Letter from Jitendra (CEO and co-founder of myYogaTeacher)
"If you want to reach your goals, the WHY is always more important than the HOW."This letter to you isn't short but you'll want to read it. Because it could be the start of a life-changing process for you. It was for me...
You see, when I was starting my first company, I was living a super unhealthy lifestyle.
I was smoking cigarettes, binge eating and then pushing myself to run like a maniac. I'd exercise to the point of exhaustion and then go right back to eating a carton of doughnuts!
This is how I dealt with the stress of starting my first company. And to be honest, it was much worse on my family.
For 7 years I was just a body at the dinner table. My daughters would bubble with excitement about their day at school. And I would barely respond, "uh huh". They were instantly deflated. They'd repeat themselves 3 or 4 times and I still wouldn't be able to listen...
I LOVE my daughters, I care about them, and I wanted to listen! But it felt like a train was steaming through my head and running off the tracks... My mind was out of control!
My body was there, but I was completely unavailable for my wife, my kids, and everything outside of work. No bedtime stories, no basketball games, nothing like that.
I was missing the highlights of their lives... of our lives!
I knew I needed to be more present. I needed to be less stressed. I needed to be healthier and more available for my family. But I had too much work to take care of.
I wanted to be the father for my girls, that my dad was for me. I wanted them to know they're loved, to be a meaningful part of their life. And I want them to have amazing memories of us for the rest of their lives...
But I was failing. I couldn't balance work and family. I couldn't balance health and taking care of my responsibilities.
Nearly 10 years of this! I had to do something...
So I decided to join a yoga studio. I thought "I'll get in shape AND reduce my stress!" Sounds great, doesn't it?
... It wasn't that simple. The studio classes were generalized. It was more about the class and style of yoga than it was about me and my needs. I wasn't seeing any results.
So pretty soon, I was back to the gym and discount yoga classes at The Y... the random gym-class schedule never quite worked for me. I'd always have to miss out because of a meeting or something like that.
Then a friend told me about 1-on-1 private sessions with a yoga teacher. He said it's kinda like my own personal trainer, but for yoga!
I was super excited and hopeful again!
So I started...
Now I was finally getting results! She gave me constant motivation. She kept me accountable. And she helped me to be consistent.
The sessions were personalized to my needs. And that alone made a world of difference.
I was less stressed, toning up, and feeling like 26 year old me (instead of 46 year old me)!
But it was $100 a session, and I stil had to drive to the studio. It just wasn't sustainable. So pretty soon I had to quit...
Then one day, I mentiond all this to a friend. Do you know what she told me? She was doing 1-on-1 sessions ONLINE with a teacher in India! ... Genius!
Right away I reached out to my friends back home (I'm from India) and asked them to put me in contact with a teacher.
I was hooked! I was getting 1-on-1 sessions for a fraction of the cost! The sessions were in my home. No baby sitter required, no driving, no class full of people to feel awkward in front of. Just me and my teacher.
But the scheduling was a pain.
We'd write about a dozen emails back-and-forth just to pin down a time for one session. Then my schedule would change and we'd go through the whole process again. (So annoying!)
"You know, I didn't go into business just to make money. I want to contribute something meaningful to the world."I knew this was big. I knew I had to do something drastic. So I handed off my company to a friend, and hired a team of developers to start building myYogaTeacher.
Over the next year we streamlined all the technology and the scheduling!
Now anyone can have the most affordable 1-on-1 private yoga sessions. And easy online access to amazing Indian teachers.
I've been practicing with myYogaTeacher at least 2 or 3 times per week for the last year and half. And my family will tell you, it's made all the difference.
I'm healthier than ever. I haven't smoked a single cigarette for 14 months. I'm even working on my headstand!
And I almost never get stressed. When I do start feeling a bit stressed, I take a 1-hr yoga session and reset.
But the best part is, I'm happier and finally here for my family. I make breakfast every morning for my girls. I help them with their math homework and even coach their basketball team!
I am present for my family. I'm the father I want to be.
And I am so grateful to my yoga teachers who have helped make this happen. I sincerely hope you love your trial with myYogaTeacher and it's the start of a HUGE transformation for you too!
Thanks for taking the time to read this letter. And...
Remember your WHY!Jitendra
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{"slug":"letter-from-jitendra-ceo-and-co-founder-of-myyogateacher","recentPosts":[{"id":"cl8kb5f23jq1w0ciscs2h2bxw","slug":"benefits-of-yoga-for-pregnancy","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What are the Benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga for Pregnancy is excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor. Read more to understand the benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:42:36.767798+00:00","coverUrl":"kvvlqndsbow5dsckhw7i.jpg","content":{"text":"When you get pregnant, people come out of the woodworks with advice, remedies and old wives tales. Everyone’s got an opinion on how you should spend your pregnancy. But the one thing we know for sure is, yoga is great for mom and baby alike. If you’re curious about prenatal yoga, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down why this type of yoga is excellent for moms (and babies).\\nWhat is prenatal yoga?\\nPrenatal yoga was designed for women who are expecting. Rather than taking a regular class and having to worry about modifications or safety, this class is specifically designed for pregnancy. The practice can help women with common pregnancy aches and pains, ease hormonal and emotional stress and help women’s bodies prepare for birth and their postpartum journey. A regular yoga practice when pregnant has tons of amazing benefits!\\nBenefits of Prenatal yoga: \\nWe asked women who’ve done prenatal yoga while pregnant for their reviews, one said “ It’s excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor.” And they all said they’d recommend it to friends! \\nSo let's break down the benefits: \\nRelaxation : \\nPregnancy can be very stressful! But yoga will help you to relax physically, mentally and emotionally and create a safe, relaxing environment for birth. Prenatal helps you with coping and breath techniques for all stages of your pregnancy.\n\\nPreparation for birth : \\nFor first time moms, and even sometimes vets, labor can be scary. This practice will help you to learn birth techniques so you’re relaxed and ready to go!\n\\nYoga can Help with Labor : \\nIn a 2015 study\\n, It was found that a regular yoga practice in the last 10-12 weeks of pregnancy can improve the mother's comfort during labor and help facilitate the labor process. The “yoga group” in this study on average was in labor two hours less than those who didn’t practice. Past your due date? Prenatal Yoga is also known to help induce labor\n\\nCommunity : \\nYoga classes have always been known to help us build community but during pregnancy, it's so important to have a group of women who understand what you’re going through. Taking part in a prenatal class puts you in a group of women who get it. You’ll have a built in support system and maybe even first friends for your baby!\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Yoga:\\nIs Yoga for Pregnancy safe?\\nYes. Yoga is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, you should always consult your doctor & make sure you’re practicing with a teacher who understands the prenatal experience and can keep you safe. Our teachers are experts in yoga and are ready to help you on your journey. If you’d like to check out our offerings, you can get started today with a two week free trial! \\nWhen during pregnancy can you practice yoga?\\nDuring your first trimester, you can stick to your regular practice with some modifications. \\nYour second trimester is a GREAT time to start prenatal yoga! At this point, you’ll be starting to officially come into your “pregnancy body” and you’ll need to be practicing poses more specific to prenatal. The second and third trimester are considered the “prep period” for your body to prepare for labor. So it's a great time to keep moving and stretching in your new skin as you make room for the baby to grow! \\nWhat yoga poses should you avoid doing? \\nFor the most part, yoga is considered safe during pregnancy. You really only need to focus on any poses that put pressure on your abdomen. You should avoid any and all twisting poses, backbends and inversions.. \\nYoga for Pregnancy Poses you can perform at Home :\\nIt’s important to stay active during your pregnancy for both mom and baby! You should try to get in some sort of movement daily for at least 30 minutes. You can stick to low impact workouts or walks but if you want to do some yoga at home, it’s a great way to end your day. Yoga while pregnant can help with pain, help you sleep better and fight tiredness and fatigue. \\nHere are some poses you can practice at home to keep you moving! And as a bonus, most of these poses will also help your body prepare for giving birth!