THE RUNNER BEANS

Running

Active Travel

Nutrition

Family

THE RUNNER BEANS

21 days of Yoga in January

Nov 25, 2013 | Uncategorized | 26 comments

I am the first to admit that I am terrible at yoga. I am so inflexible that I find all poses, except child’s pose, incredibly difficult. Most of the time, I don’t find yoga classes very relaxing (except the amazing Goodvibes Yang and Yin warm class). Nor can I ‘relax into downward dog’. As a runner, I know I don’t stretch enough, and to keep me injury free for next year, I know this has to change.

The Challenge
To get good at something, you have to practise. And it takes 21 days to make or break a habit, right? Well I challenge you, and myself, to practise yoga for 21 days in January. It doesn’t have to be everyday, you just have to choose 21 days from Jan 1st to 31st, go to a yoga class, practise at home, follow a DVD or video, then tweet about it – #21daysofyoga. You can blog about it too, please add this button to your blog if you want to join in! Leave a comment and let me know if you’re getting involved- the more the merrier!

21 Day Yoga Challenge

<div align=”center”><a href=”http://www.therunnerbeans.co.uk” title=”The Runner Beans” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gpVzMRpRtRA/UofWovJ5tvI/AAAAAAAACqA/nS_YYg15GMM/s1600/runneryogabutton.png” alt=”The Runner Beans” style=”border:none;” /></a></div>

I find it easier to stick to something like this when I have something to keep me motivated and accountable. And when there is the possibility of a prize at the end of it… 
Everyone that completes the challenge will be entered to win a series of prizes, including a Lorna Jane gift card, Sweaty Betty goodies, a yoga mat, yoga belts and other goodies such as free yoga class passes on the blog and twitter throughout the challenge. 

Yoga Challenge

Studios and Offers

Lots of studios offer new student monthly offers, such as here, and here. I’m going to be working with a few studios, but I’m going to be trying to improve my flexibility at Hot Bikram Yoga in London. I know Bikram isn’t for everyone, but I find them a great challenge and am able to be that little bit more stretchy in the heat- I need all the help I can get!

Hot Bikram Yoga often have flash sales for new students signing up for the 20day  class pass so like their facebook page for all the info. These passes work at all of their studios (Balham, Fulham and London Bridge), it is only open to new students however, and although the offer finishes today, you can start your 20 days whenever it suits you! This is perfect for those of you undertaking this challenge, if you want to practise Bikram for the whole challenge, or if you want to include it a couple of times. And you can join me for a class and watch me SWEAT! 

Join Me
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up to join me- it’ll be a great way to start off the New Year (and you don’t even have to start on Jan 1st!) It would be brilliant to do alongside Janathon if you’re completing that next year, or as part of marathon training! I know I find it really difficult to commit to something stretchy when all I am thinking about is running, but it really does help with flexibility, core strength, and helps prevent injury.

If you want to be featured on the blog as part of the 21 day yoga challenge, just grab the badge and put it on your blog (if you have one) and send me an email (charliewatson88@hotmail.co.uk). Please make the email title ‘I’m IN”. I’d love to hear from you!

Leave a comment if you’re joining in… 

26 Comments

  1. Izzy
    Izzy on November 25, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    I’d love to do this challenge as I have the same issue with stretching (I just get lazy about it).. I don’t think I’d be able to do bit bikram though, I have a habit of fainting in such warm conditions!!

    Reply
  2. Lauren (@PoweredbyPB)
    Lauren (@PoweredbyPB) on November 25, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    This is a good challenge as I always forget to stretch and get in some yoga. I like doing random videos on Youtube.

    Reply
    • Charlie
      Charlie on November 26, 2013 at 12:38 pm

      feel free to share some of your faves so that others can use the youtube videos too!

      Reply
  3. Emma @ Stripes and Snaoshots
    Emma @ Stripes and Snaoshots on November 25, 2013 at 8:40 pm

    This sounds like a good challenge, I’m definitely interested! I live just round the corner from this amazing yoga studio and they do incredible classes.

    Reply
  4. Elle Linton
    Elle Linton on November 25, 2013 at 11:43 pm

    Hey Charlie,

    I’m gonna give this a good go!

    Please blog a reminder before January starts though 🙂 x

    Reply
    • Charlie
      Charlie on November 26, 2013 at 12:38 pm

      of course!! don’t you worry, I won’t let you back out!!

      Reply
  5. Cindy
    Cindy on November 26, 2013 at 2:15 pm

    Oh! This sounds like such a great idea. I need to get motivated to stretch more (I’m really paying for it now!) I’m in!

    Reply
  6. Sarah OUaL
    Sarah OUaL on November 26, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    IN! Can’t deny any longer how good yoga makes me feel (body + mind) — it’ll be good to have this to keep me accountable and make it a habit! Thanks for organizing, Charlie.

    Reply
  7. Magda Kratynska
    Magda Kratynska on November 26, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    I’m in. Need a good stretch 🙂 Lovely idea Charlie.

    Reply
  9. Clare
    Clare on November 27, 2013 at 2:42 pm

    I’m in! Desk job + running = tight muscles. I need to find some cheap resources to try – still can’t decide whether to splash out on more bikram after my 30 day trial.

    Reply
  10. Tess @ FitBits
    Tess @ FitBits on November 27, 2013 at 10:51 pm

    I’m in – like you I’m so inflexible, have no coordination or balance and have ridiculously tight muscles. This is just what I need 🙂

    Reply
  11. runpilourun.com
    runpilourun.com on November 29, 2013 at 10:38 am

    Count me in! I go to HBY London Bridge…let me know if you’d like to meet up one day 🙂

    Reply
    • Elle Linton
      Elle Linton on December 9, 2013 at 7:12 pm

      Maybe we can get a group together for a HBY London Bridge class 🙂 I want to try the candle light class Fridays at 7.30pm x

      Reply
    • Charlie
      Charlie on December 11, 2013 at 12:05 pm

      I’d be soo keen for this!!! How about the first Friday of the challenge?

      Reply
    • Elle Linton
      Elle Linton on January 1, 2014 at 4:49 pm

      Only just saw this! I’m planning on going this Friday evening to the candlelight class at 7.30pm… it’s supposed to be a little more relaxed than a standard class! Tweet me if you fancy going 🙂 @X_eLle_S x

      Reply
  14. splashie911
    splashie911 on December 19, 2013 at 11:54 pm

    I’ve literally just started doing this because I wanted to keep up with my fitness over the Christmas period away from my gym! I’m in! More than that I think it would be a brilliant way for everyone to share their experiences and what works for them!
    Nash
    http://abeautyquark.blogspot.com

    Reply
  17. Felicity Jennica
    Felicity Jennica on January 2, 2014 at 1:21 am

    I’m in! Looking forward to making time for a diary stretch!

    Reply
  19. Christina Ieronymidou
    Christina Ieronymidou on January 13, 2014 at 2:15 pm

    I’m phenomenally late, but with two yoga practices in the bag so far, perhaps I can complete the challenge with one session a day until the end of the month?

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *