I am not an athlete. However, I have run several 5Ks, taken classes in Tai Chi, ballroom dancing and ballet and I like to go for leisurely strolls through the woods.

I’ve been a short term member of several health clubs. I waver between somewhat active and tied-to-the-couch. As a journalist I write about a lot of things. And sometimes I confuse having written about something with actually having done something. So I’ve taken photos of people doing yoga and belly dancing and I’m left with the impression that I’ve lived those activities. Not so.

In an effort to cut the umbilical cord connecting me to my laptop I signed up for a yoga class at the Chaska Community Center. Beginning Hatha Yoga is supposed to “increase vitality and refresh your mind by learning this gentle flowing style of yoga. Yoga movements offer physical benefits, such as improving strength, flexibility and cardiovascular levels, while breathing exercises promote stamina and focus.”

So says the parks and rec catalogue. I’ve got my yoga outfit covered: purple knit capris and a yellow shirt with butterflies in the shape of the peace sign.

I’m less confident about my ability to actually stretch and sweat in front of strangers. It only lasts six weeks and if I don’t like it my yoga pants can join the ballet slippers and exercise ball in the basement of misbegotten exercise experiments.