Alright, I’m excited to share things with you today. Really excited! So let’s quickly get through today’s breakfast.
Hot coffee…extra yummy today for some reason.
A bowl of muesli made with plain Chobani, crushed pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries.
Since I went sweet with breakfast today, I guess I’ll have no excuse to not get some veggies in at lunch now.
Okay, okay, enough of that…let’s get to the good stuff!
Yesterday, I asked if you’d be willing to take a yoga challenge with me and many, many of you raised your hands with excitement. Soooo, seeing as though today is the start of a brand new month, I thought it’d be the perfect time to do this…
The June Yoga Challenge!
That’s right! We’re holding a June Yoga Challenge up in here, friends.
This month, I’m taking the challenge to incorporate more yoga into my life. I love the way it makes me feel, both mentally and physically, yet it almost always gets pushed to the side. Why do I do that?
So now by starting this challenge, I’ve really got something to hold me accountable…but I want you guys to join me! And the best part about it is that it really is not complicated AND you can customize it.
For those of you following along with a blog of your own, I’ve created this snazzy little widget for you to post proudly on your site…I know, I’m shocked I figured out how to even do it.
**Edited: The original code directed you to a broken link – make sure to get the updated link above!**
So…What’s the Challenge?
- For me, I’m challenging myself to incorporate three sessions of a yoga a week into my workout routine. The length of sessions doesn’t matter – 45 minutes, 30 minutes, 10 minutes – as long as I do three sessions.
- If you want to join in on the challenge but you think three sessions would be too much (or too little!) then you can create your own yoga challenge.
- Maybe you want to master a new pose?
- Maybe you want to finally try out that hot yoga studio down the street?
- Maybe this is going to be your first-ever attempt at down dog?
- It’s totally up to you!
What if I don’t have any yoga equipment/studios/DVD’s?
- No worries! There are about a gazillion DVD’s out there. I have a few that I enjoy (all of which are in my Amazon Store):
- 10lb. Slimdown
- Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown
- Body By Bethenny
- If anyone else has any DVD’s that they love, feel free to link up here!
- There are also plenty of great yoga websites that offer free or low-cost yoga videos for you to try…
- http://www.yogadownload.com/ <—free & low-cost video and audio
- http://www.doyogawithme.com/yoga_classes <—free, from what I can see
- And of course, there’s always YouTube!
How will I check in?
- On Fridays, I’m going to do a recap post of how the week went for myself (did I get all 3 sessions in, how am I feeling, etc…) and I would encourage you to do the same. I will have a link-up (similar to WIAW) where you’ll be able to link your own recap post, so this way we can all help cheer each other on! Our first one will be Friday, June 8th.
- If you don’t have a blog, but still want to include a recap, email me with a small snippet by Thursday at 5pm (sweettoothcourtney[@]gmail[.]com) and I’ll include it in my own post.
- You can tweet about the challenge using the hashtag #juneyogachallenge. This way, we can all follow along throughout the month (and use it for encouragement when we may need it!)
I really think that this is going to be a lot of fun, and I’m excited not only to see how I progress through the challenge, but to also see how many of you are willing and ready to jump on board with me. If there’s any other questions, or anything I missed, just ask.
Michelle@PeachyPalate says
Definitely going to give it a shot! I shall peruse the DVDs this evening! :)
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
I did 5 classes in the past 10 days (mostly because I needed to use up a Groupon), but felt absolutely wonderful. I got up early this morning to do a quick 30 minutes before work – perfect timing for the challenge!
Katie says
This is an awesome challenge! I too need to do more yoga and it always gets pushed to the side. I’d love to participate, except make it a more mind/body challenge for myself including Pilates and stretching into the mix. Thanks!
Caroline @ After Dinner Dance says
I’ve been wanting to start doing yoga forever. I’m a little weary of doing a video or something online because I don’t know if I’ll be positioning myself correctly, but I might give it a try! I’m also moving soon and there’s a yoga studio about a a block away…it would be so convenient!
Shana says
I’m in! Ashley Turner also has a great yoga series. Its the kind of video that feels easy while you’re doing it and then sneaks up on you later in the day! She also incorporates a lot of mindfulness into the practice so it’s a great brain and body workout.
Ashlee @ A Step in the Right Direction says
I am going to try to get into this challenge! I am 8 months pregnant so I am sure it will help to do a little yoga. I always feel relaxed after yoga, so I am looking forward to it. I just ordered one of these –> http://www.woot.com/plus/trainermat They have lots of mat options. And for $8 you get the mat and the DVD I thought that was pretty good :)
Faith @ For the Health of It says
I’m going to get myself an unlimited yoga pass with part of my bonus this month – I’ve been really feeling the need for the mental relaxation, and now is the perfect time to get in on it!
Linda says
*raising hand*
Jaren@Kiwi Fit Blog says
That mug is so cute!
