Yep, I finished Camp’s “Month of Yoga Challenge”….
sweating my ass off @CampTampa today.
That’s right, I had to squeeze in 25 classes in the month of February…. all for a free shirt? (It’s amazing what we do for a proverbial pat on the back.)
But, it’s more than just the shirt obviously… it’s a chance to prioritize me - carving out dedicated time nearly every day to focus on my body, mind + breath.
What I love most about the challenge (besides feeling stronger, energized + proud of sticking to the challenge)…
No interruptions.
No excuses.
It’s scheduled in advance.
Just get there + roll out your 6-foot laboratory (a.k.a. yoga mat) for deeper self-exploration.
Once I told my family I signed up for a challenge, there were no questions asked. The mom-guilt melted away for missing out on our morning routine on occasion and I no longer felt I needed to apologize to anyone including me for taking time out in the middle of the day to get my yoga on. That’s how it should be. We’ve all gotta make the time for us!
After all, the mind is not separate from the body. We are one.
When the body isn’t moving the way it’s meant to, Regularly, we’re short-changing our mental + physical state.
I made a commitment and goal for myself this quarter. I’m adding Certified Group Fitness Instructor to my resume. My purpose in this to be able to reach + support more people in a community setting who are ready to put their well-being in focus.
Movement is such a critical piece to our energy, mood, well-being, brain + body function. Read more about how daily movement impacts your life in ways you’ve never thought of, here and here.
Back to the Yoga Challenge… I joined CAMP soon after our move to Tampa because, well… its REAL close to home + it’s infamous for recruiting the ‘best of the best’ teachers. I’ve found a handful of amazing yoga teachers (which is no easy task after being fortunate enough to practice with some of yoga’s world-famous in LA). Special shout out to Fallon, Jamie, Melissa + Marley at CAMP. I learn so much in class about listening to my body + exploring my strength.
P.S. - This is NOT an ad for CAMP! Although if you see me CAMP, I’ll happily accept a free month or two in exchange for the love. :)
This IS about the 25-day yoga challenge. The challenge is now over and I finished with exactly 25 classes completed in the month. My last was called Yoga Express! It’s 30 intense minutes of heated yoga touching on every single muscle - leaving me dripping in sweat + limber for the day ahead. Yep, no apologies for the sweaty pic up top taken after class.
I’ve never considered doing any form of a workout challenge in my life, but as I’ve been studying up for the GFI exam this challenge crossed my path + I knew I wanted in!
I was all, “I love Yoga! It’s so good for me. I’ve got a whooole month! Of course I can make it here everyday! I’ll probably crush 25 classes… maybe I’ll even get to 30 classes!!”
(eye roll!)
Approaching the last week, when my little one was out sick for three days unexpectedly, and I still had 9 classes left to knock out in just 6 days I was pretty certain it wasn’t gonna happen.
But luckily, I got it done.
I will say, it wasn’t all 60 min. intense high-heat advanced yoga classes (only most). I made it to Yoga Express, Cycle/Yoga combo, Restore, Heated Root Flow, and I most recently wandered into an “Adult Nap” class with Marley that actually counted toward the yoga challenge. (Score!) It’s not what you think,…but there was some light snoring on a mat nearby (so maybe it is).
If you live in the Tampa area, meet me on the mat… or if yoga’s not your thing… here’s a link for a discount off at CAMP for all classes.
The morale of the post is, movement is key to a vibrant life. Find something you love, and really make a commitment to exploring your strength + your mind-body connection.
Whether its the gym, your kitchen floor for a 10 min dance party, tossing the frisbee at the beach (if you know me, then you know why I added this in), a traditional yoga studio, or new crazy exercise fad, do what makes you smile. Do what makes you feel good when it’s done. And do it as often as you can.
Tip: Schedule it in advance on your calendar, because it’s more important than any meeting. When you take care of you, the rest of life gets a helluva lot easier.
With gratitude + love,
Laura