The Hus Tries Yoga… Again

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Another day, another class per my personal yoga challenge (the only rules are “practice more” and “don’t feel pressure”).  I caved and bought a month-long pass, which was affordable with my new student (i.e new to the studio) rate. 

 

Since I have a flexible work schedule, I went to class around lunch time (it’s less crowded and cheaper when you pay by the class).   Going at noon makes it difficult to time lunch (yoga on a full belly = hell).  I snacked on some sesame covered cashews before I left.

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To my surprise, the Husband joined me for class!  This was his second class EVER.  We attended Power Mixed, which was a hot yoga class with minimal vinyasas and lots of long poses. 

 

I think I’ve been done 35 or 40 yoga classes in my life, but I remember how weird it felt when I was starting because the teacher just barks out commands like, “Up dog! Down dog! Pigeon! Crow!” And you’re like, “WTF?”  It’s really just a learning process.  I only know about 80% of poses now, but I quickly look around and figure out what I’m suppose to do.

 

If you’re a yoga newbie, I’d recommend calling the studio and asking which class is the easiest, and then Googling poses like downward facing dog, child’s pose, and Warrior I, II, and III.   If you know those – it will be a lot easier.

 

Interview with Husband, post-yoga:

 

  • Me:  What did you think of yoga?
  • Husband:  It was great!
  • Me: Did you feel awkward?
  • Husband: For the first ten minutes, I did.  I had no clue what I was doing.  But then I realized that no one really cared what I was doing and relaxed. 
  • Me: Did you like it when the teacher came up and helped you [she gave him a block]?
  • Husband:  Yes, I liked that she just moved me into position and didn’t tell me what to do.  No one knew she was helping me and I didn’t feel singled out.  And having the block was great because I couldn’t stretch as far as a lot of the other women in class.
  • Me: Is it weird to be the only guy in yoga class?
  • Husband: No, because I’m married! [Laughs]  But maybe being a single man in a yoga class wouldn’t be so bad….

 

He says he wants to start attending regularly with me, which would be really nice! 

 

Post-yoga lunch:

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Stopped by a deli and grabbed this spinach salad with onions, sunflower seeds, raisins, sprouts, goat cheese, and feta dressing.  Mmm.

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Back to work I go!  I had a meeting with Girls on the Run this morning about their annual Summit (I’m presenting about Operation Beautiful) and tonight, I’m going to coach’s training.  I’m really excited to volunteer with the organization on a weekly basis.

 

How did you feel the first time you went to yoga?  Does workout embarrassment prevent you from trying it (here’s how to get over it)?

{ 102 comments }

 

  • Sarah Keach September 2, 2010, 2:37 pm

    So good to meet you today, hope to see you and your husband in my class soon!

  • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) September 2, 2010, 2:37 pm

    I’ve never been to a yoga class 🙁 but the first time I went to an aerobics class, I was SO shy! I hid at the back of the room 😛 Knowing the routines is a biiiig help though:)

    • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) September 2, 2010, 2:38 pm

      Oh, annd jsut being confident and happy! At the HLS I was feeling more confident that I ever have in my life, did the Zumba class and 100% let go and had the BEST time ever!

  • Meghan September 2, 2010, 2:45 pm

    I was very nervous for my first yoga class, but a friend dragged me along, reassuring me that it would be okay. That was years ago and now I am training to become a yoga instructor. My best advice is find a studio where you are comfortable (a lot offer a free first class) it makes a huge difference. The studio I go to now is so nonjudgmental-I love it. Also, don’t let one bad experience deter you forever, there are tons of styles and every teacher is different.

  • Carrie H September 2, 2010, 2:50 pm

    Wait, did I miss something? Student rate? Are you back in school Caitlin?

    I’m glad you and your husband found an activity to enjoy together. That’s the best.

    • Caitlin September 2, 2010, 2:55 pm

      No! New YOGA student 😉

  • Marina September 2, 2010, 2:51 pm

    I feel embarrassed when I run because I turn BEET red. I always think that people are staring at me, wondering why the heck I look like this.