Great challenge!!
Lindsey says
I love Yoga Meltdown and try and do it once a week, for June I would be happy to go your challenge and do it twice a week :) Thanks for the fun widget too!
Kayla says
You read my mind! I just started p90x and yesterday’s workout was 90 minutes of yoga. I was dreading it but felt so much better after I was done. I’m going to make a serious effort to starting incorporating it into my workouts on a daily basis!
Rosey H says
This is a great idea…..yoga is awesome! Can’t wait to get started.
Meg says
I’m in! between graduating and moving Im gonna need yoga this month!
BakingSuit says
Conveniently, I have some dvds to try that I finally unpacked from my move last year. SCORE!
I think I can do 3 yoga workouts a week some might be 10 min after a run or swim, but I can get them in. :)
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says
Well, I’m starting off on an interesting note. Planned yoga workout for today, but instead going to a chiro for some intense myofascial release through something called ART on my ITB. << I know you got that, my trainer friend. ;)
Casey @cswFitYoga says
I am in! Love yoga!
Kari says
I’m going to try this – I have NEVER done yoga, but have always wanted to! This will motivate me for sure. Thanks, Courtney!
Alex @ Healthy Life Happy Wife says
This is definitely a do-able challenge! I always make my goals so extreme & then end up giving up because I feel overwhelmed! I will definitely join this challenge though!
Angela says
Can’t wait to start this challenge! Oh, and another great spot for yoga videos is actually Hulu. Search Yogazone, and there are about 30 different videos to watch!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
like i said when you first mentioned this yesterday, i’m totally in!! i’m excited too! it will be fun. i’ve been loving that “do yoga with me” website… there’s tons of options and i love that it’s free!
Carissa says
I’m in! An awesome twitter friend mailed me the yoga DVD’s they gave at the Fitness Magazine event so that will be perfect. Yoga is something I always “say” I’m going to do and never make a priority. 3 times a week is my goal!
Megan@ The Running Doc says
I’ve never tried yoga before! I think I’ll take your challenge and use it as an opportunity to try it out!
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says
I’m excited to participate! I think 2 days a week might be more realistic for me, because I enjoy my other workouts so much, but it’s better than nothing :)!
Jen (@ jen is green) says
count me in, courtney!
Kalyn @ Simon Says: Live! says
What I love most about this is that it’s not ONLY yoga. I love yoga, but obviously it’s not always the most cardio-heavy workout and my hips have become SO tight from running and zumba. This seems like the best of both worlds! Good luck everyone!
k
Michelle @ Blogitness says
I’m excited! Looks like it’s time to use my groupon at a new yoga studio!
Ellie says
I am in! Thanks for the cool idea
Zoe says
I am in!! Looking for workout at home ideas and yoga sounds like a great idea, I guess I could even give it a shot outside?? I’ve only ever tried yoga once and I ended up hurting my hip and hobbling around for days. So hopefully I will be more successful this time! I might order the 10lb slimdown if you recommend it?
Molly Ritterbeck says
I am in – I need this!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Great challenge! I’ll sign up when I get home! I have two of the three DVD’s too, so I’m already to go!! Great idea!!
Jessamy @ The Rambling Asian says
Oh oh me me!!! I am totally in!! :)
Tara Burner says
love me some yoga! you know I’m in for this! I just posted dancers pose yesterday at http://t.co/jbscWJEP and am working on crow now :)
Danielle@Dish'n'dash says
I’m in! Can’t wait to start. I start training for another half-marathon next week so yoga will be great to incorproate for my post-run stretching.
Tamara says
I’m in!
I plan on getting to my yoga studio once or twice and doing the remainder of the sessions on my own at home.
I’m just started subscribing to Yoga Journal and there’s always a great sequence illustrated for home practitioners!
Tweeting and grabbing your button!
Thanks Courtney!
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says
Sounds like fun! I’m right in the middle of my own yoga challenge (day 14 of 30 days, once a day), or I’d join you for sure!
I just wish I had a cute button for my challenge ;-)
Rhona says
What a great challenge! I am in.
kaylie says
This sounds awesome! I was just thinking how much I love yoga and tend to neglect it. I’m so in! I could use a little more yoga in my life. :)
Holly says
I NEED to do this! Coincidentally my morning started off with 20 minutes of Yoga :) Score!
Megan says
What a great idea! I need to do more yoga to stretch out my tight muscles from running. I actually use the Tone It Up Long & Lean routine after a long run – which incorporates yoga moves. SO nice to stretch!
Sabrina @Work It Ms Jackson says
I’ve been telling myself I really need to do some yoga. I’m new to it but have taken a few classes and really like it, so this is perfect. And thanks to your post the other day about Workouts On Demand, I found them on my TV and will use those for a little while!
krystal@coffeecardiogoddess says
Im totally down for the June yoga challenge!! I incorporate yoga into my daily routine already so this will be great for me!
