Completing a 30-Day Yoga Challenge is much like training for a marathon. One and a half hours a day of yoga for 30 days in a row is not only a time commitment, but an emotional and physical commitment as well.
Despite working three jobs, including a 50-hour week in a chiropractor’s office, as well as working in a busy restaurant and babysitting at her church, Cindy Ramirez, was committed to completing a 30-Day Challenge at Bikram Yoga Santa Barbara.
Here’s how Cindy overcame the challenges of “the challenge.” achieved her goals — and unexpectedly more…
Q: What was your intention/goal in signing up for the 30-Day Challenge?
I wanted to see my body change. Despite working out my whole life, I’d never seen the changes I wanted.
Q: What has been the biggest “challenge” and how did you overcome that?
Time management was the biggest challenge because I work three jobs. But I had a conversation with my boss and we worked out a schedule that would allow me to practice yoga every day.
As a beginner, the first few weeks is just about getting through the heat, but as you acclimate, the heat doesn’t bother you – and you start to focus. Focus on doing the postures properly, such as holding in your stomach and switching your grip. As a result, I’ve noticed that I’m also more focused and calm outside the yoga studio.
There were mental challenges as well, because while I love to work out, I’m not an extreme warrior. But you make the commitment to show up, and once you do that, you can get through everything else.
Q: What was the most surprising part of the experience?
I’ve always struggled with balance, so when I started to find balance in the poses, I felt strong – and that I was effectively using my core.
Q: What was your biggest sense of accomplishment?
During my last class, the teacher acknowledged that I was giving it my all. That moment made me realize what I had accomplished. My body has changed, but so has my attitude.
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