I know I’m primarily seen as the yin teacher and that is my niche, but being the nerd I am, I can’t help potter around in the area of therabands and light weights, and exploring how our muscles work together.
Here’s what the team and I contributed to fit and well: https://www.fitandwell.com/wellness/yoga/i-asked-a-yoga-teacher-for-her-top-three-beginner-friendly-poses-to-strengthen-the-core-heres-what-she-recommends
#strengthtraining #core #beginnersyoga
I love these questions, Ani.
Again I’d look at both yin and yang to give runners both, the bounce in their step and recovery. So while the yang practice will focus on stability and strengthening the core and other muscles, in yin, I’d focus on nourishing and strengthening the feet, ankles, knees, quads and hips, primarily.
Yin also nudges the nervous system into stress and digest, so needed after the rush of the sport.
There are a few nifty hacks too like Peppermint essential oil to boost energy and performance, open the lungs to improve capacity AND the acu point ST36 to give you that extra push (especially on those long marathons)
Anirudh BMI is one of the indicators of health, but it doesn’t give you the whole picture, like your metabolic health, fat and muscle mass.
Two things to reduce your calories would be:
Just wanted to share our newest reels that we’ve been posting on the MyYogaTeacher Instagram channel. We’re always aiming to inspire and connect with our audience through engaging content.
If you enjoy these reels, we’d be so grateful for your support with a like and a share with your family and friends. Every bit of engagement helps us reach more people!
Are you following us already? Fantastic! If not, we’d love for you to join our community on Instagram
Watch this if you find it difficult to touch your toes - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLcx9ovv4rR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=ZzFoenVzc2t2aDA0
Watch this if your shoulders are stiff - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLgXbHyyj1C/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MXRuYzQxMDRob3pmcg==
How strong are your lungs? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLiZpkmTqxA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=YzBrdmp6OXdraXN0
Hello Everyone!
We are doing an IG Live on July 6th, Sunday at 7:30 am, PST on “Yoga for Tight Hamstrings”. This will be a 20 minute practice session with Yoga Therapist Niyata Sahu
You can join us on the MyYogaTeacher IG channel here: https://www.instagram.com/myyogateacher/
Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Hey Everyone,
We have an incredible story to share today from our community! Meet Karen Vernal, a vibrant 75-year-old from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Like many of us, Karen understood the importance of staying strong, balanced, and flexible as she aged, but she needed the right path to get there.
“While generally healthy, I recognized the need for strength, balance and flexibility as I age,” Karen shared.
Karen stumbled upon MyYogaTeacher online while looking for a local class. What sealed the deal for her? The chance to try three free sessions to ensure it was the perfect fit. That’s where she met her amazing teacher, Priya Choudhary.
Karen has been practicing with Priya for about a year now, and the transformation has been truly remarkable. Priya customizes every session, always listening to Karen’s needs and gently increasing the intensity as Karen gets stronger. “Priya has been incredibly sensitive to my ability (or not!) 
As we have worked together, the sessions have increased in intensity, always subject to my ability. Priya has been incredibly encouraging, as well as offering specific feedback and recommendations,” Karen recounts.
Karen’s Incredible Changes:
The changes might seem small to others, but for Karen, they’re monumental.
Flexibility Boom: “When we began, I could not touch my toes, sit cross-legged comfortably, get down to the floor, reach behind the seat in the car…I now can!”
Balance Mastered: “My balance has improved. I can stand on one foot for a few minutes.”
Real-World Strength: Her biggest “aha!” moment came during a 3-week trip to Europe with her husband. “I was able to manage my luggage on and off trains, buses, and cobblestone roads! We walked 6-7 miles/day (not at all what I am used to!). Anytime I was able to do something that was previously challenging, Tom would say: YOGA!”
Karen’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to invest in yourself. “There is nothing more important than our health. Being fit, staying fit can make the difference. Working with Priya has been one of the best decisions I have made this year! Thank you, Priya, from the bottom of my heart!”
