Why I Started Doing Yoga

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Last month I attended my first yoga class. Ever.

I went to an outdoor yoga class that was $10 cash on a Saturday morning at Bend & Zen Hot Yoga. I went by myself, didn’t know a soul, and I was hooked by the end of it.

The idea of yoga has always been enjoyable to me. But I was always nervous to try it. I completely lost all of my flexibility from cheerleading, I didn’t know what I was doing, I didn’t know if people were looking at me, and worst of all what if I farted? All of these things ran through my mind as I walked up to the lawn where the class was being taught.

I picked a spot near the back, and laid out my mat. There were people there alone, of all ages, and groups of people. My anxiety started to set in, but as soon as we started I tried to let it all go, and spoiler alert: I did!

It was an all levels class, and I figured if I could do Orange Theory 5 times a week, I could do a yoga class. My core and legs were shaking by the end. It was intense, but I completely surprised myself how much I enjoyed it.

Yes I was shaky in some of the movements, but as I looked around everyone was in their own zone and no one noticed if I took a stumble or two.

One of the best parts was how I felt after the class. I felt like I could tackle the world. All of the stress and anxiety that I may have built up during the week, was released during that one hour.

How I Incorporate Yoga Into My Routine

I quickly found myself starting to look forward to my Saturday morning yoga class.

I have been consistently going every Saturday for about a month now. It is a great way to start the weekend, and reset my body and mind.

I struggle with anxiety, and I knew that yoga is a great coping mechanism. In the last month, by only practicing yoga once a week that I have felt calmer, more at ease, and my anxiety levels have lowered.

I have not made the jump to becoming a member of the yoga studio yet, because the Saturday outdoor class is open to anyone. But as the temperatures start to drop, and I get more into it, I want to try to at least practice yoga once or twice a week. The studio offers hot yoga classes and I think I would enjoy that!

By no means am I a total yogi, but it is something that I enjoy that I never thought I would do. I am proud of myself for getting up on a Saturday morning, not knowing a soul and trying something new. This is something that I would have never been able to do 3 years ago!

I am excited to see where the new journey takes me! If you are local, I would love for you to join me on Saturdays at 9am at Bend & Zen Hot Yoga! It is $10 cash!

Namaste!

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