    The worst part is starting and kicking my booty out of the house. Once I’m out there running, I don’t really care as much.

    • Jessica September 2, 2010, 4:19 pm

      I do this too! I used to care, but now I don’t. Hardly anyone says anything to me about it.

      I am really fair skinned and turn red very easily.

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin September 2, 2010, 2:53 pm

    Wow good for you for getting your husband to go!!!! Lead by example and they will follow, right? Not so much with my man… 🙂

    I felt really, really, really nervous the first time I tried Bikram. I seriously turned stark white and almost didn’t go. But once I got there I realized there were newbies in every class and even though they did single me out, it felt good to NOT be a newbie the next time and I’ve been addicted ever since!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write September 2, 2010, 2:53 pm

    I hate yoga class. Love yoga at home. Hubby and I do it together at home. He would never go to class, though. Props to your hubby!

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! September 2, 2010, 2:55 pm

    Haven’t tried Yoga yet but would love too! =)

  • Katryn@rampantcuisine September 2, 2010, 3:02 pm

    I did ballet for about 15 years growing up so I’m used to being in classes and being corrected and scrutinized…I think I would try anything now!

  • Laura September 2, 2010, 3:04 pm

    In my head I did a British accent when reading your husband’s responses in the “interview”! haha Anything to make the afternoon a little more interesting, right?

    • Christine September 2, 2010, 3:13 pm

      I did too!!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter September 2, 2010, 3:07 pm

    That’s so cool that the husband liked it! Our yoga teacher never fixes anyone’s post, so its a bit different.

  • Aneta September 2, 2010, 3:10 pm

    the bf and I just purchased a month’s pass at a local yoga class. he pretty much said the same words as your husband. he has only done 2 classes and loved it!

  • Lisa September 2, 2010, 3:10 pm

    I got my boyfriend to do some yoga at the house with me. He made jokes and goofy faces the whole time. I think he was embarrassed at how hard it was and how he much he was struggling. 🙂

  • Kelly September 2, 2010, 3:10 pm

    Haha I had teh exact same comment as Carrie! I was like hold the phone did I miss something?! That’s so fun that the hus will go with you!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) September 2, 2010, 3:13 pm

    I used to go to hot yoga and loved the way it felt, but was shy and always arrived early to get the back corner- haha!

    I’d like to start going again, but cant find a studio around LKN…

  • Stacey @ The Habit of Healthy September 2, 2010, 3:15 pm

    How nice that your hubby went to class with you. I’ve tried yoga at home but not in a class, I would get quite embarrassed not knowing the poses and having zero flexibility!

  • Christine September 2, 2010, 3:15 pm

    My first yoga class was with a flex card for my college gym. The teacher asked how many people were at their first class and 50% of the class raised their hand! So, lots of explanations on what to do and no embarrassment! I actually felt like I was pretty good at it. The funny thing is that, now that I have been practicing for 3 years – it has only gotten harder as I get better.

  • lisasfoods September 2, 2010, 3:16 pm

    I hated my first yoga class. The teacher was awful, there wasn’t any music, and I felt lost, so I gave it up for several years.

    When I tried it again it was when I spent a month volunteering at the yoga center Kripalu, and went to a lot of gentle classes that I loved. The pace was nice and slow, I got to figure out which instructors I really like, and felt really comfortable as a newbie. I haven’t been to a class in ages – and it’s on my list of things to do this year! – but do it on my own a few times a week during the winter.

  • Jean@RoastedRootsandPumpkinSpice September 2, 2010, 3:20 pm

    I think it’s great that your husband went with you!

    My first yoga class, I remember being really nervous but I got over it quickly. I feel like everyone is trying to do their own best in classes, and they aren’t concerned about others.

  • Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman September 2, 2010, 3:21 pm

    I love that your hubby is attending yoga class with you! How great is that?! Have a great presentation tonight!

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews September 2, 2010, 3:23 pm

    Yum! What a great looking salad. That’s really cool that your husband went with you…how sweet!

