Modern Yoga vs. Traditional Yoga: 5 Key Differences You’ll Want to Understand

{"slug":"modern-yoga-vs-traditional-yoga","recentPosts":[{"id":"clgc1nu7j1uwk0birznqai3x1","slug":"10-yoga-poses-for-multiple-sclerosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Yoga Poses to Enhance Wellness for Multiple Sclerosis Patients","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Learn about Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis and how it can help manage symptoms. Improve your quality of life with these yoga poses.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Discover yoga for multiple sclerosis - improve your quality of life with these poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-11T09:12:29.35505+00:00","coverUrl":"aydrjq4doquwuaot8kt7.jpg","content":{"text":"Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. While there is no cure for MS, practicing yoga can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Before starting a yoga practice, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nStress and Fatigue Reduction: Yoga provides a calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind, which can help ease the mental and physical stresses of MS. It can lead to a reduction in fatigue levels and promote a more peaceful state of mind.\\nImproved Balance and Coordination: MS can cause issues with balance and coordination, but yoga can help improve these areas. The practice of yoga involves movements that require balance and coordination, which can improve the function of the nervous system.\\nIncreased Flexibility and Strength: Yoga poses require the use of muscles that may not be utilized in everyday activities. Practicing yoga regularly can lead to increased flexibility and strength, which can improve overall fitness levels.\\nRespiratory Function Improvement: MS can affect respiratory function, but yoga can help improve breathing patterns. Certain yoga practices involve deep breathing exercises that can help increase lung capacity and oxygenation of the body.\\nPain Management: MS can cause pain and discomfort, but yoga can be an effective tool for managing these symptoms. The gentle movements of yoga can help relieve tension and tightness in the muscles, which can reduce pain and improve overall comfort.\\nImproved Overall Health and Well-Being: By providing a range of physical and mental benefits, yoga can improve overall health and well-being for individuals with MS. Regular practice can promote a sense of inner calm and peacefulness, which can positively impact all areas of life.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Management\\nSeated or chair yoga poses are ideal for individuals with limited mobility, while standing poses are suitable for those with greater mobility. Focus on poses that improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, such as:\\n\\n1.Child's Pose (Balasana): \\n\\nSit on your heels with your knees apart, and fold your torso forward, resting your forehead on the floor. Stretch your arms forward, palms facing down. Hold for 5-10 deep breaths.\\n\\n2.Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): \\n\\nStart on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Inhale and lift your chest and tailbone towards the ceiling (Cow pose), and exhale, rounding your spine towards the ceiling (Cat pose). Repeat for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n3.Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms out to the sides, and gaze over your right hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n4.Tree Pose (Vrksasana): \\n\\nStand with your feet hip-distance apart, and shift your weight onto your left foot. Place your right foot on your left thigh, and balance here. Place your hands in prayer position at your heart or extend your arms overhead. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5.Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): \\n\\nFrom a tabletop position, walk your hands forward and lift your hips up and back, forming an inverted V-shape with your body. Press your hands and feet into the ground and hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 45 degrees. Bend your right knee, keeping it directly over your ankle. Extend your arms overhead and gaze forward. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\n\\n7.Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana): \\n\\nLie on your stomach with your elbows under your shoulders and forearms on the ground. Press into your forearms and lift your chest up, keeping your shoulders relaxed. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n8.Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-distance apart. Press into your feet and lift your hips up, keeping your arms and shoulders on the ground. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): \\n\\nFrom a standing position, step your left foot back and turn it out 90 degrees. Extend your arms out to the sides and reach forward with your right hand, placing it on your shin or a block. Gaze up at your left hand. Hold for 5-10 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n10.Corpse Pose (Savasana): \\n\\nLie on your back with your arms and legs extended. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing your body to fully relax. Stay here for at least 5-10 minutes.\\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis\\nHere are some breathing and meditation practices that can be incorporated into a yoga practice for multiple sclerosis symptom management:\\n\nDeep Breathing: Sit comfortably and take deep, slow breaths through the nose, filling the lungs completely. Exhale slowly through the nose, releasing all the air. Repeat for several minutes.\\nAlternate Nostril Breathing: Sit comfortably and use the thumb to close one nostril while inhaling through the other. Then, use the ring finger to close the opposite nostril while exhaling through the first. Repeat for several minutes.\\nMindful Breathing: Focus on the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the body. If the mind wanders, gently bring the focus back to the breath.\\nBody Scan Meditation: Lie down or sit comfortably and bring attention to each part of the body, starting from the toes and moving up to the head. Notice any sensations or tensions and release them as you move through each part.\\n\\nConclusion\\nPracticing yoga can provide many benefits for individuals with multiple sclerosis, including reduced stress and fatigue, improved balance and coordination, and increased flexibility and strength. Incorporating yoga poses and practices into your routine can help manage symptoms and improve overall health and well-being. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider and find a qualified yoga teacher to begin a safe and effective practice."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg55sr3657wd0airoeszt66q","slug":"yoga-for-carpal-tunnel-syndrom","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Carpal Tunnel: Top 10 Yoga Poses, Benefits, FAQs","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Alleviate carpal tunnel symptoms with yoga! Discover 10 poses to reduce pain and improve wrist and hand health. Learn best practices and protect yourself.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Relieve carpal tunnel with yoga! 10 poses to manage symptoms and improve wrist and hand health.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-06T13:33:53.820514+00:00","coverUrl":"fyzezortjqar8ovbd4vf.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you ever experience pain or tingling in your hands and fingers? It could be carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition that affects many people who use their hands and wrists frequently. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which can lead to discomfort, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.\\nFortunately, yoga can offer a natural and effective way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. In this article, we'll explore some yoga poses and practices that can help relieve pain and improve flexibility in the wrists and hands.\n\n\\nBenefits of Yoga for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nYoga has many benefits for overall health and wellness, and it can be particularly helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are just a few of the benefits:\\nReducing pain:\\n Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrist and hand, which can reduce pain and discomfort.\\nImproving flexibility: \\nTight muscles and tendons in the wrist and hand can exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help improve flexibility and mobility.\\nReducing stress:\\n Stress and tension in the body can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, but yoga can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.\n\\n\\nYoga Poses for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nYoga poses, or asanas, can be a powerful tool for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few poses to try:\\n\n\\n1.Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, reducing pain and stiffness. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the floor, outside your left thigh. Bring your left heel toward your right buttock. Cross your left arm over your right arm and bring your palms together. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n2.Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Lift your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs. Press your hands into the floor and lengthen through your spine. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\n\\n3.Garudasana (Eagle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help strengthen the muscles in the hands and wrists, which can improve grip strength and reduce pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your right arm under your left arm, and bend both elbows to bring your palms together. Cross your right thigh over your left thigh. Balance on your left foot and hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n4.Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the wrists and forearms, promoting flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in slightly. Reach your right arm forward and hinge at your hip to reach your right hand toward your right shin or the floor. Extend your left arm straight up toward the ceiling. Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.\\n\n\\n5.Padangusthasana (Big Toe Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, improving flexibility and reducing pain. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for your big toes with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n6.Marjariasana (Cat Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest. Repeat for several breaths.\n\\n7.Bitilasana (Cow Pose): \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch and mobilize the wrists, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your tailbone and dropping your belly. Hold for a breath or two, then return to neutral spine.\n\\n8.Matsyasana (Fish Pose):\\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the chest and shoulders, relieving tension in the upper body and reducing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. To perform this pose, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips and slide your hands, palms down, under your buttocks. Press your forearms and elbows into the floor and lift your chest. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n9.Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose):\\n \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the inner thighs, hips, and groin, which can alleviate pressure on the wrists and hands. To perform this pose, sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together and your knees bent out to the sides. Hold your ankles or feet with your hands and gently press your knees down toward the floor. Hold for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n10\\n.