3 Ways to Stay Strong During 20 in 30
3 Ways to Stay Strong During 20 in 30
Let’s be honest: Doing 20 yoga classes in 30 days is hard. We’re just one week into our biannual yoga challenge, but you may already feel sore, tired or worn out. You may want to skip a class or jump ship altogether, but stick with it. By November’s final savasana, your body will feel stronger and more supple, and your mind will be clearer and more focused.
Be good to yourself now more than ever. This challenge isn’t just about posting stickers to your yoga calendar. Now is the time to take inventory of your daily habits. Pay attention to what you’re offering yourself throughout the day. Have you drank water today? Is there such a thing as too much coffee? Who knows!
The truth is we’re only as healthy as the fuel we consume. Here are three ways you can stay strong during 20 in 30.
1. Hydrate
Ayurveda, a Vedic wellness practice complementary to yoga, reminds us that nature gets very cold and arid during late autumn/early winter. Bitter air is dehydrating, so your body may feel more stiff or creaky this time of year. Maybe your lips can’t soak up enough chapstick or your nose feels dry when you breathe.
Extra hot yoga during 20 in 30 will deplete your body more quickly of its essential water and electrolytes. Be sure you stay hydrated throughout the day especially on days you practice. Most medical professionals recommend the 8×8 Rule: Drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day to keep your body ready for yoga.
2. Bottoms up!
When you practice yoga in a warm room, you increase your body’s circulation and metabolism. Flowing and sweating through Sun Salutations accelerates your heart rate and torches calories, so make sure you give your body the fuel it craves. You work extra hard when you complete a 20 in 30 yoga challenge.
5. You get by with a little help from your friends
“Practicing with community can make the 21 classes a total breeze,” says PFY Asbury manager Matthew Dwyer. Try to coordinate some of your yoga classes with a friend. Don’t have a buddy yet? Great! This is the best time to make one. After class, introduce yourself to the person who just practiced next to you. Thank them for practicing with you. Gratitude is an easy conversation-starter with a stranger. Talk to one new person each class. After 21 classes you will be a part of something special: your very own yoga tribe. Community is what it’s all about. That’s the hokey pokey.
Good luck everyone! This is an intense challenge and you’re rocking it. We’re so proud of you.