\\n1. Bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana) :\\n\\nBaddha Konasana pose will help you open your hips, releasing any pain in your back. It can also help to reduce swelling\\nHow it helps with labor: Opening the hips will help you to stretch the muscles needed to open the birth canal.\\n2. Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana) :\\n\\nMarjaryasana Bitilasana pose release back and shoulder pain and also reduce pressure from the belly\\nHow it helps with labor: Back pain is a common occurrence during the birth process. This pose will help to keep your muscles limber and help to avoid muscle spasms and pain in your back during labor. \\n3. Yogi squat (Malasana) :\\n\\n\\nBeen sitting too long\\n? This is a great hip opener and will also release lower back pain. \\nHow it helps with labor: This pose will widen the pelvic floor making the birth easier,which may help to reduce injury during birth.\\nRemember, if you’re practicing at home, it’s always best to consult your doctor and make sure yoga is safe for your pregnancy.\\n\\nOther ways to practice self-care during pregnancy\\nBeing a mom is the hardest job in the world. And there are no days off. Starting with pregnancy, we feel out of control of our body, its growth and the way we feel. Remember to take time during this beautiful process to practice self-care so you can be present, happy and relaxed. \\nBook a prenatal massage :\n\nA prenatal massage is GREAT for mom and baby. It can help reduce stress and swelling without meds, help you to sleep and get your body ready for labor and delivery. \n \\nTake a bath :\n\nTaking a warm bath while pregnant can also help to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. It’s a great way to relax and rest your growing body. If you’re feeling pain or swelling, it can be very beneficial to relax in a warm bath. \n\\n\\nAyurveda for Pregnancy :\\n\n\nThis week, MyYogaTeacher has a special Ayurveda event running where you’ll learn how to align with your best self through nutrition and health changes. This specific class is designed to help you have your most healthy pregnancy with nutrition guidelines for a mom and foods to help with baby's development! \\n\nYou can also choose to work 1 on 1 with an instructor of your choice through your MyYogaTeacher membership! Let us help you have your healthiest pregnancy possible! \\n\\nGet started today!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"cl8ka13l4ionz0ck2fe0pme7l","slug":"chronic-neck-pain-relief-yoga-poses","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Are you suffering with Chronic Neck Pain? 10 yoga poses to find relief!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:11:15.683866+00:00","coverUrl":"rbh6duxy7hy3y207sg1c.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you suffer from chronic neck pain? Nearly 30-50% of adults suffer from recurring neck pain. \\nNeck pain can be a common occurrence for people who:\\nhave long commutes or sit at a desk all day\\nwho have issues with posture \\nwho have chronic sleep issues\\nOur neck and shoulders can also be a place where we may carry tension or pain due to stress. In any case, the good news is yoga can help you to relieve your neck pain and move on symptom free! \\nDaily changes you can make to avoid neck pain\\nStay in alignment. Keep good posture and try not to carry heavy bags on one side of your body. Also, if you sit at a desk and work on a computer, move your monitor to eye-sight so you’re not looking up or down. Need help finding your center? \\nWe can help here at MyYogaTeacher! \\n\\nStay active! It’s important to stay mobilized. If you sit all day, take breaks to move around and give your body a break from being stuck in one position. Can’t take breaks at work? Try to go for a walk on lunch or maybe before or after your workday. \\nCheck your sleep environment. Make sure your mattress and pillows are still in good shape. Look into the best pillows for your sleep type or body. Getting quality sleep will help you avoid tossing and turning and can be your remedy to wake pain free. \\nIf you’re feeling like you need to move, starting with any slower yoga practice will help! Yin, hatha and restorative classes will all leave your body feeling relaxed, renewed and free of pain. Want to flow on your own? Here are our top ten poses to try! \\n10 Yoga Poses to relieve Chronic Neck Pain :\\n1. Easy seat with ear to shoulder stretch\\nThis pose releases your neck and shoulders and helps relieve tension and stress.\\nStart by sitting with your legs crossed and a straight back. Shoulders down. Bring your ear down to your shoulder. To deepen the stretch, bring your opposite arm overhead. \\n\\n\\n\\n2. Child’s Pose\\nReleases tension in the upper body including the neck and chest.\\nBring your knees as wide as the mat and sit into your heels. You can bring your chest to the mat and extend your arms forward or come to rest on a pillow or bolster. Try to hold this pose for up to 5 breaths. \\n\\n\\n\\n3. Downward facing dog\\nHelps to relieve neck pain by strengthening the upper body and releasing the spine. \\nStart by coming onto all fours. Check your alignment- make sure your shoulders are over your wrist, and your hips over your knees. Without changing the position of your hands and feet, push up and back to bring your heels into the ground. Relax your head, neck and shoulders down. \\n\\n\\n\\n4. Bridge Pose\\nReleases chest, neck, spine and hips.\\nLay down on your mat, bring your feet as close to your glutes as possible. Bring your hands to the sides of your body palms down. Push into the feet and hands while you lift your core and back to the ceiling. Try to relax and breathe here. \\n\\n\\n\\n5. Wide Leg forward fold\\nReleases spine, neck and back. If you’re in pain perform this stretch slowly, and come up one vertebrae at a time. \\nBring your feet as wide as you can, feet facing forward. Hinge at the hips and slowly bend forward and down towards your feet. You can hang here or grab yogi toe lock around your big toe. \\n\\n\\n\\n6. Cow face pose\\nStrengthens core and spine.\\nSit up tall and stack your knees directly over one another. Reach one arm back around your waist and one arm over your shoulder with your palms reaching towards one another. If you can, clasp your hands. If not, rest them on your back, you will still benefit from the pose. \\n\\n\\n\\n7. Sphinx pose\\nThis pose will help to physically open up the shoulders and neck. Looking side to side slowly is a great addition to the pose. \\nLie on your stomach and bring your hands next to your chest facing down. On your inhale press into the ground and lift your upper body. \\n\\n\\n\\n8. Thread the Needle \\nIncreases mobility and releases tension in the upper body. \\nCome on to all fours. Check your alignment, make sure your hips are over your knees, shoulders over your wrist. Reach one arm out to the side and thread it through the opposite side under your ribs. You can stay here or open up the opposite side by reaching the hand to the back or straight up and over. Make sure to do both sides. \\n\\n\\n\\n9. Legs up the wall\\nReleases tension and stress from the upper body by reversing blood flow. \\nFind a wall near your practice space and sit next to the wall as close as possible. Lower your head, neck and shoulders onto your mat, then roll onto your back and stretch your legs up the wall. You can stay in this restorative pose for up to 10 minutes. \\n\\n\\n\\n10. Savasana\\nSavasana releases any stress, lowers heart rate and calms the body. \\nCome onto your back on your mat, and release your body down. This is known as corpse pose because it is a full and final rest at the end of our practice. Release and let go of any and all tension. \\n\\n\\n\\nClasses to help relieve neck pain \\n\\nYoga fusion for joints \\n- This class will help you roll out your joint pain and stretch your tight limbs and joints. \\n\\nYoga for Back Pain\\n - Sometimes, neck pain can be caused by tightness in the spine. Experts say yoga helps soothe muscle pains. Try this class to strengthen and lengthen your neck and back for pain relief! \\n\\nYoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain\\n - Do you sit all day at work? Struggle with your posture? This class will help relieve upper body tension. \\n\nSo if you’re ready to make your neck pain a thing of the past, join us today. Our trial includes two free weeks of group fitness classes, one on one classes and so much more! \\nGet started on your yoga journey now!\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"cl8cuq5nnh5860biyek2vhu2w","slug":"reproductive-rights-for-women-yoga-workshop","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop - Supporting Women Through Yoga","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-22T09:28:27.679552+00:00","coverUrl":"dkjwcigamkavxe0yziwq.jpg","content":{"text":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s first ever Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we believe in the wisdom of women to make their own choices about their health. \\n\\nThat’s why we’re excited to offer the\\n Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop on October 2 from 9 AM - 11 AM PST (12 PM - 2 PM EST) for only $10!\\nIn the past, our community events have been free. So why are we charging a nominal fee for this one?\\nBecause ALL proceeds from the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop go to support the \\nCenter for Reproductive Rights\\n charity, a nonprofit organization, the \\nonly\\n global legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing reproductive rights.