I can vaguely remember my first yoga class years ago. I remember it was hot, and afterwards, there wasn't enough Gatorade in the world. Back then, all we had was Gatorade.

Fast forward 15 years. I've grown up, had 3 kids and live in a great neighborhood. Who knew the woman down the street would become a dear friend? My friend, Danielle (on the left), is a fitness junky like me - doing crazy things, just to keep life interesting and try to avoid size increases. She told me that she had been going to a yoga studio not far from us for years. I decided to give yoga a go again, and I would go occasionally.

As 2011 came to a close - it was a time for reflection again. What goals did I want to set? Danielle and I agreed to team up and try the 30 Day Challenge. All we had to do was show up, right? After about 20 days, the challenge became serious, and we began to realize what a feat daily Bikram could be. If we even wanted to consider extending this to a marathon 60 Day Challenge, we had to do it now (as not to repeat the 30 days in the future). We decided yes. Again, all we had to do was show up, right?

When they write 'they don't call it a challenge for nothing', they weren't kidding. There were days that we pushed hard ... days that we just survived. And, there were days that we were just plain tired. But through it, Danielle and I inspired each other, shared experiences, continued to do laundry, and show up. We could now do a pose that we couldn't do before. Or, we 'heard' something different and that little shift in our position made a huge change. On those hard days, when our friendship wasn't enough, we were inspired with those around us. The new people who came to class and kept coming, other people who were working on their own challenges, and the great staff at BYT all really pulled us through. It was the days that we were dragging that a teacher reminded us that those are the days that we needed to be there the most. The encouraging comments in class knowing we were working on day 21, 37, or 42. Or, saying our name, pushing us to go farther. After 60 days, we really got to know the staff and enjoyed seeing them daily.

We found that in finishing the challenge, it was more than just showing up. It was losing 4.5% body fat. It was being inspired and accomplishing a major physical fitness feat. It was checking off an item on the bucket list. It was growing our friendship. It was fun! After 60 days and a few days or rest, we found ourselves lost and missing yoga and BYT. It was a welcome return to BYT with the smiling, happy faces of the staff greeting us at the door.

We are so proud of you Jennifer and Danielle! ~BYT Staff