Crazy I know, but I am not a Yogi…
Until this month I have taken a total of 2 Yoga classes in my lifetime.
The first was in at the YMCA in Ann Arbor, Michigan while I was in Law School. I joined my friend Caitlin for 1 class…let’s just say it wasn’t quite what I envisioned. I remember small mats and a female instructor with unshaven underarms and wearing baggy sweaty pants. I just couldn’t do it.
The second time was spectacular. I was in Venice Beach working on my hosting reel and my girl Fran Harris took me to a YAS class (Yoga & Spinning). I loved every minute of it, but it was in Venice and I am in Austin. Sigh.
With such different experiences, it’s a wonder I decided to do it again.
But I have been stressed out beyond belief lately. An hour of Yoga sounded like the cure.
I walked in with absolutely no Yoga knowledge (except for some Yoga positions we use in Jazzercise).
I don’t have a clue what the difference is between Vinyasa, Anusara, or Bikram…
Week 1 Lesson – SAFETY FIRST!
Day 1 – After signing in, I got my water, rented mat and towel, took off my shoes and headed to the room. Hello! Hot! I did not expect that. I spent most of the class mimicking other people’s positions by spying on them in the mirrors (I felt like I was cheating off their papers.) But a lot of the positions themselves were familiar (Thank you Jazzercise). I hate sweating by the way, but Yoga sweat is different…After a while I didn’t even feel it.
I absolutely fell in love with the instructor, Melinda. She was cute as a button, mindful of injuries and the novice ability of new peeps. She was just full of positive energy. Most importantly she would talk you through moves, with safety tips. Half way through I decided I could do everything. Stupid I know, and I did push too hard…my knee was a bit tender as I walked out.
Why I thought I was Gumby? I have no idea.
Day 2- Different facility, different instructor, different experience. Let’s just say that there are some communities that are welcoming to new students and others that are intimidating as all be. I told my instructor, this time a male, that my knee was tender. He said he would keep an eye on me to ensure that I didn’t do any poses that I shouldn’t…um that never happened. Once class started, he forgot about me. He focused on the two students that were contortionists in another life.
Problem is a beginner is more likely to hurt themselves…
As we were approaching the end of class, someone farted…three times in a row. WOW! That was different. I mean it makes sense, but Yowzah. Ha!
Here is what I wish I’d seen before I embarked on my first week:
Bottom line, YOU need to be aware of your own safety. Make sure your facility has good instructors. And if you find yourself in the same situation I did, be your own safety advocate…
It is okay to go easy on the move, listen to your body and modify.
Since I shared this experience, many women admitted to me that the reason they stopped doing Yoga was the lack of safety tips and the propensity for injury….
Yoga Danger
Type of Yoga I took:
Vinyasa (Room Heated)
Description:
A dynamic and vigorous practice that links breath with movement by combining postures through flow. It heals, detoxifies and strengthens the entire body while providing the student with the necessary tools to connect the mind, body and spirit in perfect harmony, allowing the true self to shine through. Be ready to sweat!
Have Yoga tips or recommendations? Comment below…
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