Just when I think I’ve got this yoga challenge in the bag, there are days that sneak up on me in which I struggle to make it through each class. Sometimes my breathing is off or my body is sore therefore preventing me from going deep in each pose.
I simply allow these things to naturally occur and not let it consume my every thought. Once class is over, I move on and focus on the rest of my day. I realize that tomorrow is another day and I can try again then.
On another note, I am amazed at how far I have come! Mentally, I am a more relaxed, care-free person able to enjoy each moment instead of anxiously wondering what’s going to happen in my future regarding career, relationships, finances, etc. I simply am able to just be. Being the perfectionist that sometimes labels my every action, being able to let go of worry is the greatest gift my Bikram yoga practice has placed upon me thus far.
If you haven’t read already, check out my recap on my 30 day challenge for days 1 – 17 here, here, and here. Read about days 18 – 24 below:
Day 18 – Monday 7/15/13
I had no idea of the social following and interest I’d gather with my 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge. It has been a welcome surprise. A few of my friends have joined me in Bikram yoga classes – for some, it was their first time ever. I have one friend who is undergoing her own 30 day challenge.
It feels good to give someone the experience of trying a Bikram yoga class. In fact, I encourage everyone to try it out. Many studios offer discounted introductory packages for new students. Find your nearest Bikram Yoga Studio and check it out! Then let me know how it went!
Other activity done for the day: n/a
Day 19 – Tuesday 7/16/13
Today, the teacher focused her attention on me during Balancing Stick Pose (Tuladandasana)

Balancing Stick Pose (Tuladandasana)
I love how this pose exudes strength, confidence, and elongates the body. It takes concentration and willpower to trust that you can balance yourself on one leg, with knee locked, with body perpendicular and stretched out like a ‘T’ shape and not a broken umbrella.
Sometimes when my concentration is not all the way there, my standing leg wobbles and shakes. My other leg doesn’t get up as high as it needs to and my pointed fingers points sideways instead of straight forward towards the mirror. The teacher had my back today and helped me out a bit, thankfully.
Balancing stick pose perfects control and balance, firms the hips, butt, and upper thighs. It increases circulation and strengthens the cardiovascular system and improves poor posture. Flexibility, strength, and muscle tone of shoulders, upper arms, spine, and hip joints all improve because of this pose. With swimsuit season in session, it’s the answer to any girl’s flabby arm problems.
Other activity done for the day: 40 minute run
Day 20 – Wednesday 7/17/13
One day I will master Fixed Firm Pose (Supta-Vajrasana)

Fixed Firm Pose (Supta – Vajrasana)
From the photo above, fixed firm pose looks like a sexy, flirty present that you just want to unwrap. Am I right? Lol. Unfortunately for me, the furthest I can go in the posture is opening my feet wide enough to sit my hips down as low as they go until my butt touches the floor.
At this point in my yoga practice, my hips are so tight that my butt remains in the air, about 3 inches from the floor. Once the hips open up and I’m able to sit my butt all the way down, I can then lower my upper body back and down until it’s on the floor like the photo above. Then I can say that I am a sexy, flirty present that you just want to unwrap. Hope that’s not too weird.
Other activity done for the day: n/a
Day 21 – Thursday 7/18/13
I’m not saying that everyone needs to do Bikram yoga. But, it is an amazing practice that improves the physical, mental, and spiritual being. If you can, try it: give it a month of going at least 3 times per week (ideally 5x) before you decide if it’s for you or not. Bikram yoga offers crazy huge benefits including:
– Detoxifies skin and cleans out dirt from the pores resulting in the famous bikram yoga glow
– Relieves stress
– Increases blood circulation throughout body (hello improved libido!)
– Cardiovascular and resistance weight training workout in one
– Boosts digestive system
– Reduces cravings for processed food and food in general, stabilizing appetite
– Speeds up metabolism and normalizes blood sugar levels
– Reduces flatulence, and eases bowel movements
I can attest to many of the above. In fact, I received a massage from a Chinese masseuse not too long ago and she almost screamed in shocking amazement when I told her my age. Seems she was under the impression that I was a teenager. “Naw,” I said smiling, “it’s just that Bikram yoga glow.”
Other activity done for the day: Zumba!
Day 22 – Friday 7/19/13
I’ve been really interested in yoga related quotes lately. Something about them offers inspiration and allows me to relax my mind and know that I’ve got this challenge squared away and will cross the finish line without fail. Here are a few quotes that I am digging:
Nothing can steal happiness, peace away from you: if anyone does make you angry, you are the loser; if someone can allow you to lose peace, you are the loser. –Bikram Choudhury
On an airplane, you are always told to put on your oxygen mask first. The same way in life, you need to take care of your health first. If you are not happy and healthy, you cannot make anyone else happy and healthy. -Rajashree Choudhury
Breathe and all will be revealed, love and all will be healed. This is yoga. –Seane Corn
Other activity done for the day: 30 minute park workout of sprints, lunges, burpees, jumping jacks
Day 23 – Saturday 7/20/13
I visited a different Bikram Yoga studio in El Cerrito this morning because the timing fit my schedule better than my regular studio in Oakland. It is true what they say: the instructions in bikram yoga classes are the same everywhere you go. Therefore it makes it super easy to visit different yoga studios no matter what city, state, or country that your travels may take you. I recommend you try out different studios whether locally or while traveling, for a new experience.
My only recommendation is to bring your own mat and towel just out of sheer comfort. Laundry was still on my to-do list so I had to pay $2 to borrow a baby-sized towel that barely fit 1/3 of my mat. It was kind of frustrating that during the postures, I had to focus my attention on not slipping on my own sweat.
But hey, you live and you learn. I’ll be back El Cerrito. 🙂
Other activity done for the day: n/a
Day 24 – Sunday 7/21/13
Sometimes a Bikram yoga girl can use a breather. My all-time favorite pose:

Dead Body Pose (Savasana)
Other activity done for the day: 15 minute walk
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Chika Obih is a certified holistic nutrition consultant; blogger; and founder of Chika Obih Wellness based in Oakland, CA and offers services virtually, in-person or by phone. Chika is passionate about empowering people to take charge of their own health utilizing the power of wholesome, clean foods and fun holistic lifestyle solutions. Contact Chika today to set up your free consultation.
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