\\nIn the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs Wade and on the day before the new term of the Supreme Court begins, we think this workshop is a perfect way to silently protest this new ruling through self-care and donations to an organization like the Center for Reproductive Rights.\\nThis will also be a time of healing and processing with a couple of awesome expert yoga instructors!\\nHow to join the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop\\nWhether you’re a member or not, \\nJust click this link and register \\nas you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nIntroducing a very special guest yoga instructor coming just for this event!\n\\nMeet Harpinder Mann, RYT-500!\\n\\n\n\\nHarpinder is a yoga, meditation, mindfulness teacher, and decolonizing activist based in Los Angeles. She works with women of color who want to reclaim their power and intuition through the lens of a spiritual, joyful, and sustainable path. Her studies have spanned from reading the Japji Sahib since she was 3, to over 700 hours of yogic training within the traditions of Raja, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Prenatal Yoga. \\nWe’re super excited to have her lead the beginning of the workshop. Afterwards, MyYogaTeacher yoga instructor, \\nTrupti Parikh\\n, will lead us in asanas, and a discussion session will follow.\\nAre you ready to experience a workshop where we solely focus on supporting and advocating for women’s health \\nwhile\\n improving our mental, emotional, and physical health?\\n\\nJoin us for the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\n\\nTogether, we make a difference."},"category":["workshops"]},{"id":"cl8a9804vy5de0biznpg4ai2t","slug":"yoga-benefits-for-runners","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga For Runners : Why Runners Should Incorporate Yoga Into Their Training?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Adopting an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Read now to learn more","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-20T13:50:56.406936+00:00","coverUrl":"tbdacuzob0fuqml8dyjd.jpg","content":{"text":"Training for a big race? Setting some goals you want to crush before the year ends? No matter what your reasons, yoga can be a great way to cross train for running from a 5k to a marathon! Running is great for your heart and body but can also be a huge strain on the muscles. Having an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Let’s dive into how yoga can help!\\n1. Breathing\\nProper breathing and breath stabilization are both incredibly important principles in Yoga and Running. If you can practice proper breathing while running, you can maintain speed longer because you will take long deeper breaths to match your long strides, instead of short breaths which cause instability and speed decline.\\nPracticing Pranayama for runners - \\nAdding a pranayama breath practice before a run can help you to maintain focus as well as speed. Even if running is a release for you, and feels relaxing, Using breathwork to relax and focus can help you clearly see the physical and mental road ahead. Pranayama can also help if things are going off course on your run. If you need to regain control, you can come back to your breath and refocus. With these practices together, your run really can be a religious experience, or a way to relieve stress! \\nTo start a pranayama practice, all you need to do is focus on controlling your inhale and exhale. Start by standing tall and relaxed, or sitting tall and calm if you prefer. Close your eyes and focus inward. Start by breathing in for two and out for two. As you continue to grow your practice, you can build up to breathing in for six and out for six. You can even play with pausing for two to four breaths in between your inhale and exhale. When you finally build a practice you’re confident with, you can start to set intentions and visualize your success. With this practice, you’ll begin to see your running dreams come true!\\n\\n2. Flexibility/Strength\\nIt would be great if in life, we only ever needed to do one thing to get to our goals. But in reality,just like we can’t have cookies for every meal, cross training for runners is essential to maintaining a long term healthy routine. While you could easily just add weight training or stretching a la cart into your week, yoga gives you more by going deeper and getting into those smaller, harder to access ligaments and tendons you might otherwise miss with strength training . Adding yoga into your running routine can reduce the risk of injury and help to maintain your goals. The more flexible your muscles are, the less likely they are to tense up or be stressed during running so you can move with more confidence and ease. Not to mention, it’s always great to look forward to a nice long stretch after a run. \\n\n3. Conditioning \\nWe all know running is GREAT for your cardiovascular health, can add years on to your life and keep your heart pumping at its best! But it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a veteran, running can make your body sore. Yoga is great for conditioning those tired and fatigued muscles without having to “take a day off” to rest. In between your runs or on conditioning days, you can take a class focused on your back or knee health, or even a class to open tight hips after a long run. There’s nothing the magic of yoga can’t do! \\n\n4. Balance/Posture\\nEven though running is a “walk in the park” compared to ballet where balance is concerned, you still need to do your best to focus on alignment while you move.\\nYoga can improve your running form by elongating the limbs so you cover more ground in less time. You'll be PR’ing in no time! Proper alignment is also important when running because as you increase your speed, the level of impact (and injury) becomes greater. Maintaining your body's alignment during movement assures you arrive at the finish line aliment free! Love a tree pose? Want to learn to fly into a warrior? Lots of yoga poses force you to balance on one leg, which helps you to build a unilateral movement practice much like the ebbs and flows you take while running. \\n5. Stress and Mental Clarity\\nFeeling stressed before a big run? Worried about your PR? Yoga can help! Focus your breathing and set an intention. You’ve got this!\\nFocus and clarity are so important when running so you can know where you’re headed and stay on track. Add your yoga practice in before training or race days and you’ll feel your worries melt away. According to scientists at \\nHarvard,\\n adding just minutes of yoga to your week can improve your outlook, slow down the body and decrease stress. You’ll find your body will be more relaxed, focused and ready to run for those goals when you release your tension with yoga. \\nGetting started:\\nSo what do you need to get started? Simple! Yourself, a mat, some water and a quiet space are all you need! Are you ready to add yoga into your running routine? \\nGet started with a two week free trial of our classes and one on one sessions!\\n\\nLet’s figure out where your yoga practice would serve you best! \\nDoing yoga BEFORE your run will help you to warm up your muscles and ligaments. By fully warming up your body before you hit the pavement, you decrease the chances of injury, help with an easier recovery and can improve your PR as you continue to train! \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice before a run :\\nHigh Lunge - This pose stretches the legs from top of the thighs down to the ankle\\n\\nWarrior II - Helps with focus and stamina. Great before heading out!\\n\\nSide angle bend - This stretch helps to stretch the side body and release any tension in the shoulders and spine. \\n\\nPrefer to do yoga after your run? That’s a great option too! Yoga is great for recovery after a run! Finishing your running routine with a yoga stretch helps you to rebalance. You can stretch muscles or limbs that became tight during your run and strengthen anything that may have become fatigued. You can also refocus and deepen your breath to reset for the next part of your day. \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice after a run :\\nButterfly Pose - a basic hip opener to ease into your stretch\\n\\nHalf Pigeon - A great pose for multiple alignments! Working through the psoas and hip flexors. Make sure to practice on both sides.\\n\\nHappy Baby - This pose is great for finishing up your hip opener extension while giving a nice massage to the back and stretching the soles of the feet.\\n\\nWant to take a class? Try some of our favorite classes for runners!\\n\\nYoga for Strength and flexibility \\n\\n\\nYoga for Knee Pain\\n\\n\\nYoga for Back health\\n\\nReady to join us for class? \\nGet started with a free trial now! \\n\\nRemember, with a great training plan for your runs, and an ongoing yoga practice you’ll be ready to run to your greatest finish line feeling and looking your best! Just like peanut butter and jelly, yoga and running are great together!"},"category":["fitness","yoga"]},{"id":"cl81n0o6wh1g80ajz2gpco553","slug":"yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"How to Start Doing Yoga at Home","subTitle":"Everything you need to know for an at-home yoga routine","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Get a beginner’s guide to starting yoga at home with tips and suggestions for setting up your own practice, including online yoga classes and private lessons.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to perform yoga at home with this quick and easy guide","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-14T13:07:13.39269+00:00","coverUrl":"cqivxw3vkrcihpumlny7.jpg","content":{"text":"There are lots of reasons for doing yoga at home instead of a yoga studio, some of which include distance, busy schedules, kids, financial concerns, and health issues. The good news is you can set up your own yoga practice at home, and still get all the benefits of a regular yoga routine — without the studio. It can also be a great way to integrate yoga into your life on a regular basis, and it’s easy to do in your own home.