\\nUttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)\\n: \\n\\nThis pose can help stretch the muscles in the hands, wrists, and arms, reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility. To perform this pose, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Inhale and lift your arms up overhead. Exhale and fold forward, reaching for the floor with your hands. Hold for 5-10 breaths. If you have difficulty reaching the floor, you can place your hands on blocks or a chair seat.\n\n\\nBreathing and Meditation Practices for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Relief\\nIn addition to yoga poses, breathing exercises and meditation can be helpful for managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Here are a few practices to try:\\nDeep Breathing:\\n Taking slow, deep breaths can help reduce stress and tension in the body, which can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nGuided Meditation:\\n Guided meditations can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can in turn reduce carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.\\nVisualization:\\n Visualizing the body healing and repairing itself can help reduce pain and promote healing in the wrists and hands.\n\\n\\nTips for Practicing Yoga with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\nWhen practicing yoga with carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to listen to your body and modify your practice as needed. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:\\nUse Props\\n: Props like blocks or straps can help make poses more accessible and comfortable.\\nModify Poses\\n: If a pose is too painful or uncomfortable, modify it or skip it altogether.\\nBe Mindful\\n: Pay attention to your body and how it feels during your practice. If a certain pose or practice is causing pain or discomfort, stop and modify or skip it.\\n\\nConclusion:\\nManaging carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can be a challenge, but incorporating yoga into your routine can be a natural and effective way to find relief. By practicing yoga poses, breathing exercises, and meditation regularly, you can improve flexibility, reduce pain, and promote relaxation in your wrists and hands. Give it a try and see how yoga can benefit your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms today!\n\n\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome\\n\\nQ1. How can yoga help people with carpal tunnel syndrome?\\nAns: \\nYoga is a great way to manage carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms! Certain yoga poses can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the wrists, hands, and arms, which can relieve pressure on the median nerve and reduce symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling. Plus, practicing yoga can help reduce inflammation, increase flexibility, and improve circulation in the affected area.\\n\\nQ2. What yoga poses should you avoid with carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, it's important to avoid yoga poses that put too much pressure on the wrists or require excessive bending or flexing of the hands. Poses like Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose), and Plank Pose can worsen carpal tunnel symptoms and should be avoided. Instead, focus on poses that gently stretch and strengthen the wrists and hands.\n\\nQ3.What are the best practices for carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n In addition to practicing yoga, there are several other best practices for managing carpal tunnel syndrome. These include taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks that strain the wrists and hands, using ergonomic tools and equipment to reduce strain, maintaining good posture, and engaging in regular exercise and stretching to promote overall health and flexibility. It's important to take care of yourself both on and off the mat!\n\\nQ4.How can you protect yourself from carpal tunnel?\\nAns:\\n There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Using ergonomic tools and equipment, taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, and maintaining good posture can all help reduce your risk. Engaging in regular exercise and stretching can also help keep your hands and wrists healthy and flexible. Remember to listen to your body and take action if you notice any symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands or wrists. A healthcare provider can help diagnose and treat any issues before they become more serious."},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"clg3manw0c2300bk8q089x7gd","slug":"yoga-for-improved-mobility","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Top 10 Yoga Poses for Improved Mobility: Unlock Your Body's Potential","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga is an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn about the best yoga poses for improving your mobility.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-05T11:40:10.955124+00:00","coverUrl":"mo0n5st8ek3dj2p0m8ib.jpg","content":{"text":"We know that yoga can help elevate your mental and emotional wellbeing, but it’s actually an incredibly efficient tool for improving your mobility for the better, regardless of your age, background, or ability.\\nWhat do we mean by mobility, and why is it important? Mobility refers to the level of ease with which you can move your body. This affects your ability to walk, run, lift, and engage in physical activities like sports, dancing, or just playing in the backyard with your kids or grandkids. Your level of mobility directly translates to your overall well-being, and it can greatly influence whether or not you experience chronic pain.\\n\\nHow Yoga Improves Mobility?\\nA typical yoga practice includes performing a holistic routine of stretches that work to improve your flexibility, balance, and strength — which all directly impact your mobility. Let’s break down how each of those factors work.\\nFlexibility refers to the range of motion between your joints and muscles, and an inflexible body is rigid, stiff, and achy, with a relatively small range of motion. A regular yoga routine can help lengthen and strengthen your muscles, improving your range of motion while preventing injury and reducing your risk for chronic pain. Along with increasing mobility, improving your flexibility also puts less strain on your body overall.\\nBuilding strength is crucial to achieve better mobility, since stronger muscles give you better stability, balance, and control over your movements. Yoga targets muscle groups and makes them stronger, more toned, and more capable of increased movement with more control. Increasing strength also helps prevent injury, improves your sense of balance, and reduces your risk for issues later in life – like osteoporosis.\\nIt may be surprising to learn that yogic breathing can also help improve your mobility. By calming your mind, improving your awareness, and relaxing your body, you can build a greater connection with your physical self and reduce tension. This can lead to an increase in your range of motion and a better understanding of your personal limitations.\\nThe best part about yoga is that it's low impact, and it's approachable for everyone. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or whether or not you’re a beginner. You can start out with slow, gentle movements that can greatly improve your mobility without the risk of injury. You can also practice yoga in the comfort of your own home, by following the sequence below or working with one of the many qualified yoga instructors available here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n\\nYoga Poses for Better Mobility\\nTo get started practicing yoga for improved physical mobility, try performing the poses below several times per week over an extended period of time. \\n1.Sun Salutations\\n\\nStart at the top of your mat in Mountain pose, with your hands in prayer position. With flowing, dynamic movement, progress through the following postures 3 or more times:\\nUpward Salute\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nLow Lunge (left foot forward)\\nPlank\\nFour-Limbed Staff pose\\nUpward Facing Dog or Cobra\\nDownward Facing Dog\\nLow Lunge (right foot forward)\\nStanding Half-Forward Bend\\nStanding Forward Fold\\nUpward Salute\\nReturn to Mountain pose\\nRepeat\\n\\n2. Chair Pose\\n\\nStand in Mountain pose at the top of your mat, with your hands at your sides and feet hip distance apart. As you inhale, raise your hands over your head, with your arms parallel with your ears. As you exhale, hinge slightly at your waist, bend your knees and lower your torso forward as if you were about to sit down in a chair. Keep your core engaged and your spine straight while you hold this posture for several breaths.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position, with your hands and knees on your mat. Push up from your hands and knees, lifting your hips until you are balanced on your hands and feet, with your body resembling an inverted “v.” Keep your head in between your arms, ears balanced over your shoulders, and stay in this pose for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Low Lunge\\n\\nFrom your position in Downward Dog, you can easily transition to Low Lunge by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. With your right leg behind you, gently kneel on your right knee. Inhale as you reach your arms up over your head, parallel with your ears. Expand your chest, lengthen your spine, keep your chin level and your gaze focused forward in front of you.\\n\\n5. Plank\\n\\nLie face down on your mat, and using your palms to push up from the floor, lift your body until you are balanced on your palms and the toes of your feet. In this pose, your body should be positioned in a straight line, with your gaze directed at the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths, or for 30-60 seconds if you are feeling strong in this pose.\\n\\n6. Cobra Pose\\n\\nStart by laying with your stomach facing down on the floor, with your legs straight and your arms folded under your head. Place your palms on the mat parallel to your chest. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your rib cage keeping your hands underneath your shoulders. With a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat, arching your back. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest.\\n\\n7. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n8. Bow Pose\\n\\nLie down on your stomach with your forehead against the mat and your hands resting at your sides. Inhale and engage your core, slightly lifting your torso up, bending your legs and grabbing your ankles with each hand. Open your chest and lift your chin, so that your gaze is facing forward. Maintain a steady breath while holding this pose, allowing your body to gently rock back and forth with each inhale and exhale. Release after 20-30 seconds.\\n\\n9. Bridge Pose\\n\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Interlace your fingers on the floor underneath you and lift your hips higher, while staying in the pose for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n10. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes.\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clg0gw3o0ycc30ak0rlfm4ea9","slug":"yoga-for-endometriosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Endometriosis: 6 Easy Poses to Try at Home","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can help ease symptoms of endometriosis, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with the condition.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best yoga poses for endometriosis symptoms.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:45:34.990165+00:00","coverUrl":"htglzgglkwtr6is6mzmi.jpg","content":{"text":"Endometriosis is a disorder that affects about 190 million women worldwide, causing painful periods, infertility, and other severe symptoms that can significantly reduce the overall quality of their lives. While science is still working to fully understand endometriosis, right now there are a few ways in which women can manage the symptoms of this painful condition, including medication, surgery and various forms of therapy. Yoga can also help ease symptoms, and it’s a great option for women who are looking for a low-risk, low impact way to cope with endometriosis.