Yes, the beginning is incredibly stress-free as you slowly stretch your limbs for the session ahead and the end is always welcome as you relax and wind down, but the middle part?
The middle part can be stressful at best and excruciating at worst as you attempt to get to grips with the various poses and positions requested of you.
Here are ten classic moments which we have all endured whether you're new to the exercise or a bonafide yogi.
1. The clench
When you're attempting the downward facing dog, the last thing you need is the embarrassment associated with breaking wind.
Unfortunately your body generally has other ideas and you spend the next five minutes praying your stomach won't betray you.
2. The cover-up
When you mess up a move despite your best efforts, the only thing you can do is pretend it was your intention all along.
"Oh, you don't know this one? It's not easy, but..."
3. The bafflement
When your instructor suggests something clearly beyond human capabilities and then proceeds to do it herself.
Aliens, the lot of them.
4. The irritation
When you try a move for the sixth week in a row and you're still no closer to perfecting it.
"Maybe my body is formed differently to their bodies? Yeah, that's gotta be it."
5. The embarrassment
When you know you shouldn't care that you struggle to nail The Warrior every week, but you do.
It's not fair!
6. The smugness
The moment the instructor uses you as an example to the class.
Watch and learn, grasshopper.
7. The surprise
The moment you catch sight of yourself in the mirror and actually look like you know what you're doing.
Check me out!
8. The awkwardness
The moment you realise certain yoga positions can seem more intimate than a gynaecological exam.
Sorry everyone!
9. The boredom
The moment you're trying to be serene and zen and you realise you're completely and utterly bored.
Nah, I don't want to do any more moves, thanks.
10. The elation
The moment the class ends and you swing your yoga mat under your arm and float out of the studio.
"Oh, don't mind me, I was just at yoga."
