Bend before you snap

So last November I did a 30 Day Bikram Yoga challenge, and I've finally found the video that the studio shot on the final day!

30daychallenge 1vimeoHD from Cherish Film Production on Vimeo.

Spot/listen out for the loser (aka:me!) at the following:

0:19 - "What did you find the most challenging?"

"I think I've done most of my classes in the morning so.. getting up super early- not what I'm used to.. and then feeling a little bit stiff but, yeah it's been really good, getting through it. Getting- I think the halfway point was my, like 'I can do this, I can finish it' *giggle*"

1:57 - "Why did you do the challenge/what have you gotten out of it?"

"Um I think just general flexibility.. and I think I'm- you know I feel a little bit lighter and a little bit more happy and- some days I look forward to coming, some days not so much.. But *giggle* yeah, it's been- it's been a really good experience so..."

4:31 - "Describe the challenge in 2 words"

"Intense, but rewarding *giggle*" (I know, I cheated)

So I'm a nervous giggler.

This is why I don't do public speaking.

But seriously, if you've ever thought about doing it I highly recommend giving it a go. I had a lot going on in my head at that point in life and I just wanted something else to focus on and keep me motivated. I hadn't practised in over 2 months and after my first class back I threw myself in the deep end and signed up for the challenge which started the following week, so whatever stage you're at it's doable. 

It is a 90-minute class with a good 10-15 minutes either side to get prepared and cool down, plus travel time depending on where your nearest studio is located. I was lucky enough that the challenge was on during a time when my work commitments weren't hectic and we had some admin days which meant I could get in an earlier class and get some [much needed!] rest and get away with coming into the office a few minutes late/escape a bit early.

"It's never too late, it's never too bad, and you're never too old or too sick to start from scratch once again." 

- Bikram Choudhury

That's a wrap

Ok so I got a bit lazy over the last few days of the blackout challenge so here's my wrap up.

Casual Friday involved a cozy knit and jeans combo, Saturday wasn't documented but consisted of a khaki maxi and white/blue striped top during the day which were swapped for jeans and a white pleather jacket for the night, while Sunday was spent cleaning my room and snoozing in a grey singlet and DIY cutoffs.

All-in-all I think the blackout challenge was a success. It definitely made me feel more awake and lifted my mood being the 'rose amongst the thorns' (this is especially obvious when waiting to cross at traffic lights on the terrace at lunchtime) and I occasionally felt a bit like Carrie from SATC.

While it's certainly a lot easier to stick with black staples I will definitely be making more of an effort to inject colour into my everyday work wardrobe.

Also, Friday was the final day of my 30 day bikram yoga challenge! I made it! It was definitely tough, and at times I just wanted to quit, but I stuck it out and actually let out a bit of a tear in the final savasana. 

Namaste.

Bikram Learnings.

"In Western medicine, we use poison to kill poison. In yoga, we use pain to kill pain- it's up to ourselves to determine what dosage we need."

I did my first Bikram class this morning after 6 weeks, since I'm still trying to establish my new work-life balance. I looked at the clock this morning and debated between getting up and getting back into classes or to remain snuggled up under the doona for a sleep in. I got up. Best decision :)

My Bikram Challenge and Mumma's Day

So my local Bikram Yoga studio turns 1 today, and to celebrate, yesterday they held a mini challenge- 4 classes in one day. And me being the crazy fool I am said "challenge accepted". Now It probably wasn't a great idea to have a week's break from bikram before doing the challenge but that just made it an even bigger feat to accomplish.

Class #1- 7:30 am. I still felt a little sore from the class I did the morning before, but even though the heat quickly limbered me up I still felt a bit uneazy and for half the class was thinking "what on earth have I gotten myself into, I'm going to die!"

Class#2- 9:30 am. The first class went over time so we only had around 15 minutes to have a quick break. I guzzled some Cocobella for electrolyte replacement before getting back into the yoga room. This class was barely different from the first in terms of the way I was feeling. I was still kicking myself for going through it, but tried to 'stay present' and just follow the dialogue. After class I was seriously thinking of just not going back for the afternoon session, went home and had a light lunch, quick shower, some more electrolytes and an 8 min nap...

Class #3- 2pm. Well, I forced myself to go back even if it would just be for the third class. I think the little bit of rest did me good, because the third class was amazing. I got through all the postures, worked hard and didn't feel faint at any time, it just felt like a regular class and it gave me lots of positive energy to get me back into the room for the last class.

Class #4- 4pm. I felt like I was going to vomit. For some reason the elation I experienced during the last cass didn't carry over to this one and I just didn't feel great, but I made the decision to stay in the room for the whole class, sitting out of a posture when I felt faint and holding back on some of the others. But I made it to the end, and I feel good for doing it. I was still alive and Mum applauded me when I came home :)

I then went out for a 21st that night. And wore heels. Bad move.

Today my hamstrings are killing me but I soldiered on and Mum and I indulged in a buffet lunch at the Joondalup Resort and Country Club for Mother's Day. We pretty much celebrate here each year because a) no cooking and cleaning involved and b) the food is always good (chocolate fountain anyone?)

I came down with a classic case of eyes-bigger-than-stomach syndrome and fell into a 90 min food coma when I got home (probably a good thing I did all that yoga the day before!)

Happy Mother's Day to all the mums out there and I hope you all got to spend a lovely day with your families :)


On another note, I start my new job tomorrow! Just a tad excited mixed with a bundle of nerves haha.

Pics via iPhone