  • Tracey September 2, 2010, 3:23 pm

    I’ve only been to a couple yoga classes and I remember feeling a bit nervous before I started. Whenever I get nervous I either get a stomach ache or I start laughing.

    Once the yoga class started I started laughing, then I got the church giggles and just couldn’t stop. So, I was asked to leave:( So I haven’t been back to a yoga class. I’m going to start doing it in the comfort of my home and than maybe one day I will venture back to a studio and pray that I don’t start laughing again.

  • Banana G. September 2, 2010, 3:29 pm

    Someone’s first yoga class should always be at a Basics level and the person should always introduce him/herself to the instructor first. Nearly all studios have them, but they’re often only offered a few times a week–so it can be difficult to get to them. Open level classes, particularly with a crowded studio, can be terrifying to newcomers.

    I have to say that I fall into the /very/ anti-hot yoga camp, but I hope it works out for you.

    (The experience that really turned me off from hot yoga, beyond my existing ambivalence, was a runner friend and regular hot yoga practitioner for several months sustained a serious hamstring injury because she was used to the flexibility she achieved in class, which did not translate well to normal temperatures. Needless to say she’s gone back to non-hot yoga.)

  • Kacy September 2, 2010, 3:32 pm

    I had the best instructor the first time I tried yoga so I loved it, but I’d done several videos on my own to get the awkwardness out of me. I do sometimes feel inadequate because I’m so inflexible but I get over it quickly.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) September 2, 2010, 3:35 pm

    hurray for hubby trying yoga! my husband tried it with me one time at home and laughed the whole time…it was NOT productive…

  • Amber K September 2, 2010, 3:42 pm

    The only yoga classes I have been to were in college when I took yoga to complete my PE requirements. I liked the teachers I had. They did it at the same time so everyone could look up at them and know exactly what each pose was.

  • Little Bookworm September 2, 2010, 3:42 pm

    Just wanted to say I think your personal yoga challenge sounds like a great idea and I like the rule about “don’t feel pressure”. 🙂 I’ve never been to a yoga class.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman September 2, 2010, 3:45 pm

    My husband refuses to go to yoga with me because he says he’d look like a fool. True, but I don’t think anyone would care.

  • Clare September 2, 2010, 3:46 pm

    This is awesome. I took a guy friend to hot yoga last night and he loved it. I think it had a lot to do with the half-naked women. 😉

  • Emmanuelle September 2, 2010, 3:47 pm

    The first time I went to a yoga class was a big challenge for me, as it was the first time I had signed up for “collective exercise” (always been a loner 😉 ). I was not flexible at all, so I knew my limitations, and eventually enjoyed the class because I didn’t have high expectations and we were almost all beginners 🙂

  • jessica September 2, 2010, 3:47 pm

    why are you a student?

  • Rachel @ Suburban Yogini September 2, 2010, 3:53 pm

    Ha ha, I went to my first yoga class when I was 7 and have been going pretty regularly ever since so y’know I wasn’t that bothered at that age…. my first kickboxing class was a whole other story 😀

  • Chinye September 2, 2010, 3:53 pm

    I’m a new Girls on the Run coach too! I’m in love with the program and you’re going to have a good time at training!

  • Caitlin September 2, 2010, 3:54 pm

    I go to beginner’s yoga and I always feel like such a champ! lol. I don’t really like yoga, but perhaps I’m not challenging myself enough with my class choice.

  • Corey @ The Runner's Cookie September 2, 2010, 3:55 pm

    Interesting to hear your husband’s take on yoga…definitely true that no one else cares what you’re doing. Whenever I feel self conscious in yoga, I remind myself that those thoughts are defeating the whole purpose of being there. I’m a long way from a yogi, but I love that the yoga environment frees you from self-judgment and encourages you to embrace an all-encompassing forgiving mindset.
    I hope to go on a yoga challenge soon also!

  • Sara September 2, 2010, 4:07 pm

    Awesome post!! I am a newbie yoga instructor and I loved reading your hubby’s thoughts on the teacher giving him a block!

