weight-related bullshit and am just done with it. This, for me, is about becoming emotionally stronger, mentally flexible, and physically more resilient. Just so you know I won't be posting weight updates, as I no longer use scales.
Oh. I wish I was crazy like you. Then I wouldn’t have heart palpatations every time I run for the bus.
Goog luck! :)
Good for your for doing this challenge. I just started a new workout program myself and I’m doing it to feel better, be more healthy and get stronger. Why is it always about weight with women? I’m thinking about throwing my scale out too. My worth isn’t determined by the amount my body weighs.
Looking forward to the next update!
Het is me gelukt op tijd in te schrijven voor de workshop op 23 juli in Utrecht! Ben zo benieuwd. Is het nodig of handig als ik materiaal meeneem? Tot ziens Helen
Two month ago i saw your draw and i thought: god! I want do one visual journal.!! Now, this project is a vicious for me. I would like to attend your courses , but I live un Spain. Could you make some other tutorial?
I love your works and i would like see more and more every day! Please, please! :)