The 60-day versus 60-class debate

I'm currently doing a 60-day Bikram Yoga challenge. Over the weekend, I did a double and when one of the other students at the studio asked me why, I said so that I'd finish the challenge sooner. A teacher overheard and reminded me that it's called a 60-day challenge, not a 60-class challenge. And part of the challenge is to carve out 90 minutes each day during those 60 days to practice. According to Paul Askew, "If you do a double or triple one day, then good for you. Makes you stronger, but it does not count for 2 or 3 days." (See Oh My Bikram for more on this topic.) I'm a purist at heart, so I've had to recalibrate.

I started this challenge on February 14 (for reasons related to the day that I won't get into here), which makes today day 40. I've done four doubles during this time. Because of all these doubles, I actually went back to count a couple classes I'd done before February 14. I realize now this is cheating. So using February 14 as my starting point, tonight's class will bring me to 44 classes. But I still have 20 more days ahead of me. And because I'll have to add one extra day for good measure, I'll officially finish my challenge on April 15 with 65 or so classes under my belt.

Can you believe I was late for work yesterday morning figuring all of this out?

Truth be told, I'm glad I still have another 20 days to go. I'm enjoying this challenge immensely and the journey's been incredible. While I struggled to get to class in the first 20 days, the 20 days since then have been a real joy. Practicing yoga is the highlight of my day. Friends and family have commented that I look happy and healthy. And it's true. My eyes seem brighter and my skin is glowing. My body feels amazing, my outlook is positive, and I'm sleeping like a baby.

It's also done wonders for my practice, as everyday I try to focus on something new. I've seen improvements in my standing bow and believe I'll be able to touch my forehead to my knee in standing head to knee for longer than two seconds by the end of this challenge. It's also given me confidence that I'll be able to survive teacher training, where you practice 96 classes in nine weeks. And hey, now I can check that box on the application that asks if you've ever practiced Bikram Yoga for 30 continuous days -- not once but twice!

Two-thirds of the way through my 60-day challenge and all is well. I look forward to what the next 20 days will bring!