As our timid group of four extended into the “tree pose,” I could hardly suppress my laughter. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the reflection of Lifestyles Editor Hanna LeBuhn in the mirror, arms outstretched like branches on a tree, standing on one leg with a determined look of concentration on her face. In that moment, she really was a tree.

After a long, arduous week of school, we both decided to give yoga a try. We set out for the dance studio, matching yoga mats in tow, for our first ever yoga lesson.

After signing in, we laid out our super cute yoga mats and chatted with our instructor, Nancy Clough,a former JC parent. Clough really helped us to feel welcome in the class and calmed any nerves we had before our yoga lesson.

This class is held on Mondays and Fridays at 3:45-4:45 p.m. at the Academy of Performing Arts and Dance in St. Joseph Hall, and is open to all ability levels. Anyone wanting to give yoga a try can hop into a class for $10.

Lucky for us, we were in a class of newbies. This provided a very relaxed atmosphere, for there was no competition. Once two other people showed up, it was time to start the class.

Despite the initial awkwardness of moving our bodies in uncomfortable positions in front of unfamiliar people, yoga turned out to be a blast.

With every move we attempted, we all seemed to improve. The balance started to kick in, and the relaxation began to flow. After we had completed a series of several positions, the four of us laid down on our backs to complete our session with deep breathing.

After a long school week, the deep breathing at the end helped me to be in the moment, and get rid of all distractions. At the end of the session, I felt more stretched out and relaxed than I have in years.

Although it may have been a bit uncomfortable at first, we all seemed to let go and enjoy the refreshed, rejuvenated,and relaxed way yoga made us feel. With one class under our belts, I’m excited to try it again especially after a stressful school day. Although we still have a lot of learning to do, the first attempt at yoga was a success.

Caitlin Wolfarth and Hanna LeBuhn are Lifestyles Editors for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.