Yoga Challenge: What It’s All About
I’m am happy to see such enthusiasm for the 31-Day Yoga Challenge! And, I am psyched that I am going to have some (virtual) buddies to do it with! 
I know we will be great yogi cheerleaders for one another!
To keep you guys motivated all month long, I will be creating an online journal where we can share our experiences, insights, observations, successes, and challenges with yoga as well as offer advice and opinions on our favorite poses, equipment, classes, DVDs, audio and video sessions. It’s basically going to be a mish-mash of yoga-related goodies to keep us inspired!
So, here’s how the journal will work:
- Each day, I will comment on my yoga experience in a blog post. On the same blog post, you guys can comment about your own yoga practice for the day. Feel free to comment about anything that you want– it can be reflective and personal or just a general comment, like “I like YogaDownload’s ‘Yoga for Runners’ because it really stretched my hamstrings’!”
- At the end of the day, I will compile all of your comments and link them to the 31-Day Yoga Challenge page as a record of our progress. Once we complete the challenge, looking back to see how far our minds and bodies have come will be really cool!
As a little incentive to participate, there will be prizes at the end of the 31-Day Challenge! I’m still working out the details, but the prizes will be yoga-related goodies (mats, DVDs, etc.) (Hopefully, I will have more details about this soon!) As part of determining the winners, the more you comment and participate in the journal, the more chances you have to win!
I am super excited to begin this challenge on Sunday! I’ve tried yoga on and off for years, but the “habit” never really stuck. (I used to go to a weekly class at Healthworks, but I only lasted about 3 months.) The random yoga that I’ve done every now and then has been enjoyable, but not THAT enjoyable for me. Being so inflexible, I’m not really good at it– it’s even painful at times (i.e. pigeon pose)! Plus, I am still getting past the thinking that yoga isn’t really a “workout.” I know, I know, I am completely wrong about this, but my thinking for the past decade has been: workout = cardio (running, biking, tennis, etc.) or strength training (free weights, Nautilus, etc.). I have a feeling this new thinking is going to be one of MANY things that I will learn about yoga (and myself)! I’m looking forward to the journey, guys! 
Countdown to 31-Day Yoga Challenge: 1 day!!!
Posted by: Tina 62 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
so excited about the challenge!!!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
YOGA!!!!! MY DAILY CONSTANT!!!!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
so excited ! this will be greatttt
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I am super excited about this Yoga Challenge! I seriously devote half of my entire day to yoga/pilates so this challenge is going to be super fun for me! thank you for hosting such a wonderful thing!!!! ;]
now let’s start with some tree pose! yay. NAMASTE everyone!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
So excited about the challenge
Hope I can keep up!!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
yeah! what a great idea. i’ve been taking classes 3x a week for the past month and a half. while they’ve been very helpful in learning the proper techniques, they are workshop style and not any sort of flow so it hasn’t made me fall in love with it. i’m excited to participate in this challenge!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I think I would like to participate in this! I don’t practice yoga nearly enough, and this would be a great incentive for me.
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Yay, so excited for this challenge!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I’m really looking forward to this! Thanks for organizing!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
What a great idea! I can’t wait to start this
I’ve already downloaded a few podcasts and will be printing out some pose guides today so I am ready on Sunday!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
yay! I’m so with you on the “workout” approach. I tried yoga once and quit b/c I didn’t think it was a good workout. I’m ready to move beyond that and give it another try. Thanks for the movitation. I’ve even contacted Polly to get some advice for getting started. Cheers to March!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
So excited for this!!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
OMG I am so excited about it! This is like a major motivation to get myself going!!! I even put your blog link ono my page incase anyone else wants to join in.
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Love this idea! So cute!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Love the Idea Tina! Keep it going…
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
This is great. Thanks for organizing! I can’t wait!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I can’t wait to try and review the new yoga DVDs I bought. One is the biggest loser yoga, with trainer Bob as the instructor!!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
yay! i’m pumped about this challenge! thanks for putting this together Tina!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
I have been taking yoga at a studio for a while now. I do Vinyasa, which is perfect for me, because it has a pretty fast-paced flow and keeps my heart rate up. When I first joined, the owners (a husband and wife, who teach all of the classes) had me fill out a form and the one question was “Why do you want to do yoga?” I wrote – strength, a workout. meditation, relaxation. They were pretty quick to tell me that the meditative aspects are really crucial and the strength will come from practicing.
