30 Days of Yoga

MishaWest79
MishaWest79 Posts: 166 Member
in Challenges
Let’s get energized, toned and flexible together by participating in this FREE 30 day Yoga challenge on YouTube.
Each workout is 12 minutes – 35 minutes, with the first being an introductory video.
All skill levels welcome (I am a beginner when it comes to Yoga :p ).

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLui6Eyny-UzwxbWCWDbTzEwsZnnROBTIL

Participants are encouraged to record pre-challenge details and post updated details after each round of workouts, see below.

PRE-CHALLENGE
Date:
Weight:
Neck:
Chest:
Left bicep:
Right bicep:
Waist:
Abdomen:
Hips:
Left thigh:
Right thigh:
Left calf:
Right calf:

Thoughts/Feelings going into this challenge:

ROUND 1
Days 1-8 completed
Date:
Weight:
Neck:
Chest:
Left bicep:
Right bicep:
Waist:
Abdomen:
Hips:
Left thigh:
Right thigh:
Left calf:
Right calf:

Thoughts/Feelings after round 1:

ROUND 2
Days 9 - 15 completed
Date:
Weight:
Neck:
Chest:
Left bicep:
Right bicep:
Waist:
Abdomen:
Hips:
Left thigh:
Right thigh:
Left calf:
Right calf:

Thoughts/Feelings after round 2:

ROUND 3
Days 16-22 completed
Date:
Weight:
Neck:
Chest:
Left bicep:
Right bicep:
Waist:
Abdomen:
Hips:
Left thigh:
Right thigh:
Left calf:
Right calf:

Thoughts/Feelings after round 3:

ROUND 4
Days 23-30 completed
Date:
Weight:
Neck:
Chest:
Left bicep:
Right bicep:
Waist:
Abdomen:
Hips:
Left thigh:
Right thigh:
Left calf:
Right calf:

Thoughts/Feelings after round 4:

I look forward to increased feelings of strength, flexibility and wellness while getting to know you all more.
Wishing you all an abundance of triumphant moments! <3

p.s Be sure to add each other for support along the way.

Replies

  • MishaWest79
    MishaWest79 Posts: 166 Member
    I will go first :)

    PRE-CHALLENGE
    Date: 30/07/2016
    Weight: 69kgs/152.1lbs
    Neck: 35cm/13.7"
    Chest: 97cm/38.1"
    Left bicep: 29cm/11.4"
    Right bicep: 29cm/11.4"
    Waist: 88cm/34.6"
    Abdomen: 102cm/40.1"
    Hips: 102cm/40.1"
    Left thigh: 56cm/22"
    Right thigh: 57cm/22.4"
    Left calf: 37.5cm/14.7"
    Right calf: 38cm/15"

    Thoughts/Feelings going into this challenge:
    Although excited I am also somewhat apprehensive as I wonder how much flexibility I have lost over the years. I want to do this challenge to help ease the muscle tension in my back as I know it will help with relieving pain. Another reason for choosing Yoga is to balance out the cardio I have started, I need a certain amount of stretching/flexibility in my routine. I am also hoping to tighten up some of my jiggly bits.
  • joans1976
    joans1976 Posts: 2,201 Member
    I'm in! It might take me 60 days but like Adriene said: "the rules are there are no rules."
    THANK YOU MISHA! ❤️

    PRE-CHALLENGE
    Date: 7/31/2016
    Weight: 171.0
    Neck: 14"
    Chest: 40"
    Left bicep: 13"
    Right bicep: 12.75"
    Waist: 34.75"
    Abdomen: 39"
    Hips: 40"
    Left thigh: 25"
    Right thigh: 24.5"
    Left calf: 14.75"
    Right calf: 14"

