Yoga Challenge - March 2011

Momentum is rolling for the 30 Day Yoga Challenge at Detroit Bikram! Congratulations to all of the yogis who are showing up every day to practice yoga. Even those who don't practice every day are probably feeling the effects of the energy around the studio.

If this is your first time doing a challenge you might be experiencing a whole range of feelings, in both your body and mind. Don't be suprised if you notice that...

• you feel amazing, relaxed, limber, comfortable in your own skin, and completely rejuvenated
• you are less stressed during your day
• there is a little extra room in your jeans
• you feel sore in certain places or your muscles are stiff
• you have a difficult class or series of classes when you feel less flexible than the day before
• you experience some highs and lows, ebbs and flows

All these experiences are a natural part of the Yoga Challenge. Why such a variety or experiences? Because 'progress' in your yoga practice is not always linear. Instead, your practice will blossom in unpredictable ways, this direction or that direction. It's entirely possible that you do not feel a lot of progress DURING the Yoga Challenge. This is very common and is nothing to be concerned about. We know from past Challenge experience that most improvements come in the weeks and months AFTER the Challenge is over.

We encourage you to consider the 60 Day Yoga Challenge! It's not every day that you have completed 30 Days in a row, so go ahead and keep the momentum going. Go for it! Just ask for a 60 Day sticker at the desk, and place it top of your completed 30 Day sticker. Bikram advises 60 days in a row for complete transformation, inside-out!

There are many of you who could not commit to the daily Yoga Challenge due to your other responsibilities, so we ask you to give this a try: simply attend a few more classes per week, and take the classes on CONSECUTIVE DAYS. For example if you normally practice only a couple times throughout the week, try attending 4 days in a row! Even if you just try this once, I promise you will feel tremendous changes in your practice. There is nothing to lose! You will only feel better as a result.

As always, it is important to stay hydrated when you practice daily, and even more important if you do a 'double'. Lots of water is essential, but it is also important to make sure you are not depleted of electrolytes and trace minerals. If you ever feel dizzy, nauseous, or lethargic in class or throughout the day, you might be dehydrated. Fruits (the juicier the better) and vegetables (especially the green ones) are also very hydrating. If you feel like you have a difficult time drinking enough water, have a couple of apples, oranges, or grapefruits throughout the day. Eat more green leafy veggies for lunch or dinner. Grab a coconut water or electrolyte pack to help stay hydrated. Educate yourself more with Jenny B's article Hydration Is A Lifestyle.

ALWAYS feel free to talk to a teacher, whether it's a technical question about a posture, or just for some motivation and inspiration!

~ Erika Budson, Certified Bikram Yoga Teacher

Erika Budson is a senior Bikram Yoga teacher at Detroit Bikram in Michigan. Erika completed her Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in 2001, and has taught over 5,000 Bikram Yoga classes in the past 10 years. She has a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education from Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado. Erika is currently working on a graduate degree in Community Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy at Wayne State University in Detroit.