I was excited to see The Mat Yoga Studio’s announcement of the spring challenge a few weeks ago. The challenge? To take a certain number of classes during the month of April. I know that when this post publishes mid-month, it’ll be halfway through the challenge. But I still wanted to write about the benefits of studio challenges, or at least, what I like about them.
Over the years, The Mat has offered different types of challenges, like the certain number of classes per month or a Bingo card type challenge. Studio challenges can be really motivating to participate in. For one, for someone like me who likes checking things off, it’s very rewarding to see the boxes crossed out or the checkmarks or stickers next to my name after each class taken.
While I might be driven to see those stickers or check boxes stacking up during a challenge, the other thing I start to notice is how I feel by taking classes more regularly. A little stronger, a little more relaxed, and excited to get to the next class. The class challenges can help make yoga a little more of a routine, a regular practice in one’s life. And if the challenge requests something beyond a certain number of classes, those other challenges have their own benefits.
Maybe one of the challenges suggest taking a class you haven’t before – that’s a great way to try a new class style or meet a new teacher (or students!). Or I’ve seen some suggesting saying hello to the person on the mat next to you, which offers a way to add one more person to your community. I’ve made some amazing friends from my time at the studio, and it all starts with a simple hello.
Now even though this blog posts mid-month and you might wonder how you can meet the challenge, consider it a way to make a little mini-challenge for yourself. In times that I may not be able to participate fully in a challenge, I’ve used the motivation to create my own. How many classes do you want to try taking in the final weeks of the month? Or set your own goal and timeframe. If it’s helpful, make your own chart to mark off the number of classes in that window and don’t forget to celebrate upon completion. Maybe by treating yourself to an upcoming workshop at the studio?
And keep an eye out on the studio’s socials for future challenges!
This is the part of a series of posts for The Mat Yoga Studio, sharing my thoughts and observations as a student only. The views and opinions are my own experience.
