Week 1

        This week I took my first online yoga class. Previously, I have never taken any kind of class relating to yoga and the class I took was for beginners. The teacher started with simple poses and transitions into other poses. They thoroughly explained each pose position, when to take a breath, which muscles to target, and how to transition carefully. The pace was slow, perfect for first-time class takers, and with the class being online I was in a comfortable home environment. To make the at-home experience as close as one can to being an in-person class is that the teacher talked through all the movements with fine details. Going to class in person can make a person nervous. By choosing where they are taking the class, they can control the environment any way they want. For example, whether it is inside or outside, a darker room, choice of aromatherapy with essential oils or candles, and take a break when needed. They are some downsides, like not having the correct equipment and/or do not have other people to reference. When at home, pets or other environment distractions could affect how the person feels about yoga.

     The yoga class reminded me of when I used to dance a few years ago. The warm-ups were similar in the way that each muscle group was stretched and ready for the following activity. Yoga focuses more on the breathing and coordinating the poses with breaths while dance was about flexibility and strength. At the end of the class, I felt slightly more refreshed and energized. My body has been stretched out and my back is at a better posture position. If I were to continue practicing yoga I could get more out of the exercises as I become more experienced. I did not have the correct equipment at home; used a towel on top of a rug was my makeshift yoga mat and no blocks were used, only a stack of books. Luckily in this class, al the poses were do-able without any extra yoga equipment.

       Overall, my experience was unique and interesting. Having the format online, on-video chat, was a bit difficult but there are ways to work around it. In the future I do see myself attending in-person classes, if they are available; but I do not see myself having a regular yoga schedule and/or incorporate it into my lifestyle. If I were to take an in-person class I would most definitely be focused and really to see if I am performing to the best of my ability.

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