GPX SWEAT: FINDING PEACE OF MIND

I'm more than a little uncoordinated. I have no idea what grace means. And balance? I think it's a myth. So when I was told that I would be participating in yoga, which I consider a hard-to-achieve body art form, I accepted my fate. It was far from my first time, but even when I was trying yoga (I say "trying" because I don't think I ever actually did it) once a week in high school, I remained awkward and uncomfortable.

Comparing the Monday BC class at noon with Tamara Weiss to the classes I took before wouldn't exactly be fair. What I engaged in previously was some sort of speed yoga, stressful for the graceless like me. As soon as I molded my body into the awkward position, we were on to the next one. I spent more time hunched uncomfortably, peeking at the instructor from between my legs, under my elbow and upside down than I did actually posing.

Tamara's class was peaceful and relaxing. We moved at a pace that even I could keep up with. I'm not going to pretend that this made me a perfect student, however. My posing was still awkward at times and terrible at others. And yes, I still peeked at Tamara from over my shoulder. She even came by once to adjust my technique, which, quite honestly, was about seven times less than I was expecting.

There was much more meditation involved in the class than I had been expecting. Like I said, I wasn't a model student; I opened my eyes every few seconds to make sure the class hadn't left, paranoid that I might keep them shut too long and find myself alone.

The moves were challenging, and I felt my legs spasm in protest, but the deep stretches were also soothing. One of the steadfast rules of yoga is that it really does take focus. The second you let your mind wander to another task, you lose your balance, and your center falls to pieces. It took me a few tries to finally master tree pose for this very reason.

Tamara reminded us to breathe out all of life's little stressors each time we exhaled. It was a welcome reminder. I went into the class with frantic energy—the day's priorities that awaited me after the class nagging at my brain—but left calm. For this very reason, I would happily take the class again, showing just how easily I'll sacrifice pride for peace of mind.

Ready to sweat?
The Bellevue Club GPX program includes more than 70 classes. From water aerobics to meditation, yoga to indoor cycling, there is a class for you. Visit bellevueclub.com/gpx for more information.

Need more?
If you want a more individualized approach this year, the Club's new Your Body, Your Life program might be for you. It's a six-week weight loss and health improvement program. Call 425-688-3461 for more information.

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