Last night I went to my first ever session of yoga (I did try to persuade Dave to come but he was having none of it). I found a studio near where I work who are offering two weeks unlimited yoga lessons for $25 so I thought I'd give it a go! The type of yoga they practise at the studio is called "Vinyasa"; the word itself means "arranging" or "placing in a special place", and refers to sequencing a yoga practice in a particular way, moving progressively from simple to more complex poses in a flowing manner. The sequences of Vinyasa are designed to release tension in the body, while bringing about a state of inner harmoney and radiance. It is a more demanding type of yoga than say, Hatha, for example.
With very little experience of yoga other than the odd DVD here and there, I turned up slightly apprehensive but excited all the same. I met the teacher, Michael, before class who assured me that I would be fine - although I might find the room, which is heated to 30 degrees (to warm the muscles and work them deeper, apparently), a little uncomfortable to begin with. Michael was right - I don't think I've sweated as much since I went to the Valley of the Kings in Egypt! Nonetheless the class was brilliant - I found some of the poses quite challenging, especially the balancing ones, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable hour and a half. I felt incredibly relaxed both during the class, despite the heat, and afterwards. I can't wait to go to the next class, and rather than going to the gym all the time (to burn off all the cake I eat) I'm going to alternate it with yoga. Maybe Dave will come with me one of these days...there were quite a few men there actually, all without their tops on - shame they were all skinny little Thai boys!
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