\\nYoga helps reduce the troubling symptoms of endometriosis in a few different ways. The overall practice of yoga activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for operating the body's relaxation and digestive responses. These responses tell your body to slow down and rest, which are crucial when it comes to reducing the pain, anxiety, and stress that comes with endometriosis.\\nYoga also enhances blood flow to your reproductive organs, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Yoga poses work to stretch the muscles and tissues around your uterus and ovaries, which can help reduce the intensity and duration of menstrual cramps.  Endometriosis commonly causes intense chronic pain in the pelvis, lower back, and hips, which yoga can help alleviate through gentle stretches and movement that help open up and relax the muscles in these areas.\\nEndometriosis can also cause infertility due to scarring around the reproductive organs, but yoga can help offset this issue by increasing blood flow to the area and lowering inflammation. Yoga also works to balance your hormones by reducing cortisol and other stress hormones and regulating your menstrual cycle.\\nIn terms of mental health, yoga is one of the most effective tools in managing anxiety and depression, which are common symptoms of endometriosis. This condition can cause immense chronic pain, which typically results in emotional distress that yoga can help alleviate. Yoga sends signals to your mind and body that encourage both to relax, reducing tension, calming anxious thoughts, and improving your sense of well-being.\\n\\nWhat Types of Yoga are Best for Endometriosis?\\nThere are many different kinds of yoga, but if you’re experiencing symptoms of endometriosis you may want to stick with gentle postures like those you would perform in Hatha, Restorative, Gentle, or Yin yoga. These types of yoga focus on easy, low-impact movement, along with relaxation and stress reduction, and they typically involve some type of yogic breath work – which can also help reduce inflammation and chronic pain.\\nIf you’re considering yoga for managing your symptoms of endometriosis, there are certain precautions you should take in order to avoid making those symptoms worse. While you’re on your period, it’s important to avoid inverted postures that might interrupt or change your body’s natural flow. If a specific posture causes pain or discomfort, exit the pose immediately and take a break. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid any kind of position that doesn’t feel good. If you’re unsure about your alignment or you’d like some guidance on how to practice yoga for endometriosis, you can enroll in an online class or book a private session with one of the instructors here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\n\\n6 Easy Yoga Poses for Endometriosis\\nIf you’re experiencing the painful symptoms of endometriosis, try the gentle poses below for some relief.\\n1.Child’s Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n2. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n3. Fixed Angle Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat with your knees bent and the soles of your feet pressed against each other. With your spine straight, press your hands behind you and gently open up your chest and tuck in your abdomen. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n4. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nSit in the center of your mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Take a deep inhale and raise your arms directly over your head. As you exhale, slowly lean forward and place your head and chest on top of your legs, and grab your big toes with both of your hands. Tuck your chin and curl abdomen, relaxing your lower back as you sink into this pose. Hold for one minute.\\n\\n5. Supine Twist Pose\\n\\nLie on the floor with your knees bent and bring them to your chest. Slowly and mindfully drop your left side while extending your arms outward in a “t” shape. Hold this pose for about 30 seconds while breathing mindfully. Bring your knees back to your chest, and then repeat on your right side.\\n\\n6. Legs Up The Wall Pose\\n\\nPlace a folded blanket parallel against a wall. Sit sideways in the middle of the blanket, and turn yourself toward the wall, lifting your legs up and propping them against the wall. Lay back comfortably, rest your head and neck on the floor, and fully straighten your legs. Spread your arms out to your sides with your palms facing up. Allow your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to completely relax. Breathe evenly and mindfully while holding this pose for 5-8 minutes.\\n\\nPranayama for Endometriosis\\nYogic breath work can help ease feelings of stress and anxiety, while giving you tools with which to manage pain. Try these breathing exercises to encourage a sense of calm and relaxation.\\n1.Nadi Sodhana or “Alternate Nostril Breathing”\\nExhale completely, and then place your right index finger onto your right nostril, and breathe deeply in through the left. Alternate and place your thumb over your left nostril, and exhale through your right. Continue alternating, repeating at least 10 times.\\n\\n2. Ujjayi or Ocean’s Breath\\nStart by breathing in through your mouth. As you exhale, pull in your chin in toward your body and so that your throat is partly constricted. Then, breathe in and out through your nose, making a slight sound that is similar to the ocean.\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"clg0fojrzxeqr0biq6yvfzdjk","slug":"yoga-for-acid-reflux","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga and Digestion: 8 Poses to Help Ease Acid Reflux Symptoms","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga helps alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and prevent onset by reducing stress and anxiety, activating your digestive system, and improving your posture.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best poses for reducing acid reflux.\n","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-04-03T06:11:42.97583+00:00","coverUrl":"ckauzlgegiwd249grkhg.jpg","content":{"text":"If you experience acid reflux on a regular basis, then you’re already familiar with how it typically unfolds. It often starts with a burning sensation in your chest and the repeated urge to burp and let go of accumulated gas. There are lots of reasons why acid reflux occurs, including a number of lifestyle factors like poor diet and emotional stress. Thankfully, yoga can help manage symptoms and reduce episodes if they are stress-related. \\n\\nHow Yoga Helps with Acid Reflux\\nOne of the ways that yoga helps reduce acid reflux is by reducing stress and anxiety. These are the common culprits for acid reflux, because they cause your body to engage in a cascade of fight/flight/freeze responses that includes increased production of stomach acid. By reducing your stress and anxiety, you can help your body avoid switching on that fight/flight/freeze response.\\nAnother way that yoga can reduce acid reflux is through improving your posture and alignment. Poor posture can contribute to chronic acid reflux by placing too much pressure on your stomach and esophagus. Yoga postures that correct your alignment — like Downward Facing Dog and Standing Forward Fold — help relieve this pressure and prevent the onset of acid reflux. It’s important to note that in order to truly improve your posture, you need to practice these poses regularly and for the long term – over time they can help reduce your risk of developing acid reflux in the first place.\\nYoga can also help regulate your digestive system, which is another factor that contributes to acidity. When food gets stuck in your digestive tract, it can cause gas and bloating, slowing your entire digestive system down, which eventually manifests in your stomach with an acidic reaction. By stimulating your digestive system, you can help your body move and process food smoothly through your digestive tract without gas, bloating, or acidity.\\nOne of the most important ways yoga can help prevent acid reflux is by strengthening your diaphragm, which is the muscle that prevents acid from moving up into your esophagus. When the diaphragm is weak or tense, it can actually allow acid reflux to rise up from your stomach and push its way into your esophagus, which is what causes that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest. Yoga postures that promote diaphragmatic breathing, such as Seated Forward Fold and Corpse pose can help strengthen this muscle and prevent acid reflux.\n\\n\\n8 Effective Yoga Poses for Acid Reflux\\nIn order to get the most benefit from practicing yoga for acid reflux, it’s recommended that you develop a regular routine that involves performing yoga at least 3-4 times per week for 6-9 months. This isn’t a quick fix, but with a long term commitment you can reduce the onset of acid reflux and improve your overall quality of life.\\nThe poses below are basic, primary yoga poses you can practice in your very own home. If you’re unsure how to practice the postures, or you’d like some professional guidance, try working with one of our certified yoga instructors at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n.\\n1.Mountain Pose\\n\\nStart by standing at the top of your mat with your feet hip distance apart. Balance your weight evenly on both feet. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides, with your spine straight and your chest lifted. Your gaze should be focused straight ahead of you while you breathe easily and gently. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\n\\n2. Standing Forward Fold\\n\\nStand at the front of your mat, feet hip distance apart. Exhale and bend forward from the waist, with your knees slightly bent and touching your hands to the floor in front of your feet. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n3. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\nWith your hands and knees on the floor, push your hips upward until you are balancing on your hands and feet, and your body resembles an inverted “v” shape. Reach your heels toward the floor, stretching your hamstrings and activating your thighs. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\n\\n4. Seated Spinal Twist Pose\\n\\nSitting with your knees bent and your feet tucked in next to your left butt cheek, inhale with your spine straight, lifting your chest. As you exhale, rotate your torso to your right. Position your right hand on the floor just slightly behind you, and rest your left hand on your right knee. On your next breath, rotate a little more as you exhale, turning your head to look over your right shoulder. Hold this pose for 20 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.\\n\\n5. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n6. Child’s pose Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\n\\n7. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nStart by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs stretched out in front of you. Come onto your sit bones and inhale with a straight spine. Raise your arms over your head and as you exhale, begin to bend forward by hinging at your waist. Slowly lower your torso toward the tops of your legs, allowing your spine to curve forward as you reach your legs. Hold this pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n\\n8. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["yoga_poses"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"clfi5maddjflg0bkbot5q89bb","slug":"yoga-for-women's-health-event-march-23","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Celebrating Women: Yoga for Women’s Health","createdAt":"2023-03-21T11:10:10.172786+00:00","coverUrl":"vlezqpj75vmjs0jt9j5o.png","content":{"text":"Don’t miss our free Yoga for Women’s Health Event March 28-30!\\n\\nThis month is all about celebrating women and promoting women’s health! The Yoga for Women’s Health Event is designed for women of all ages to be able to participate. Discover all the ways you can use yoga to enhance and protect your physical, mental and emotional health!