If you follow me on twitter, you may have heard me talking about a 30 day, hot yoga challenge. I usually practice hot yoga twice a week but I really wanted to reset and feel healthy again after all the indulgences that accompany the holiday season. I felt like I needed to make a change to jump-start the new year.
I somehow conned my friend Natalie into doing the challenge with me and I have to say, she made the whole process so much fun and helped keep me accountable. I kept expecting to "hit the wall" and start dreading going to class after 30 straight days but shockingly that never really happened. Sure there were days when I didn't feel like going but I always felt so refreshed and invigorated after class. My goal wasn't to lose weight but I noticed a tightness and strength in my body that had been missing before. I developed muscles in my stomach that I hadn't seen in years! Another added bonus? I was sleeping better than I had in recent memory. Once my head hit the pillow I was out like a light until morning. Coconut water also became my best friend. I had one after each class as a way to keep my electrolytes in balance. That stuff is amazing.
It's been a little over a week since I finished the challenge and I am still reaping the benefits. I feel energized and renewed. I think one of the most important lessons that came out of this experience is that I can take 90 minutes out of each day and dedicate them entirely to myself, with no distractions. It wasn't always easy and it takes some planning but I feel stronger and more centered than I have in a very long time and that alone has made the experience totally worth it.
*Image found here.
