Yoga Bear?

So, Mark and I have triple-downward-dog-dared each other into taking a weekly yoga class for beginners. We're only one week into it, so neither of us is twisting our limbs into pretzel shapes just yet - that make take a few more classes, I suppose. Really, I'd be perfectly happy with just loosening the steel bands in my legs enough to actually touch my toes. Simple goals.

Mark makes a great cohort! Neither if us is terribly bendy at present, and both of us have been curious for a while about this crazy idea of isometric exercises named for various barnyard animals. We had to explain that, no we're not brothers. Just two gently rounded beardy-heads seeking enlightenment.

Our first class was practically a private lesson: we were the only ones to show up on the Columbus Day holiday. Kate is a calm but enthusiastic teacher, and patiently explained how we were to maintain our awareness, breathe properly and consciously, press our heels into the mat, follow with our large and small toes, raise the foot's inner and outer arches, curve the spine, raise the lower belly, rotate and spread the inner thighs, let go of all negativity, lift shoulders toward the ears, open the back, and feel the fire within.

Then we began the class.

Like I said, I'll settle for being able to touch my toes. Seriously though, the first class was terrific. I sweated like a maniac, managed to learn a few of the very very very basic poses, stretched things that have never been stretched without professional assistance, and left feeling like I'd just had a great massage.

We shall see what the next class brings: who knows, perhaps we'll be joined by Mr. Ranger!