Why Challenge Yourself?

Long-time hotspotribe hottie Elizabeth Lundy answered a few of our burning questions as she added another 30-day challenge to her belt.

Your first class was in 2012, Last class in 2017. What motivated your regular practice for 5 years?

Unlike some yogis, I did not fall in love with yoga right away. It took discipline. With each class it didn't get easier, I got better. The better I got, the more I enjoyed going and soon yoga because a passion. With 2 small kids when I started, making it to class 5 days a week was a juggling act, but I was hooked and made going a priority. 

you Took one year off - did you miss your mat? What motivated you to come back?

When I started a new career I took time away from my mat. Trying to navigate a new work schedule with long hours made it hard to hit the mat, or so I thought. The entire time I was away I missed the heat, the practice, the friendships, I missed it all. I soon realized, with a little bit of planning I could make getting to class a priority. Whether it was 2 days a week or 5 days a week, I could and would make it work. Because that's what you do when you love something.

You've challenged yourself several times in the last year. What is the motivation behind your personal challenges?

Personally and professionally, I am a very goal-oriented person. I needed something to help me get back into shape after having surgery.  I needed to set some goals. First, it was to make it to class every week regardless of how many classes, I just needed to be there every week at some point. Then I set a goal for 30 classes in 30 days. Now I am working on my diet. 13lbs down so far! 2020 is all about setting a new attainable goal every month.

What are the top 3 reasons you practice Bikram yoga?

1. The challenge. Each class, each day is different. The heat, the sweat, the feeling afterward. It's all very rewarding knowing that I am getting a full-body workout.

2. The yogis and teachers. They are all very supportive. We are definitely a community that supports and encourages each other to be the best version of ourselves. 

3. The discipline. Yoga has taught me that whatever I do, be in the moment and do whatever it is I do to the best of my ability. Each day is different and what may work today, may not work tomorrow and that's ok.

What do you like about the Inferno Hot Pilates addition in 2016?

It has helped to strengthen my weak back and my yoga practice. Pilates has taught me I am much stronger than I think I am. I am all doing things that promote growth.

What's the best advice you can give a challenger who's decided to re-calibrate and amp up their personal practice and mat time during the Healthy Heart Challenge?

Your goals are your goals and no one else's. Your practice is your practice and no one else's. Set something that is attainable for you and then come up with a plan to reach it. Enjoy the journey ahead and the lessons you'll learn along the way, because there will be many. And remember, yoga is more than just a workout. It's also about learning and growing... as tall as a tree.

 Namaste my friends!