Tuesday, May 28, 2013

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?

15 comments:

  1. lululemon is most definitely amazing! the only yoga i like is bikram yoga because itz pretty fast paced and i get bored easily :)

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    1. Bikram still scares me, but who knows? That might be next!

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  2. Of course, you're a weirdo, isn't that why we're friends? Lol!

    Thanks for posting this. I've been thinking about branching out and trying new things but then never seem to have the motivation to do it. I'm glad you're brave enough to try new things. Maybe I'll get brave soon, too. ;)

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    1. I heart being friends!! YaY!!

      Be brave- I'm telling you it's awesome! If not, I'll buy you a drink at Dumbo to make up for it. haha!

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  3. I love the feeling I have after a yoga class, and it's just like you described.

    Lululemon is great for yoga classes. Just last week I wrote a post about finding free and cheap yoga classes, including at Lululemon stores: http://www.lisafine.org/my-blog/2013/05/get-your-om-on-how-to-find-free-yoga-classes.html

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    1. It's such an addicting feeling!

      I want to check out a yoga class at Lulu one day, too!

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  4. I go to yoga twice a week. One class is all levels class and the other class is vinyasa and I love it!!

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    1. I'd love to incorporate more yoga classes, so jealous!

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  5. I am terrified of yoga, since I am the opposite of bendy. But I"m so glad you liked it!! =)

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    1. That's totally ok- we're runners, we're not bendy! You should try it to see if you'd like it!

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  6. So glad your yoga experience was much better than your fist spin class. I love to hate yoga...I love it when I go, but can't seem to find the motivation to do it very often.

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    1. Thanks, Michael! I feel the same way but about running right now.

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  7. This post made me so happy!!! I teach yoga for runners, which is my favorite kind of yoga. But love all kinds. And especially love Lululemon!! (And they do have the best bathrooms lol.)

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    1. Never been in a lulu bathroom, but I think it's now my new mission! haha.

      I need to find a Yoga for runners in NYC! That sounds amazing.

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  8. Yay!! Look at you go!! As my sister likes to say (the former yoga instructor) it's called yoga practice, not yoga perfect! I have a very love/hate yoga relationship - I hate it but I love it. I mainly do hot hatha now, but used to power/vinyasa before I hurt my knee. Oh, but another good type is yin yoga - low-key and passive.

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