Have you ever tried yoga before? Maybe you’ve hesitated because you think you’re not flexible enough. Or perhaps it seems too slow, and you’re not sure you’ll actually feel the benefits.
I completely understand—because I used to feel the same way.
From Fast-Paced Sports to Stillness
I’ve been practicing yoga since 2014, but before that, I was deeply into basketball. It’s a fast-paced, high-contact sport—basically the opposite of a calm yoga class. So when I attended my first session, I thought, “This isn’t a real workout.” I didn’t sweat. I wasn’t sore. I missed that familiar feeling of exhaustion I associated with fitness.
I had a stereotype in my mind: workouts should be intense, fast, and tiring. If I didn’t leave the gym drenched in sweat, it didn’t count—right?
Discovering a Different Kind of Strength
Over time, though, I gave yoga another chance—starting with beginner yoga routines and short 30-minute morning yoga sessions at home. That’s when I realized yoga isn’t just about physical fitness. It’s about mental clarity, body awareness, and being present.
Gradually, I began to feel the transformation—not just in my body, but in my mind. Practicing yoga for anxiety and stress helped me stay grounded during difficult times. I slept better. I moved better. I felt better.
Eventually, I did start to sweat—especially with vinyasa yoga, a more dynamic flow that gets your heart pumping. I also enjoyed incorporating yoga with weights for strength, which combined mindful movement with muscle engagement.
But the real shift came when I tried Bikram Yoga, also known as hot yoga. Practicing in a heated room (105°F with 40% humidity), I found a new level of intensity and release. The deep sweat, the focus required, and the sense of accomplishment after class reminded me of my basketball days—but with added mindfulness.
I could see the sweat dripping, and it felt like a physical and emotional detox. Hot yoga classes gave me both the physical challenge and the inner peace I had been craving.
Why Yoga Is for Everyone
One of the best things about yoga is how accessible it is. You can start your journey wherever you are with:
- Yoga at home
- Free yoga classes on YouTube
- Online yoga classes for beginners
- Or find a yoga studio near you
If you’re managing physical discomfort, try yoga for back pain relief or check out the best yoga poses for lower back pain. Expecting moms can benefit from prenatal yoga classes near me, and older adults will love the gentleness of yoga for seniors.
Yoga practice always offers modifications and alternatives.
For example, if you have issues with your knees, there are many modified yoga poses you can safely try. You don’t need to force your body into the full expression of an asana (pose). Yoga is designed with flexibility and adaptability in mind—it meets you where you are. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing mobility issues, or just starting out, yoga can be personalized to support your needs.
One of the most creative things I’ve seen locally was someone converting their garage into a naturally heated yoga space—no power needed, just sunlight and insulation. It was eco-friendly and brilliant, and it reminded me that yoga really can happen anywhere.
Yoga During the COVID-19 Era
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, like many others, I felt overwhelmed. The forced time at home increased my anxiety, and I struggled to stay grounded.
That’s when I committed to something meaningful: completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training. Since in-person options weren’t available, I enrolled in My Vinyasa Practice, an online yoga teacher training program.
Vinyasa yoga, known for its active and flowing sequences, was perfect for me. Compared to Hatha (a more traditional, slower-paced form), Vinyasa gave me the heart-pumping movement I was used to, but with added intention.
The training included anatomy, philosophy, and daily posture (asana) practice. I made it part of my morning yoga routine, which brought structure, focus, and physical movement to my day. This routine was a game changer—it reduced my stress and gave me a tangible goal: becoming a certified yoga instructor during lockdown.
The Heart of Yoga: Philosophy and Practice
Something I’ve heard from nearly every yoga teacher is this: “Yoga is not about competition. It’s about connection—with your breath, your body, and your inner self.”
You don’t have to match the teacher’s posture. You don’t have to touch your toes. If you’re showing up, breathing, and being present—that’s yoga.
There is no judgment in yoga. Whether you’re 18 or 80, male or female, fit or inflexible—yoga is for everyone.
My Yoga Essentials (In the picture):
Manduka GRP Adapt Hot Yoga Mat – For Women and Men, Durable, Non Slip Grip, Sweat Resistant
Final Thoughts
Yoga may not feel intense at first—but its benefits build over time. You don’t need to be flexible, spiritual, or experienced. You just need to show up, breathe, and give it a chance.
What surprised me the most wasn’t how yoga changed my body—but how it changed my mind. If you’re curious, start small. Try a free yoga class on YouTube, search for a “beginner yoga class near me” You never know—it could change your life like it did mine.