"This stretch," Rita intoned from memory, "Reduces the tension in your neck, and strengthen both your arms and back." It was good that both of the other women were attentive, and did wonders for keeping the instructor firmly inside her comfort zone. When she was relaying her knowledge of yoga and Pilates, she was quite comfortable being the center of attention. It was just the rest of the time that made her nervous. "Now, we will be moving on our next exhale, unlinking our fingers and placing our hands back on the mat to return to the Staff posture."
"Do not worry if your transitions are not absolutely smooth quite yet, they will become easier and more fluid with time and practice. Worry not about how you are doing, as much as how you feel. When in doubt, focus on your breathing." It was also something she did when unsettled or nervous in her outside life, focusing on her breathing brought her calm. "Now," Rita scooted back on her mat, and spread her legs out to a 90 degree angle flat on the deck. "Move your legs thus, and sit with your spine straight," she demonstrated with a straightening of her own spine, sitting completely upright.
"We will be doing an alternate hand-to-toe swing." The sun was warm on her skin, and Rita absently hoped that the other two had put sunscreen on before hand. "Inhale and twist your torso that you can touch your right hand to your left foot. Hold it for two seconds, exhale and then return to your center." She led by example, twisting and bending forward so that she was able to touch the palm of her hand to the toes of her left foot. "Do not worry if you cannot extend as far as this, or you may in fact be able to stretch further. Only stretch until you feel the pull of your muscles no further."
She had no desire to see either of them hurt themselves.