\\nCan Anyone do Yoga at Home?\\nAnyone can perform yoga at home, and you don’t have to be an advanced yogi to try. Even beginners can practice yoga in a home environment, all you need is adequate floor space, a few (optional) pieces of equipment, and guidelines for practicing the primary yoga poses. \\nIf you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to first learn from a certified yoga instructor, so you can progress with the proper technique and alignment to avoid injury. Thanks to online learning platforms like\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, you can still practice yoga at home with the help of a qualified teacher.\\n11 Tips on How to Perform Yoga At Home\\nThe idea of starting a yoga practice in your very own living room can seem daunting or intimidating at first, especially if you’re accustomed to attending classes in a yoga studio. But with a little bit of preparation and creativity, you can set up your own yoga space and develop a mindful yoga routine that can benefit your life.\\nHere are some suggestions to help get you started:\\n1. Make Space in Your Home for Yoga\\nIt’s easy (and fun) to make your own yoga space, and you can design it as a temporary space or a dedicated one, depending on your needs. All you need is enough floor space to move around and stretch out the full length of your body — a little more than the length and width of your yoga mat. This can be your living or bedroom floor, your kitchen, or your backyard. Just make sure there isn’t any furniture or objects lying around that could get in your way or cause injury.\\n2. Decorate With Calming Accessories\\nYou can also create a comfortable and inviting space for yoga by hanging calming or inspiring artwork on the wall, lighting a candle or incense, and keeping a few house plants nearby for a pleasing atmosphere. The more you can tailor and dedicate your space for yoga, the easier it will be to motivate yourself to keep up a steady routine. Hanging a mirror in front of your practice space is also helpful in maintaining the correct alignment while performing postures.\\n3. Be Prepared With the Right Equipment\\n\\nYou’ll want to invest in a yoga mat, and it’s wise to also keep modifying props on hand — like blocks, bolsters, blankets, and a strap. If you’re just starting out and you’d like to improvise for props, you can use pillows, blankets, and other items around the house to suit your needs. Just make sure your props are sturdy, supportive, and nearby for when you need them.\\n4. Practice Regularly\\nThe best part about practicing yoga at home is it can be done any time you want. The challenge lies in your dedication and commitment to the practice even when your couch appears more inviting.\\n \\nAccording to this study\\n, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to create a new habit. It’s important to be patient with yourself and identify guidelines for your practice that you can realistically follow through with. \\n5. Schedule Your Yoga Session\\nSet yourself up for success by committing to your yoga practice at a certain time of day, and for a specified number of days per week. It’s best to start out easy with goals that are achievable and progress as you gain momentum. For instance, if you’ve never been an early riser, don’t expect yourself to suddenly start practicing yoga at dawn. If that’s the case, try scheduling your yoga session for late morning, afternoon or evening, and keep your existing schedule in mind when planning a time that works for you.\\n6. Keep it Simple\\nRegardless of your experience or ability level, practicing yoga at home means watching out for your own safety. Make sure you have props handy for when you need them, and avoid overdoing it with strenuous poses. When it doubt, keep your routine simple. Even if you’re an advanced yogi, those basic, primary yoga poses are still an important part of a holistic yoga practice, and may be less likely to cause injury.\\n7. Listen to Your Body\\nThe best way to avoid getting hurt while practicing yoga at home is to listen to your body. If any posture causes you discomfort or pain, stop practicing it immediately — no matter how easy or difficult the pose. Don’t push yourself too hard, and remember to focus on your alignment. If you are unsure of how to execute a specific pose, try learning it from a certified instructor before performing it on your own at home.\\n8. Take an Online Yoga Class\\n\\nBy far the best way to practice yoga at home is with an online class. This way, you get all the benefits of doing yoga at home in your own time, with the added help of an instructor who can make sure you’re performing poses safely and effectively. You can find\\n online group classes\\n for every type of yoga at\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, with over 42 classes offered throughout the day. Private, 1-on-1 instructors are also available for at-home yoga, giving you plenty of options to get the right kind of training while still practicing in the comfort of your own home.\\n9. Squeeze in a Short Practice\\nThe beauty of an at-home yoga practice means you can squeeze in a quick session when you just have 20-30 minutes of time. Even short yoga routines are beneficial for your body and mind, and performing a few of the primary yoga poses on a daily basis will change your life for the better. Try incorporating the Sun Salutation flow series into your morning routine when you first get out of bed in the morning, or practicing some relaxing poses like Legs-Up-The-Wall or Savasana in the evening. \\n10. Switch it Up and Make it Fun\\nYoga doesn’t always have to be serious, and you can make your home yoga practice fun and spontaneous for you and your family. Practicing with your kids is a great way to help them learn mindfulness and self-awareness, while stretching and strengthening their growing bodies. You can also take your practice to the backyard to enjoy sunshine and good weather, or invite friends over to share in the experience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!\\n11. End Every Practice With Savasana\\nWhen practicing yoga at home, it can be tempting to skip important parts of the journey due to time constraints, distractions, or disinterest. If there is one element of yoga you should never skip, it’s Savasana, or otherwise known as Corpse pose. Always end your practice with 5 minutes of relaxation to help your body integrate the routine. Keep a blanket nearby to warm your body after it has cooled down, and consider an eye pillow to help you relax. Your body and mind will thank you as you move on to the rest of your day, having given yourself the gift of healthy movement to better your life."},"category":["yoga","therapy"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cl7g7jip0fjcv0eim6def65cy","slug":"yoga-nidra-for-sleep","author":{"name":"Shilpi","teacherMytSlug":"shilpi-1","pictureUrl":"shilpi4.jpg"},"title":"Yoga Nidra for Sleep","createdAt":"2022-08-30T13:10:49.183409+00:00","coverUrl":"p9x3cqj0uai5aewn58s9.jpg","content":{"text":"Take Charge of Your Sleep Cycle with this Meditation Practice\\nNot sleeping very well? If you’re having trouble with your sleep cycle, you’re not alone.\\n \\nOver 35 percent of Americans\\n get less than seven hours of sleep a night, less than the minimum needed for good health. \\nThere are many causes of sleep disorders which vary based on all kinds of factors — including age, health, and even geographical location. And let’s face it, modern day life is full of stressors that give us lots of reasons to lie awake at night. However, sleep deprivation can negatively affect your health in ways that may actually\\n \\nreduce your life expectancy\\n. It can be a serious health issue if left unaddressed.\\nThankfully, there’s a yogic medicine that can help alleviate sleeplessness and restore your nightly cycle. First introduced by Swami Satyananda Saraswati in 1976, Yoga Nidra can help you relax your mind and body, which in turn allows you to sleep better overall.\\nYoga Nidra for Sleep\\nYoga Nidra, otherwise known as the “yoga of sleep,” is a meditation practice that utilizes that transitional state between sleeping and waking to induce deep relaxation. This state opens up your conscious awareness and connection with yourself.\\nTo enable the most relaxation possible, Yoga Nidra is practiced as a guided meditation. Anyone can practice Yoga Nidra regardless of your ability or experience level. Beginners are welcome in the practice, as well as people who have never meditated or performed yoga before. Yoga Nidra is one of the easiest and most approachable meditations you can try and it’s incredibly good for you.\\nYou can use Yoga Nidra to simply wind down and get ready for bed in the evening, as a tool to decrease stress and anxiety, or to heal trauma. There is no risk in trying it, and you may be surprised at how well Yoga Nidra can restore nervous system functioning and get you sleeping the recommended 7 to 9 hours every night.\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga Nidra\\nOther than getting your sleep cycle back on track, Yoga Nidra has numerous other benefits that impact your health and day-to-day life. Even though this Sanskrit name translates to “yoga for sleep,” it can impact your well-being in a variety of ways. \\n\\nStudies show\\n that meditation reduces symptoms of anxiety and stress, and Yoga Nidra is uniquely effective in decreasing anxiety and increasing your quality of life. If you suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, or high blood pressure, this meditation can help you find tranquility and boost your sense of well-being.