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing September 2, 2010, 4:10 pm

    I’ve never been to a yoga class but i’ve always wanted to!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg September 2, 2010, 4:13 pm

    It’s funny– a lot of people think of yoga as such a “girly” workout. But my husband LOVES yoga, and I have to make myself do it!!

  • Michal September 2, 2010, 4:17 pm

    It felt bizarre my first yoga class just because it was the sort of thing I’d always wanted to do but seemed like a movie moment. I was surrounded by people I’d never met doing something I’d never thought I’d do, just because I WANTED to do it. I loved it – and love it – so much. I’m planning to do some yoga at home today, actually 🙂 I’ve been excited all day!

  • Diana September 2, 2010, 4:17 pm

    The Hus should try zumba next! And so should you! 😉

  • Angharad September 2, 2010, 4:18 pm

    In my very first class I approached the yoga instructor at the very start and told her I was a beginner and just introduced myself. It made the experience WAY better. She became a really positive encouragement on my practice and having her know I was a beginner just made me feel better about being clueless. I think it also encouraged her to explain poses a bit more as we went through which is always nice!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete September 2, 2010, 4:23 pm

    I have never been to a yoga class — actually I have never taken any fitness class. Mostly because I don’t know what to expect. I like workout dvds at home because I can stop and rewind if necessary. I’m kind of a loner in most things, exercise being one of them!

  • Tina September 2, 2010, 4:26 pm

    I love the hus’ response! That he noticed people didn’t notice or care so he just did his thing. too many people get caught up in how other people think of them.

  • Sylvia September 2, 2010, 4:28 pm

    If you are new to yoga you really should take a Beginners Yoga class rather than “googling poses.” It will break down the asanas for you and help you start out with the correct alignment which will allow you to benefit more the practice.

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet September 2, 2010, 4:31 pm

    i haven’t been to a yoga class in so long and really miss it!!

  • Mellissa September 2, 2010, 4:43 pm

    It took me a few months to get comfortable with all the poses and not feel like I was doing something wrong. I still find myself looking around when I hear a pose I am not 100% sure about.

  • Kaitlyn (College Girl Runs) September 2, 2010, 4:43 pm

    The first time I went to yoga, I was in high school with my friends and we could not stop laughing–so immature! Hah, but the best thing I ever did was take Yoga I as a college course and it taught me about all the basic poses! I think that definitely helped me to become more acquainted with yoga, even though I still can get a little lost in the poses 🙂

  • Evan Thomas September 2, 2010, 4:45 pm

    I haven’t ever been to a class, but yoga/spin/kickboxing all start in 2 weeks here and I’m planning on starting. I hope it’s not too intimidating!

  • Sarah September 2, 2010, 4:47 pm

    Aww, how fun! I was reading back on some of your old posts a few weeks ago and saw that when you stopped eating meat, he still was and wasn’t really thinking about stopping at the time. Now he’s practically vegan and going to yoga? It’s amazing to watch all these changes happen …

  • Lindsey September 2, 2010, 4:51 pm

    The first time I went to a yoga class was when I was in college, that was about 5 years ago. I remember just being so excited and I didn’t feel embarrassed at all. But that was until the instructor realized how flexible I was and would use me as an example. Then I wanted to hide in the corner. haha

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous September 2, 2010, 4:52 pm

    Aww, too cute! I wish the bf would go to yoga with me…poor thing can hardly touch his toes! I hated it the first few times I went, but now I can’t get enough! It’s one of those things where you have to WANT to like…and you will 🙂

  • chelsey September 2, 2010, 4:52 pm

    I was definitely nervous the first time I tried yoga! But I then realized (like the husband) that NO ONE was paying attention to me!

  • Allison K September 2, 2010, 4:54 pm

    I’ve never taken an actual class before, but I really really want to. Lately i’ve gotten into Kettlebell training, and Yoga has been calling my name too! Sort of opposite sides of the spectrum….

