I got schooled...

My brother Fraser (and also my twin) challenged invited me to join him in his Hot Yoga class today.  Me, having never really done yoga before; (just at home and enough to know it wasn't really my thing) but always up for a good challenge, accepted.

Um, it may not have been my best decision of the day.  Or perhaps it was.  I'm still pondering.

Ever been to Hot Yoga?  Neither had I, until today.

The class which was full, was in this itty bitty room was about 105 degrees.  Or so I'm told.  Give or take.  We speak in hushed tones, lay down our mats, and begin our stretches poses.  Or rather the yoga folks begin their stretches poses.  I don't  because I'm the new girl who's never done Yoga (well except for in my living room but I don't think that really counts, b/c after about 4-5min. I get really bored and push stop on the DVD player) so I just sit cross legged on my towel staring at my reflection in the mirror hoping to get through this thing without fainting.

We begin and the instructor starts speaking Yoga.  Did you know it has it's own language?  She kept saying something like Chanooga and all I could think of was Chattanooga and the country song by Alan Jackson.  Now can you see why I only last 4-5 min. in my living room?  :)  I've got no discipline when it comes to downward dog and breathing.

I think I lasted about 20min. and then the instructor came my way and very kindly told me I was doing it wrong.  Well, not in those exact words but she could tell that I was getting tired.  So, I plopped myself down because my heart at this point was racing and I knew I wasn't going to be able to keep striking a warrior pose.

I was determined to stay in the room and as long as I breathed through my mouth I was okay.  You have to understand it's like being in a crowded sauna with 20 other VERY SWEATY strangers.  So, if I dared looked around (and I did once) I found myself wanting to gag and head for the door.  But then I'd be the new girl who couldn't take it and I wasn't about to be her!  But seriously, I've never been in the company of so many sweaty people before.  And their like 6 inches on either side of you.

All I could think of was my high school days and my friend Jane during soccer tryouts.  They were always held in the month of August and afterwards we'd drive down to the lake, sit in her van and let the sweat bead up on our arms.  When the heat was too much to bear we'd throw open the door and race down to the water and jump in.  Ahh, that rush of cool water....

The class did eventually end and much to my relief I was able to escape make a quick exit.  I came home drenched but feeling refreshed.  It was a challenge I'm not sure I'll do again but grateful for the experience.  (This picture was taken after we got home....all sweaty refreshed!)

Oh, and in awe of my brother (my twin) who does this 2-3 times a week.  Way to go bro.