Today's yoga class at Yoga One was awesome! I feel like I may have sweated about two pounds off just in the one hour class. Let me fill you in on my whole experience from square one...
Butterflies filled my stomach on the long thirty five minute drive from Weddington to Central Avenue in Charlotte. Although I had heard all good things about Yoga One, and about Johnna Smith, our instructor, I was still nervous. Why? A. I'm no yoga-pro. B. I knew it was "hot" yoga...so I was worried I would pass out. C. I feared the sneers of regular yogis who can stand on their heads in a skinny minute.
After parking out in the big, gravel overflow lot, Mom & I both walked up the stairs and into the building, nervously anticipating the hard workout ahead of us. We were led downstairs by signs pointing us in the direction of the basement studio. The studio was in a the basement big, beautiful industrial brick building. Who knew industrial & serene could go together?
As we took off our shoes and entered the studio door, I thought...Here it comes...the awkward glances and the rude up-downs......
Nothing.
The smell of insense filled the air, as did the quiet chatter of the previous class being dismissed.
I felt the warmth coming out of the classroom door, and looked at my mom to see her reaction. Wide-eyed and nervous, we were prepared to take it on.
We were greeted by Tonya, a friendly face at the front desk of the bright orange studio. She immediately eased our nerves. We quickly explained that we were new & nervous about the class, and she assured us we would have fun. She also assured us that we could leave the class quietly at any time to get air.
Thank goodness for Tonya. We quickly thanked her and threw our belongings in a cubby.
We were a little late, so we quickly scurried into the 85 degree room and laid out our mats. I laid mine down beside a guy who looked about my dad's age (sigh of relief), and a ripped girl who looked about my age. (Gulp!)
The class was taught by Johnna Smith. What a fabulous teacher! She had beautiful and thoughtful things to say throughout the entire practice that were both gentle and encouraging, and full of wisdom. She reminded us that we are all beautiful beings with great intentions, and that there's no shame in dropping to child's pose when we felt we could do no more.
Her voice became our rhythm. Her words were the melody. The breathing of the students became the background noise. As the class went on, her voice and our breath helped our bodies flow through the postures as we slowly became more centered and flexible as the warm air loosened our muscles.
Although a challenge, the class was the perfect balance between the spiritual side of yoga, and the physical part of yoga. Afterwards, I felt as if I had worked out in church! Cleansed in both body and mind!
I would recommend Yoga One to anyone and everyone, whether you are a newbie or an old pro. It is a beautiful studio that takes pride in it's balance of spirituality and physical strength. It had a nice and "hip" changing area, and a little boutique with adorable yoga wear and accessories.
Go to Yoga One to be detoxified, cleansed, and inspired. Go to explore your breath and strengthen your body. Go to quiet your mind and gain confidence.
You're sure to enjoy the experience, even if you choose not to take up yoga as a regular part of your workout routine.
Tomorrow, I continue my yoga journey. Mom and I are taking a class at Yoga for Life, one of the original yoga studios in Charlotte, newly situated on East Morehead Street. Check back for the details of tomorrows yoga experience!
Until then.....Om shanti, shanti, shanti!
Peace, love, & blogging
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