My first yoga class

So I wrote about my first ever spin class, I thought I should follow up with my first ever yoga class. 

As many of you already know, I practice yoga with the pros- Elena Brower, Rodney Yee, Tara Stiles- in the comfort of my own home. I've been saying I want to go to an actual yoga class forever, but the thought of picking one was so overwhelming that I just stuck to what I know.

I tried to research. Definitely not a yoga class at a gym, because I don't think it would be the same atmosphere as a studio. I'm pretty sure I'd be into Hatha, because Vinyasa is too much of a workout. I want stretching and meditation. I don't think I'd be a fan of Bikram/ hot yoga because I don't generally like to go out of my way to sweat more. Maybe not so much chanting? Some chanting is ok. See? How is anyone supposed to navigate through all these options? What's a girl to do?

Well, how about just diving in? That seems to be the theme lately. So, I picked a class that was on my classtivity passport and went with it. Little did I know what I was getting myself into.

When I walked into the class room, it was wall to wall with yoga mats- super overwhelming for this newbie. Luckily, an employee was right there and helped get me set up. I also made a friend who said "What are you so nervous about? It's just yoga". That definitely made me feel better. . and a little bad for passing judgement (I will admit, I felt an air of pretension when I first walked in).

I found out the reason for the crowd was this was a popular teacher who was going out of town for 5 weeks- everyone was trying to take as many of her classes as they could. After the hour and thirty-five minute complete sweat fest, I can completely understand why she's a favorite. 

 

I did try to hang as long as I could, but never felt like I needed to do everything. I was completely fine jamming in child's pose while everyone else rocked a handstand and what other insanely flexible pose this runner wasn't willing to hurt herself over. The teachers were extremely hands on, which I thought would freak me out, but I found it comforting. Yes, it was hot. Yes, there was more than I thought I'd be comfortable with chanting. Yes, there were a lot of intimidating yogis. Yes, I totally loved it. 

I also found out why Lululemons are pretty damn amazing. I already knew how amazing they were for marathon training in the summer (ever try to go to the bathroom in soaking wet spandex? Lulus slid on and off no problem. Worth every penny). Even though I was soaked to the bone throughout the class, 5 minutes of getting out of the class, my pants were dry again. A-mazing. 

Guys, I don't even know how to explain how I felt after class. I was exhausted. I was rejuvenated. I felt like a new person. At the risk of sounding like a weirdo, it was the best thing I've ever done for my soul. I cannot wait to go back. I want to try out every studio I can in the city to find my favorite. I want to do it every day. I might be a little obsessed with it.

Have you ever been to a yoga class? What style is your favorite?