\\nYoga Nidra also stimulates your pineal gland and helps balance your hormones, giving your body the tools it needs to heal itself. Practicing Yoga Nidra regulates your nervous system, which in turn helps calm your body and mind, so that you can sleep soundly and restful\\nSome of the benefits of Yoga Nidra include:\\nImproves sleep\\nEases symptoms of trauma and PTSD\\nReduces stress and anxiety\\nIncreases relaxation\\nReduces depression and addiction\\nCalms the mind\\nIncreases breathing capacity\\nYoga Nidra Meditation\\nSo, how does Yoga Nidra work? It’s often performed as a guided meditation so you can allow yourself to relax as deeply as possible. You can find Yoga Nidra scripts and audio recordings online, or you can try enrolling in a Yoga Nidra class at\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n. It is a meditation that can be practiced at home where you feel most comfortable. \\nYoga Nidra focuses on helping you achieve a delicate state that is neither awake or asleep. This focus is what makes it different from other types of meditation, because you’re trying to reach a state of relaxation that is much deeper than most. In technical terms, Yoga Nidra involves tapping into the delta state of consciousness, whereas most other meditations focus on the theta state — which is a more alert, focused state.\\n\\nHow to Practice Yoga Nidra\\nWhile it’s intended to help you reach a delta state of consciousness, Yoga Nidra can actually make you fall completely asleep, so you can choose to practice this meditation from your very own bed — however, to get the full benefits of this meditation, it’s recommended that you try and maintain that state between waking and sleeping — without falling asleep. The best place to practice Yoga Nidra is on a yoga mat with an eye pillow and a blanket.\\nTypically, a Yoga Nidra script is read by a certified instructor or you can listen to this meditation by downloading it online. If you don’t have an audible script available, you can guide yourself through the process of Yoga Nidra. It’s easy for anyone to try and there is no wrong way to practice.\\nYou can begin each session with an intention for yourself, or a goal of what you’d like to get out of your practice. Make sure you’re in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, lying down on your back on your yoga mat or anywhere else you feel comfortable. Use your eye pillow to block out the light and help your face relax, and a blanket to remain comfortable, since your body may cool down. \\nGently close your eyes and allow yourself to breath easily and steadily. Let your entire body relax into the mat. Turn your awareness to your head and your neck, and allow the muscles in your face, neck, and shoulders to completely relax. Continue to move your attention down the length of your body — to your torso, arms, hips, back, legs, and feet — helping each body part fully relax with your awareness. \\nOnce your entire body is deeply relaxed, allow yourself to remain in this state for as long as you feel comfortable. If you’re new to practicing Yoga Nidra, you may want to start with a short session — anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. As you get more experience, you can lengthen your sessions as you see fit.\\n\\nOnline Yoga for Sleep\\nYoga Nidra often works best if you practice some light yoga asanas before your meditation. In fact, you can try a complete yoga routine to help you sleep by enrolling in an\\n \\nonline class to ease stress and anxiety\\n. Performing easy yoga postures before your Yoga Nidra meditation will help your body relax more fully and allow you to get the maximum benefits from your practice. \\nIf you’ve never tried yoga postures or Yoga Nidra before, you can start by\\n \\nsigning up for a free, two-week trial\\n of MyYogaTeacher. With access to yoga classes online, you can set up a new routine of nightly yoga to help you fall asleep. There are live, group classes available, or you can schedule a private session with a certified instructor who can tailor a session to your Yoga Nidra meditation. \\nYou can get back to sleeping peacefully every night with a regular practice of Yoga Nidra. This meditation works best over time, and with a regular routine you can reduce sleeplessness and get the recommended hours of rest every night — which will improve your day-to-day life immeasurably. "}},{"id":"ckr7tf4oolv3u0c25s8cz6qrj","slug":"what-are-sun-salutations","author":{"name":"Priyanka","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"What Are Sun Salutations? Start Your Day Right With These Moves","createdAt":"2021-07-17T13:38:03.578839+00:00","coverUrl":"ljd9egtasslviqhw4lqm.jpg","content":{"text":"It’s a simple question that we get asked a lot as yoga instructors.\\nWhat is a Sun Salutation and why is it important? After all, this simple series of asanas is included in almost every single yoga practice from beginner to advanced.\\nObviously, there’s something important about it, right?\\nThe answer is yes.\\nIn my yoga class on myYogaTeacher, \\nBeginner’s Guide to Sun Salutations\\n, yogis learn all about this wonderful series of yoga poses and how impactful they are to a regular yoga practice and your day!\\nNot an MYT member yet? You should definitely check it out! \\nSign up for your free 2-week trial\\n and get access to 35+ different group yoga classes every single day, at all times of day!\\nIn the meantime, let’s talk about this traditional series of poses and how they help you start your day – and yoga practice – right!\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nWhat are Sun Salutations?\\nThe Sun Salutation is a practice involving a flow of 8 different yoga poses linked together in a graceful sequence.\\nBecause the sequence moves the body in all different directions, sun salutations help clear the energy centers of the body and heat it up so all the muscles and joints are ready for deeper poses. \\nSun salutations are also invigorating as a stand alone sequence! If you don’t have a lot of time for a full yoga practice, 5 minutes of sun salutations is a surefire way to rev up your body, boost immunity, and stretch out tight muscles.\\nThe 8 basic poses of a Sun Salutation sequence\\nTadasana (Mountain Pose)\\n\\n\\n Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute)\\n\\n\\nUttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)\\n\\n\\n Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge) \\n\\n\\nPlank Pose\\n\\n\\nChaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose)\\n\\n\\n Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose)\\n\\n\\nAdho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe movement from posture to posture is accompanied by an inhale or exhale. You’ll experience this in my Beginner’s Guide to Sun Salutations class. It’s really fairly simple, and there are plenty of ways to modify the poses to meet your fitness level!\\nBenefits of Sun Salutations\\nI briefly discussed some of the reasons we incorporate these poses into a yoga practice, but here’s a more in depth explanation of the benefits of sun salutations!\\nBody and mind preparation\\nFirst, I want to talk about how the sun salutation sequence can be a stand alone practice to start your day. Many people (even avid yogis) don’t want to wake up before the crack of dawn and spend thirty minutes to an hour doing yoga.\\nIf yoga feels like a burden, then you won’t do it. And we definitely don’t want you to feel this way about your yoga practice!\\nYou don’t need to practice yoga for a long time to prepare your mind and body for the day. The sun salutation flow is an excellent way to get in even 5-10 minutes of yoga in the mornings. And the best part is, once you memorize this easy sequence you:\\nDon’t need a computer, phone, or tv\\nDon’t need any voice guidance\\nCan do it almost anywhere\\nDon’t necessarily need a yoga mat or props\\nYou can still reap the benefits of yoga with this flow. It awakens your mind, your muscles. It gets your breath going and revives you mentally, physically, and emotionally. And you can perform these moves throughout your day if you need a little pep in your step during that afternoon slump.\\nIf you’re starting this flow in the morning, you might want to modify the first couple of rounds to allow your body time to loosen up!\\nSun salutations build internal heat\\nSo another great benefit of sun salutations is their ability to quickly warm up your muscles, ligaments, and tendons in preparation for bigger, deeper yoga poses.\\nJumping straight into deep, engaged postures is not beneficial.\\nSun salutations give our body time to rev up, kind of like a car before a big race! These poses allow for the release of synovial fluid, which lubricates your joints. They also require you to engage your core, which is an important aspect of almost all yoga poses. \\nJust as importantly as releasing lubricating fluid for your joints and warming up your core, sun salutations gently stretch out tight or sore muscles. This prevents injury when practicing those deeper poses I mentioned.\\nSun salutations clear energy pathways\\nMaybe this is a little woo for you, but the energy centers in your body are a real thing!