As I started to look through my choices for classes to take during my second semester of college, I knew I wanted to do something fun that I hadn’t tried before. Knowing I had three P.E. credits to get through and also needing a jumpstart to exercise, I decided to take a chance and try yoga. For something I had only seen on TV or in movies, it has been great so far. Sure there are some things I wasn’t expecting, and I’m bending in ways that make me want to yell (like ow!), but yoga has definitely caught my interest and hopefully will keep it for a long while. For now, though, I’m a newbie and like any newbie, I feel the struggle.

1. Why did I do this?

A lot of times this thought begins to the plague the mind of anyone beginning to workout in any way. But hold on, you now its going to be worth it in the long run.

2. "Clear your mind," she says. But do my feet stink? Have they always looked this weird?

Yoga is not only great for fitness, but it is a relaxation art. As you progress in the class your breathing and movement into your different poses becomes easier, and it's a nice break from the clutter that usually plagues your mind.

3. Downward Dog - I know what that is! This is supposed to be pretty easy.

Actually, no it’s not. Your hands start to slip on your mat, and when the instructor keeps saying to stop moving them, you know she is talking to you.

4. Breathe through your sides? I can’t even breathe normally.

Yoga is all about breathe control and learning to use your lungs to their max potential, but sadly that’s not as easy as it sounds. When I am sitting or doing whatever pose instructed to, I am so struggling for that breath.

5. "Deepen your stance." My stance is deepened. This is as low as this girl can go.

As it turns out, you’re not supposed to strain yourself. Yoga is about training your body to do something new, and that takes time –– just like anything else. As they say, practice makes perfect!

6. Did she just say, "hurt make swatter?" I'm so lost.

Yoga is not some new age thing; it has been around for along time –– over 5,000 years –– and because of that it comes with traditions such as these interesting names for poses.
Don’t worry about how weird it sounds, just go with it!

7. I can hold this, I can hold this. Please don’t fall, please don’t fall - and I fell.

While you might think staying in the pose is the most important part (and it kind of is), it is OK if you have to tap out a little early. As you continue to build those “yoga muscles” it will become easier and easier to hold your pose for longer, just give it some time.

8. Stretch - Oh please don’t fart, please don’t fart. Please, please don’t fart!

You're moving your body in a lot of different ways, and that tends to shake up your insides a little bit. Sometimes you're able to hold it, and sometimes... well, I think you get the gist of this. If you fart, you fart. Let go and let live.

9. I’m so glad I did this.

While Yoga is definitely a challenge, and takes a tremendous amount of effort (as it should), if it's done right you can’t help but feel so calm and peaceful afterwards (and a little sore). But you are definitely looking forward to your next class and the escape you have from the stress and pressures of everything else going on in your life, and you are so ready to try that new pose!