There is something incredible about finding something you love to do that is good for you. Exercise shouldn’t ever be something feared or something you dread. It’s something that you should be excited about doing, something to look forward to every day.

As my summer progresses, the struggle to find time to go to the gym continues. Or maybe it’s just lack of motivation. Regardless, it has left me wondering what are other ways I could get a good workout. I grew up really active all my life, I did many sports including tennis and soccer, but my true passion was dance. I danced from when I was five until my senior year of high school when I was dance team captain. I loved it, everything about it — competing, performing, learning new dances. However, I think my favorite part was the fact that I would spend hours a week in classes, and it never felt like exercise to me — it was fun.

I’ve been suffering from withdrawals from dance now having had three full years without it playing a huge role in my life. I finally had to start learning what an actual workout was and what the heck these machines in the gym are used for ... I sit on this? I’ve realized a couple things: I do love being active, but spending hours on a treadmill or elliptical pretty much is my form of hell. I love running and hiking, but still, there isn’t really that true excitement that I felt when I walked into a dance class. I’ve looked into taking dance classes, but finding a class that would challenge me and is for old people like me (yes, I’m 20, no I’m not old, but in the dance world I could be a grandma) is basically impossible.

So, what could I do? I have thought about Pilates, spin classes, barre. Honestly I would even love to try a pole dancing class. Nonetheless, something has always steered me away from all that. Probably fear of how much it’s going to cost or the fact that I don’t even know which place I should try. When it comes down to it though, I don’t really have an excuse. I love trying new things, and if one of my friends mentions they are going to a similar class, I am nothing but eager to tag along. Still, my 8-to-5, six days a week work schedule seems to always get in the way. But three weeks ago something changed, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. I discovered hot yoga.

I got a text from my friend that she was going to hot yoga before we were to meet later. My curiosity got a hold of me, and I begged to come along. Luckily, the studio she goes to happens to be right by my work. So, with my borrowed yoga mat, a huge gallon of water and a little bit of nerves (I have never even take a normal yoga class before), I made my way into the hot yoga studio. In my mind, I pictured a room like the inside of a sauna and everyone wearing white clothes and putting their feet behind their heads as they hum to different songs. Thankfully, my naive image was proven wrong. Actually, walking into the studio was quite welcoming and relaxing. The lady at the front desk was extremely friendly and after signing my name in, I headed to the lockers to put my belongings down before heading into the room. To be honest having my friend there with me was amazing because, if not, I would have had no idea I needed a towel to put over my mat, and that I needed to spray water over it as well. Also, I thought those squishy colorful blocks were to make the room look pretty not to assist in yoga poses. Shows what I know.

I was happily surprised to find an open space with mirrors, that looked like a classic dance room except dimmed lights hung above our heads to set the mood. I sat down and felt instantly comfortable being there, and to be honest, I found myself really anxious to start the class. People started gathering in the room and taking their spots. I noticed there were all sorts of people there — old and young, girls and guys, and of all different body types. It was nothing but relaxing knowing I didn’t walk into a room full of yoga experts. Our teacher came in and started telling us to go into a pose and then transition to another, all the while explaining exactly what needed to be done and how each pose was helpful to the body. He also seemed like a hypnotist with his words putting my thoughts and body at rest. The hour flew by, and as I walked out of the class, and my friend asked how I liked it, I returned an expression of nothing but smiles. I was so excited at how calming yet challenging it was. I couldn’t wait to attend my next class.

It has been three weeks, and I find myself making an effort to have that hour of yoga at least three or four days a week. I have tried many of the classes the studio has to offer, one of them being a class called Hot Sculpt Fusion where weights are incorporated into the poses. Some teachers are very tranquil with their words and others crack a lot of jokes during the time we are in class, giving it a fun atmosphere and a new experience every time. It does more than improve my stretching and strength, it also clears my mind, which is nice after working hours and hours behind a desk. It allows you to have a new perspective on life, living at peace with what happens.

The next time you want to workout and don’t know what to do, I encourage trying something new. Maybe it is hot yoga, or maybe it’s an aerial class or Zumba, paddleboarding or boxing, rock climbing or training for a marathon. TRY IT. It could be just the thing you are looking for.