\\nDid you know that 8 out of 10 women feel like their doctors, at some point, have ignored them or been dismissive of their health concerns? And over 50% of women in America struggle with some form of mental health issue. Yoga, meditation, and a yogic lifestyle are all ways to significantly improve your health as a woman. \\nAt MyYogaTeacher, expert instructors with higher education in many different fields are available to walk with you on your health journey and help you advocate for your health in ways you may not have otherwise!\\nThis special event\\n focuses on…you guessed it, women!\\nWalk away from these amazing classes feeling energized and empowered and more prepared to take control of your mental, emotional, and physical health!\\n\n\\nHow to join the International Women’s Day Event:\\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and beautiful event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMantra Chanting with Niyata \\n\\nTuesday, March 28 at 6:30 am PST/ 9:30 am EST\\n\nReady to feel calmer, more focused, and more relaxed? Enter a meditative state where you will connect with yourself and nature in this class focused on mantra chanting! This singing form of meditation will have you feeling more alive, present, and less stressed. \\n\\n\\nYoga for Menopausal Women with Gomati\\n\\nWednesday, March 29 at 6:30 pm PST/ 9:30 pm EST\\n\nAre you struggling with perimenopause or menopause symptoms? Hot flashes, hormone imbalances, mood swings, loss of strength and flexibility, and more? Join us in a yoga class designed just for you and walk away feeling better about your mental, physical, and emotional health during this stage of life!\\n\n\\nNritya and Yoga with Umesh\\n\\nThursday, March 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\nNritya means “pure dance” and is graceful movement of the body to express emotion! This class combines yoga and Nritya to help you balance your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. You’ll walk away feeling refreshed and energized!\\nCMaking your health and wellness a priority is something you’ll never regret! Yoga is such an easy and convenient way to honor your physical, mental, and emotional needs and live in alignment with your values and purpose! Which brings harmony to your inner and outer world.\\nAnd don’t forget to check out other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\n\\nAnnelise Piers\\n\\n\\nShika Sood \\n\\n\\nSwati Dalvi\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\n\\nRohan Shroff\\n\\n\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s International Women’s Day Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"}},{"id":"clepkcngy00l20bipz5qbrz4g","slug":"11-yoga-poses-to-reduce-inflammation","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"11 Yoga Poses To Reduce Inflammation","createdAt":"2023-03-01T10:57:15.727585+00:00","coverUrl":"o3ezucclbille8nftamh.jpg","content":{"text":"When your muscles ache, or if you’re suffering from chronic pain, lowering the inflammation in your body makes perfect sense. But did you know that keeping inflammation low can help improve your overall health? Minimizing your body’s inflammatory response can protect you from disease, keep your organs and tissue healthy, and help you feel better overall.\\nThere are many ways to lower your inflammation, including taking NSAIDS like aspirin and ibuprofen. But if taken long term, over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs can cause damage to your digestive system. There are less harmful ways to keep inflammation low, like eating anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding those that cause inflammation to spike — like alcohol, sugar and processed food.\\nYoga can also help lower inflammation in your body. With regular, weekly practice, yoga can help keep your body’s inflammatory response at a minimum. But routine practice is required for it to work, and results only come through regular commitment over time.\\n\\nHow Yoga Lowers Inflammation?\\nYoga can lower inflammation in the body by reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation and mindfulness, which in turn can decrease the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and reduce inflammation.\\nIn numerous studies, scientists have confirmed that regular practice of yoga can positively affect inflammatory biomarkers in your body, and in\\n \\none 2019 study\\n scientists found that the more you practice, the greater the results. By reducing the amount of certain compounds in your blood, yoga helps reduce inflammation from aging and stress.\\nOver time, this means your body will react to stressors with less of an impact to your overall health. This change in physiological response isn’t just good for your body, either. By reducing inflammation and stress response, you’re also improving your capacity and mental health.\\n\\nYoga to Reduce Inflammation\\nTo lower inflammation in your body with yoga, it’s fairly simple: practice on a regular basis consistently for a long period of time.\\n \\nIn this study,\\n researchers pointed out that expert yoga practitioners had lower levels of inflammation than novices.\\nAdherence to a specific type of yoga isn’t necessary to reduce your inflammation. What’s important is a well-rounded practice that includes asanas, pranayama and meditation. If you’re just getting started with yoga, try this sequence of stress-relieving primary poses and breathing techniques to help your body lower its inflammatory response.\\n\\n11 Yoga Poses to Reduce Inflammation \\n1. Child’s Pose\n⁠2. Downward Facing Dog Pose\n3. ⁠Warrior II Pose\n⁠4. Standing Forward Fold Pose\n5. C⁠at-Cow Pose\n⁠6. Bridge Pose\n⁠7. Legs Up The Wall\n⁠8. Reclining Fixed Angle Pose\n9. ⁠Nadi Shodhana Pranayama Pose\n10. ⁠Shitali Pranayama Pose\n11. C⁠orpse Pose\\n\n1.Child’s Pose\\n\\nStart on your hands and knees and then lower yourself down so that your backside is resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Move your hands forward, palms down, so that your forehead is resting on the floor. Allow your spine to lengthen and your neck muscles to fully relax. Breathe deeply and mindfully while staying in this pose for 5-6 minutes.\\n\\n2. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position, with your hands and knees on your mat. Push up from your hands and knees, lifting your hips until you are balanced on your hands and feet, with your body resembling an inverted “v.” Keep your head in between your arms, ears balanced over your shoulders, and stay in this pose for several breaths.\\n\\n3. Warrior II Pose\\n\\nStep your right foot forward on the mat with your toes pointed forward and your right knee bent. You left foot will stay behind you, perpendicular to the mat. Keep your hips squared and arms stretched over your front and rear legs, distributing your weight evenly between both legs. Stay in this pose for 5-6 breaths.\\n\\n4. Standing Forward Fold Pose\\n\\nStand at the front of your mat, feet hip distance apart. Exhale and bend forward from the waist, with your knees slightly bent and touching your hands to the floor in front of your feet. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n5. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nStart with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\\n6. Bridge Pose\\n\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Interlace your fingers on the floor underneath you and lift your hips higher, while staying in the pose for 5-10 breaths.\\n\\n7. Legs Up The Wall\\n\\nPlace a folded blanket parallel against a wall. Sit sideways in the middle of the blanket, and turn yourself toward the wall, lifting your legs up and propping them against the wall. Lay back comfortably, rest your head and neck on the floor, and fully straighten your legs. Spread your arms out to your sides with your palms facing up. Allow your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to completely relax. Breathe evenly and mindfully while holding this pose for 5-8 minutes.\\n\\n8. Reclining Fixed Angle Pose\\n\\nLie down on your yoga mat with your knees bent and the soles of your feet pressed against each other, allowing your legs to open and rest at your sides. With your spine straight, rest your hands on your stomach, pelvis, or at your sides, while allowing your hips and pelvic floor muscles to relax and open. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\\n9. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama Pose\\n\\nSit in a relaxed posture, like Easy pose or in a comfortable chair. Exhale completely, and then place your right index finger onto your right nostril, and breathe deeply in through the left. Alternate and place your thumb over your left nostril, and exhale through your right. Continue alternating, repeating at least 10 times.\\n\\n10. Shitali Pranayama Pose\\n\\nWhile sitting in a relaxed posture, roll your tongue and slowly breathe in through it, as if your tongue were a straw. Hold it in for several seconds, then exhale through your nose. Repeat.\\n\\n11. Corpse Pose\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes.\\n"}},{"id":"clcj1uq1ofs1m0biq1wopzere","slug":"yoga-for-seasonal-affective-disorder","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for Seasonal Affective Disorder","createdAt":"2023-01-05T12:13:24.396384+00:00","coverUrl":"cqufajiqp5au0ipmos2e.jpg","content":{"text":"When the fall months of October and November transition to winter, do you start feeling a bit down? Do you often struggle to feel positive and motivated in December and January, or a sense of gloom that sticks with you all winter long?\n\\nSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common condition that impacts up to 3 percent of the general population, and it can occur for some people every winter. It’s a certain type of depression that is typically felt during the dark and colder months of winter. Even though this condition can be a chronic occurrence for some, there are ways to alleviate these wintertime blues. \n\\nWhat Exactly is Seasonal Affective Disorder?\\n\\nSeasonal Affective Disorder is a feeling of gloominess or depression that occurs during a specific season every year — most commonly winter. SAD can make you feel tired, unmotivated, hopeless, have difficulty concentrating, and it can cause you to overeat and oversleep. \\nPhysically, SAD can deplete your energy levels, cause weight gain, and disrupt healthy sleeping habits. For some it can bring on suicidal thoughts and a feeling of worthlessness. For these reasons SAD shouldn’t be underestimated or brushed off. If you or someone you know is experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, it’s important to seek help and find ways to counteract the symptoms. Yoga is just one of many effective tools you can use to alleviate this condition.\\n\n\\nHow Does Yoga Help With Seasonal Affective Disorder?\\n\\nYoga can help improve your state of mind and elevate your mood through physical postures, mindfulness meditation, and breathing techniques. Yoga asanas can help you feel balanced and energized by circulating blood throughout your body and building endurance. Performing yoga postures can also help reset your circadian rhythms and regulate your nervous system.\\nMindfulness meditations also help alleviate symptoms of SAD by creating new pathways in your brain and stimulating your pineal gland. Learning and training your mind to focus on the present moment can give you the insight and strength to counteract thoughts and feelings caused by Seasonal Affective Disorder, along with a sense of gratitude and positive outlook.\n\\nPranayama, or yogic breath work, is another powerful tool in combating symptoms of SAD. Yogic breathing not only calms your mind and helps relax your body, but it can also increase levels of serotonin and lift your energy level.