    Thoughts/Feelings going into this challenge:
    1) Apparently my left leg is bigger than my right-fun fact!
    2) I work crazy shifts Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday-afraid I will miss a day. Yes, afraid.
    3) Low back pain-pros AND cons here:
    Pros: strength, flexibility and deep stretches with breathing feels sooooo good
    Cons: what if I injure myself even more?
    4) Excited! I love the mental health benefits of yoga! I'm excited to go on this 30 day journey with @MishaWest79 and to meet some new folks too!
  • MishaWest79
    MishaWest79 Posts: 166 Member
    Just a reminder to take this as your own pace, starting whenever is good for you.
  • joans1976
    joans1976 Posts: 2,201 Member
    Thank you Misha! I may have to skip a day here or there mid-week. I appreciate you understanding!
  • MishaWest79
    MishaWest79 Posts: 166 Member
    ROUND 1
    Days 1-8 completed
    Date: 11/08/2016
    Weight: 68.1kg/150.1lbs
    Neck: 34cm/13.4"
    Chest: 97cm/38.1"
    Left bicep: 28.5cm/11.22"
    Right bicep: 29.5cm/11.61"
    Waist: 90.1cm/35.4"
    Abdomen: 98.5cm/38.7"
    Hips: 99cm/38.9"
    Left thigh: 55cm/21.6"
    Right thigh: 56cm/22"
    Left calf: 35.5cm/13.9"
    Right calf: 36cm/14.1"

    Thoughts/Feelings after round 1:
    I could fill pages upon pages here but will try to keep it simple.
    > The teacher is a lighthearted, enthusiastic, encouraging and humorous being who makes me want to stick with it. Her push to use intuition and be non-competitive is perfect, especially as this was very new to me.
    > The poses were amazing, my body is feeling stronger from the core muscles out and I am finding movement is becoming more fluid for me.
    > My back injury is feeling less painful.
    > There are some session that I wish were longer (seriously who would have thought that).
    > I feel high after each session and ready for bed so I do it at night and sleep better for it.
    > Some poses are very empowering and others soothing.
    > My inner child loves it!
    > I felt incomplete on days when I couldn't find time (weekend away).
    > I broke through my first plateau.
    > I feel less stressed and more focused on my breathing each day.
  • joans1976
    joans1976 Posts: 2,201 Member
    WOW MISH!!!!
  • joans1976
    joans1976 Posts: 2,201 Member
    Ugh! It cut off my whole reply! That's 2 pounds and 5.58" lost!
  • joans1976
    joans1976 Posts: 2,201 Member
    It cut off my reply again...grr. I will just send you a message.
  • MishaWest79
    MishaWest79 Posts: 166 Member
    @joans1976
    It must have been forum maintenance day when you posted this, I am only just reading your replies. Thanks so much for doing the math, I didn't look at it that way initially all I knew was how good it felt (and that my arm muscles were popping slightly). Yay!

    <3 Your encouragement is always appreciated, thanks gorgeous!
  • joans1976
    joans1976 Posts: 2,201 Member
    Okay, I wanted to post how I felt after 6 days before I got the "no exercise" from my PT.
    This was a little bit more of a "power" yoga if you will. It still incorporated all the breathing and acceptance of yourself but provided a better "burn." There were some days where I thought it was a bit short-only 16 minutes...what? The teacher is very motivating without making you feel as if you have failed if you take a break. Some of the poses are so powerful! I was doing yoga before this and it kept me mindful of my posture and breathing.
    I miss it every day! I will get right back on it as soon as I get the clear from my PT!
    Thank you @MishaWest79 for the introduction! Cant wait to hear how the rest goes! <3
  • MishaWest79
    MishaWest79 Posts: 166 Member
    ROUND 2
    Days 9 - 15 completed
    Date: 12/09/2016
    (Premenstrual and bloated).
    Weight: 55.7kg/122.8lbs
    Neck: 33.5cm/13.9"
    Chest: 82cm/32.3"
    Left bicep: 27cm/10.6"
    Right bicep: 28cm/11"
    Waist: 86cm/33.8"
    Abdomen: 98cm/38.6"
    Hips: 99cm/39"
    Left thigh: 55cm/21.6"
    Right thigh: 56cm/22"
    Left calf: 36cm/14.2"
    Right calf: 35.5cm/13.9"

