Hot Yoga Month

Dec 16th, 2009 by jenna

Happy Humpday!

I’m so glad so many of you are interested in hot yoga month! I originally wasn’t planning on making this a structured thing but since so many of you have emailed asking for some sort of guideline, I picked my brain for a set of “rules”. This is what I came up with:

Hot Yoga Month: December 15-January 15 2010

Participants should practice Hot Yoga/Bikram 5x a week.

Drink tea instead of coffee (can be caffeinated; i.e. green, black or yerba mate)

Limit alcohol to one night weekly (this doesn’t mean binge drink on that one night!)

No white flour or white sugar. No artificial sweeteners.

Eat something green every day

Walk as much as possible.

***

Okay, I just sort of made up those rules as I went. They aren’t totally written in stone and if y’all have anything else you would like to add, feel free to let me know. I don’t do “diets” and “rules” and am considering this more of a healthy detox than anything else. Note that I’m not telling you to limit your calories or anything like that. Just make healthy substitutions when you see fit.

With that said, I tried a new tea with breakfast!

Made this oatmeal with 1/2 cup oats, 1 cup water, 1 banana, 1/2 scoop protein powder, 2 tsp maca and 1 tbsp almond butter.

***

I’m going to take a walk, work on a chapter of the book I was finishing last night, and then go to a noon Bikram class. See you later!

Posted in Breakfast

60 Responses to “Hot Yoga Month”

on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:02 am1Jil

I think those rules sound great, not only for ‘hot yoga week’ but for everyday life, too.
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:04 am2Christina MINDFUL LIVING

woohoo go jenna!!! I cant say that im going to follow this guildine to a “t” but I defiintely want to “step up my game” with regular yoag practice, bikram, and eating healthier, etc. I feel like ever since I ran my marathon I have just been in lala land! haha
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:04 am3Christina MINDFUL LIVING

woohoo go jenna!!! I cant say that im going to follow this guildine to a “t” but I defiintely want to “step up my game” with regular yoag practice, bikram, and eating healthier, etc. I feel like ever since I ran my marathon I have just been in lala land! haha
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:06 am4Jen (Running With Cake)

I love your Hot Yoga Month Challenge! It will definitely be quite a challenge too. I don’t think I can do yoga 5x a week but I’m going to definitely try drinking tea instead of coffee, avoiding artificial sweeteners (I will miss you diet coke), and the other things you suggested. I don’t get into “diets” either, but I do think that our bodies respond differently (better) when we put healthier, more natural things in them (like tea). Great idea Jenna!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:08 am5Meg @ Be Fit Be Full

Hi there! Where did you get that cute support local food mug?? I want one!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:08 am6simpledaisy

Love those rules but i’m not sure I can keep my wine to one night a week!!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:08 am7jenna

Meg,

it’s from a local restaurant here!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:09 am8Jenna

yummy oats! have fun at bikram!!
jenna
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:12 am9Jessica @ How Sweet It Is

Yummy oats! Congrats on Marie Claire! Can’t wait to hear more!!!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:17 am10amy leclerc

Jenna,

You are speaking to me! I am going for my certification in the barre3 method early January, and this program is JUST what I need, especially during the tempting holidays. barre3 is a hybrid method of pilates, yoga and ballet. It is AMAZING and has seriously changed my life. Because of the intensity of the training and the need to be in the best shape possible, yoga practice on top of barre3 is definitely necessary. 5x a week ain’t happening, but I am going to try to abide by your program as much as possible. It just helps knowing there is a group out there all working on the same thing.
Good luck and wish me some too!

Amy
http://www.projectdownpour.blogspot.com
http://www.gottabewell.wordpress.com
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:20 am11Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run

I love the rules! …but limiting white flour & sugar will be tough for the month of December – Christmas treats galore! Happy Wednesday!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:26 am12Megan (The Runner's Kitchen)

I’m not sure I can commit to hot yoga 5x per week, but I definitely need to practice more often. Perhaps 1-2x per month is do-able for me.

Do you try to consume extra salt/electrolytes before and after hot yoga? Just wondering because sometimes I feel a little light-headed afterwards…
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:29 am13Kat (Kat's Daily Plate)

Those rules seem to make a lot of sense. I tend to get a little faint in hot yoga, but I would like to participate in the rest of the rules for hot yoga month! It’s always good to detox a bit, especially during the holidays. Great idea!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:33 am14Evan Thomas

That almond butter looks so local, I bet it’s delicious!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:39 am15brandi

what a great goal for the month! While I can’t do hot yoga here (no studio near me with classes I can get to), I’m definitely going to be doing more yoga on my own, for sure.

