Hi! I’m Charlotte. Let’s do this.
In the past several months, I have started practicing yoga in earnest. I’ve flirted with it for upwards of six years, but only lately have I considered yoga to be more than over-complicated stretches and a way to wimp out of a more serious exercise class. However, as many sweaty hours have proven, the physical training rivals any strength building regime, with the additional benefit of flexibility (I can sit cross-legged in my office chair for hours now!) Although I have not delved too deeply into the spiritual side, it is impossible not to feel a bit of clarity and calm after a good class.

One very appealing aspect of yoga is that during sessions you are encouraged to practice non-violence against others and against yourself (“Ahimsa”.) This is hard concept to grasp for anyone who has ever played a competitive sport, worked out, or endured the torture of a spin class. Typically, pain = gain, but this is not the case in yoga. It can be very painful if you push yourself, but yoga isn’t about an end result. It’s about enjoying each practice in your way, without watching the other people in the class or even yourself in the mirror. And even though my body doesn’t feel like it was pummeled after every class, I still see consistent improvement.

If you like the cut of yoga’s jib, you should try to work on sun salutations. Full disclosure: I hate them. The poses are repetitive and strenuous. But they are a necessary evil, designed to develop your shoulders, back and legs to prepare for the fun stuff.

Sun Salutations

Go here for step-by-step instructions:
http://yoga.about.com/

Bonus: Classes are sometimes taught with the lights dimmed, the heat and
music up, and occasionally (depending on the instructor) lavender -
scented eye pillows. ftw!