Inspired by Karen’s story? What’s one small change you’ve made that has had a big impact on your health? Share in the comments below!
I found this article really useful… if weight loss is one of your goals… then this can help:
This simple plan can help you lose weight fast. Read about the 6-step plan, along with other science-backed weight loss tips, here.
Healthline (www.healthline.com)
Just wanted to share our newest reels that we’ve been posting on the MyYogaTeacher Instagram channel. We’re always aiming to inspire and connect with our audience through engaging content.
If you enjoy these reels, we’d be so grateful for your support with a like and a share with your family and friends. Every bit of engagement helps us reach more people!
Are you following us already? Fantastic! If not, we’d love for you to join our community on Instagram
How to get Triangle pose right? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK3Kr0mp_vP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MTk5enN3aWRra3Ux
How to get Tree pose right? https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK989k8xXDi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MXRlY2I1OTdieHJxcQ==
Frog pose: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLBachDhC0y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MXcwZ3YwN2V0ejloYg==
If you fee stiff, watch this: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLN7STazNJi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=eWY3N2NtMXBhcjV3
Good question Ani. Yin can be a beautiful practice in cases such as this and one needs to be mindful of what is causing the pain.
I wouldn’t apply yin ‘stress’ to parts of the body that are inflamed, but would work others.
I’d focus on soothing the nervous system which also helps reduce inflammation.
In my back health sessions, I work on the feet, all the fascia of the legs, the side and upper body as well as move the spine in different directions.
So, depending on what’s ailing someone, the approach would vary. Some people need more hatha to strengthen muscles while others might need more release via yin. Always good to balance the Yin and Yang
Meenu Preethi Balaji I currently weigh 10 kilos more than what the BMI tells me I should… Is BMI a good indicator for this or should I use a different method to figure this out? Also, what are 2 quick things I can incorporate into my diet beginning today to consume lesser calories?
annelise piers I have a question - How does yin yoga help someone when dealing with back pain. The pain could be nagging ( more muscle related ) or could be chronic ( nerve realted)… what are some do’s and donts’ when practicing yin…
NEW POST: “Wait… what is Yin Yoga?”
Yin is slow, still, and surprisingly deep.
We hold poses for a few minutes—not to stretch muscles, but to gently work the joints, fascia, and energy lines.
It’s not a workout… it’s a softening.
“So… is it like restorative yoga?”
They look similar, but feel very different.
In restorative, the body is fully supported and resting. In Yin, we invite some sensation—just enough to wake up the tissue and energy.
Still slow, still grounded—but definitely more active in its stillness.
“Where does this practice come from?”
Yin is rooted in Daoist philosophy and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
It’s all about balance—yin and yang, the five elements, and the flow of Chi (energy) through meridians.
The modern version was shaped by Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers in the ’90s. It’s East-meets-West in the best way.
Three simple principles:
Find your edge
Be still
Stay for time
That’s it. No fancy poses. No pushing. Just you, your breath, and what rises up in the quiet.
“What’s it good for?”
Honestly… so much:
Mobility & joint health
Emotional release (yep, tissues hold memories)
Calming the nervous system
Rebalancing your energy
Yin gives your body and mind space to digest life.
“But I’m not flexible…”
Perfect.
You don’t need to be bendy—Yin meets you exactly where you are.
We adapt poses for your body, not the other way around.
I’ve even taught Yin to folks in chairs and beds. Energy flows where attention goes.
“Do I need special props?”
Nope.
A mat, a cushion, maybe a blanket. Or your sofa…
Yin isn’t about the setup—it’s about the pause.
(Though I’m a fan of turning household stuff into props. Dining chairs? (ahhaha the kitchen sink!)
Curious? Come try a class.
If you’ve been craving stillness, depth, or just a new way to be with your body—this might be it.
And hey—don’t worry if your mind is chatty or your hamstrings tight.
That’s why we practice.
Tue, Thu, Sun 930pm EST, 530am UAE, 1130am Sydney