  • Maria September 2, 2010, 4:55 pm

    I felt like I was definitely missing important concept that everyone else in the room seemed to have. But it totally depends on the teacher and the style of yoga. I really like flowing, warm, and gentle yoga with a soft-spoken teacher. When I found the right combination, I felt great and confident.

  • Sara September 2, 2010, 4:56 pm

    I went to a GOTR meeting last night about a new program starting up in Boston and they mentioned operation beautiful and the involvment with you! They gave you a nice shout out.

    • Caitlin September 2, 2010, 5:27 pm

      YAY how fun!!!

      Go GOTR

  • Heather September 2, 2010, 4:58 pm

    I would be so embarassed at a yoga studio! not only wouldnt I know what to do but I am so unflexible!

  • Erica September 2, 2010, 5:11 pm

    Fabulous! Love hot yoga and how good are those TJs cashews? We have a bag in the cabinet right now! I don’t feel awkward in yoga because its pretty dark in our yoga room 🙂

  • Samantha September 2, 2010, 5:16 pm

    I can’t even remember my first yoga class, but I’ve always loved it! I’m very inflexible so even after practicing for 7 years, I can rarely tuck my toe in eagle, and sometimes can’t bind extended side angle if I’m tight. So often, the beginners can do more than I can. But my instructor is great to remind everyone that its about your personal practice, not comparing. That’s great that the husband went! Our classes on base and in the studio often have more men than women! It’s one of the Navy SEALS “go to” things to keep them limber and relaxed from their rigorous training.

  • Halley September 2, 2010, 5:29 pm

    It’s so funny to imagine you conducting this interview your husband post-yoga session! But, thanks for doing it, I’ve been curious how my boyfriend might react if I brought him along, esp. with being the only guy.

  • Hayley September 2, 2010, 5:36 pm

    That’s awesome! I love yoga. There’s no way my hubby would go to yoga with me. I keep asking him but I don’t know if he ever will. He’s 6’5 and would be pretty awkward trying to do yoga. ha It makes me laugh imagining it! Anyway, I am wondering where you got your cute headband and how I can get one?!

  • Emily September 2, 2010, 6:02 pm

    That’s awesome that your husband is into going to yoga with you. I definitely feel like having someone with when you go to a new studio is a great way to break the ice.

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape September 2, 2010, 6:02 pm

    Aaw, that’s cute with your husband. You two could go on yoga dates! lol

  • stephanie@Avocado Nation September 2, 2010, 6:15 pm

    I am going to be a coach with GOTR also! I haven’t announced it on the blog yet, but I am so excited! If I have to be unemployed, the least I can do is give back.

    • Caitlin September 2, 2010, 11:00 pm

      what a great attitude!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) September 2, 2010, 6:16 pm

    oooh Mr BBB and I have taken classes together and he is such a natural at it! I was suprised at how felxible he is – but I suspect that his martial arts training when he was younger really helped with that!

  • Kelly September 2, 2010, 6:20 pm

    Fortunately I went to a “Fundamentals” class my first time at yoga but now I always think how could you ever be new at this class in my regular classes- like you said they just bark things out and it’s like ummm what is that haha

  • Miranda @ MirandasJeans September 2, 2010, 6:23 pm

    I am uber excited as my hubby is coming to Hot Yoga with me tomorrow evening. He’s attended a regular yoga class a couple of times before but that was like 2 years ago now. I’m surprised he was so quick to say yes that he would come with me 🙂

  • Emily Eats and Exercises September 2, 2010, 6:36 pm

    All this excited yoga talk is making me want to try it again. I’ve never been such a fan – I prefer weight training, running, or biking but maybe I can get into it if I keep trying. I’m sure it would be good to help me stretch out – I’m not very good about doing that on my own.

