It wasn't until I started working at lululemon that I really tried yoga. I come from a dance background, and for me, the transition to yoga has been a challenge. In my mind, yoga was slow and boring, with music that could put me to sleep. But the more I put 100% of my mental and physical energy into movement, the more I began to love yoga -- especially the way I feel after.

Greg signing in at the Yoga Lounge

So when I decided that I wanted my boyfriend Greg to feel this good, I knew I had to be there for his first time. We picked a Vinyasa class that started just in time for him to get home from work, and me from school.

the verdict

Greg's take on his first yoga class: "I had this notion, which I realize now was naive, that yoga was all serenity and relaxation -- a cross between getting a massage and stretching. But no. It's hard work. I never felt like a failure, though. And I think that might be one of the benefits of yoga—it’s non-judgemental. This isn’t a competitive aerobics class -- though I’ve never taken an aerobics class either, so that might be an unfair characterization."

First class verdict: thumbs up!

tips for yoga first timers

1. Dress comfortably. Avoid heavy cottons and keep your clothing light and fitted.
2. Bring a water bottle, a towel and some warm layers to put on after your class.
3. Don't be scared. Everyone has a first time.
4. If you're feeling tired or a little light headed, take a moment and lie down.
5. Fully invest in the experience. Go to class and leave your outside worries and stresses at the door.
6. Drink lots of water before, during and especially after to replenish yourself. Your body will love you for it.
7. Don't base your opinion on your first class. Or second. Or even third. It may take time to love yoga.
8. Have fun!

One class in and looking like a pro

Remember: there are always new people. There will always be older people, younger people, bigger people, smaller people, people that can't touch their toes, and people that bend in half like a Gumby doll. I think that's what makes yoga so beautiful to me. It really is for everyone.

Are you interested in trying yoga? Visit your local lululemon for info on their weekly complimentary classes.

I was reading on the ferry on my commute to work when these 12 words literally jumped off the page at me. When was it, yesterday? Last week? Last month? I sat there, mulling over what kind of a leader I was (or wasn’t) being in my own life.

Relief came when I quickly realized the answer: yesterday. It may not be a Nobel-prize worthy accomplishment, but I was pleased and comforted at the thought that yesterday I did something new for the first time. What was it, you ask? I floated. Silly-sounding? Yes. But when you’re a sinker like me, who has always inhaled to her fullest only to have her feet, legs and hips slowly pull her under, floating for the first time is spectacular!

Having grown up surrounded by freshwater lakes, I recently moved near the ocean, where the salt water was only too happy to support me! And so I floated, looking up towards the blue sky as the calming blissful silence of the sea held me up.

One could argue that it's kind of silly (or even embarrassing) that a girl, who just celebrated her 30th birthday, was excited about learning how to float. I thought about how this achievement could relate to my life.

So many of us float through life, and many of us feel ourselves sinking when the pressures of our day become overwhelming. I couldn’t help but wonder: is it about ‘floating’ through life or ‘growing’ through it? If we pretend that we know it all, aren’t we just missing out on all the learnings and wonderment that come along the way? What if we looked at life as an adventure instead of getting caught up in the daily grind?

Get up today and do something for the first time – no matter how big or how small.

Alexis from our Store Support Centre recently did something for the first time. Check out her blog post, "If You're Guilty and You Know It..."

Like your first day of high school, your first kiss, your first day on a new job, or even a first date; there's a sense of excitement, nervousness and curiosity that makes you feel alive. My first yoga class was pretty much scripted to fall along these same 'first time' lines.

A friend of mine convinced me to attend a Bikram class. I come from a team sports background, and flexibility really was never my strong suit. So standing next to my friend - who used to be a dancer - and trying to do a simple forward bend to touch my toes was a bit embarrassing. The class was filled with yogis who easily balanced on one foot and could fold in half with little push (or physical pain).

I felt out of place... for the first 15 minutes.

Then something clicked. As I sat cross-legged - my blood pressure had dropped and I needed a bit of a break - and watched everyone else balance on their seemingly effortless yet completely graceful Dancer's pose, I realized that no one even paid me any mind. The fact that I was taking a break didn't bother them or their practice. Their energy was focused on something uniquely their own, and I was completely relieved and very intrigued.

Do one thing a day that scares you! It doesn't matter how difficult that one thing is, or how much energy it takes. Yoga has profoundly changed my life, and I'm certain it will yours too. Just give yourself that chance to become truly at ease with the energy and realize that you're just one person in this great, big, giant pool that is the universe, and that stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging your body, mind and soul is the only way you'll ever know the greatness you can achieve.

We're not meant for mediocrity, we're meant for greatness. Be great; even if all that means is stepping into your first yoga class and learning the beauty of your first savasana.

Namaste.