2010 Yoga Challenge
Happy Monday, bloggies! 
So, Ecto randomly starting working this morning. Wtf!?! I’m obviously happy, but it’s still very strange. Let’s just hope that it keeps working! I don’t think I can deal with another technology breakdown.
Breakfast
For breakfast this morning, I reheated a piece of Breakfast Polenta Pizza in the toaster oven. It was so tasty with a lightly-browned, toasted top. Mmm! Living without a microwave actually hasn’t been that bad, but I still think we’re going to buy one.
On the side, I had some cantaloupe.
And, iced coffee with vanilla soy milk.
2010 Yoga Challenge
Last year, on Carrots ‘N’ Cake, I hosted a 31-Day Yoga Challenge where I challenged myself and CNC readers to practice yoga for every day of March. Over the course of the month, I really enjoyed the experience– the poses became easier and my flexibility increased, and soon I found myself craving yoga, especially at the end of a hectic day. However, in the final week or so, I felt obligated to practice yoga because of the Yoga Challenge, which didn’t make the experience completely enjoyable for me. I disliked feeling that I had to practice yoga. So, for this reason, the 2010 Yoga Challenge is going to work a little differently.
This year, if you would like to participate, I encourage you to set your own goal(s) for the Yoga Challenge. So, if you already regularly practice yoga, you might want to challenge yourself to practice everyday for the month of March. However, if you’ve never done yoga or don’t practice frequently, maybe you will challenge yourself to fitting in one session per week. It’s totally up to you!
My goal for the Yoga Challenge is to practice yoga for at least 20 minutes two times per week. I love yoga, but for some reason, I just don’t practice regularly. Hopefully, challenging myself to 2 sessions per week will help yoga become a permanent practice in my life.
Last year, readers left comments about their daily practice on CNC to share their experiences with others, ask for advice, and keep themselves accountable. Feel free to do the same thing again this year. As a yoga novice, I found this especially helpful. Just leave your comments and questions on any blog post during the month of March, and be sure to keep your eyes open for other people’s Yoga Challenge comments.
To kick of this year’s Yoga Challenge, OpenSky has offered to give CNC readers a deal on Aurorae Yoga Mats. Just entered Yoga10 at checkout to receive 10% off. Wouldn’t a new yoga mat be a great way to kick off the Yoga Challenge? 
Happy yoga-ing! 
Posted by: Tina 82 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:28 am
Happy March Tina! What I love about yoga is that there is always something new to challenge yourself to and it’s never too much or not enough. Yoga is one of those things that is literally flexible in one’s life always. And as I re-dedicate myself to it alongside you, I’m looking forward to changes on and off the mat… hope the same for you
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:34 am
I’ve been doing from HangryPants’ challenge and it feels awesome! I will surely participate in yours!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:38 am
This sounds like a great challenge. I told myself I was going to take up yoga as a form of stress relief but I haven’t done any. I really want to start! I’m excited about this challenge!! Definitely need to invest in a yoga mat!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:39 am
FYI There is a microwave on sale in the Target circular this week!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:39 am
so glad you’re bringing it back again this year! i don’t practice yoga nearly as much as i’d like to, and this will give me the motivation to get my mat out more often. also, with the amount of impact i put my body through in my normal workouts (hello treadmill and pavement…), i think my body will enjoy the stretching and calmness of yoga. thanks for the challenge!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:41 am
crispy cheese = drool. I dunno if I can jump on that yoga band wagon. I always feel like I would rather run or something. Maybe i’m not taking the right yoga class!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:41 am
I just discovered yogadownload.com and have been trying to fit in a yoga sesh at least 1 or 2x a week. Maybe, I’ll up it to 3x a week for the challenge!!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:42 am
Good luck with your yoga challenge!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:42 am
I’m with ya! I’ve only dabbled in yoga for a little while, but it really did improve my flexibility.
Have a great day!
Sara
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:44 am
I am so with you and the yoga challenge! If you get FitTV check out Namaste Yoga. It is on twice a day. I would like to hear about yoga teachers the readers like and why. Favorite DVD? XO
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:44 am
@Marisa (Loser for Life): I love that site! Their free 20-minute downloads were the basis of my 20-minute minimum last year.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:45 am
I like that you’re making the challenge more flexible, so that each person can set up his/her own personal goals. Looking forward to participating!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:45 am
Yoga is an amazing thing!!! I’m so glad you’re hosting the challenge again!!
