first time for everything

Yesterday, I went to my very first yoga class. I've been wanting to go for months but didn't want to go alone. I was having trouble coordinating my schedule with friends who have been going to yoga for a while. I was planning to hang out with a friend yesterday and she texted to see if going to a yoga class would interest me. Finally!

We went to Lexington Power Yoga, located in the town center. We arrived in plenty of time to get signed in, get all of the appropriate gear needed (mat, yogitoes, towel), and get our spots claimed in the studio. First impressions were very good. The ladies at the front desk were very friendly and helped me understand everything I needed. One of them was also the instructor of the class we were taking. The whole place was calmly lit and decorated, really clean, and aesthetically pleasing - minimal and neutral.

Upon walking into the room, I was met with a blast of hot, humid air. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once I was in the room for a few minutes, my body began adjusting to the change in temp. The instructor (Jen) came over and sat by me and explained how this whole yoga practice thing works. A lot about movement, but also about calming, breathing, and centering. I told her I was a runner and have been having a few issues with some tight IT bands, she rewarded me during the class with an awesome pose stretching out those specific muscles.

The room filled up and the class began. A lot of centering and breathing at the beginning but soon we were moving into poses and through them at a slow but steady pace. There is a lot of stretching involved, but to be sure it is a workout! I am sufficiently sore today. I was pleased to feel like I knew what I was doing thanks, in part, to Shaun T and his Insanity and T25 workout programs. He incorporates a lot of yoga moves into his stretching workouts and I was able to follow along and keep up and have good form for the majority of the class.

The last five minutes were spent in a relaxing pose (of your choice), a few more deep breaths, then a cooling down of the room. While I respect the practice of yoga and the view many people have on it, for me it was just a really great way to relax, stretch out, and work my muscles. I appreciated the way Jen led us through the class and helped us center ourselves and our spirits.

This is definitely a place I'd like to come back to when I have the time (and money - it's not cheap). And I would recommend it to anyone who has been wanting to try yoga, hot or otherwise. The studio is very clean and those I met were really friendly. I'll have to try and make it back before the end of the year, any one want to join me? :)