MyYogaTeacher Community

Sadly, I think we lost Meenu. ???

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: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-lose-weight-as-fast-as-possible

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

@tch-anush-1 what does ahimsa mean in yoga philosophy and how does it apply to our daily lives… I was reading something and found it a bit confusing in terms of daily application. Can you please elaborate on this?

@anirudh-42 The gut microbiome holds the key to your health. Fermented foods are great for your gut. And of course, fiber; the gut bacteria love fiber rich foods. You can observe differences in symptoms like less bloating and acidity. You would also feel more energetic and focused since the gut and brain are connected.

@manas-9 Great question… Yoga can be incredibly beneficial for marathon runners, helping with flexibility, strength, balance, breathing efficiency, and recovery. Here are a few types of yoga lessons that are particularly good for marathon runners: Hatha Yoga: This is a great starting point as it typically involves holding poses for a few breaths, allowing runners to focus on stretching and alignment. It’s generally slower-paced, which can be beneficial for tight muscles. Vinyasa Yoga (Flow Yoga): Vinyasa links breath with movement, creating a flowing sequence of poses. This can help improve cardiovascular fitness, build strength, and increase flexibility dynamically. Runners might prefer a slower-paced Vinyasa class to ensure proper form and avoid overexertion, especially during peak training. Yin Yoga: This style involves holding passive poses for longer periods (typically 3-5 minutes or more). Yin yoga targets the deep connective tissues, like ligaments and fascia, which can become very tight in runners. It’s excellent for increasing flexibility and promoting relaxation. This is particularly good for rest and recovery days. Restorative Yoga: As the name suggests, this type of yoga focuses on deep relaxation and rejuvenation. It uses props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks to support the body in comfortable poses, allowing for complete release of tension. Restorative yoga is ideal for recovery, reducing stress, and calming the nervous system, all crucial for marathon runners.

Oh! Waoo, that’s really cool

Here’s the IG Live video on " Yoga for Hypertension" It’s a 20 minute practice flow that you or your loved ones can include into their daily flow if you are dealing with hypertension You can watch it here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJErIuMJIIs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Here’s the IG Live video on " Yoga for Diabetes." It’s a 20 minute practice flow that you or your loved ones can include into their daily flow if you are dealing with diabetes. You can watch it here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJorEYsp4HA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== @aarti-73 @barbara-130 @brittany-2 @chene-1 @tch-chhavi-3 @disha-60 @dharminder-3 @elsa-57 @fer-3 @gail-40 @tch @hila-4 @hector-12 @isheta-1 @inju-1 @jamiepeak @jackie-18 @kanupriya-3 @kathleen-1 @lopa-6 @maria-5 @neha-594 @penny-8 @ranvir-8 @ram-161 @santhosh-25 @sarah-484 @m.aditya-501-1 @tavaria-1 @tch-aishwarya-3 @uzma-29 @ximena-12 @yuseli-1 @ziaudeen-1

@anu-322 @michelle-604 @roja-16 @shalinder-2 @myt-eqcoj9jfq @venu-23 @shreya-95 @swarajya-1 @tch-dipali-1 @shaki-1 @sini-1 @bhanu-38 @karina-30 @gitika-6 @fer-3 @uzma-29 @krishna-249 @garima-79 @tara-145 @kash-7 We’re so excited to have you here. To kick things off, let’s get to know each other. Please share: Your name and where you’re from. What style of yoga you enjoy most? What brought you to this community? What are you hoping to get out of this community? Let’s build our yoga family!

@twinkle-1 It’s different for everyone in my view

Myth: Yoga is just a fancy form of stretching. While increased flexibility is definitely a benefit, yoga is so much more! It integrates breath work (pranayama), strength building, balance, mindfulness, and even philosophy. It’s a holistic practice that engages your mind, body, and spirit. What’s a benefit of yoga you’ve experienced that goes beyond just stretching? Share your insights! #YogaMyths #BeyondStretching #HolisticPractice #MindBodySpirit #YogaBenefits @ziaudeen-1 @yashaswini-4 @yuseli-1 @aarti-73 @aditi-112 @ahmed-16 @akash-67 @ambujam-1 @amit-92 @barbara-130 @bharath-16 @barkha-19 @chene-1 @charine-1 @chenthil-1 @diksha-21 @dhivya-19 @dhanashree-7 @ekta-103 @emma-81 @goutham-7 @gomati-1 @heni-2 @hila-3 @hector-12 @inju-1 @isheta-1 @jennifer-708 @jenny-178 @jackie-18 @kanupriya-3 @kathleen-1 @ketan-13 @kp-9 @lalabee-1 @lata-52 @lisa-1115 @maria-5 @mara-40 @manisha-137 @madhvi-6 @nicole-348 @neha-577 @niraj-10 @nisha-8 @parvinder-8 @papiya-4 @pinane-1 @rajni-58 @rahul-277 @raman-42 @santosh-78 @sanjay-102 @sanchita-13 @sahitya-14 @tavaria-1 @tch-umesh-2 @vedant-217 @vedant-220 @ximena-12

When I was doing my TTC last year, my teacher would often say - “The yoga pose you avoid the most is the one you need the most.” This quote kept me motivated and going through the TTC and inspires me to this day as well. What yoga quote deeply resonates with you and why? Share it below and let’s inspire each other with the wisdom of the practice! @aarti-73 @ambujam-1 @barbara-130 @tch-brijesh-1 @barkha-19 @chene-1 @chenthil-1 @dharminder-3 @diksha-21 @ekta-103 @emma-81 @grace-137 @goutham-7 @hector-12 @haritha-77 @inju-1 @isheta-1 @jennifer-708 @jackie-18 @kp-9 @kathleen-1 @kanupriya-3 @lata-52 @maria-5 @np-2 @nisha-8 @pinane-1 @pradeep-62 @raman-42 @rashmi-46 @renita-8 @sarita-53 @sanchita-13 @sahitya-14 @tavaria-1 @tch-umesh-2 @vinay-32 @vedant-206 @ximena-12 @yuseli-1 @ziaudeen-1

i Enjoy Vinyasa the most

Hi @kathleen-1 Welcome to the community! I’m Ani Harish, community manager with MyYogaTeacher Thank you for reaching out and sharing your experience. I understand how frustrating and concerning persistent neck and shoulder pain can be, especially after a pinched nerve and potential shoulder injury. It’s definitely wise to be cautious with neck stretches, and I appreciate you sharing your concerns about chronic pain. It sounds like you’re already aware of the benefits of stretching, which is a great start. However, given the persistence of your pain, especially the shoulder discomfort, it’s essential to approach this with a tailored and gentle approach. Here are a few things to consider: Professional Assessment: Since you’ve been experiencing this for a while, consulting a physical therapist or osteopath would be very beneficial. They can accurately assess your condition and provide personalized guidance. Gentle Movement: While stretching is helpful, focusing on gentle movement and range-of-motion exercises can also be very effective. Mindfulness and Breathing: Incorporating mindfulness and deep breathing techniques can help manage pain and reduce stress, which can often exacerbate discomfort.