\\nIf you’re not familiar with your chakras, here’s a brief description of all of them:\\nRoot chakra - responsible for your sense of security and stability, located at the base of your spine\\nSacral chakra - located just below your belly button, responsible for sexual and creative energy and your emotions\\nSolar plexus chakra - located in your stomach region, responsible for confidence, self-esteem, and helps you feel in control of your life\\nHeart chakra - all about your ability to love and show compassion and empathy\\nThroat chakra - helps you communicate verbally, express yourself\\nThird eye chakra - located on the forehead between the eyes, linked to your intuition and imagination\\nCrown chakra - located on the top of your head and represents your connection to self, others, and the universe/divine\\nEvery asana from the sun salutation flow touches on one of these energy centers! And clear chakras promote stress relief, clear mind, increased focus, more creativity, more feelings of security and safety, and being more in touch with your emotions, feeling more compassionate.\\nWho wouldn’t want to feel this way?!\\nCombined with your breath, the sun salutation sequence will bring so much life to your...well, life!\\nIf you haven’t taken the jump into the wonderful world that is myYogaTeacher yet, I’d love to have you check out one of the several yoga classes I teach, \\nBeginner’s Guide to Sun Salutations!\\n\\nNot sure yet? That’s ok! \\nMyYogaTeacher offers a free 2-week trial! You can sign up for it here, completely risk free!\\n\\nI’d love to see you on the mat!"}},{"id":"ckfqz776o022n0126j372m14a","slug":"got-5-minutes-try-this-5-sense-meditation","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Got 5 Minutes? Try this 5 Sense Meditation!","createdAt":"2020-03-13T00:00:00+00:00","coverUrl":"elijah-hiett-umfpFoKxIVg-unsplash.jpg","content":{"text":"Having one of those days where the world feels like it is moving too fast and you can't keep up? Or maybe you are preparing for something that makes you nervous (or excited!). \\n\\nTake a few minutes and try out this groundig \\nmeditation\\n using your very own senses. \\n\\n\\n\\nCurious to learn more \\nmeditation techniques\\n? Try a meditation session with one of your teachers!\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"ckfqznbfk02d10178ek7roi65","slug":"letter-from-jitendra-ceo-and-co-founder-of-myyogateacher","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"Letter from Jitendra (CEO and co-founder of myYogaTeacher)","createdAt":"2020-06-03T00:00:00+00:00","updatedAt":"2021-06-26T21:58:00.373824+00:00","coverUrl":"jitendra-family.jpg","seoDescription":null,"content":{"text":"\"If you want to reach your goals, the WHY is always more important than the HOW.\"This letter to you isn't short but you'll want to read it. Because it could be the start of a life-changing process for you. It was for me...\\n\\nYou see, when I was starting my first company, I was living a super unhealthy lifestyle.\\n\\nI was smoking cigarettes, binge eating and then pushing myself to run like a maniac. I'd exercise to the point of exhaustion and then go right back to eating a carton of doughnuts!\\n\\nThis is how I dealt with the stress of starting my first company. And to be honest, it was much worse on my family.\\n\\nFor 7 years I was just a body at the dinner table. My daughters would bubble with excitement about their day at school. And I would barely respond, \"uh huh\". They were instantly deflated. They'd repeat themselves 3 or 4 times and I still wouldn't be able to listen...\\n\\nI LOVE my daughters, I care about them, and I wanted to listen! But it felt like a train was steaming through my head and running off the tracks... My mind was out of control!\\n\\nMy body was there, but I was completely unavailable for my wife, my kids, and everything outside of work. No bedtime stories, no basketball games, nothing like that.\\n\\nI was missing the highlights of their lives... of our lives!\\n\\nI knew I needed to be more present. I needed to be less stressed. I needed to be healthier and more available for my family. But I had too much work to take care of.\\n\\nI wanted to be the father for my girls, that my dad was for me. I wanted them to know they're loved, to be a meaningful part of their life. And I want them to have amazing memories of us for the rest of their lives...\\n\\nBut I was failing. I couldn't balance work and family. I couldn't balance health and taking care of my responsibilities.\\n\\nNearly 10 years of this! I had to do something...\\n\\nSo I decided to join a yoga studio. I thought \"I'll get in shape AND reduce my stress!\" Sounds great, doesn't it?\\n\\n... It wasn't that simple. The studio classes were generalized. It was more about the class and style of yoga than it was about me and my needs. I wasn't seeing any results.\\n\\nSo pretty soon, I was back to the gym and discount yoga classes at The Y... the random gym-class schedule never quite worked for me. I'd always have to miss out because of a meeting or something like that.\\n\\nThen a friend told me about 1-on-1 private sessions with a yoga teacher. He said it's kinda like my own personal trainer, but for yoga!\\n\\nI was super excited and hopeful again!\\n\\nSo I started...\\n\\nNow I was finally getting results! She gave me constant motivation. She kept me accountable. And she helped me to be consistent.\\n\\nThe sessions were personalized to my needs. And that alone made a world of difference.\\n\\nI was less stressed, toning up, and feeling like 26 year old me (instead of 46 year old me)!\\n\\nBut it was $100 a session, and I stil had to drive to the studio. It just wasn't sustainable. So pretty soon I had to quit...\\n\\nThen one day, I mentiond all this to a friend. Do you know what she told me? She was doing 1-on-1 sessions ONLINE with a teacher in India! ... Genius!\\n\\nRight away I reached out to my friends back home (I'm from India) and asked them to put me in contact with a teacher.\\n\\nI was hooked! I was getting 1-on-1 sessions for a fraction of the cost! The sessions were in my home. No baby sitter required, no driving, no class full of people to feel awkward in front of. Just me and my teacher.\\n\\nBut the scheduling was a pain.\\n\\nWe'd write about a dozen emails back-and-forth just to pin down a time for one session. Then my schedule would change and we'd go through the whole process again. (So annoying!)\\n\\n\"You know, I didn't go into business just to make money. I want to contribute something meaningful to the world.\"I knew this was big. I knew I had to do something drastic. So I handed off my company to a friend, and hired a team of developers to start building myYogaTeacher.\\n\\nOver the next year we streamlined all the technology and the scheduling!\\n\\nNow anyone can have the most affordable 1-on-1 private yoga sessions. And easy online access to amazing Indian teachers.\\n\\nI've been practicing with myYogaTeacher at least 2 or 3 times per week for the last year and half. And my family will tell you, it's made all the difference.\\n\\nI'm healthier than ever. I haven't smoked a single cigarette for 14 months. I'm even working on my headstand!\\n\\nAnd I almost never get stressed. When I do start feeling a bit stressed, I take a 1-hr yoga session and reset.\\n\\nBut the best part is, I'm happier and finally here for my family. I make breakfast every morning for my girls. I help them with their math homework and even coach their basketball team!\\n\\nI am present for my family. I'm the father I want to be.\\n\\nAnd I am so grateful to my yoga teachers who have helped make this happen. I sincerely hope you love your trial with myYogaTeacher and it's the start of a HUGE transformation for you too!\\n\\nThanks for taking the time to read this letter. And...\\n\\nRemember your WHY!Jitendra\\n","html":"<p>"If you want to reach your goals, the WHY is always more important than the HOW."This letter to you isn't short but you'll want to read it. Because it could be the start of a life-changing process for you. It was for me...</p><p></p><p>You see, when I was starting my first company, I was living a super unhealthy lifestyle.</p><p></p><p>I was smoking cigarettes, binge eating and then pushing myself to run like a maniac. I'd exercise to the point of exhaustion and then go right back to eating a carton of doughnuts!</p><p></p><p>This is how I dealt with the stress of starting my first company. And to be honest, it was much worse on my family.</p><p></p><p>For 7 years I was just a body at the dinner table. My daughters would bubble with excitement about their day at school. And I would barely respond, "uh huh". They were instantly deflated. They'd repeat themselves 3 or 4 times and I still wouldn't be able to listen...</p><p></p><p>I LOVE my daughters, I care about them, and I wanted to listen! But it felt like a train was steaming through my head and running off the tracks... My mind was out of control!</p><p></p><p>My body was there, but I was completely unavailable for my wife, my kids, and everything outside of work. No bedtime stories, no basketball games, nothing like that.</p><p></p><p>I was missing the highlights of their lives... of our lives!</p><p></p><p>I knew I needed to be more present. I needed to be less stressed. I needed to be healthier and more available for my family. But I had too much work to take care of.</p><p></p><p>I wanted to be the father for my girls, that my dad was for me. I wanted them to know they're loved, to be a meaningful part of their life. And I want them to have amazing memories of us for the rest of their lives...</p><p></p><p>But I was failing. I couldn't balance work and family. I couldn't balance health and taking care of my responsibilities.</p><p></p><p>Nearly 10 years of this! I had to do something...</p><p></p><p>So I decided to join a yoga studio. I thought "I'll get in shape AND reduce my stress!" Sounds great, doesn't it?</p><p></p><p>... It wasn't that simple. The studio classes were generalized. It was more about the class and style of yoga than it was about me and my needs. I wasn't seeing any results.