Yo Yo Yoga!

Not just any other yoga, but Ashtanga Yoga! Yes... while at the gym last night, I thought why not give yoga a try. I've heard many benefits from it and was certainly not aware of what I was getting myself into. All the impossible and challenging stretches were grueling!
Ashtanga Yoga literally means "eight-limbed yoga," as outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. According to Patanjali, the path of internal purification for revealing the Universal Self consists of the following eight spiritual practices:

Yama [moral codes]
Niyama [self-purification and study]
Asana [posture]
Pranayama [breath control]
Pratyahara [sense control]
Dharana [concentration]
Dhyana [meditation]
Samadhi [contemplation]

Here's a detailed background.

Unlike other classes with pounding music and energetic movements, this yoga class is the total opposite. I was struggling to get the right stretches while learning to breath concurrently in sync. In some ways, the practice had bore some effects as quickly as 1 lesson.

1) Improved proper breathing
2) Flexibility in movements
3) Better posture
4) Detoxifies muscles and internal organs (I'm really wondering if the frequent bowel movements had anything to do with it)
5) Better rest (slept like a log!)

Would I go for it again? Yah, why not :) just that arrangements have to made about the timing...
One thing I learnt though... not good to wear court shoes around a full work out... does the feet expand a little? Had this blister on the left sole which burst. Still feels sore.