That Dripping Sound Was Sweat

My theme for 2013 has been living fearlessly. So last night I faced my fears like never before.

Yesterday while sitting at my desk, I took the plunge and bought two weeks of Bikram Yoga at a studio here in Lexington. I was beyond excited. A few people offered some tips of the trade on Twitter and I did a little research on my own. 

5:00 rolled around and I jetted to my car. I was supposed to be early, which is something that NEVER happens in my life, and gave myself a pep talk all the way to the studio. I was nervous. Real nervous. I had no idea what to expect really and people had told me to expect things like puking. And maybe even passing out. I don't know about you but that doesn't sound incredibly appealing.

I walked into the studio in a sweatshirt and long yoga pants. Finally putting those yoga pants to good use, amiright? I told the half naked man behind the desk that this was my first class which I'm sure he knew just by looking at me. He pointed me to the changing room, and at this point I was really starting to get worried. I was wearing what I was going to wear to yoga. No need to change. I mean, yes, I was going to lose the sweatshirt.

My anxiety was at an all time high. I went into the dressing room where lots of half naked girls were. Dressed  in what I can only assume is hot yoga gear at this point. So I shed my sweatshirt and went straight to the room. I was overwhelmed. My senses were being overtaken by anxiety.

I laid my mat out, put my towel over it, and then sat down. In my t-shirt and yoga pants. 

This is how people were dressed, guys. And I was in full clothing. FULL.

I was ready to jet. My friends were meeting for a beer at my favorite brewery. I could get out of there and not think twice about it. But the instructor came in, and there I was, essentially stuck. 

There were men and women of all ages. AND what I thought were judging stares at first actually turned out to be looks of pity. They knew what I was getting into. Most of them had all been there a bunch of times before me.

The class gets started and I'm already sweating. I mean, it's hot in there. Like 110 degrees. And everyone is half naked. And I'm just dressed like I'm making a run to Target. 

The moves were easier than I expected really. I thought I was a yoga superstar. The instructor welcomed me with open arms and told me to just remember to keep breathing and to sit down if I needed to. 90% of the people in the room were in GREAT shape and during the class I kept thinking two things:

1) Am I going to pass out? and 2) Will I look like that after hot yoga?

At one point I kept hearing this dripping sound. And the first thought that came to mind was that there was a leak in the ceiling somewhere. NOPE. That was my sweat. Hitting the mat. This workout was intense.

After class, I felt the best I maybe have ever felt. Toxins were left on the mat. I had sweat off what had to be 9 pounds. I felt certain. And my muscles already felt tighter. Will I go back? You better believe it. Am I sore? Like I've never been before. Will I buy clothes like pictured above? I already hit purchase this morning and they should be at my house in 2-3 shipping days. 

Moral of the story - get out of your comfort zone and sweat a little. It'll make you feel like a superstar, even if you can't move from your chair.