My (Embarrassing) Adventure with Hot Yoga

So as a part of my 25 Before 25 List I wanted to take an exercise class. So when the opportunity came about last week to try hot yoga, I jumped at the opportunity. 

Now there's a few things you should know first:

1. I am uncoordinated. I trip up the stairs at least once a day.
2. The class I signed up for was a Wednesday Night Special at my local hot yoga studio. The only details of the class was it was called 'Barre Yoga' (whatever that means) and it was $7.
3. I took a meditation/yoga class a year ago for my Masters so that obviously makes me an expert.
4. I know no yoga terms except downward dog.
5. I wore shorts because I knew I would be sweating in a 90+ degree room.
6. I bought a $5 rubber yoga mat for cheap.
7. I laugh when I'm in awkward situations.

A Step by Step (Embarrassing) Recollection of my Experience:

• A co-worker and I arrive about 10 minutes before the class starts only to find there is a full house and everyone is already in the room in "child's pose". We cannot sit together so we must separate. I, unfortunately, get stuck in the front of the room. FYI: I am the only one in shorts (this plays an important role later).
• There is a large floor to ceiling mirror about 2 feet in front of me so I can stare at myself while I do yoga. I am now completely aware how pale my legs are, not a good look.
• About 5-10 minutes in I realize this is not a beginners class. In fact I am actually in a very advanced class. I am sandwiched between, what I can only assume are two yogi masters. I have no idea what I am doing and I am already sweating.
• My instructor, Renee, begins spitting out yoga terms. Everyone with the exception of me and my co-worker know what these terms are. 
• I steal a glance from my co-worker who looks as panicked as I am. I immediately get the "church giggles" and am unable to control my laughter. My yogi neighbors are not amused as they are very zen and barely sweating. 
• About 30 minutes in I notice two cute boys directly behind me in the back row. Keep in mind I do not look cute, nor can I lift my leg as high as anyone else (including them). I write them off knowing they will never want to date me. This makes me laugh even more. 
• 35 minutes in, I am fully sweating which is fine because I like the heat. However, due to the fact that I am wearing shorts I found that my body is very slippery. I cannot even kneel on my mat without my knees slipping out from under me. 
• While trying to get a grip with my slippery feet I put a giant hole in my $5 yoga mat. I now realize why it was only $5. The hole gets larger as I get more slippery.
• 45 minutes in and we are in full force. I look like a beast. I cannot lift my body the way my neighbors do. 
• 55 minutes in, we are finally done and get to sit and "meditate"... I lie on my (hole-filled) mat like a dying whale and try and catch my breath.
• 60 minutes in I pat myself on the back for surviving.

Despite my embarrassing experience, I actually really enjoyed it. I just think in the future I need to take a more beginner friendly class to get my body adjusted.

Have you ever tried hot yoga?

xoxo