  • KMattrn September 2, 2010, 6:41 pm

    I CAN NOT recommend these DVDs any higher to anyone who is just getting started with Yoga. There is a section on each of the 3 DVDs that teaches you each asana in detail so you don’t get hurt. Plus there’s a vinyasa flow work out and other goodies. The flows are only 20 minute work-outs, so you can keep it short or do more than one for a longer session.

    http://www.yogajournal.com/shop/home_practice_dvds/5

    Also, Yoga Journal’s website is a fantastic resource.

    http://www.yogajournal.com/

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat September 2, 2010, 6:48 pm

    I wasn’t nervous about my first yoga class, because it was a very intro/beginner class. However, I was slightly nervous about my first hot yoga class, because I didn’t want to get sick or pass out! As it is with most things, I was worried about nothing and I loved hot yoga! Unfortunately, my yoga has taken a back seat to running and strength training right now.

  • Rachael September 2, 2010, 7:15 pm

    My first yoga class consisted of a ton of Zen-ed out students in a candelit studio, and one extremely anxious, inflexible redhead who kept poking her head around to see what the heck she was supposed to be doing…my first downward dog was more reminiscent of downward, urinating dog,complete with leg jacked out. I am hardly graceful 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin September 2, 2010, 7:21 pm

    My first experience with yoga was at my school gym, and it was super easy so I could follow along. I’m a little nervous about going to a class at a real studio though because I’m scared of sticking out as the newbie. 😛

  • Jessica September 2, 2010, 7:41 pm

    My first yoga experiences were slightly embarrassing just because I had no clue what I was doing. However now if I’m in a new class and I feel embarrassed or uncomfortable, I now partially blame the instructor. They should be creating an environment free of judgement. Sometimes when I’m in a class where I’m not as advanced as the other students, I start to feel self-conscious. I just try to remind myself that yoga is personal and it’s not about who is better or worse.

  • Valerie September 2, 2010, 7:52 pm

    My first yoga class was actually a beginners yoga class offered by a studio in DC (Tranquil space – it is awesome). The class was specifically for first-timers so all the poses were carefully described and the flow of the class was slow. I’m not typically embarrassed about trying out new things, but when I do feel nervous I try not to think about it much and instead think about how great I will feel after a new and different workout – it works most of the time! 🙂

  • Lauren September 2, 2010, 8:05 pm

    I’ve definitely had creepy and pushy yoga instructors and I think it ruined the whole class. I really think your yoga experience has so much to do with the instructor. So cool that hubby is getting into too!

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa September 2, 2010, 8:13 pm

    My first yoga class was over 8 years ago so I don’t really remember how I felt. The first classes I went to were small so I remember feeling really encouraged.

    I think a lot of it comes down to the environment of the class itself. Bikram yoga sometimes feels like a competition to me. I’ve been to some vinyasa flow classes where others seems to be competitive with each other. Last weekend I went to an awesome class that was small, at a studio with a great vibe and they made a point of talking about “workout pressure” to keep up with those around you. That helps I think. I also like when teachers encourage you and tell you that you do a pose well. Being told I had a great plank last weekend made me relax more during the class and encouraged me.

    • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa September 2, 2010, 8:15 pm

      I think its easy to fall into the “social comparison” trap with yoga but good teachers make a point of addressing that and encouraging each student.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday September 2, 2010, 8:24 pm

    Lots of men do yoga at my gym

  • Wei-Wei September 2, 2010, 8:27 pm

    You know what? I think that the Husband is changing his lifestyle to be a lot like yours. First no dairy, now yoga? Love it. So jealous 😉

    • Caitlin September 2, 2010, 11:01 pm

      Maybe next he’ll become a marathoner???

  • BroccoliHut September 2, 2010, 8:38 pm

    Is it sad that I have made trips to Trader Joe’s before, for the sole purpose of re-stocking on those honey sesame cashews?? Don’t answer that.