Have a great day Tina
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:45 am
So exciting that you are hosting a yoga challenge. It helps get the word out about how awesome yoga really is!! Yoga is a passion of mine and I enjoy hearing how it has benefitted other people.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:45 am
my 2010 New year resolution was to do yoga this year, and I have stuck to 2-3 sessions per week…it truly does give me a feeling of calm and stretches my sore muslcles on my non-lift days. I’m still a novice so am looking forward to following the progress and reading the comments/helpful tips!.. yay yoga!–
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:47 am
I’m excited to take part in this challenge! Yoga is definitely something that I like to do, and yet I have trouble making myself do it (even though afterwards, I feel GREAT and think, “I should do that more often!”). I’m doing a “taste the rainbow” challenge on my blog for the month of March– you should check it out
Have a great Monday, Tina!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:50 am
My yoga goal this year is to go to one 60-minute class per week AND practice on my own (~15-20 minutes) one day per week. I really believe that yoga helps prevent running soreness and injury!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:51 am
It is like you read my mind. I made that same challenge for myself before even knowing that you were going to start it!!! How cool is that! I love Yoga but I do not practice it enough. Thanks for getting me even more excited about it! Happy Monday!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:54 am
Great challenge! I try to incorporate yoga into my exercise schedule each week but sometimes it doesn’t happened. Having a challenge like this would keep me on track, which would be nice because I do love yoga and how it makes my body feel.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:57 am
Hi there! You must be a mind reader because last night I was looking up yoga classes in my area. I used to randomly take classes at my gym, but I have a lot of stiffness and want to really get into it. This is a great way for me to commit to starting. Thanks!
Also- I picked up some vanilla soymilk over the weekend and i LOVE it in my morning iced coffee. I barely use any agave and want to cut it out completely. I think i will be able to with the vanillla soymilk.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 8:05 am
@Lindsay E: Me too! I just recently switched to vanilla soy milk only!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 8:05 am
I started my morning with 20 minutes of yoga today and it felt great! I’ll have to think about what my challenge will be
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 8:09 am
I really want to do more yoga too – I went through a phase of doing loads of an ashtanga yoga dvd, but then I just stopped having the time. 20mins 2 x a week is very doable though! I think I’ll definetly join in
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 8:26 am
Great! I’m excited!
I am going to do at least 2 hours of yoga per week
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 8:26 am
Great challenge! Yoga truly is helpful.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 8:31 am
I want to do it 2 times a week after my big runs. It really helps loosen the muscles so I am going to try this.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 8:40 am
If you have Comcast, Fit TV on Demand has some good yoga programs. I think FitSugar has some free routines on their site as well. I never practiced yoga regularly, but my sister is obsessed with hot yoga so I might give that a try for March!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 8:46 am
I really need to get going on actually doing yoga… even if it means kicking the hubby out of the living room to do it!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 8:48 am
Ooh la la! This challenge is so great! I’ve only ever done yoga for periods of like a month at a time. I’ve wanted to start to incorporate yoga into my life permanently so this is perfect! I’m in
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 9:04 am
Love this Tina!! I did it last year and I was SO glad that I did. I can’t really do it right now due to my injury and me trying to FULLY rest it but when I am better, I will so being doing this. Better late than never right?
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 9:08 am
Totally unrelated to yoga, but:
Have you ever taken the Bosu Challenge class at Healthworks? I took it for the first time this weekend and HOLY COW. It was a high-intensity, no-nonsense, non-step total body workout…and I’m totally in love with it. I took it at the Cambridge location with Sean, but I’m sure it’s fantastic at all their locations. Just a suggestion!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 9:09 am
@Molly B: Yep, it used to be one of my favorite classes!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 9:20 am
What a perfect time for you to talk about a yoga challenge!
I did some thinking over the weekend and decided to incorporate 2-3 days of yoga in to my life! I simply do too much cardio + strength training to NOT give my body some time to stretch, relax and rest.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 9:36 am
Tina, is there a MOKSHA YOGA studi in Boston? I reaaaally would recommend you trying that over Bikram for you first forway into hot yoga.They are more ecofriendly, frienly in general, include some flows and don’t have stinky nasty carpet flooring,etc etc Just a better vibe I think
Just my 2 cents,cause I LOVE hot yoga and go almost daily,but couldn’t handle Bikram classes!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 9:42 am
This sounds like a great challenge, glad you are doing it every year!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 9:43 am
I practiced in college and I REALLY need to get back into it. I’m gearing up for a move, but I think one of the first things on my list in my new state is to find a good studio!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 9:49 am
I saw on Twitter that you are thinking about trying Bikram yoga tonight. You should go for it! I have done it a few times and I love it. I think my yoga goal for this month will be to practice Bikram once a week. I wish I could do it more, but it a bit expensive and the classes are long. The postures are sooo much fun. It is definitely really hard, but you will feel great afterward. Make sure to drink a lot of water throughout the day. Good luck!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 10:07 am
My goal is to try once a week! Gotta start small
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 10:08 am
I just started doing yoga via yogadownload.com and I LOVE it. It’s like my body has been craving Yoga all along and I’ve been forcing it to do other exercises. I’ve committed to just do yoga and cardio until I feel balanced again.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 10:14 am
this time last year I had yet to discover your blog and so I missed out on this challenge…now I am going to shoot for yoga every day. this is a great idea! it makes such a difference in my mood when I do yoga regularly, but sometimes just getting to the class is a little tough for me.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 10:23 am
I love yoga, but don’t do enough of it. Every time I finish a yoga class, I think to myself, “What took so long?” Maybe this challenge will spur me on. I’d love to make it a regular part of my life, say maybe 3x a week.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 10:33 am
I love the idea of a yoga challenge. If I wasn’t already wrapped up in the Boston Marathon challenge this year;) I would be all over this!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 10:37 am
Tina, this sounds like an awesome challenge. I remember when you did it last year! I’ve been working on incorporating more yoga into my life, so this is right on par with my goals.
