Bettysport took New Years Resolutions to a whole new level…

Carson, Katie and Stephanie made the commitment to one another and signed up for the 60-Day Challenge at Pure Bikram Yoga here in Austin, Texas. 

What’s the 60-Day Challenge?   Well, it’s unfortunately not drinking wine or sleeping-in 60 days in a row.  How about 60 bikram yoga classes in 60 days?!

Bikram yoga is a 90-minute, 26 posture hatha yoga class performed in a room heated to 105-degrees.  Yes, think Texas summers… only indoors.   Actually, when I asked Stephanie why she first got into bikram, she said it was to acclimate better to the heat and humidity to improve her running.  By spending 90-minutes twice a week in class she was able to train all summer long without the heat taking a toll on her fitness or energy levels.

Carson, Katie & Stephanie were motivated by Bikram Choudhury’s quote, “Give me 60 days, and I’ll change your life.”  Carson’s an avid horseback rider and unfortunately lost her horse last fall so she was looking for a new workout to get her through March (her wedding is March 31st!) so that she will be in shape to hop back on a horse in April.  Katie just moved back from Napa where she worked too hard and enjoyed the wine & food a little too much, plus she operates best when she has lofty goals in her life.  And Stephanie was looking for something new after completing 2 marathons in 2 different states in 2 days.  And they’re only 15 days to the finish and still going strong.

A few things they wanted to share with other Bettys out there who might want to try bikram yoga…

• Prepare for the heat.   Embrace the heat.  And the amount of sweat that will pour from your body.  It all really does feel good in the end…you just have to accept it and move on.
• Dress comfortably.  You will see people dressed in everything from long pants and shirts to itsy-bitsy, teensy-wentsy bikinis. Dress to your comfort level while taking the heat into consideration.
• Bring plenty of fluids with you.  It might even be worth buying an insulated water bottle to keep your drinks relatively cold during the 90 minutes.   Depending on how much you drink, it would be a good idea to bring two water bottles.
• Arrive 20 minutes before the class begins to figure out the studio – where everything is and how things work. You can go in to the room for the first time, think ‘how am i going to spend 90 minutes in this ridiculous heat?’, lay your mat, towel and bottles down and settle in.
• BREATHE!  During class, be sure to breathe – in through the nose, out through the nose.
• Stay in the room for the entire 90 minutes.  The instructors will tell you the same and it is the best way to acclimate to the heat and humidity. Even if you are just laying down on your mat, stay in the room.
• Listen to your body – if you can’t lock your knees, don’t.   If your forehead doesn’t touch your knee, that is ok.  These are the positions that you strive to attain, but only push yourself as far as you can go.  You are where you are exactly supposed to be.

So now when you come into Bettysport, don’t judge them if they seem a little sweaty, thirsty or overly flexible or cheery… it’s the bikram.

Getting fit, losing weight and feeling healthier should all be very motivational goals but throw in the fact that the gyms are overly crowded, you don’t know what you’re doing when you’re there, and January & February are the coldest months in Austin… and all of a sudden you realize you’ve set yourself up for some serious challenges.

Bettysport is aiming to help you get fit and reach your fitness goals by offering FREE workout classes each and every week at our store. Plus, we’ll help you tackle the gear road-block and make sure you know what apparel, footwear and accessories you need to be comfortable in your sport, without spending more or buying more than you need to.
Tips from the Bettys to keep your resolution:

1. Pride. Tell friends and make a verbal commitment to them so that they can help keep you on target. It’s amazing what you can do when you know others are watching.
2. Accountability. Recruit friends, family or co-workers to join you in this goal, or find a group to join so that you have someone waiting on you each workout.
3. Plan. Plan out the workouts you will do, the meals you will eat, etc. so that you don’t give in when life gets busy and so that you know what your schedule is each day.
4. Resources. Austin is a fantastic city with an immensely diverse fitness community so make sure you ask for help when you need it whether it’s on nutrition advice, training schedules, or gear choices.
5. Motivation. Remember why this resolution was important and remind yourself of this goal each time the going gets tough.

So Bettys, let’s resolve to keep our resolutions in 2012 and be the fittest version of ourselves!!

FREE Classes offered at Bettysport*:

Beginning the week of January 2nd:
Wednesdays – 6pm – Yoga with Weights – Bring 3-8 pound weights if you have them.
Thursdays – 6pm – Power Yoga

In addition to the above classes, we’ll offer the following beginning the week of January 9th:
Mondays – 6pm – Foam Rolling & Core – Bring a foam roller if you have one.
Tuesdays – 8:45am – Pilates (Barre & Mat) – Bring 2-3 pound weights if you have them.

*No need to RSVP. Just bring your yoga mat and water to all classes.