My first yoga class. OR, my shirt is over my head and my belly is hanging down.
May 1, 2007 – 7:00 amDo you remember a while back when I made that List?
No? You don’t commit EVERY SINGLE ONE of my posts to memory? Wow, I’m hurt and confused. Will deal with that later.
Anyway….
I started a List of all the things I want to do, long-term. And seeing as how I’ve quit my job, am almost 30, and theoretically have more time to pursue happiness, fulfillment, and otherwise check items off my list, I decided I’d better get down to business.
So, I signed up for a yoga class. I have very minimal yoga experience, which is completely comprised of trying to follow along with some blond lady on a video who’s doing yoga on top of the Grand Canyon (I think it’s the Grand Canyon… I’ve never actually been there)… And while videos are fun and all that, you really can only get so far with the same exact workout day in and day out. Plus the instructor was really unfriendly; it was almost as if I wasn’t there. I don’t think she likes me much. Hence, the class.
First question of the day; what to wear. What I can tell you (POST yoga class) is what NOT to wear.
Do not wear to yoga: Baggy t-shirt. For a very simple reason; a large number of yoga poses involve a version of standing on your head. When you stand on your head in a baggy t-shirt, your shirt falls over your face, and your belly hangs down. Not exactly the perfect scenario for true yoga enlightenment, relaxation, and ease- let me assure you.
Something else I learned is in reference to yoga mats. Being the gung-ho girl that I am, I’d gone to Target and purchased a pretty purple yoga mat. I will blend in! I will look like a pro! I have my own mat! Yoga mats are great, and definitely a critical item. However, if you are part of the 2% of the human population that has sweaty palms (I am), you may need to make your mat purchasing decision cautiously. Otherwise you’ll end up like I did, face down for every pose.
For example, we go into “downward facing dog.” (If you’re unfamiliar with this pose, basically your body makes a giant triangle, with your butt up in the air and your hands and feet on the ground).
The perfectly toned instructor says, “downward facing dog” and everyone moves into that position, including yours-truly. After only a couple of seconds, I feel my palms start to move under me. Next thing I know, SLIIIP, I am face down in what I like to call “Flat on a mat” pose. “Flat on a mat” rapidly became my most frequently utilized pose. And while it was somewhat comfortable (lying prostrate usually is), I don’t think it really benefits my muscles much.
This type of situation is a perfect example of why real-life classes are superior to DVDs. While the blond grand-canyon instructor never ONCE offered to help me in my “Flat on a mat” plight, the real-life instructor would come around to gently correct our misshapen forms. When she saw me in “flat on a mat,” she told me that there are special mats for the very sweaty, called Eco-mats. Who knew?? I grabbed myself an eco-mat and suddenly “downward facing dog” STAYED “downward facing dog.” Hallelujah! This is progress!
Despite my minor setbacks (which really I’ve learned to expect any time I undertake anything involving coordination), I completely enjoyed the class. I walked out feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and aware of muscles that I had forgotten I had. Already I’m picturing my new self after a few more classes… I’ll be the talk of the town with amazing flexibility, enviable muscle tone, and an overpowering sense of calm. I feel a Photoshop moment coming on!
Namaste.
***
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Mother. Coffee drinker. Information seeker. Skeptic. Creative. Dreamer. Schemer. Absolutely Bananas.
By Lene on May 1, 2007 | Reply
First off, congratulations on taking the big step and going to the class!
I had to laugh at the big tshirt because that is totally what I would have worn to a class. Glad you gave me the skinny!
It was good to hear that the instructor told you about the ecomats!
YEA for you!
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By Kimberly on May 1, 2007 | Reply
Boy, am I ever glad I read that, ’cause I’ve seriously been considering signing myself up for one of those classes. And I don’t sweat…I drip!
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By polliwog on May 1, 2007 | Reply
HAHAHAH! I love your writing!
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By www.nolanotes.com on May 1, 2007 | Reply
I LOVE yoga. It truly changed my life! Even though I don’t practice as much as I feel I should these days, the things I learned (alignment, breathing, sheese–even just how to STAND UP STRAIGHT) are still with me every day (especially these days of preparing to give birth).
The nice thing about a good yoga instructor is you will find that there truly is no judging in yoga and that if you simply stay focused on your own progress, it WILL come and each little milestone will be quite meaningful.
I remember those early days–who knew something named after a dog could be so challenging! Just FYI–that particular pose seems to be designed never to be performed perfectly! Just when you feel you have things just right, you learn you can always push it just a tad more. But that’s the beauty of yoga, too. It is NOT static!
The best thing about yoga for me is always the way I feel after I am done. Whatever stresses are on my mind going in are GONE when I am done. I never quite achieved that with any other workout.
I wish you all the best with it and hope it brings you as much joy and peace in your life as it has brought to mine!
Namaste!
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By shaz on May 1, 2007 | Reply
omg, you are brave!!!! wow! congrats! :)
I have sweaty palms too, however, I would not even consider yoga, because I would make such a fool of myself that I would likely be tramatized for life!! :)
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By Kristi on May 1, 2007 | Reply
I *hate* yoga. Seriously. But I looooove pilates. Much less upside-down time.
Good job, though! Keep us posted…
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By Stacey on May 1, 2007 | Reply
Very funny stuff! Glad you’re a Top Momma, that’ how I found you, lol. ~Stacey
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By tulipmom on May 1, 2007 | Reply
You’re a riot! My only Yoga experience was in high school gym class. Good for you for going in the first place!
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By Queen Heather on May 1, 2007 | Reply
Namaste to you!
I needs me a yoga class too.
Very funny!
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By Shauna on May 1, 2007 | Reply
I love yoga, but it’s been awhile. You’ve inspired me to look for a class again! Will remember the shirt thing…
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By Annie on May 1, 2007 | Reply
I’m sitting here nursing my son as I read this - now he’s having milkshake since I’m laughing so hard!
Good for you for doing the class - I think I felt every sinew in my back twinge just looking at that picture!
I too am not blessed with co-ordination hence my abstinence from any time of group exercise class - last time I did one was aerobics, everyone went right, I went left - you get the jist - when my bra snapped open under my tshirt I knew it was time I was out of there and I’ve never joined a class since!
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By Life As I Know It on May 2, 2007 | Reply
I made the baggy tshirt mistake at my first yoga class too ;) And also got a “sticky” mat after experience the same sweaty hands sliding down the mat…
Stick with it if you can, yoga has done wonders for me!
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By sognatrice on May 4, 2007 | Reply
I took a yoga class in college and always struggled with what to wear, not being fond of the fitted exercise gear myself. Best of luck with the eco-mat–who knew?!
P.S. I found you through the This Blog Blows Up My Dress Contest, and *I* think you’re funny too :)
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By Anonymous on May 7, 2007 | Reply
Jenny Jenny Jenny!
I was once a Yoga skeptic. Then one day I said what the “F” and took a Yoga class at the gym. It sucked at first. Then I got better and swo did the class. That was a year ago. I have since grown more advanced then the petty little gym classes, which, if you love Yoga like I do, is what I expect will happen to you! Thus I turn you on to, Mind and Body Workout…. It is dinner time, so I will let the link spoeak for itself. (I am not spam, I swear!)
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By Amy Jo on May 8, 2008 | Reply
ha.. you’re making me laugh out loud. Love your writing style!
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