</p><p></p><p>So pretty soon, I was back to the gym and discount yoga classes at The Y... the random gym-class schedule never quite worked for me. I'd always have to miss out because of a meeting or something like that.</p><p></p><p>Then a friend told me about 1-on-1 private sessions with a yoga teacher. He said it's kinda like my own personal trainer, but for yoga!</p><p></p><p>I was super excited and hopeful again!</p><p></p><p>So I started...</p><p></p><p>Now I was finally getting results! She gave me constant motivation. She kept me accountable. And she helped me to be consistent.</p><p></p><p>The sessions were personalized to my needs. And that alone made a world of difference.</p><p></p><p>I was less stressed, toning up, and feeling like 26 year old me (instead of 46 year old me)!</p><p></p><p>But it was $100 a session, and I stil had to drive to the studio. It just wasn't sustainable. So pretty soon I had to quit...</p><p></p><p>Then one day, I mentiond all this to a friend. Do you know what she told me? She was doing 1-on-1 sessions ONLINE with a teacher in India! ... Genius!</p><p></p><p>Right away I reached out to my friends back home (I'm from India) and asked them to put me in contact with a teacher.</p><p></p><p>I was hooked! I was getting 1-on-1 sessions for a fraction of the cost! The sessions were in my home. No baby sitter required, no driving, no class full of people to feel awkward in front of. Just me and my teacher.</p><p></p><p>But the scheduling was a pain.</p><p></p><p>We'd write about a dozen emails back-and-forth just to pin down a time for one session. Then my schedule would change and we'd go through the whole process again. (So annoying!)</p><p></p><p>"You know, I didn't go into business just to make money. I want to contribute something meaningful to the world."I knew this was big. I knew I had to do something drastic. So I handed off my company to a friend, and hired a team of developers to start building myYogaTeacher.</p><p></p><p>Over the next year we streamlined all the technology and the scheduling!</p><p></p><p>Now anyone can have the most affordable 1-on-1 private yoga sessions. And easy online access to amazing Indian teachers.</p><p></p><p>I've been practicing with myYogaTeacher at least 2 or 3 times per week for the last year and half. And my family will tell you, it's made all the difference.</p><p></p><p>I'm healthier than ever. I haven't smoked a single cigarette for 14 months. I'm even working on my headstand!</p><p></p><p>And I almost never get stressed. When I do start feeling a bit stressed, I take a 1-hr yoga session and reset.</p><p></p><p>But the best part is, I'm happier and finally here for my family. I make breakfast every morning for my girls. I help them with their math homework and even coach their basketball team!</p><p></p><p>I am present for my family. I'm the father I want to be.</p><p></p><p>And I am so grateful to my yoga teachers who have helped make this happen. I sincerely hope you love your trial with myYogaTeacher and it's the start of a HUGE transformation for you too!</p><p></p><p>Thanks for taking the time to read this letter. And...</p><p></p><p>Remember your WHY!Jitendra</p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>"If you want to reach your goals, the WHY is always more important than the HOW."This letter to you isn't short but you'll want to read it. Because it could be the start of a life-changing process for you. It was for me...</p><p></p><p>You see, when I was starting my first company, I was living a super unhealthy lifestyle.</p><p></p><p>I was smoking cigarettes, binge eating and then pushing myself to run like a maniac. I'd exercise to the point of exhaustion and then go right back to eating a carton of doughnuts!</p><p></p><p>This is how I dealt with the stress of starting my first company. And to be honest, it was much worse on my family.</p><p></p><p>For 7 years I was just a body at the dinner table. My daughters would bubble with excitement about their day at school. And I would barely respond, "uh huh". They were instantly deflated. They'd repeat themselves 3 or 4 times and I still wouldn't be able to listen...</p><p></p><p>I LOVE my daughters, I care about them, and I wanted to listen! But it felt like a train was steaming through my head and running off the tracks... My mind was out of control!</p><p></p><p>My body was there, but I was completely unavailable for my wife, my kids, and everything outside of work. No bedtime stories, no basketball games, nothing like that.</p><p></p><p>I was missing the highlights of their lives... of our lives!</p><p></p><p>I knew I needed to be more present. I needed to be less stressed. I needed to be healthier and more available for my family. But I had too much work to take care of.</p><p></p><p>I wanted to be the father for my girls, that my dad was for me. I wanted them to know they're loved, to be a meaningful part of their life. And I want them to have amazing memories of us for the rest of their lives...</p><p></p><p>But I was failing. I couldn't balance work and family. I couldn't balance health and taking care of my responsibilities.</p><p></p><p>Nearly 10 years of this! I had to do something...</p><p></p><p>So I decided to join a yoga studio. I thought "I'll get in shape AND reduce my stress!" Sounds great, doesn't it?</p><p></p><p>... It wasn't that simple. The studio classes were generalized. It was more about the class and style of yoga than it was about me and my needs. I wasn't seeing any results.</p><p></p><p>So pretty soon, I was back to the gym and discount yoga classes at The Y... the random gym-class schedule never quite worked for me. I'd always have to miss out because of a meeting or something like that.</p><p></p><p>Then a friend told me about 1-on-1 private sessions with a yoga teacher. He said it's kinda like my own personal trainer, but for yoga!</p><p></p><p>I was super excited and hopeful again!</p><p></p><p>So I started...</p><p></p><p>Now I was finally getting results! She gave me constant motivation. She kept me accountable. And she helped me to be consistent.</p><p></p><p>The sessions were personalized to my needs. And that alone made a world of difference.</p><p></p><p>I was less stressed, toning up, and feeling like 26 year old me (instead of 46 year old me)!</p><p></p><p>But it was $100 a session, and I stil had to drive to the studio. It just wasn't sustainable. So pretty soon I had to quit...</p><p></p><p>Then one day, I mentiond all this to a friend. Do you know what she told me? She was doing 1-on-1 sessions ONLINE with a teacher in India! ... Genius!</p><p></p><p>Right away I reached out to my friends back home (I'm from India) and asked them to put me in contact with a teacher.</p><p></p><p>I was hooked! I was getting 1-on-1 sessions for a fraction of the cost! The sessions were in my home. No baby sitter required, no driving, no class full of people to feel awkward in front of. Just me and my teacher.</p><p></p><p>But the scheduling was a pain.</p><p></p><p>We'd write about a dozen emails back-and-forth just to pin down a time for one session. Then my schedule would change and we'd go through the whole process again. (So annoying!)</p><p></p><p>"You know, I didn't go into business just to make money. I want to contribute something meaningful to the world."I knew this was big. I knew I had to do something drastic. So I handed off my company to a friend, and hired a team of developers to start building myYogaTeacher.</p><p></p><p>Over the next year we streamlined all the technology and the scheduling!</p><p></p><p>Now anyone can have the most affordable 1-on-1 private yoga sessions. And easy online access to amazing Indian teachers.</p><p></p><p>I've been practicing with myYogaTeacher at least 2 or 3 times per week for the last year and half. And my family will tell you, it's made all the difference.</p><p></p><p>I'm healthier than ever. I haven't smoked a single cigarette for 14 months. I'm even working on my headstand!</p><p></p><p>And I almost never get stressed. When I do start feeling a bit stressed, I take a 1-hr yoga session and reset.</p><p></p><p>But the best part is, I'm happier and finally here for my family. I make breakfast every morning for my girls. I help them with their math homework and even coach their basketball team!</p><p></p><p>I am present for my family. I'm the father I want to be.</p><p></p><p>And I am so grateful to my yoga teachers who have helped make this happen. I sincerely hope you love your trial with myYogaTeacher and it's the start of a HUGE transformation for you too!</p><p></p><p>Thanks for taking the time to read this letter. And...</p><p></p><p>Remember your WHY!Jitendra</p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"letter-from-jitendra-ceo-and-co-founder-of-myyogateacher","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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Because it could be the start of a life-changing process for you. It was for me...\\n\\nYou see, when I was starting my first company, I was living a super unhealthy lifestyle.\\n\\nI was smoking cigarettes, binge eating and then pushing myself to run like a maniac. I'd exercise to the point of exhaustion and then go right back to eating a carton of doughnuts!\\n\\nThis is how I dealt with the stress of starting my first company. And to be honest, it was much worse on my family.\\n\\nFor 7 years I was just a body at the dinner table. My daughters would bubble with excitement about their day at school. And I would barely respond, \"uh huh\". They were instantly deflated. They'd repeat themselves 3 or 4 times and I still wouldn't be able to listen...