I’ve always been the type of person to take on challenges, especially when finding new and innovative ways to work out. I’ve done everything from Pilates, P90X, and the infamous Insanity (even though I only lasted a week).

So when my friend invited me to do a yoga class with her last year, I thought, why not? It looks relaxing; it works on your flexibility and core, what’s the worst that could happen?

Well, everything that could possibly go wrong in a yoga class went wrong. To start off, I didn’t have a mat to lie on so I had to do the entire class on the carpet, I couldn’t do any yoga moves (apparently I’m not flexible enough) and I fell asleep before the class was over.

I think the biggest problem I had with yoga was that it lacked the intensity that I have become so accustomed to with my own workout regimes. It didn’t make my heart skyrocket like running a marathon would.

Since the last time I went to a yoga class left a bitter taste in my mouth, I never stepped foot inside a yoga studio, until last week.

Earlier this month I visited Turlock’s own I Am Yoga Wellness Studio for an article that will be featured in the Health & Wellness magazine, which will publish July 31. After talking to the friendly staff and learning more about this exercise, I wanted to give yoga another shot.

I Am Yoga, located at 2031 Geer Rd., started as a lifelong dream for Turlock resident Anna Eshoo and her good friend Tracy Parreira. It was no surprise the duo decided to partner up to open a wellness studio for the community on Aug. 18, 2008.

"Yoga creates a balance in your life,” said I Am Yoga’s massage therapist Curtis Souza. “We live in a fast paced society where at times things can get hectic. With a combination of yoga, you get an inner reflection of who you are.”

But I Am Yoga is about more than just yoga. The studio also features Pilates, massage therapy, facials, chiropractors, a sauna, showers, and a small café serving specially blended herbal teas.

Through my visit at I Am Yoga I learned that yoga is a mind-body practice that not only improves flexibility and breathing, it can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve heart function. Yoga also brings together physical and mental disciplines to achieve peace in both mind and body.

"Life can be hectic and stressful at times,” said Souza. “With the right combination of yoga and exercise, you can lower your stress and anxiety.”

I found out that yoga has many styles, forms and intensities. I’m still quite new to the yoga scene but I’m willing to try different styles and find out what’s right for me. If you had a bad yoga experience like me, I encourage you to give it another try.