\n\n\\nHow to Practice Yoga for Seasonal Affective Disorder\\n\\nWhat’s the best yoga to practice for Seasonal Affective Disorder? Depending on your symptoms, there are several different types of yoga you can try — and the good news is, yoga is unlikely to make your symptoms worse – so there’s nothing to lose by giving it a try. Restorative yoga coupled with pranayama is a gentle way to get started, with long, calming stretches and breath work designed to soothe and regulate your nervous system.\n\\nTo get your blood flowing and counteract SAD weight gain, try some basic Hatha yoga poses. For example, a few rounds of Sun Salutations can do wonders for your mood and energy level, while symbolically honoring the light during the darker winter months. You can also recharge your body and get your blood pumping with a Vinyasa or Flow yoga class, if you’re looking to incorporate some movement and heat in your body.\\n\n\\nYoga Poses for Seasonal Affective Disorder\\n\\nIf you’re dealing with symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder and you’re not sure where to start, a few yoga poses a day can effectively lift your mood and your spirit. Here are a few postures you can do at home to help keep the winter blues at bay:\\n\\n1. Sun Salutations Pose\\n\n\\n\\nStart by standing straight at the top of your mat in Mountain pose with your hands in prayer position. Close your eyes, take a few moments to center yourself, and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply and sweep your arms up above your head, and then bend forward as you exhale into Standing Forward Fold. Inhale and lengthen your spine as you lift up your gaze in Extended Front Fold. \n\\nAs you exhale again, step your left foot back into a lunge position. On your next inhale, plant your palms on the mat and step your right foot back to join your left as you move into Plank pose. Exhale and lower into Chaturanga Dandasana, followed by Downward Facing Dog as you inhale. Step your left foot forward into a lunge position, and then bring your right foot forward to meet your left as you move back into Extended Front Fold. Exhale as you bend forward into Standing Forward Fold. On your next inhale, soften your knees, and bring yourself back to standing in Mountain pose. Repeat this entire sequence three times.\n\\n2. Legs Up The Wall Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\\nPlace a folded blanket parallel against a wall. Sit sideways in the middle of the blanket, and turn yourself toward the wall, lifting your legs up and propping them against the wall. Lay back comfortably, rest your head and neck on the floor, and fully straighten your legs. Spread your arms out to your sides with your palms facing up. Allow your chest, abdomen, and pelvis to completely relax. Breathe evenly and mindfully while holding this pose for 5-8 minutes.\\n \\n3. Cat-Cow Pose\\n \\n\\nStart with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\n\n\\nPranayama for Seasonal Affective Disorder\\n\n\\nYou can use yogic breathing techniques to counteract symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder anywhere you feel most comfortable. You can use these techniques to realign your mind and spirit anytime you feel troubling, anxious, or negative thought patterns. Here are a couple of basic yogic breathing techniques you can try:\n\\n1. Nadi Shodhana or Alternate Nostril Breathing\\n\\n\\n\\nStart by sitting in a comfortable position on the floor or in a chair. Breathe in through your nose and exhale completely. For your next inhale, gently place your right index finger on your right nostril, while breathing in through your left nostril. Alternate each side by placing your thumb over your left nostril and exhaling through your right. Continue to repeat this alternating motion 10-20 times, or until you feel calm and at-ease.\n\\n2. Ujjayi or Ocean’s Breath\\n\\n\\nThis is an easy yogic breath you can try whenever you feel stressed or uncomfortable. Inhale through your mouth, and as you breathe out, close your mouth and tuck your chin to create a narrow passageway in your throat, so that you create a small audible “ocean” sound with your breath as you inhale and exhale exclusively through your nose. Repeat at least 5 to 10 times.\n\n\\nOther Tips for Beating the Winter Blues\\n\n\\nIt’s important to try a few different techniques for lifting seasonal gloom, since yoga alone may not completely cure seasonal depression. First and foremost, reach out to a trusted professional, like a doctor or behavioral therapist. They can help you talk through your emotions and offer support.\\n\n\\nLight boxes can also be enormously helpful in reducing symptoms of SAD, providing UV light on demand during the winter months. Try turning on your light box every morning for at least a half hour to help reset your circadian rhythm and give your serotonin levels a boost. You can also try performing pranayama techniques in conjunction with your light box for even better results.\n\n\\nMyYogaTeacher Classes for Seasonal Affective Disorder\\n\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher we offer yoga classes that can help with Seasonal Affective Disorder. You can try a Restorative class for deep relaxation, or join us for a Golden Light Meditation. We also offer a Suprabhatam morning yoga class to energize your day. \n\\nTo help fight off that winter gloom, sign up for one or more of the following classes:\\n\\nRestorative yoga\\n\\n\\nGolden Light Meditation\\n\\n\\nSuprabhatam Morning Fresh yoga\\n\\n\\nTrataka candlelight meditation\\n\\n\\nYin Restorative yoga\\n\\n\\nYoga for Flexibility: Mind and Breath awareness\\n\\n\\nVinyasa yoga\\n\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"ckytgplu0xtjv0b285uq4aqgy","slug":"modern-yoga-vs-traditional-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Modern Yoga vs. Traditional Yoga: 5 Key Differences You’ll Want to Understand","createdAt":"2022-01-25T01:51:09.438628+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-01-25T22:15:48.24816+00:00","coverUrl":"kkyopcjup0vlbftzdkhl.jpg","seoDescription":"Explore the differences between modern yoga and traditional yoga and why we feel it's important. Then grab your 2-week free trial so you can see the difference yourself!","content":{"text":"There is a huge difference between modern yoga that most of the Western world has become accustomed to and traditional yoga, which sticks to the cultural and ancient practices derived from India.\\nNeither form is wrong, but if you’re only taking part in modern, Westernized yoga, you’re probably missing out on a lot of the non-fitness related benefits yoga has to offer!\\nAnd that makes us sad. Because here at MyYogaTeacher, we care about your \\nwhole\\n health and wellness, not just the physical part.\\nNot to mention, your physical, mental, and emotional health work together for your good (or to your detriment).\\nThe experienced, expert yoga teachers at MyYogaTeacher all teach from the roots of yoga and tradition. And they are not just invested in your yoga journey. They’re invested in \\nyou\\n. Your health, life, goals, successes and failures.\\nWe walk alongside our students, helping them in more than just their yoga practice. Because humans were built for connection. They were not built to do this life (or yoga) on their own.\\nIf you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\n\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nAnd read on about the key differences between modern and traditional yoga and why they’re important.\\n\\n\\n[image courtesy of doyouyoga.com]\\n1. Physical yoga vs. Spiritual Yoga\\nThe Western world of yoga is primarily focused on fitness. \\nYes, many yogis (if not most) understand that yoga makes them feel good – calmer, lighter, better. But the primary goal for yogis who practice modern yoga is to brcome stronger, more flexible, and to have better fitness.\\nWhich is great!\\nWhat you’re missing out on: \\nTraditional yoga isn’t about having or not having a certain religion or set of beliefs. It’s not about finding god or becoming Buddhist, as some may have you believe.\\nTraditional yoga is about becoming more self-aware, centered, and present in each moment. It’s about being in harmony with your inner and outer world so you can create a \\nbetter\\n \\nworld for yourself. \\nIt’s also about developing more focus, concentration, relieving stress, learning how to reduce anxiety, depression, fear. \\nAnd\\n traditional yoga is about better physical health.\\n\\n\\n2. Yoga practice vs. Yoga lifestyle\\nAnother key difference between modern yoga and traditional yoga is how we approach it.\\nModern yoga classes tend to be one to one and a half hours long, sometimes even less than an hour. There’s usually a bit of a warm up, the class itself, and ends with savasana (corpse pose). You might lie there for a couple of minutes and then get up and go about your day.\\nWestern yoga is generally practiced 1-3 times a week. Similarly to any other regular fitness class one may participate in.\\nWhat you’re missing out on:\\nTraditional yoga is very different. Because traditional yoga is rooted in thousands of years of culture and, of course, tradition, it incorporates all of that history and knowledge into everyday life. \\nIn other words, traditional yoga isn’t a practice per se. It’s a lifestyle. Yes, you participate in classes, but you will also use yogic breathing techniques, yoga stretches, mindfulness, and self-love practices all throughout your day and week. Because as you grow in your traditional yoga journey, you will be equipped with more and more tools to use to live your very best life.\\n\\n\\n3. Where you start with modern yoga vs. traditional yoga\\nA Western yoga practice or class will most certainly begin with asanas or poses. Maybe you get a yoga teacher who encourages you to set an intention for your practice. Maybe not. Either way, the mindset from the beginning is physical. And physical only.\\nWhat you’re missing out on:\\nTraditional yoga classes are challenging, if not more so, than modern yoga classes because they \\ndon’t\\n usually start with asanas and because once you get to the physical aspect of yoga, you are mentally and emotionally more prepared to work hard.\\nYou’ll see and feel better alignment and use your muscles differently because you’re more mindful of what’s going on in your body.\\nIn a traditional yoga practice, you may begin with a guided meditation, some yogic breathing, and/or you may be encouraged to ground yourself in the present. Setting an intention before beginning the practice is also common. Sometimes you may even begin with some chanting.\\nAlso, traditional yoga teachers (like the ones from India that we have at MyYogaTeacher) don’t just instruct on \\nhow\\n to chant, breathe, or ground yourself. They teach you \\nwhy it’s important\\n and what its purpose is.\\n\\n\\n4. Modern yoga as big business vs. traditional yoga that isn’t\\nThe ancient, traditional practice of yoga was, and still is, about gleaning wisdom and knowledge from those who came before us. It’s about seeking enlightenment and becoming your highest self.\\nTraditional yoga has never been about greed or money. The perfect yoga outfit, the highest dollar yoga mat, or the newest, most amazing yoga product has never been a part of this type of yoga practice.\\nModern yoga, unfortunately, tends to thrive on fancy retreats, high end yoga studios that sell smoothies and sweatpants, and overpriced workshops. It’s often taught by a yoga instructor who has very little, or the bare minimum, yoga instruction experience.\\nNot always. But often.\\nWesternized yoga isn’t focused on purity, ethics, and morals like traditional yoga is. Modern yoga is a money maker.\\nAnd while, there is absolutely nothing wrong with making money or seeking to make money, that is simply not what yoga was ever originally designed to do.\\nYoga was created to help people be better humans. And it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money to do that.\\n\\n\\n5. Modern yoga teacher role vs. Traditional yoga teacher role\\nModern yoga teachers are great! They are usually very physically fit and know a lot about the human body, seeing as anatomy and physiology is a part of almost every yoga teacher training course.