First Yoga Class-10/25/08

Today was my first yoga class to take in a studio setting. I chose to take my classes at Yoga West in Katy, Texas. I signed up for a month of unlimited classes and hope to get a lot out of them. When I arrived I learned that it was a beginner class that teaches the basic poses of Hatha Yoga. It was taught by a first time instructor whose name was Deanna Kurnek. At first I was very uncomfortable because I have not practiced yoga in over a year and felt out of shape. Everyone was very nice and even offered to let me borrow a mat. They had blocks and a strap in order to help ease into the poses. Deanna began the 75 minute class with a discussion of what we were going to accomplish within the time frame. Deanna stated that the goal of the basic class was to introduce a student to Hatha Yoga with basic poses and to learn the breathing techniques used in such practice. Deanna spoke of the poses and also showed how to do each one. While doing the techniques she would then go around the room to make sure that each student was doing the pose correctly. The only element of philosophy that was evident in the class was the meditation that was done at the end of the class. For 15 minutes students were asked to meditate and reflect on the class that was taken. I felt that this to me was an intrigual part of the philosophy that has been discussed in class. By using meditation I felt that it did enhance the class by relaxing the students and helping students reflect on the class time. I did enjoy my first yoga class and cannot wait to take another one.