I am not a yogi. I have never been flexible and I’m much better at eating a pretzel than folding into one. However, I do enjoy a good stretch, and a little time to reflect on my day. Recently, I jumped on the New Years resolution train, and joined my neighborhood gym. Since moving downtown, I have run around Lake Eola 200 times, but I have come to realize I’m too clumsy to dodge pedestrians and dogs. Also, it doesn’t help that there is a bar located right in the park. I mean really, who planned that? I also tried working out in my apartment complex, but every time I went in there I felt like I was time traveling to the 80’s, and I was shaking the whole building with every stride on the treadmill. Not to mention, there is no room for me to do my sun salutations and downward dogs.

Joining the gym was my last resort at getting in shape for 2012. I made sure to check that this gym offered group yoga instruction, and they do indeed, 3 nights a week. The weight section is important a well as resistance training is what really boosts your metabolism. If no one was around, I’d love to lift weights and utilize the bench press, but the fear of seeing someone I know outweighs my desire for strong arms. Similarly, I believe the people that use the weight section are too afraid to take a group yoga class. Every night there is at least one muscle-head who stares at us through the glass, watching us bend, stretch, breathe, and relax. I feel like they are too scared to admit it could be just as beneficial as their high intensity routines. Either that or they just enjoy looking at girls in spandex bending over.

It’s been three weeks and I am slowly overcoming my fear of sweating in public. Everyone in the gym is sweaty, smelly, and most likely too focused on their own work out to have time to check you out thoroughly . However, I think the more confident you are at the gym, the harder you’re going to push yourself. I am not going to knock the women wearing full faces of makeup, or the men who have clearly perfect physiques and feel the need to cut the sleeves off of their shirts leaving just a thong like piece of fabric covering their back and chest. If you look good, you’ll be more likely to try something new in the gym.

The obvious first step in joining a new gym is stocking up on cute new gym clothes. I recommend:

“The most loved yoga short”, $29.50 at Victoria’s secret online. It’s also important to wear a lose shirt for cardio, and a tight shirt for yoga. If you wear a lose shirt for yoga your shirt will end up over your head and you’ll be balancing topless. Which may not really be a problem for some people…

I also recently purchased the most comfortable and unique Nike tops at Thread Boutique in Winter Park. 356 South Park Avenue  Winter Park, FL 32789-4318 (407) 622-7600

And when going to yoga, an extra thick mat for comfort:

There is something so special about moving and breathing in unison with a room full of peaceful and focused people. When trying to achieve those 2012 goals, don’t forget adding yoga to your life. Whether you’re a member of a gym, or you workout at home, anyone can take a few moments out of their day to be thankful for their lives.

Tags: orlando girl's guide, yoga