\\nOn top of that, many modern yoga teachers are physical trainers or fitness instructors for other types of classes. You’ll definitely get a good work out!\\nWhat you’re missing out on:\\nThe role of a traditional yoga teacher is a stark contrast to that of a modern yoga teacher. Traditional yoga teachers are dedicated yoga practitioners. They typically do not participate in teaching various other types of fitness classes but rather continue to grow in their own yoga practice.\\nThere is never an end to advancing your yoga practice! Not even for traditional yoga teachers.\\nTraditional yoga teachers take a vested interest in their yogi students, guiding them in their practice both on and off the mat. Helping them create a yoga lifestyle that benefits their whole body health.\\nThey’re more like a life mentor, or, on occasion a yoga master you can continue to learn from throughout the years.\\nAt MyYogaTeacher, we practice and teach traditional yoga because the mission of our online studio is to help people physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our amazing, expert yoga instructors from India are beautiful souls who come to each class with compassion, knowledge, wisdom, and the desire to be a part of your life while teaching you how to become enlightened, self aware, and in harmony with yourself and others.\\nOur private yoga instructors are all about giving yogis individualized attention, focused instruction, and modified poses that keep yogis coming back for more every week. MyYogaTeacher yoga teachers are highly experienced, expert yoga instructors who offer 1-on-1 yoga classes for people just like you!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\n\n\n","html":"<p>There is a huge difference between modern yoga that most of the Western world has become accustomed to and traditional yoga, which sticks to the cultural and ancient practices derived from India.</p><p>Neither form is wrong, but if you’re only taking part in modern, Westernized yoga, you’re probably missing out on a lot of the non-fitness related benefits yoga has to offer!</p><p>And that makes us sad. Because here at MyYogaTeacher, we care about your <em>whole</em> health and wellness, not just the physical part.</p><p>Not to mention, your physical, mental, and emotional health work together for your good (or to your detriment).</p><p>The experienced, expert yoga teachers at MyYogaTeacher all teach from the roots of yoga and tradition. And they are not just invested in your yoga journey. They’re invested in <em>you</em>. Your health, life, goals, successes and failures.</p><p>We walk alongside our students, helping them in more than just their yoga practice. Because humans were built for connection. They were not built to do this life (or yoga) on their own.</p><p>If you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:</p><p></p><ul><li><div><p><strong>Radiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health &amp; fitness</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Discounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Making new like-minded friends from around the world</strong></p></div></li></ul><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/pricing\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/pricing\"><u>Grab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!</u></a></p><p>And read on about the key differences between modern and traditional yoga and why they’re important.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/FqdmZa49Rh8C7YEoGPmg\" alt=\"The-Spiritual-Side-of-Yoga.jpg\" title=\"The-Spiritual-Side-of-Yoga.jpg\" width=\"679\" height=\"425\" /><p>[image courtesy of doyouyoga.com]</p><h2>1. Physical yoga vs. Spiritual Yoga</h2><p>The Western world of yoga is primarily focused on fitness. </p><p>Yes, many yogis (if not most) understand that yoga makes them feel good – calmer, lighter, better. But the primary goal for yogis who practice modern yoga is to brcome stronger, more flexible, and to have better fitness.</p><p>Which is great!</p><p><strong>What you’re missing out on: </strong></p><p>Traditional yoga isn’t about having or not having a certain religion or set of beliefs. It’s not about finding god or becoming Buddhist, as some may have you believe.</p><p>Traditional yoga is about becoming more self-aware, centered, and present in each moment. It’s about being in harmony with your inner and outer world so you can create a <em>better</em><em><strong> </strong></em>world for yourself. </p><p>It’s also about developing more focus, concentration, relieving stress, learning how to reduce anxiety, depression, fear. </p><p><em><strong>And</strong></em> traditional yoga is about better physical health.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/9oxVjBFTpiMDgOYUIoIg\" alt=\"shutterstock_633989471.jpg\" title=\"shutterstock_633989471.jpg\" width=\"5872\" height=\"3919\" /><h2>2. Yoga practice vs. Yoga lifestyle</h2><p>Another key difference between modern yoga and traditional yoga is how we approach it.</p><p>Modern yoga classes tend to be one to one and a half hours long, sometimes even less than an hour. There’s usually a bit of a warm up, the class itself, and ends with savasana (corpse pose). You might lie there for a couple of minutes and then get up and go about your day.</p><p>Western yoga is generally practiced 1-3 times a week. Similarly to any other regular fitness class one may participate in.</p><p><strong>What you’re missing out on:</strong></p><p>Traditional yoga is very different. Because traditional yoga is rooted in thousands of years of culture and, of course, tradition, it incorporates all of that history and knowledge into everyday life. </p><p>In other words, traditional yoga isn’t a practice per se. It’s a lifestyle. Yes, you participate in classes, but you will also use yogic breathing techniques, yoga stretches, mindfulness, and self-love practices all throughout your day and week. Because as you grow in your traditional yoga journey, you will be equipped with more and more tools to use to live your very best life.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/XBWgvR9KTZub8GewVclh\" alt=\"unnamed (1).jpg\" title=\"unnamed (1).jpg\" width=\"512\" height=\"342\" /><h2>3. Where you start with modern yoga vs. traditional yoga</h2><p>A Western yoga practice or class will most certainly begin with asanas or poses. Maybe you get a yoga teacher who encourages you to set an intention for your practice. Maybe not. Either way, the mindset from the beginning is physical. And physical only.</p><p><strong>What you’re missing out on:</strong></p><p>Traditional yoga classes are challenging, if not more so, than modern yoga classes because they <em>don’t</em> usually start with asanas and because once you get to the physical aspect of yoga, you are mentally and emotionally more prepared to work hard.</p><p>You’ll see and feel better alignment and use your muscles differently because you’re more mindful of what’s going on in your body.</p><p>In a traditional yoga practice, you may begin with a guided meditation, some yogic breathing, and/or you may be encouraged to ground yourself in the present. Setting an intention before beginning the practice is also common. Sometimes you may even begin with some chanting.</p><p>Also, traditional yoga teachers (like the ones from India that we have at MyYogaTeacher) don’t just instruct on <em>how</em> to chant, breathe, or ground yourself. They teach you <em>why it’s important</em> and what its purpose is.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/8QSKZ8a7QEOGDKzBrTs3\" alt=\"bikram yoga.png\" title=\"bikram yoga.png\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" /><h2>4. Modern yoga as big business vs. traditional yoga that isn’t</h2><p>The ancient, traditional practice of yoga was, and still is, about gleaning wisdom and knowledge from those who came before us. It’s about seeking enlightenment and becoming your highest self.</p><p>Traditional yoga has never been about greed or money. The perfect yoga outfit, the highest dollar yoga mat, or the newest, most amazing yoga product has never been a part of this type of yoga practice.</p><p>Modern yoga, unfortunately, tends to thrive on fancy retreats, high end yoga studios that sell smoothies and sweatpants, and overpriced workshops. It’s often taught by a yoga instructor who has very little, or the bare minimum, yoga instruction experience.</p><p>Not always. But often.</p><p>Westernized yoga isn’t focused on purity, ethics, and morals like traditional yoga is. Modern yoga is a money maker.</p><p>And while, there is absolutely nothing wrong with making money or seeking to make money, that is simply not what yoga was ever originally designed to do.</p><p>Yoga was created to help people be better humans. And it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money to do that.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/JBdAUvfcSlqYFdGR2Dtr\" alt=\"_DSC7726.jpg\" title=\"_DSC7726.jpg\" width=\"6048\" height=\"4024\" /><h2>5. Modern yoga teacher role vs. Traditional yoga teacher role</h2><p>Modern yoga teachers are great! They are usually very physically fit and know a lot about the human body, seeing as anatomy and physiology is a part of almost every yoga teacher training course.</p><p>On top of that, many modern yoga teachers are physical trainers or fitness instructors for other types of classes. You’ll definitely get a good work out!</p><p><strong>What you’re missing out on:</strong></p><p>The role of a traditional yoga teacher is a stark contrast to that of a modern yoga teacher. Traditional yoga teachers are dedicated yoga practitioners. They typically do not participate in teaching various other types of fitness classes but rather continue to grow in their own yoga practice.</p><p>There is never an end to advancing your yoga practice! Not even for traditional yoga teachers.</p><p>Traditional yoga teachers take a vested interest in their yogi students, guiding them in their practice both on and off the mat. Helping them create a yoga lifestyle that benefits their whole body health.</p><p>They’re more like a life mentor, or, on occasion a yoga master you can continue to learn from throughout the years.</p><p>At MyYogaTeacher, we practice and teach traditional yoga because the mission of our online studio is to help people physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our amazing, expert yoga instructors from India are beautiful souls who come to each class with compassion, knowledge, wisdom, and the desire to be a part of your life while teaching you how to become enlightened, self aware, and in harmony with yourself and others.</p><p>Our private yoga instructors are all about giving yogis individualized attention, focused instruction, and modified poses that keep yogis coming back for more every week. MyYogaTeacher yoga teachers are highly experienced, expert yoga instructors who offer 1-on-1 yoga classes for people just like you!</p><p>When you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:</p><p></p><ul><li><div><p><strong>102 expert</strong>, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>The ability to switch instructors</strong> or take classes with only your faves</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Access to unlimited group classes</strong>, taught <em><strong>live</strong></em></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Personalized instruction</strong> and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>To be a member of a HUGE community</strong> of happy yogis from around the world</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Yoga teachers who become friends</strong>, who truly care about you!</p></div></li></ul><p>If you haven’t checked us out already, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\"><u>grab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here</u></a>!</p><p><br><br></p>"},"category":[],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>There is a huge difference between modern yoga that most of the Western world has become accustomed to and traditional yoga, which sticks to the cultural and ancient practices derived from India.