Yoga kicked my a*%

I went to my first Yoga class tonight. I knew it was going to be hard even though it was a beginners class. I knew it was going to be hard because I haven't really "moved" my body since I was on dance team in high school. I knew it was going to be hard because frankly, I'm out of shape.

But I went. I  went, and I was right. IT WAS HARD!

First of all, I have always been intimidated by Yoga. I don't know why. It's just always been scary for me. Maybe because I think I'm going to make a complete fool out of myself.

Anyway, the first 30 minutes was just an introduction to breathing techniques. (even this part wasn't easy) Then we incorporated our upper body movements (arm circles, etc) with our breathing. At this point I thought I was going to die. My shoulder muscles hurt so bad I swear my arms were just going to fly off. I'll be lucky if I can lift my arms up to my keyboard tomorrow. Finally we worked on some standard Yoga poses and ab strengthening. Dear God. What was I thinking? For our final pose, I actually asked the instructor if she was joking. She wanted me to put my heels against the wall, put my hands down in front of me, and then walk my feet up the wall. (essentially putting me in a handstand against the wall kind of position) I truly thought she was nuts. But...she helped me by having me put one leg up, then bring it down, then put the other up, etc. Until she then grabbed my waist and said..."Ok...now both feet." You can imagine my surprise when I was successful. How in the world were my arms and wrists holding up my 230lb body!?!

At the end of class, the instructor stopped me before leaving to tell me that she was really impressed with me. She said that I definitely have a natural gift of flexibility and that she was surprised this was my first ever Yoga class. So, needless to say.... I'm signed up for at least three more classes. :)