(Photo: angela7dreams)

A few years back I went to my first yoga class, and although it’s been a few years since that class I would like to share my first impressions of yoga. If you are thinking about trying yoga then I recommend you read this article. At the time I just moved into a pretty posh apartment and received a flyer for a weekly yoga class that was in the building. I wanted to join, yet I was a bit anxious to at the same time.

The reason I was anxious was that I wasn’t sure if I would be good at it and I was worried about what others in the class would think of me if I sucked. But I knew I should sign up because I wanted to get a bit stronger, more flexible and lose a little weight. So I signed up and purchased Lululemon clothing and a Yoga Mat.

For those of you who have never gone to yoga before, some instructors have mats that you can use, however, they recommend you bring your own due to hygienic reasons. I personally would not like to use a mat that other people have used, so I recommend you purchase your own mat.  Also some instructors will sell mats, so you don’t have to go out and buy your own. But, I have found that the cheapest places to by yoga mats are on Amazon.

For the first day of class, I got dressed in my Lululemon pants and lululemon top, grabbed my mat and went to class. I didn’t really know what to expect, it seemed like about half of the class was wearing Lululemon and the rest weren’t. So if you do decide to go to yoga, you probably will want to wear you Lululemons (not to fit in but because they are just more comfortable, movable, and wick away your sweet).

I signed up for the beginner class and in my class there were lots of beginners and some at the intermediate level. But, the instructor reassured us during the yoga class that not to pay attention to anyone else and only focus on your self. She told us that were not in competition with anyone else in the class only with ourselves. She encouraged us to try the yoga positions that we were comfortable with. It was very reassuring knowing that we are not in competition with others, and are only supposed to focus on ourselves.

I was able to do most of the yoga positions without any problem, there might have been a few that I struggled with. But I was happy with my self for trying my best. After the class I felt so relaxed. This was because of the breathing and freeing of the mind. During part of the class we focused on our breathing and letting go of our thoughts or the voice inside our head. We placed our concentration on our hands and on our feet. I was able to let go of my thoughts and to only focus on feeling my hands, it was so amazing.

After the class I went home and drank a good liter of water. I was exhausted and went to bed. I had such a good night sleep. But in the morning my body was a bit sore. The entire yoga experience was amazing for me, and I continued to partake in yoga weekly. If you have the chance to try out a yoga class, I really recommend it. I have noticed a difference in my body in terms of strength and flexibility. Also, I am a lot more relaxed now because of yoga.

For those of you that don’t have time to try a Yoga class or are little nervous to try it like I was, you can always get a great Yoga For Beginners DVD.