</p><p>Neither form is wrong, but if you’re only taking part in modern, Westernized yoga, you’re probably missing out on a lot of the non-fitness related benefits yoga has to offer!</p><p>And that makes us sad. Because here at MyYogaTeacher, we care about your <em>whole</em> health and wellness, not just the physical part.</p><p>Not to mention, your physical, mental, and emotional health work together for your good (or to your detriment).</p><p>The experienced, expert yoga teachers at MyYogaTeacher all teach from the roots of yoga and tradition. And they are not just invested in your yoga journey. They’re invested in <em>you</em>. Your health, life, goals, successes and failures.</p><p>We walk alongside our students, helping them in more than just their yoga practice. Because humans were built for connection. They were not built to do this life (or yoga) on their own.</p><p>If you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:</p><p></p><ul><li><div><p><strong>Radiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health &amp; fitness</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Discounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Making new like-minded friends from around the world</strong></p></div></li></ul><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/pricing\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/pricing\"><u>Grab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!</u></a></p><p>And read on about the key differences between modern and traditional yoga and why they’re important.</p><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/FqdmZa49Rh8C7YEoGPmg\" \n                alt=\"The-Spiritual-Side-of-Yoga.jpg\"\n                title=\"The-Spiritual-Side-of-Yoga.jpg\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/FqdmZa49Rh8C7YEoGPmg\"\n                alt=\"The-Spiritual-Side-of-Yoga.jpg\"\n                title=\"The-Spiritual-Side-of-Yoga.jpg\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/FqdmZa49Rh8C7YEoGPmg\"\n                alt=\"The-Spiritual-Side-of-Yoga.jpg\"\n                title=\"The-Spiritual-Side-of-Yoga.jpg\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p>[image courtesy of doyouyoga.com]</p><h2>1. Physical yoga vs. Spiritual Yoga</h2><p>The Western world of yoga is primarily focused on fitness. </p><p>Yes, many yogis (if not most) understand that yoga makes them feel good – calmer, lighter, better. But the primary goal for yogis who practice modern yoga is to brcome stronger, more flexible, and to have better fitness.</p><p>Which is great!</p><p><strong>What you’re missing out on: </strong></p><p>Traditional yoga isn’t about having or not having a certain religion or set of beliefs. It’s not about finding god or becoming Buddhist, as some may have you believe.</p><p>Traditional yoga is about becoming more self-aware, centered, and present in each moment. It’s about being in harmony with your inner and outer world so you can create a <em>better</em><em><strong> </strong></em>world for yourself. </p><p>It’s also about developing more focus, concentration, relieving stress, learning how to reduce anxiety, depression, fear. </p><p><em><strong>And</strong></em> traditional yoga is about better physical health.</p><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/9oxVjBFTpiMDgOYUIoIg\" \n                alt=\"shutterstock_633989471.jpg\"\n                title=\"shutterstock_633989471.jpg\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/9oxVjBFTpiMDgOYUIoIg\"\n                alt=\"shutterstock_633989471.jpg\"\n                title=\"shutterstock_633989471.jpg\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/9oxVjBFTpiMDgOYUIoIg\"\n                alt=\"shutterstock_633989471.jpg\"\n                title=\"shutterstock_633989471.jpg\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <h2>2. Yoga practice vs. Yoga lifestyle</h2><p>Another key difference between modern yoga and traditional yoga is how we approach it.</p><p>Modern yoga classes tend to be one to one and a half hours long, sometimes even less than an hour. There’s usually a bit of a warm up, the class itself, and ends with savasana (corpse pose). You might lie there for a couple of minutes and then get up and go about your day.</p><p>Western yoga is generally practiced 1-3 times a week. Similarly to any other regular fitness class one may participate in.</p><p><strong>What you’re missing out on:</strong></p><p>Traditional yoga is very different. Because traditional yoga is rooted in thousands of years of culture and, of course, tradition, it incorporates all of that history and knowledge into everyday life. </p><p>In other words, traditional yoga isn’t a practice per se. It’s a lifestyle. Yes, you participate in classes, but you will also use yogic breathing techniques, yoga stretches, mindfulness, and self-love practices all throughout your day and week. Because as you grow in your traditional yoga journey, you will be equipped with more and more tools to use to live your very best life.</p><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/XBWgvR9KTZub8GewVclh\" \n                alt=\"unnamed (1).jpg\"\n                title=\"unnamed (1).jpg\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/XBWgvR9KTZub8GewVclh\"\n                alt=\"unnamed (1).jpg\"\n                title=\"unnamed (1).jpg\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/XBWgvR9KTZub8GewVclh\"\n                alt=\"unnamed (1).jpg\"\n                title=\"unnamed (1).jpg\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <h2>3. Where you start with modern yoga vs. traditional yoga</h2><p>A Western yoga practice or class will most certainly begin with asanas or poses. Maybe you get a yoga teacher who encourages you to set an intention for your practice. Maybe not. Either way, the mindset from the beginning is physical. And physical only.</p><p><strong>What you’re missing out on:</strong></p><p>Traditional yoga classes are challenging, if not more so, than modern yoga classes because they <em>don’t</em> usually start with asanas and because once you get to the physical aspect of yoga, you are mentally and emotionally more prepared to work hard.</p><p>You’ll see and feel better alignment and use your muscles differently because you’re more mindful of what’s going on in your body.</p><p>In a traditional yoga practice, you may begin with a guided meditation, some yogic breathing, and/or you may be encouraged to ground yourself in the present. Setting an intention before beginning the practice is also common. Sometimes you may even begin with some chanting.</p><p>Also, traditional yoga teachers (like the ones from India that we have at MyYogaTeacher) don’t just instruct on <em>how</em> to chant, breathe, or ground yourself. They teach you <em>why it’s important</em> and what its purpose is.</p><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/8QSKZ8a7QEOGDKzBrTs3\" \n                alt=\"bikram yoga.png\"\n                title=\"bikram yoga.png\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/8QSKZ8a7QEOGDKzBrTs3\"\n                alt=\"bikram yoga.png\"\n                title=\"bikram yoga.png\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/8QSKZ8a7QEOGDKzBrTs3\"\n                alt=\"bikram yoga.png\"\n                title=\"bikram yoga.png\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <h2>4. Modern yoga as big business vs. traditional yoga that isn’t</h2><p>The ancient, traditional practice of yoga was, and still is, about gleaning wisdom and knowledge from those who came before us. It’s about seeking enlightenment and becoming your highest self.</p><p>Traditional yoga has never been about greed or money. The perfect yoga outfit, the highest dollar yoga mat, or the newest, most amazing yoga product has never been a part of this type of yoga practice.</p><p>Modern yoga, unfortunately, tends to thrive on fancy retreats, high end yoga studios that sell smoothies and sweatpants, and overpriced workshops. It’s often taught by a yoga instructor who has very little, or the bare minimum, yoga instruction experience.</p><p>Not always. But often.</p><p>Westernized yoga isn’t focused on purity, ethics, and morals like traditional yoga is. Modern yoga is a money maker.</p><p>And while, there is absolutely nothing wrong with making money or seeking to make money, that is simply not what yoga was ever originally designed to do.</p><p>Yoga was created to help people be better humans. And it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money to do that.</p><p></p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/JBdAUvfcSlqYFdGR2Dtr\" \n                alt=\"_DSC7726.jpg\"\n                title=\"_DSC7726.jpg\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/JBdAUvfcSlqYFdGR2Dtr\"\n                alt=\"_DSC7726.jpg\"\n                title=\"_DSC7726.jpg\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/JBdAUvfcSlqYFdGR2Dtr\"\n                alt=\"_DSC7726.jpg\"\n                title=\"_DSC7726.jpg\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <h2>5. Modern yoga teacher role vs. Traditional yoga teacher role</h2><p>Modern yoga teachers are great! They are usually very physically fit and know a lot about the human body, seeing as anatomy and physiology is a part of almost every yoga teacher training course.</p><p>On top of that, many modern yoga teachers are physical trainers or fitness instructors for other types of classes. You’ll definitely get a good work out!</p><p><strong>What you’re missing out on:</strong></p><p>The role of a traditional yoga teacher is a stark contrast to that of a modern yoga teacher. Traditional yoga teachers are dedicated yoga practitioners. They typically do not participate in teaching various other types of fitness classes but rather continue to grow in their own yoga practice.</p><p>There is never an end to advancing your yoga practice! Not even for traditional yoga teachers.</p><p>Traditional yoga teachers take a vested interest in their yogi students, guiding them in their practice both on and off the mat. Helping them create a yoga lifestyle that benefits their whole body health.</p><p>They’re more like a life mentor, or, on occasion a yoga master you can continue to learn from throughout the years.</p><p>At MyYogaTeacher, we practice and teach traditional yoga because the mission of our online studio is to help people physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our amazing, expert yoga instructors from India are beautiful souls who come to each class with compassion, knowledge, wisdom, and the desire to be a part of your life while teaching you how to become enlightened, self aware, and in harmony with yourself and others.</p><p>Our private yoga instructors are all about giving yogis individualized attention, focused instruction, and modified poses that keep yogis coming back for more every week. MyYogaTeacher yoga teachers are highly experienced, expert yoga instructors who offer 1-on-1 yoga classes for people just like you!</p><p>When you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:</p><p></p><ul><li><div><p><strong>102 expert</strong>, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>The ability to switch instructors</strong> or take classes with only your faves</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Access to unlimited group classes</strong>, taught <em><strong>live</strong></em></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Personalized instruction</strong> and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>To be a member of a HUGE community</strong> of happy yogis from around the world</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Yoga teachers who become friends</strong>, who truly care about you!