    Thoughts/Feelings after round 2:
    > I missed my Yoga buddy <3@joans1976 terribly this round and lost some motivation! :'(:'(
    > Round 2 was slow with many days between practice, what I noticed was every few days I would feel restless do a Yoga session and reset. It has been great for my mental health.
    > Some of the postures feel incredible now that my strength has increased, especially Lizard pose...love it!
    > My back feels stronger and my flexibility is returning which is HUGE for me.
    > Warrior 3 needs more practice!
    > I have discovered this soothes my PMS like no other exercise.
  • MishaWest79
    MishaWest79 Posts: 166 Member
    Haha...what a silly mistake, must have been wishful thinking.
    Weight should read 65.7kg/145lbs (not 55.7kg/122.8lbs)

    Thanks @joans1976 for being my back-up brain :p
  • joans1976
    joans1976 Posts: 2,201 Member
    @MishaWest79
    Phew! I was worried about you!
    That's still a pretty epic change (even with bloating) for 4 weeks!
    5.1 pounds down!!!
    8.83" lost-FOREVER!
    Way to go. Seriously, you are a true inspiration. Keep me posted!
    I truly hope to someday post MY yoga stats and thoughts on here. It is truly a healing exercise.
  • DebbieNeedham1
    DebbieNeedham1 Posts: 234 Member
    Hi all - just done day 1 - first time doing yoga of any kind - found parts of it really quite centering and relaxing - then others quite challenging - yup even on day 1!!! gonna try day 2 - but going to take my time - as in not necessarily do it every day - bit by bit eh??

    How far through are you guys?? Had you done any yoga before??
  • joans1976
    joans1976 Posts: 2,201 Member
    @DebbieNeedham1
    Welcome! So awesome you are here! I was unable to complete more than the first 5 or 6 days due to a back injury, I'm pretty much under doctors orders to do nothing but swim. This is very restricting and disappointing for me but to answer your question....
    Read @MishaWest79 comments above-they give a lot of insight. I think she has completed days 1 to 16 (thereabouts)
    I did yoga before this challenge but only at home watching YouTube. It definitely is a great stretching and relaxing tool. Watch the instructional video she mentions on the Day 1. Focus on your breathing. If you can't do a pose all the way, don't. You WILL eventually be able to. It took me months to perfect downward dog. This yoga with Adriene is a little more fast paced than others because she gets your heart rate up at times. It all depends what you want to get out of it. There are some other YouTube videos that are about 30 minutes long and you only do 10 poses.
    No matter what you decide, stick with it. It will make you more toned and stronger mentally. You can use the breathing techniques to relax anywhere.
    Oh! Take your measurements before and after (after 2 weeks or 30 days or whatever you like) because you will be pleasantly surprised!
    Have fun!
  • DebbieNeedham1
    DebbieNeedham1 Posts: 234 Member
    @joans1976 - oh no what a shame!!! any idea when you will be better??

    thanks for the advice - I need to take things steady with the ME - will keep you posted :)
  • joans1976
    joans1976 Posts: 2,201 Member
    No idea when I will be better. I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon Sept 26...I want to avoid surgery. I would like to get better with physical therapy but I tried that once and it increased my back pain. I came on here and lost the weight to help with the back pain but in the meantime, I found out I have a fractured vertebrae so the pain is no better. So, lost 40 pounds, feel better everywhere else but my back. I still do deep breathing techniques to help with stress.
    Have fun with the yoga! Keep us posted!
  • MishaWest79
    MishaWest79 Posts: 166 Member
    Welcome @DebbieNeedham1 :)
    It is wonderful to have you along for the journey, well done for trying something new.
    I was a complete beginner when I started this challenge and already feel like I have learned an abundance of poses which is exciting! My flexibility has improved and I am feeling more balanced as I progress, I love it.

    I have also taken it easy, very easy in fact as I have CFS and can crash and burn when I push too fast, although the Yoga seams to be passive enough to tone me up without too much exertion. I have completed 15 days all up, I have also partaken in a few of Adriene's other sessions, her anxiety workout is incredible for those tough days as it is focused on Yogic breathing.

    Enjoy and I look forward to hearing how you find it.
  • gentlygently
    gentlygently Posts: 752 Member
    Mmm this looks interesting.... I'll take a peak next week when I have a bit more time. May well suit me too! Thanks.

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