Also, the woman always leaves us with a quote or passage to focus on before Shavasana … one day she said “One of the many benefits of yoga is a strong body, a flexible body. What many don’t realize is that yoga also provides you with a strong, flexible mind. Once you learn to breathe through the challenges in yoga, you can do the same in your life”.
Sorry this was so long, but yoga has truly been both for me. You should know you deserve that time every day to focus on yourself
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Great!!! I’ll be doing this along side everyone!!
I posted it on my blog today to get the word out hehe; i’m just really ever so excited about this challenge!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
[...] keep me focused on it!! Make sure to check it out! She has just posted some more info about it here. There will be a great comment section where everyone can keep up to date with how others are [...]
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I’ve been MIP (Missing In Pukage) but was so excited to read about this yoga adventure! I think the results will be amazing!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
This sounds like so much fun! I can’t wait. I do hope that when I go to AZ for Spring Break, my friend won’t be weirded out haha
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I usually go to a my yoga class on Sunday mornings but your blog just inspired to do more of it at home. I used to do it all the time with “Namaste Yoga” and “Inhale Yoga” so thankfully my DVR still had them recorded! I will try to squeeze them in every night.
Have a great weekend everyone =)
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
This is such a great idea! By chance, I started my yoga practice last night and loved it! I hope to join you.
p.s. love your blog!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
awesome! can’t wait!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Love your yoga idea! I’m hoping to participate!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Tina, I am right there with you. I am super inflexible and at times it is a bit embarrassing. But I never stuck with the yoga because to me if I am not drenched in sweat it isn’t a tough workout. Which I am learning that is not true. So I love the challenge and I can’t wait to see my flexibility improve!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
What a creative and AWESOME idea this is!!!
GOSH i wish i lived in boston! Or….maybe a chicago radio station will learn how to be a copy cat. I”m so jealous of that meet up!!!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Can’t wait! Are you going to be following dvds or going to actual classes?
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Awesome!! I want to join in…I’ve been loving yoga lately! I need to remember to download a bunch before the 50% code frmo Kath expires at the end of Feb!!!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I can’t wait to start!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
I think I’ll be participating as well! I’m the same as you; i WANT to regularly do yoga and enjoy it when i do it but never really got into the habit. i think it’s because i’m so bad at it! haha i can’t even do downward dog correctly but hopefully this challenge will help me out!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
yay!!! I can’t wait!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
I’m super excited about this challenge, Tina! It’s such a great idea – you are very inspiring!
I just came back from the most amazing AntiGravity yoga class! I encourage any of you in cities with a Crunch to check it out – maybe see if they’ll let you do a drop-in one day or something. It is sooo cool! But I’m excited to try all kinds of yoga along with all of you!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Well I think it was this post that really got me! I’m so on board for this challenge…I’ve been ready a lot of blogging about yoga lately and it’s time I step up and see what it’s all about….its only 20 minutes of my day and can be done either first or last thing. Thank you so much for suggesting this! I am looking forward to discussing yoga with many of you, hopefully who are new to this as well!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
i’m so excited to start this- the online journal is such a great idea!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I’m wondering if there would be any way that at least once a week we could all do the same routine, whether it be a free audio session or something we can all access on televison? Might be a toughie but think about how cool it would be to all be able to compare feelings on it!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
[...] i’m really excited for carrots ‘n’ cake’s 31 days of yoga challenge. like tina, i am planning on doing atleast 20 minutes a day of “structured” yoga- most [...]
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Will you try a hot yoga class?I’d love to read your review and feelings of the experience!!!Thanks!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
I love the idea of this challenge. I am not a yoga fan, but I think it would be really good for me. I don’t think I will participate because my goals right now are to get mostly more cardio at the gym, but I will still follow your posts and perhaps work up an “appetite” for yoga.
It was good to meet you the other day at WBUR. Great photos in your blog. I can’t wait to read a bit more of your archived posts.
Leah Klein
Boston Family Foodie
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
yaaay – psyched for the challenge!