\\n\\nI LOVE my daughters, I care about them, and I wanted to listen! But it felt like a train was steaming through my head and running off the tracks... My mind was out of control!\\n\\nMy body was there, but I was completely unavailable for my wife, my kids, and everything outside of work. No bedtime stories, no basketball games, nothing like that.\\n\\nI was missing the highlights of their lives... of our lives!\\n\\nI knew I needed to be more present. I needed to be less stressed. I needed to be healthier and more available for my family. But I had too much work to take care of.\\n\\nI wanted to be the father for my girls, that my dad was for me. I wanted them to know they're loved, to be a meaningful part of their life. And I want them to have amazing memories of us for the rest of their lives...\\n\\nBut I was failing. I couldn't balance work and family. I couldn't balance health and taking care of my responsibilities.\\n\\nNearly 10 years of this! I had to do something...\\n\\nSo I decided to join a yoga studio. I thought \"I'll get in shape AND reduce my stress!\" Sounds great, doesn't it?\\n\\n... It wasn't that simple. The studio classes were generalized. It was more about the class and style of yoga than it was about me and my needs. I wasn't seeing any results.\\n\\nSo pretty soon, I was back to the gym and discount yoga classes at The Y... the random gym-class schedule never quite worked for me. I'd always have to miss out because of a meeting or something like that.\\n\\nThen a friend told me about 1-on-1 private sessions with a yoga teacher. He said it's kinda like my own personal trainer, but for yoga!\\n\\nI was super excited and hopeful again!\\n\\nSo I started...\\n\\nNow I was finally getting results! She gave me constant motivation. She kept me accountable. And she helped me to be consistent.\\n\\nThe sessions were personalized to my needs. And that alone made a world of difference.\\n\\nI was less stressed, toning up, and feeling like 26 year old me (instead of 46 year old me)!\\n\\nBut it was $100 a session, and I stil had to drive to the studio. It just wasn't sustainable. So pretty soon I had to quit...\\n\\nThen one day, I mentiond all this to a friend. Do you know what she told me? She was doing 1-on-1 sessions ONLINE with a teacher in India! ... Genius!\\n\\nRight away I reached out to my friends back home (I'm from India) and asked them to put me in contact with a teacher.\\n\\nI was hooked! I was getting 1-on-1 sessions for a fraction of the cost! The sessions were in my home. No baby sitter required, no driving, no class full of people to feel awkward in front of. Just me and my teacher.\\n\\nBut the scheduling was a pain.\\n\\nWe'd write about a dozen emails back-and-forth just to pin down a time for one session. Then my schedule would change and we'd go through the whole process again. (So annoying!)\\n\\n\"You know, I didn't go into business just to make money. I want to contribute something meaningful to the world.\"I knew this was big. I knew I had to do something drastic. So I handed off my company to a friend, and hired a team of developers to start building myYogaTeacher.\\n\\nOver the next year we streamlined all the technology and the scheduling!\\n\\nNow anyone can have the most affordable 1-on-1 private yoga sessions. And easy online access to amazing Indian teachers.\\n\\nI've been practicing with myYogaTeacher at least 2 or 3 times per week for the last year and half. And my family will tell you, it's made all the difference.\\n\\nI'm healthier than ever. I haven't smoked a single cigarette for 14 months. I'm even working on my headstand!\\n\\nAnd I almost never get stressed. When I do start feeling a bit stressed, I take a 1-hr yoga session and reset.\\n\\nBut the best part is, I'm happier and finally here for my family. I make breakfast every morning for my girls. I help them with their math homework and even coach their basketball team!\\n\\nI am present for my family. I'm the father I want to be.\\n\\nAnd I am so grateful to my yoga teachers who have helped make this happen. I sincerely hope you love your trial with myYogaTeacher and it's the start of a HUGE transformation for you too!\\n\\nThanks for taking the time to read this letter. And...\\n\\nRemember your WHY!Jitendra\\n","html":"<p>"If you want to reach your goals, the WHY is always more important than the HOW."This letter to you isn't short but you'll want to read it. Because it could be the start of a life-changing process for you. It was for me...</p><p></p><p>You see, when I was starting my first company, I was living a super unhealthy lifestyle.</p><p></p><p>I was smoking cigarettes, binge eating and then pushing myself to run like a maniac. I'd exercise to the point of exhaustion and then go right back to eating a carton of doughnuts!</p><p></p><p>This is how I dealt with the stress of starting my first company. And to be honest, it was much worse on my family.</p><p></p><p>For 7 years I was just a body at the dinner table. My daughters would bubble with excitement about their day at school. And I would barely respond, "uh huh". They were instantly deflated. They'd repeat themselves 3 or 4 times and I still wouldn't be able to listen...</p><p></p><p>I LOVE my daughters, I care about them, and I wanted to listen! But it felt like a train was steaming through my head and running off the tracks... My mind was out of control!</p><p></p><p>My body was there, but I was completely unavailable for my wife, my kids, and everything outside of work. No bedtime stories, no basketball games, nothing like that.</p><p></p><p>I was missing the highlights of their lives... of our lives!</p><p></p><p>I knew I needed to be more present. I needed to be less stressed. I needed to be healthier and more available for my family. But I had too much work to take care of.</p><p></p><p>I wanted to be the father for my girls, that my dad was for me. I wanted them to know they're loved, to be a meaningful part of their life. And I want them to have amazing memories of us for the rest of their lives...</p><p></p><p>But I was failing. I couldn't balance work and family. I couldn't balance health and taking care of my responsibilities.</p><p></p><p>Nearly 10 years of this! I had to do something...</p><p></p><p>So I decided to join a yoga studio. I thought "I'll get in shape AND reduce my stress!" Sounds great, doesn't it?</p><p></p><p>... It wasn't that simple. The studio classes were generalized. It was more about the class and style of yoga than it was about me and my needs. I wasn't seeing any results.</p><p></p><p>So pretty soon, I was back to the gym and discount yoga classes at The Y... the random gym-class schedule never quite worked for me. I'd always have to miss out because of a meeting or something like that.</p><p></p><p>Then a friend told me about 1-on-1 private sessions with a yoga teacher. He said it's kinda like my own personal trainer, but for yoga!</p><p></p><p>I was super excited and hopeful again!</p><p></p><p>So I started...</p><p></p><p>Now I was finally getting results! She gave me constant motivation. She kept me accountable. And she helped me to be consistent.</p><p></p><p>The sessions were personalized to my needs. And that alone made a world of difference.</p><p></p><p>I was less stressed, toning up, and feeling like 26 year old me (instead of 46 year old me)!</p><p></p><p>But it was $100 a session, and I stil had to drive to the studio. It just wasn't sustainable. So pretty soon I had to quit...</p><p></p><p>Then one day, I mentiond all this to a friend. Do you know what she told me? She was doing 1-on-1 sessions ONLINE with a teacher in India! ... Genius!</p><p></p><p>Right away I reached out to my friends back home (I'm from India) and asked them to put me in contact with a teacher.</p><p></p><p>I was hooked! I was getting 1-on-1 sessions for a fraction of the cost! The sessions were in my home. No baby sitter required, no driving, no class full of people to feel awkward in front of. Just me and my teacher.</p><p></p><p>But the scheduling was a pain.</p><p></p><p>We'd write about a dozen emails back-and-forth just to pin down a time for one session. Then my schedule would change and we'd go through the whole process again. (So annoying!)</p><p></p><p>"You know, I didn't go into business just to make money. I want to contribute something meaningful to the world."I knew this was big. I knew I had to do something drastic. So I handed off my company to a friend, and hired a team of developers to start building myYogaTeacher.</p><p></p><p>Over the next year we streamlined all the technology and the scheduling!</p><p></p><p>Now anyone can have the most affordable 1-on-1 private yoga sessions. And easy online access to amazing Indian teachers.</p><p></p><p>I've been practicing with myYogaTeacher at least 2 or 3 times per week for the last year and half. And my family will tell you, it's made all the difference.</p><p></p><p>I'm healthier than ever. I haven't smoked a single cigarette for 14 months. I'm even working on my headstand!</p><p></p><p>And I almost never get stressed. When I do start feeling a bit stressed, I take a 1-hr yoga session and reset.</p><p></p><p>But the best part is, I'm happier and finally here for my family. I make breakfast every morning for my girls. I help them with their math homework and even coach their basketball team!</p><p></p><p>I am present for my family. I'm the father I want to be.</p><p></p><p>And I am so grateful to my yoga teachers who have helped make this happen. I sincerely hope you love your trial with myYogaTeacher and it's the start of a HUGE transformation for you too!</p><p></p><p>Thanks for taking the time to read this letter. And...</p><p></p><p>Remember your WHY!Jitendra</p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}© Copyright 2020 MyYogaTeacher Inc