Have a great Monday!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 10:38 am
definitely going to try this challenge!!
on a side note – just wondering about chia seeds, just purchased them for the first time (yay!)- how much do you put in your oatmeal or would you recommend? 1 TBSP? thanks for your help!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 10:39 am
I have been reading your blog for a while and you always inspire me to try something new–I love it! I’ve always thought about taking yoga and always chicken out. I recently purchased a yoga mat…now that I’ve invested money (granted, only 12 dollars) maybe it’ll motivate me more!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 10:48 am
i love the yoga challenge month! i’ll be trying to get yoga in 5-6 days a week (which would be around 1 more day than i normally do). if it goes to 7, then so be it
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 10:55 am
Ah, yoga…one of my favorite things in the world to do and to talk about. I love yoga and really do wish I could practice everyday. Right now, I am practicing about 5-6 times a week (90 minute power yoga classes). I can’t say how great I feel after those 90 minutes are over. Of course, there are times when it’s just tough for me to drag myself to class. But, it’s always worth it in the end. I like your point about not feeling ‘obligated’ to go. I feel like that sometimes as well, and then I realize that yoga can also be practiced NOT on your mat. For example, remember those relaxation techniques and how you feel when you are ON your mat, and then try incorporating that into your life OFF the mat. Take deep breaths, let things happen, don’t get too upset if things don’t go your way, always give things another try, practice kindness towards yourself and to others, etc. These are some of the things that I’ve learned from my yoga practice and by incorporating them into my life OFF of the mat, I feel as though I am practicing every moment in my life.
So, thank you for writing about this yoga challenge. I think it’s great and I highly recommend giving yoga a shot to any newbie, whether it be a few stretches, a challenging hot and sweaty class (my favorite), or just meditating for a few minutes a day.
Namasté,
Nicole
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:09 am
Right now I’m doing P90X so I do their Yoga workout once a week for 90 minutes. I used to do yoga a long time ago and I’m enjoying doing it again. Great challenge!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:09 am
I love my aurorae yoga mat!!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:11 am
Wow – After reading Nicoles post above, I feel like I should definitely try a yoga class! I’ve never been to one, mostly because I like to work out really early in the morning and can’t find a class that’s available at that time. Maybe I should look into a Saturday class!
Tina – I think you just inspired me to buy my first cantalope of the season. I’ve been staring at them for some time, but too nervous to take them home because you NEVER know if they’re going to be tasty or not! I think I’ll give it a shot this week because I’m envious of your pics!!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:11 am
i take yoga twice a week at a community college near my house. i highly recommend doing this if your a beginner. it’s a lot cheaper and more one on one time with your instructor (especially good if you are a newbie like i was). my yoga instructor told us about a website called yogamazing.com. every day they have a free 30 minute podcast of yoga! it’s really cool because if you don’t have time to go to a class you can do a quick session at home! i try to do it once or twice a week in addition to my actual yoga classes. good luck on the challenge! yoga is so much fun!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:19 am
i used to go all the time to my yoga studio – i still have 3 more classes that i bought from years ago….this is the year! thanks for the inspiration!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:24 am
WOOHOO!!! March is YOGA month! I am doing a 30-day Bikram yoga challenge starting today. With all of the wonderful reasons of why not to do it, I decided to just jump in and go for and make it work! Thanks for your post, I know there are others practicing with me all over the country.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:25 am
PS if you go to Bikram, make sure you stomsch is super EMPTY so you don’t feel sick,also drink lots of water before and after-make sure to take a towel and water in with you!