I love strong breakfast teas.
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:40 am16skinnyrunner

sounds like a good, healthy way to detox and clean the system out
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:41 am17Mama Pea

Though your last few months have looked like a lot of fun, I’m betting you will feel better and a lot more like yourself doing this challenge! That’s the beauty of the human body, it is very forgiving and able to heal itself pretty quickly. Is it hypocritical to say I’ll stick with my coffee and room temperature yoga?
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:42 am18Traci

Awesome! I love the idea of Hot Yoga Month. I just completed a 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge at our studio. Every single day for 30 days straight I had to get my butt to Bikram. No excuses. No “I’m tired’. Just go. It was amazing. I think mid point was the toughest mentally. These Challenges change your practice in a very good way. Good luck! I’m either going to do the 101 Day Challenge in Janaury or stick with another 30 Day. We’ll see…Above all have fun with it. Enjoy your yoga!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:46 am19Estela @ Weekly Bite

A Bikram yoga challenge sounds right up my alley

Congrats on Marie Claire! Can’t wait till April
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:47 am20Joy

I love the idea of this. I am going to try to follow it but doing traditional yoga because the budget doesn’t allow for hot yoga right now and I have a ton of yoga videos collecting dust so I will follow along like that if that’s okay!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:50 am21Kristen @ Change of Pace

Love the idea… It sounds more like we should make it a lifestyle than a month
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:55 am22crunchy granola gal

i am doing a cleanse sort of like this in january… the part that scares me is the lack of booze. and i’d go broke doing all that hot yoga! i’d love to actually try something like this, though, but it’s only feasible for me post-holiday season — too many opportunities for free alcohol until then- and i just can’t miss out
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:55 am23Lauren @ louisianagrown

So exciting to see you making progress on the book; can’t wait until I can run into Barnes and Noble and snatch it off the shelf!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 8:57 am24Allie

love it jenna! i am not a “rules” person, but healthy habits are surely worth it and these are great reminders of things i can do. i’m on board for most.
on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:02 am25lindsay

Hot yoga month sounds awesome! A good way to start the year.
on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:08 am26VeggieGirl

May I just do “regular” yoga month?
on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:09 am27mom

Count me in for Bikram on Monday or Tuesday when I arrive! The wine though…? Maybe twice a week?! Or are holiday vacations exempt in the rules??!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:15 am28Christie @ Honoring Health

Good luck with yoga month! I’m sure you are going to feel great afterwards!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:16 am29Amanda

Hi Jenna,

I always feel you set up reasonable goals and expectations and really have never doubted that I couldn’t keep up. However, given that the month you have laid out here includes holidays, parties, etc, I just wonder if anyone will be able to keep up!

Good luck!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:22 am30Jill

Just bought a beginning week at the new bikram studio near my work on Monday before I saw any of these posts. Weird. Must be something about the freezing cold gloom outside and the excess of the holiday that has everyone craving some hot sweaty goodness. Cheers!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:29 am31Lauren

Jenna,
This seems to be an amazing “detox” guide. Although, I think for my sake I might look to do this January 1st. Afterall, my 83 year old grandma only makes her cookies once a year!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:40 am32Liz

I would love to join in, however, I’m off on vacation to South Africa and it is definatly not reasonable. Ii plan on soaking up all the SA wine that I can. If I had the chance I would LOVE to do hot yoga every day
on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:46 am33Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)

Good luck with hot yoga month! That tea you had for breakfast sounds wonderful. Where did you find it?
on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:47 am34Karla

Those rules sound great! However, I think I might tweek them a bit. Since I’m a yoga beginner, I’ll make it any yoga, not necessarily hot yoga Hope I can make it!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:55 am35Kristine

No sugar? Bah humbug.
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:01 am36Shannon

Love your Cup!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:04 am37kathleen

you beat me to it! i live somewhere where’s there isn’t an actual yoga studio but am going to FL to be with family for a month! i asked my husband for a 30 day yoga membership at a great little studio in juno beach. i have a lofty goal of doing 30 straight days of yoga… we will see. last time i tried it i think i made it 15 or so.
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:07 am38Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope

What a neat idea! I’m always up for any reason to practice more yoga, especially with Christmas break coming up.

Quick question about tea… how do you make it??? This probably sounds crazy, but I’ve never made tea before and have no idea what to do!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:18 am39Diana @ frontyardfoodie

You’re so lucky you don’t have any eating restrictions!
I’m allergic to dairy, processed sugar and can’t eat meat because of my system.

I’ve worked out a healthy eating regime but still have temptations. I wish I could join in your challenge but can’t afford so much hot yoga! Enjoy!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:19 am40Jerilynne

Hey Jenna!

Any advice for first time hot yoga-ers? I’ve taken hatha and vinyasa classes in the past (I’ve also done vinyasa classes/podcasts in the comfort of my own apartment) but I would by no means consider myself anything more than a yoga beginner.. maybe an intermediate beginner but even that might be pushing it!