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
sounds good, i’m going to give it a go! this yoga newbie could certainly use some calming, centering, stretching, flexibility
on Feb 27th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
Thanks for organizing this Tina!
on Feb 28th, 2009 at 7:38 am
[...] 31 Day Yoga Challenge starts tomorrow! Get your yoga mats ready! [...]
on Feb 28th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Hi Tina I love you site, and I think this is finally the challange for me. I need to relax and increase my flexibility, I hope we are successful!
on Feb 28th, 2009 at 9:38 am
Tina, I just noticed that you’re doing this, and I’m so excited for you…after 31 days of yoga, I bet you’ll notice huge changes in your flexibility and strength. I’ve actually signed up for an intensive yoga workshop for the month of March here in Nashville. We’ll be doing power yoga in a heated room every morning from 6-7 AM during the week and then a 2 hour class every Saturday. I’ve injured my hamstring and taken off the last 2 weeks from any exercise in hopes of it healing before this Monday, when the workshop begins. I hope it’s ready because I’m so excited. I’ll try and catch all of your yoga comment posts over the month. Best of luck with your practice!
on Feb 28th, 2009 at 11:00 am
we don’t need to use the yoga website you have mentioned in order to participate, do we?
on Feb 28th, 2009 at 11:04 am
LOVE it! I’ll be right there with you!
Now my question is . . . can we use the tag you created (the cute one with the girl doing yoga) to use on our blogs? I’d love to post it but I don’t want to do it without your go-ahead!
Thanks!
on Feb 28th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
I am excited, maybe I will be able to touch my heels to the mat in down dog by the end!!
on Feb 28th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
[...] to do yoga most everyday with [...]
on Feb 28th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
[...] after a session. It leaves me feeling happy. It’s a good thing tomorrow is March 1st and the 31 day Yoga Challenge [...]
on Mar 1st, 2009 at 12:07 am
I’m so excited for this. My friend told me about it, and we’re joining in the fun. I’m a total beginner, but brimming with great expectations!
on Mar 1st, 2009 at 7:00 am
[...] it is March 1st it is the start of Tina’s 31 day Yoga Challenge! Don’t miss out! I know i’ll be [...]
on Mar 1st, 2009 at 9:47 am
[...] wonderful Tina from Carrots ‘n Cake is holding a fabulous 31-Day yoga challenge to motivate herself and everyone else to instill yoga into their regular [...]
on Mar 1st, 2009 at 10:59 am
tina, i will be starting this today. i am currently sidelined from running (was marathon training
) and this is perfect PERFECT timing. i am so stiff and i know this will help with my flexibility as well as distract me from the sad fact that i’m going to be unable to run for a while. thank you!
on Mar 1st, 2009 at 5:13 pm
[...] a recap of the yoga challenge, check out Tina’s blog. I did the Power Yoga #4 Donation Class from YogaDownload this afternoon, because I thought a class [...]
on Mar 2nd, 2009 at 4:40 am
This is perfect timing! I’m in! I’ve been looking for inspiration since I became ill several months ago. I want to finish my yoga teacher training, but I’ve been feeling so flat for so long.
I found this in such a roundabout way – I was reading Veggie Girl and she referenced Oh She Glows and now I’m here. The blogging world – its so awesome!
on Mar 2nd, 2009 at 5:02 pm
[...] I have decided to join the 31 day yoga challenge on Carrots N’ Cake. Yesterday, my yoga went great. I felt refreshed and revived despite [...]
on May 25th, 2009 at 11:41 am
[...] Carrots n’ Cake, who started the whole 31 Days of Yoga Challenge. You can read more about it here. Danica suggested we participate in 31 days of yoga to see where it takes us. I’m [...]
on Jun 12th, 2009 at 12:00 am
How interesting to see this post. I am about to write my post on a 10-day yoga challenge, taking a 90-min class every day for 10 days in a row, and when I did a Google search, your post was # 1. How exciting that you kept this up for 31 days. I finished day 6 and hope to finish up to day 10. I am terribly sore already
!
Namaste to all of you!!
on Nov 17th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Your Yoga Challenge has inspired me to do a challenge of my own. I have been telling myself for years to start running. I did for a while in 2007 when I had a buddy to cruise the track with. Starting January 4th on my 30th birthday, I am going to start my 30 day challenge. I think I can do it (with the some support from my readers). And hopefully I’ll motivate others in the process. Any advice?
And thank you for your fabulous blog!