  • Mary September 2, 2010, 8:45 pm

    I introduced my boyfriend the other day (he’s training for a half iron man, which he’s doing 9/19) to yoga to stretch out his sore cycling legs. we did just a simple intro to yoga from yogadownload.com and he LOVED it! and hes’ done it every day with me since then 🙂 good for hus! I hope he loves it too

  • Pure2Raw Twins September 2, 2010, 9:12 pm

    I was so nervous for my first yoga class and still kinda am when I go to classes because I do not do them that often. That is awesome that your husband went with you, boy I would love my BF to go with me, not sure if that would ever happen 😉

  • Paige @Running Around Normal September 2, 2010, 9:14 pm

    Aw how fun that he attended with you! I could probably never convince my husband to come to a class with me, haha 🙂
    I love yoga – but the classes around these parts are lame-o.

  • Gina September 2, 2010, 9:19 pm

    I definitely used to be too embarrassed to try new classes. I was so worried that everyone would be watching me and judging me. I have gotten over this though. First of all, I just am more comfortable and confident with myself than I used to be. But I also learned that no one else really cares. If I’m not worried about what other people are doing, they probably aren’t worried about me either.

  • Gree September 2, 2010, 9:20 pm

    My first yoga class was at age 12..and I was so awkward and overweight, but my teacher was amazing and supportive and yoga quickly became an avenue to learn to love my body, flaws and all!

  • Liza @ Health Nutting September 2, 2010, 9:32 pm

    I don’t remember exactly how I felt at my first yoga class, but I remember being slightly light headed in the heat and humidity, but loving how my body felt and how calm my mind was. 🙂

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) September 2, 2010, 9:54 pm

    I have never tried yoga!!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss September 2, 2010, 10:06 pm

    My first yoga experience wasnt awkward..but frustrating. The teacher wasn’t motivating but more pushy. She didn’t give any options and if you didn’t get the move, she got mad at you. Luckily it didn’t turn me off and I actually just completed YogaFit training! 😀

  • Carly (Swim, Run, Om) September 2, 2010, 10:09 pm

    Can you believe that I’ve never been to an official yoga class? When I first started, a friend who knows what she’s doing really helped me perfect my posture and all the basic poses. Now, I rely heavily on YogaJournal.com to further my practice. I really would love to go to a more structured class!

    I do get embarrassed pretty easily, but I do things anyway. If I let my embarrassment hold me back, I would do nothing.

  • eatmovelove September 2, 2010, 10:50 pm

    Great post. I did the training, and I still am embarassed, because the extent I can do is equal to a newbie…

    I’ve always wanted to be able to swim better…actually to be able to swim LOL ;)…but lessons with 6-year-olds probably not so much…

  • Chelsea at Striking Balance September 2, 2010, 11:42 pm

    That’s great that the husband went with you!

    The first time I went to yoga (I’ve still only been to a few), I was very uncomfortable and confused at first. As soon as I got into it a bit, and realized not everyone was staring at me, I felt a lot better!

  • Julia @ www.britbride.com September 3, 2010, 5:25 am

    Your hubs is a cutie!

    Julia
    http://www.britbride.com

  • Kristy September 3, 2010, 8:13 am

    I’ve tried a few times to get the man of our house to go to a class, since he didnt enjoy the at home version it was not success full! 🙁 Likey the yoga challenge idea!

  • Jillian@ ReshapeYourLife September 3, 2010, 8:29 am

    All this talk about yoga has me thinking I may need to look into classes in my area. 🙂

  • Tracy September 3, 2010, 5:06 pm

    You need to get some post-its with the OB website pre-printed on the bottom!

    That girl’s feedback letter? #3 is killing me… she didn’t like running all those laps (but everything she learned was well worth it I’m sure!).

    I’m going to be trying a new form of exercise next month. The dance studio my daughters dance for is offering adult classes now (latin jazz), and my daughters take so many courses that I’m being given a free pass to whichever class I want. I never miss a chance to make a fool of myself ;-D

  • Anjeanette September 3, 2010, 5:15 pm

    I love Warrior One! I never used to be good at it, but then I discovered there are ways to modify it. Yoga guru Leeann Carey has a free yoga video that shows how to break it down. I thought you would be interested in it: http://planetyoga.com/yoga-blogs/index.php/free-yoga-video-hands-on-adjustments-in-warrior-one-pose/

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