Michelle (Better with Berries) says
I’m going to give this a shot! I think my challenge will be to do yoga once a week – I’ve only tried it a handful of times, so anything will be an improvement! I might consider counting pilates as yoga too since I have been meaning to work that into my routine also.
Kattreena says
I am super excited about this! I just did a yoga class this morning! It was an hour long, and it was fantastic! I love the instructor, so I’ll be sad when my full time job starts only because I won’t be able to go to her class! Luckily, my gym offers multiple yoga classes, and all of the instructors are great! :) I have seriously been loving yoga, and this challenge will be a wonderful way to keep me motivated! Thanks! :)
Amy @ InspiredAmy says
I’ve never tried yoga before … ever! Maybe this is just the motivtion I need. I WOULD like to be more flexible. By that I mean I would like to be able to touch my toes when stretching ;)
Lauren @ Call Me Mrs. Rapp says
This non-yoga girl is challenging herself to 1-2 times a week! Better than nothing, right? :)
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
I like this idea! I need to check my gym’s schedule to see when the yoga classes are!
Rachael @ Ready To Get Sweaty says
I am ALL about this! Can’t wait to get started… I may even sign up for a class – it will be my first one too!
robfiasco @ run2thehills says
this just may be the kick in the butt I need to actually use the manduka mat that I bought a few months ago! i’m in!
Kalynn says
I always seem to push yoga to the side, also! I don’t have a blog, but I’m going to join the challenge and use it as a motivator to finally incorporate more yoga into my workout schedule!
Olivia says
I’ll give it a try! I usually do yoga once a week (for 90 minutes) anyway, but would like to incorporate some shorter sessions, too!
Jen Correa @ Mom's Gotta Run says
The other yoga videos that I love are Bob Harper and Gwen Lawrence. She has a GREAT yoga for runners routine on GaiamTV.
Julie says
Totally doing it! Awesome challenge. I’m also a huge fan of Elise Gulan http://www.elisegulan.com/. In case anyone is looking for more DVD options!
Katy says
I am definitely in! My doctor actually just recommended I try yoga to regulate my heart rate and breathing. This is the perfect opportunity to do just that!
Shannon says
This sounds like a great idea! I need to think about it. Put me under the ‘Maybe’ category. :)
Laura says
Wow, I think you read my mind! I took a few hot yoga classes a couple months ago & LOVED it but haven’t had (made) the time to go back after my “intro” month was up. I’ve been doing some at home & just bought a Rodney Yee DVD (Ultimate Power Yoga) & haven’t had a chance to try it out yet. My goal is to get my booty to hot yoga this weekend!!
Kaitlyn says
I’m in! just posted the widgets and my challenge goals. thanks, courtney!
Yaitza says
Perfect! I’m in!
Caitlyn M says
I am so excited about this! I remember when I first started doing yoga, It was my goal to master ‘crow/crane’ pose. Now, I do it every single time without fail! Sometimes – don’t tell anyone – but I do it just for fun.
Have you ever heard of Trish Stratus Yoga?
It is yoga done with these gloves that have weights on them! I really like it because you get to tone your body, but still get that relax-y yoga, ‘om’ feeling!
Stay lovely,
Caitlyn :)
Lea says
Awesome challenge! I participated in a 30 days of yoga challenge but I failed terribly at that one, 3x times a week is much more doable! Hopefully I can redeem myself with this one. Plus, my body is screaming at me to bring some more yoga back in my life, I’m also hoping to try out classes at a studio, I’ve only ever done yoga at gyms before.
Abby F says
ME! I have the same problem with pushing yoga to the side- and I did an hour long session earlier this week and I was SORE (I think it was the 5 minute plank)! I am in- 3 sessions a week, no matter how long :-)
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I love this! I did a 30 day straight yoga challenge a year and half ago and it was life changing. Sadly after a rough end to 2011 in terms of my health, I’ve had a hard time getting my momentum back. Hopefully this will help me return to my yoga practice. I notice a huge difference in my mental and physical state when I do it.
Meredith @ DareYouTo says
I’m in! This is JUST what I need right now. Love your way of letting us create our own challenge — 3 sessions of any kind :)
Sarah says
Love this challenge! I’m in!
Meg says
Great challenge Courtney!! :) I am IN!
Danni @ Healthy Kitschy Vegan says
This sounds like fun! I already do yoga every day…but I’ll use this as an opportunity to branch out in my practice!
Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See says
Yoga is the best! I love that it’s both a mental and physical workout. Great idea to do a challenge :)
Diane says
I’m in. I used to do yoga at least once a week but my training schedule changed and unfortunately, interfered with my yoga practice.
I’ve decided to change my yoga date to Thursday or Friday (instead of Sunday). My challenge is to bring my yoga practice back to at least once a week and become linger again.
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