This March I decided to participate in YYoga's 30 day challenge, which they usually hold approximately twice a year for a reduced price. The goal is to attend 30 days of consecutive yoga. 

Recently I have been dabbling in different styles of yoga and since YYoga offers such a wide range of classes I thought it would be a great fit for advancing my knowledge of the practice. 

My new favourite is Power, a challenging class which incorporates aspects of flow at a room heated to ~32 degrees. Power was a nice change from full on Hot yoga because I found it includes more core strengthening postures, in addition to flexibility. 

March was lined up to be quite a stressful month with all of my major term papers due. However, a daily practice of yoga provided me the balance I needed to remain healthy, physically and mentally. 

At every class the instructor tells you to thank yourself for coming and encourages you to let go of the stress of your day and remain focused and centred on your practice. I found the emotional releasing postures and breathing exercises very cleansing and stress reliving.

When work or personal stress is piling up it is easy to forgo one's fitness routine, but really this is the most detrimental thing one can do. It is so important to remain active in order refresh and energise to remain at our best. 

While there were a few days that I couldn't make it to the studio I was able to double up on other days with a more cardio inducing class paired with a Restorative or Yin class. 

I found the community at the studio was a great addition to the support of my friends and family. It is really nice to get to a class and practice with a group of friendly faces, since I so often run or bike with only my ipod. 

My mum decided to join me for her own challenge and at 62 and not having done yoga since her 20s, she found it quite the workout. In order to make it to a class every day she would often even fit in a 6 A.M. class before work! With busy schedules it seems making a date for exercise is often the best way to keep in touch, and being able to see my mum for a class and tea was just another highlight of the month.

While March is over, April has brought Spring into bloom and now that the challenge is over, both my mum and I plan to continue making yoga a part our regular routine.