Fitness Challenge: Even the klutz can master some peaceful yoga poses

I've always wanted to try yoga, but owing to my genetic predisposition to being a severely uncoordinated klutz I'd given it a wide berth.

Reading about the health benefits weren't enough to drag my two left feet to a yoga class until I started writing this column. The fear of ending up in a twisted mess on the ground while disturbing zen-like others in perfect poses was too much for me to bear.

But then Advance Physio's Lynsey Graham talked me through the different yoga classes on offer at Advance, from Renew Yoga which is ideal for beginners to intermediate yogis to hatha yoga and vinyasa yoga which is better suited to those advanced or intermediate practitioners.

Lysney described Renew Yoga as being a good introduction to yoga for beginners or those recovering from a recent injury.

The gentle 45-minute class aims to increase flexibility, calm the mind and renew the body while taking into account any injuries you might have.

I wouldn't say I was nervous turning up to the first class because I knew the class size was small and the atmosphere at Advance non-threatening or imposing.

I did wonder why people were lying on yoga mats with their upper backs resting on half cylinder roll things, heads dangling over the end though.

Lynsey explained it was a stretch, before the class begins, to open up the thoracic area.

So, I got a roll thingy and set about stretching. It felt weird and uncomfortable at first ... until I realised that I was relaxing into it.

Then the class began. And it wasn't scary or intimidating at all! And I didn't fall over once. Or, at least, not in the class.

Lynsey demonstrated several sets of moves and poses while explaining to us when we should be inhaling and exhaling.

I've been to a few more classes since and, while I don't think I've quite mastered the coordinated breathing patterns, I'm definitely improving.

I can't remember all the poses to do yet at home, but there are several I can and I practise those. And that's where the falling over part comes in.

Realising I could do with strengthening my upper arm muscles in order to hold myself in the downward-facing dog pose for longer, I figured I'd practise that one. It's one of the easiest poses to get into but uncoordinated me didn't seem to get that memo and I wobbled over as I somehow got my foot caught on the side of the yoga mat.

I'm still uncoordinated - I don't think there's an easy fix for that - but I'm really enjoying yoga!

It's a gentle workout, but I feel like I've done my body some good afterwards. It's definitely helping improve my strength and mobility and it's a great de-stresser.

Advance Wellness & Physiotherapy, at 711 Victoria Street, offers a range of classes in their centre gym. New clients can trial each of the classes (yoga, Oov, bootcamp, circuit, mobility and high intensity) once for free (offer expires April 30, 2016). For more information see www.advancewellness.nz or phone 07 834 9901.