I plan on spending the holidays with my family and I know there’s a really great hot yoga studio that I would like to try while I am there but I really have no idea what to expect!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:22 am41Suzanne de Cornelia

Perfect! It’s a spiritual boost & motivation to know an online group is doing a healthy-exercise cleanse ‘together’. I love tea, it’s packed with anti-oxidants. Off to power-walk…chilly & overcast in Carmel…but a brisk walk in cold makes your skin look great.
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:28 am42Light Delight with Tou Tou

I like that bowl very cute
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:35 am43amber

Only Wine one day of the week in Helasburg?? That is ambitious! I need to cleanse but I certainly know I will be drinking often this week and next week to due the holidays! I will start my cleanse with the rest of america —New years day lol!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:39 am44Amanda @ Cakes and Ale

I’ve been trying to cut back on the booze recently too. I don’t think I’ll be able to acheive 1 night a week during the holiday season, but I’m trying to limit myself to Thurs, Fri, Sat, and stick to 1-2 glasses. So far, so good!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:47 am45Chelsea

That mug is awesome.
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:51 am46Jaime

At my studio we do a 31 in 31 challenge every January. Crazily enough, I participated last year. It was INTENSE. I was thinking about doing it again this year, but your challenge seems much more realistic/doable!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:53 am47rach

I’ve noticed my wine intake has been creeping up recently too, though I was going to wait until after the holidays to take action. I’m excited to follow you in the challenge, as inspiration for my own challenge in a few weeks . . .
on 16 Dec 2009 at 10:56 am48Naomi (onefitfoodie)

i LOVE hot yoga!! esp in the winter time it feels so amazingggggg

love the mug too
on 16 Dec 2009 at 11:03 am49Sarah (Oc2Seattle)

Great challenge rules – although 5x is definitely too much for me! I’m with you in spirit!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 11:08 am50Teresa

great guidelines!
(especially since I am a hot yoga and hot vinyasa instructor)

LOVE the blog, jenna
on 16 Dec 2009 at 11:12 am51Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen

I love that there are some guidelines! Not that rules are always necessary, but sometimes they are great for holding yourself accountable. Can’t wait to start!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 11:18 am52Laura

I’m sure you’ll feel amazing after the month is over!

I’m unfortunately suffering from chronic illness at the moment and pain prevents me from doing any exercise at all for now (and it would cost me over $200 for 20 hot yoga sessions), but I’ll live healthfully vicariously through you for a little while! Having not had any sweets for almost three years, though, I have to admit that I’m looking forward to Christmas Eve sugar cookies and Christmas Day pancakes this year! White sugar and all!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 11:25 am53lz

Jenna, it’s awesome that you and so many others are interested in a committed practice to hot yoga! I’m participating in a formal Bikram yoga challenge in the blogging community–it’s called “Bikram 101,” a 101-day yoga challenge that starts January 1, 2010. If anyone is interested, check it out; we’d love for you to join!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 11:28 am54Lauren

does brown sugar count? I would totally join this with you..but I don’t have access to Bikram yoga (so sad, I know) and on Christmas there is always a dessert contest that I’ll be participating in which means baking and trying tons of desserts until then…whoops! Plus I just love seasonal coffee at Starbucks. I only go maybe once every once in a while, but I love my peppermint and gingerbread mochas! can’t wait to hear about yoga month
on 16 Dec 2009 at 11:29 am55Lauren

does brown sugar count? I would totally join this with you..but I don’t have access to Bikram yoga (so sad, I know) and on Christmas there is always a dessert contest that I’ll be participating in which means baking and trying tons of desserts until then…whoops! Plus I just love seasonal coffee at Starbucks. I only go maybe once every once in a while, but I love my peppermint and gingerbread mochas! can’t wait to hear about yoga month
on 16 Dec 2009 at 12:46 pm56Ali

sounds like a great idea!
I can’t join because there are no Bikram studios by me, and well its Christmastime and I will not say no to some homemade cookies
on 16 Dec 2009 at 1:19 pm57Kelly B.

Totally random…but I LOVE that coffee mug!!!
on 16 Dec 2009 at 1:20 pm58Caitlin

I too, love that mug!! So much in fact that I am delurking to beg you to tell us all where you got it
on 16 Dec 2009 at 5:37 pm59Carolyn

Good luck with the book!! I’d be procrastinating so bad.
on 16 Dec 2009 at 7:52 pm60Jin

I’m totally with you!
I went today It was HOT- felt even hotter than before because the weather here in Vancouver was much warmer than before. Random weather.

I’ll be following your rules (I ran out of my coffee anyway) and try my best to do Bikram 5x a week!