There is nothing worse than hot yoga and a full stomach
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:29 am
What a great idea! I haven’t been practicing nearly enough yoga lately. This month I’m going to try to go to one class (or at least do one podcast) per week.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:30 am
The Yoga Challenge sounds great! I have my mat on the floor to do it but I have been very inconsistant.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:31 am
I’m the same way about yoga. My high school boyfriend got me a set one year and after starting I noticed an immediate change in my body. I was standing straighter and feeling more confident at the leanness I had discovered. I am just not super motivated to do yoga because I am such a cardio junkie. I never feel like I am getting a good enough workout, but maybe it would help to throw it in once or twice a week.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:32 am
Practice yoga is one of my goals for 2010. This is a great reminder to do just that – thanks!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:33 am
i love this, I just downloaded some yoga podcasts but have yet to do anything with them… I think i’m going to join you because this is a challenge that is manageable!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 12:08 pm
I do yoga, but not enough. Thanks for the reminder. I need to incorporate it more into my weekly workouts!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 12:18 pm
i would love to participate!
i practice yoga daily but my challenge is going to be trying NEW yoga!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Oh, I wish this were the April yoga challenge! One of the first things I want to do when I get home from travelling is start yoga, but that’s not until the first week of April! Still, hopefully I can pick up some tips from this challenge and apply them in the future…
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 12:31 pm
My Ecto has not been working in forever – I will try it again if yours just started working because I had given up on it!
Yay for the yoga challenge! With 6 weeks until my due date, I need to do some major stretching and yogaing!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Thanks for giving me the push to get started with yoga again! I’ve been really bad about getting back into a workout routine since my wedding. So I figure if I commit to do doing yoga two times a week it should get me headed back on the right track and remind me how good it feels to workout.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 12:48 pm
I was just pricing various yoga studios around my area. I’m training for a marathon and suddenly am craving yoga, I think just for something different and low impact. I can’t do it all the time, but I’m going to try to commit at least one session a week for stretching. Thanks for another great idea
.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 1:09 pm
What a great idea! I love yoga but I often don’t do it as much as I should. Practice makes perfect!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 1:13 pm
I have never been a yoga person but I may have to try it!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 1:28 pm
This is such a great idea! I’ve been meaning to get into yoga for a while now (I’ve done it a few times), and I think this challenge will really help me to give it a real try.
Can’t wait to get started!!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 1:38 pm
this sounds great! in college i did yoga at least twice a week and had a decent daily practice going and now i am lucky to do it twice a month. this sounds like a great challenge. still working on exactly what my practice will be!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Good for you! The last time I did a yoga challenge, I said I would do 4 days a week, which was more realistic for me than every single day. I think I will stick to twice a week too!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 2:30 pm
I’ve been dreaming of that Polenta pizza all weekend! Great idea to make a breakfast variation. When I do get around to making it, now I’ll have some options!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 3:03 pm
I love yoga. I tend to go for more infrequent, long sessions at a studio – the community atmosphere is very inspiring for me (and heats up the room big time).
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 4:13 pm
I think this is a great idea – I have been trying to add yoga to my routine lately. I’ll commit to two 30 minute sessions a week. Thanks for providing the motivation!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 6:06 pm
This is so great! I’ve been meaning to ease myself back into some yoga (I’ve stopped thanks to knee injuries) so maybe I’ll make March the month I actually do it.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 6:58 pm
I’ve been wanting to start incorporating some yoga into my day to day routine. This will be perfect. Maybe I need to put my yoga mat to use?
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 7:59 pm
I am so in love with yoga and the more I run, the more yoga I need. This challenge is perfect. I hope to take at least 2 yoga classes at the gym, plus do one yoga session at home each week. I feel so much better after a good stretch.
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 9:12 pm
yes, count me in…I just returned from my Monday night yoga session but I would like to add another session every week….may try a dvd or a podcast…thanks….I love yoga combined with running…
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Sorry your day was so frustrating today… Hope tomorrow is better
, I Love your sign in the back, I’m guessing it says I love blogs and coffee? lol Me too, and blog and drink my coffee together. Match made in heaven.
Have a good day tomorrow!
on Mar 1st, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Count me in Tina!
My goal is 3 x 90 minute Bikram sessions a week. It’s on!
on Mar 2nd, 2010 at 1:08 pm
I’m in! And I just blogged about it! I’m just aiming for once a week!
on Mar 2nd, 2010 at 4:06 pm
I am so excited to participate in this challenge. I just purchased the Yoga Wii game…so I’ll be using this as my motivation to try it out. I’ll make sure to link back to this site. Thanks for creating the challenge again. Do you have an icon or anything that you’d like me to post?
on Mar 2nd, 2010 at 6:02 pm
That is so funny that you’re mentioning this! Part-way through February I started to practice yoga more often and thought it would be fun to have 31 days of yoga in March. I did my Hatha flow yesterday and am really looking forward to doing another one tonight because it made me feel so relaxed. I’m definitely in!
K