At my apartment complex, there are free yoga classes each Tuesday and Thursday night.  This was one of the reasons I really wanted to live here – so I can finally try out yoga!  I went to both sessions this week, which are taught by different instructors.  On Tuesday, the instructor took us through a nice, invigorating set.  It was a good intro and she took it slow and easy.  Then on Thursday, the other instructor went through much more challenging moves that left me quite sore afterwards.  I’m having trouble lifting my arms without slowing down a bit, but it’s a good kind of sore.

My overall impression of yoga is somewhat neutral.  While I like the idea of taking yoga and the instructors were both great, I find that there is a lot of strain on my body, like in the wrists.  I have bad shoulders that also didn’t handle the moves too well.  I think I’d gain a lot in strength and flexibility if I stick with it though, so I absolutely plan on attending every class that I am free for.  However, I don’t find myself getting extremely passionate about it and the whole yogi lifestyle, but maybe that’s something that will grow on me.

I’ve found that I’m not that great at doing yoga.  I can’t breathe as deeply as I feel I should be.  I get so wrapped up in the moves that I forget to take deep breaths – I often catch myself taking shallow breaths.  Both times I have had trouble staying on the mat (but maybe that’s normal?).  I wonder if there are weighted ones or if I’d have to use weights to keep the mat in place.  I also suck at a few of the poses because my back bends backwards too far, my right shoulder shifts in its socket, and my hips click out of their sockets.

I do feel like part of the discomfort is because I am just weak in my back and arms, which is exactly why I wanted to start yoga in the first place.  I also feel like I’ll feel better when the weather warms up and the room is not so cold.  So, while I feel it’s definitely worth it to continue the classes for this year, I’m not sure that I would pay for classes in the future.  Maybe I’ll try pilates or that yoga class that is done in the pool!  It’s nice to have a class to attend, someone to lead you through moves and keep you going, so I’d love to find a class that I’m passionate about.