How Weight Training with MyYogaTeacher Enhanced My Fitness Journey!

“Despite being an active person, I never did stretching or any kind of weight training…until I knew it was time to change my approach.” 

Sudeshna Banik, 56 (F)

At 56, Sudeshna Banik from San Mateo, California was no stranger to fitness. With a regular routine of incline walking, running, and occasional hiking, she was always an active person. 

But hours spent at a desk job and a cardio-limited routine soon made an impact. She developed nagging back aches and pain from runner’s knee due to the lack of a stretching routine started to keep her up all night. She realized it was time to change course!

“I had developed hypertension, and combined with these aches and pains, it affected my sleep and hampered my running on the treadmill.”

That’s when Sudeshna turned to MyYogaTeacher’s 1-on-1 coaching. Searching for a holistic solution that would add weight training while enhancing her current routine, she found the answer to her problems with her coach, Anupamaa.

As someone with an active aerobic and cardio routine, Sudeshna initially found weight training “a bit overwhelming,” she recalls. Through personalized 1-on-1 sessions with Anupamaa, she learned about the several benefits and significance of weight training. Anupamaa made building strength accessible by crafting a holistic fitness plan for her, combining two days of weight training with three days of Yoga Asanas and Pranayama. 

With over 2.5 years of working out 1-on-1 with Anupamaa and receiving personalized feedback, she observed that weight training not only enhanced her physical strength but also complemented her existing routine. With a profound understanding of Sudeshna’s goals, her coach helped her get rid of lower back and knee pain, helping her sleep better. 

Over the past six months, Sudeshna has found herself doing the unimaginable—deadlifting 110 lbs and squatting 27.5 lbs. With her history of knee and back pain, she had never thought she could achieve this milestone without issues. But now, even her hiking feels more rewarding, backed by more strength and endurance. 

“I feel stronger and more capable than ever!”

Reflecting on her progress, Sudeshna says, “I always equated fitness with being active, so I thought these sessions would be easier for me.” Yet, she soon realized that her body needed to adapt to coordinating breathwork with physical activity. Through consistency, trust in her coach, and dedication to the process, Anupamaa helped her observe and appreciate even the most minute details about her body, bringing a positive change in her daily life.

With Anupamaa’s support, Sudeshna found growth, empowerment, and the joy of building strength at any age. Through personalized guidance, she discovered a version of herself that feels stronger, more balanced, and deeply inspired to keep going.

Inspired by Sudeshna’s story? Discover how coaches at MyYogaTeacher can create a personalized journey just for you. Book a free trial today!