</p></div></li></ul><p>If you haven’t checked us out already, <a\n            class=\"inline-cta\"\n            id=0c3f71d3-6e81-436b-8c73-50e8b8e06e63\n            href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckytgplu0xtjv0b285uq4aqgy&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=Modern Yoga vs. Traditional Yoga: 5 Key Differences You’ll Want to Understand&entity_slug=modern-yoga-vs-traditional-yoga&page_or_popup=/articles/modern-yoga-vs-traditional-yoga&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n            onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"0c3f71d3-6e81-436b-8c73-50e8b8e06e63\")\n            title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n            data-title=\"Modern Yoga vs. Traditional Yoga: 5 Key Differences You’ll Want to Understand\"\n            data-slug=\"modern-yoga-vs-traditional-yoga\"\n            <u><u>grab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here</u></u>        \n            </a>!</p><p><br><br></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"modern-yoga-vs-traditional-yoga","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/modern-yoga-vs-traditional-yoga","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","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. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>103,478 Happy Students &amp; 12,086 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz7nzktu400b752fym6wpw","name":"[CTA-HATHA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private hatha yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(including tons of daily Hatha yoga classes). No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip &amp; Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely &amp; Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation Today!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitxgyg2pot0b79lu1fcpp1","name":"[CTA-BREATH]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) and <strong>2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>, like ‘Stretch and Breathe’, ‘Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’, and many others. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage &amp; immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions –  </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage &amp; Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckytgplu0xtjv0b285uq4aqgy","slug":"modern-yoga-vs-traditional-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Modern Yoga vs. Traditional Yoga: 5 Key Differences You’ll Want to Understand","createdAt":"2022-01-25T01:51:09.438628+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-01-25T22:15:48.24816+00:00","coverUrl":"kkyopcjup0vlbftzdkhl.jpg","seoDescription":"Explore the differences between modern yoga and traditional yoga and why we feel it's important. Then grab your 2-week free trial so you can see the difference yourself!","content":{"text":"There is a huge difference between modern yoga that most of the Western world has become accustomed to and traditional yoga, which sticks to the cultural and ancient practices derived from India.\\nNeither form is wrong, but if you’re only taking part in modern, Westernized yoga, you’re probably missing out on a lot of the non-fitness related benefits yoga has to offer!\\nAnd that makes us sad. Because here at MyYogaTeacher, we care about your \\nwhole\\n health and wellness, not just the physical part.\\nNot to mention, your physical, mental, and emotional health work together for your good (or to your detriment).\\nThe experienced, expert yoga teachers at MyYogaTeacher all teach from the roots of yoga and tradition. And they are not just invested in your yoga journey. They’re invested in \\nyou\\n. Your health, life, goals, successes and failures.\\nWe walk alongside our students, helping them in more than just their yoga practice. Because humans were built for connection. They were not built to do this life (or yoga) on their own.\\nIf you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\n\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nAnd read on about the key differences between modern and traditional yoga and why they’re important.\\n\\n\\n[image courtesy of doyouyoga.com]\\n1. Physical yoga vs. Spiritual Yoga\\nThe Western world of yoga is primarily focused on fitness. \\nYes, many yogis (if not most) understand that yoga makes them feel good – calmer, lighter, better. But the primary goal for yogis who practice modern yoga is to brcome stronger, more flexible, and to have better fitness.\\nWhich is great!\\nWhat you’re missing out on: \\nTraditional yoga isn’t about having or not having a certain religion or set of beliefs. It’s not about finding god or becoming Buddhist, as some may have you believe.\\nTraditional yoga is about becoming more self-aware, centered, and present in each moment. It’s about being in harmony with your inner and outer world so you can create a \\nbetter\\n \\nworld for yourself. \\nIt’s also about developing more focus, concentration, relieving stress, learning how to reduce anxiety, depression, fear. \\nAnd\\n traditional yoga is about better physical health.\\n\\n\\n2. Yoga practice vs. Yoga lifestyle\\nAnother key difference between modern yoga and traditional yoga is how we approach it.\\nModern yoga classes tend to be one to one and a half hours long, sometimes even less than an hour. There’s usually a bit of a warm up, the class itself, and ends with savasana (corpse pose). You might lie there for a couple of minutes and then get up and go about your day.\\nWestern yoga is generally practiced 1-3 times a week. Similarly to any other regular fitness class one may participate in.\\nWhat you’re missing out on:\\nTraditional yoga is very different. Because traditional yoga is rooted in thousands of years of culture and, of course, tradition, it incorporates all of that history and knowledge into everyday life. \\nIn other words, traditional yoga isn’t a practice per se. It’s a lifestyle. Yes, you participate in classes, but you will also use yogic breathing techniques, yoga stretches, mindfulness, and self-love practices all throughout your day and week. Because as you grow in your traditional yoga journey, you will be equipped with more and more tools to use to live your very best life.\\n\\n\\n3. Where you start with modern yoga vs. traditional yoga\\nA Western yoga practice or class will most certainly begin with asanas or poses. Maybe you get a yoga teacher who encourages you to set an intention for your practice. Maybe not. Either way, the mindset from the beginning is physical. And physical only.\\nWhat you’re missing out on:\\nTraditional yoga classes are challenging, if not more so, than modern yoga classes because they \\ndon’t\\n usually start with asanas and because once you get to the physical aspect of yoga, you are mentally and emotionally more prepared to work hard.\\nYou’ll see and feel better alignment and use your muscles differently because you’re more mindful of what’s going on in your body.\\nIn a traditional yoga practice, you may begin with a guided meditation, some yogic breathing, and/or you may be encouraged to ground yourself in the present. Setting an intention before beginning the practice is also common. Sometimes you may even begin with some chanting.\\nAlso, traditional yoga teachers (like the ones from India that we have at MyYogaTeacher) don’t just instruct on \\nhow\\n to chant, breathe, or ground yourself. They teach you \\nwhy it’s important\\n and what its purpose is.\\n\\n\\n4. Modern yoga as big business vs. traditional yoga that isn’t\\nThe ancient, traditional practice of yoga was, and still is, about gleaning wisdom and knowledge from those who came before us. It’s about seeking enlightenment and becoming your highest self.\\nTraditional yoga has never been about greed or money. The perfect yoga outfit, the highest dollar yoga mat, or the newest, most amazing yoga product has never been a part of this type of yoga practice.\\nModern yoga, unfortunately, tends to thrive on fancy retreats, high end yoga studios that sell smoothies and sweatpants, and overpriced workshops. It’s often taught by a yoga instructor who has very little, or the bare minimum, yoga instruction experience.\\nNot always. But often.\\nWesternized yoga isn’t focused on purity, ethics, and morals like traditional yoga is. Modern yoga is a money maker.\\nAnd while, there is absolutely nothing wrong with making money or seeking to make money, that is simply not what yoga was ever originally designed to do.\\nYoga was created to help people be better humans. And it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money to do that.\\n\\n\\n5. Modern yoga teacher role vs. Traditional yoga teacher role\\nModern yoga teachers are great! They are usually very physically fit and know a lot about the human body, seeing as anatomy and physiology is a part of almost every yoga teacher training course.\\nOn top of that, many modern yoga teachers are physical trainers or fitness instructors for other types of classes. You’ll definitely get a good work out!\\nWhat you’re missing out on:\\nThe role of a traditional yoga teacher is a stark contrast to that of a modern yoga teacher. Traditional yoga teachers are dedicated yoga practitioners. They typically do not participate in teaching various other types of fitness classes but rather continue to grow in their own yoga practice.\\nThere is never an end to advancing your yoga practice! Not even for traditional yoga teachers.\\nTraditional yoga teachers take a vested interest in their yogi students, guiding them in their practice both on and off the mat. Helping them create a yoga lifestyle that benefits their whole body health.\\nThey’re more like a life mentor, or, on occasion a yoga master you can continue to learn from throughout the years.\\nAt MyYogaTeacher, we practice and teach traditional yoga because the mission of our online studio is to help people physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our amazing, expert yoga instructors from India are beautiful souls who come to each class with compassion, knowledge, wisdom, and the desire to be a part of your life while teaching you how to become enlightened, self aware, and in harmony with yourself and others.\\nOur private yoga instructors are all about giving yogis individualized attention, focused instruction, and modified poses that keep yogis coming back for more every week. MyYogaTeacher yoga teachers are highly experienced, expert yoga instructors who offer 1-on-1 yoga classes for people just like you!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\n\n\n","html":"<p>There is a huge difference between modern yoga that most of the Western world has become accustomed to and traditional yoga, which sticks to the cultural and ancient practices derived from India.</p><p>Neither form is wrong, but if you’re only taking part in modern, Westernized yoga, you’re probably missing out on a lot of the non-fitness related benefits yoga has to offer!</p><p>And that makes us sad. Because here at MyYogaTeacher, we care about your <em>whole</em> health and wellness, not just the physical part.</p><p>Not to mention, your physical, mental, and emotional health work together for your good (or to your detriment).</p><p>The experienced, expert yoga teachers at MyYogaTeacher all teach from the roots of yoga and tradition. And they are not just invested in your yoga journey. They’re invested in <em>you</em>. Your health, life, goals, successes and failures.</p><p>We walk alongside our students, helping them in more than just their yoga practice. Because humans were built for connection. They were not built to do this life (or yoga) on their own.</p><p>If you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:</p><p></p><ul><li><div><p><strong>Radiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health &amp; fitness</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Discounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!</strong></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Making new like-minded friends from around the world</strong></p></div></li></ul><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/pricing\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/pricing\"><u>Grab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!</u></a></p><p>And read on about the key differences between modern and traditional yoga and why they’re important.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/FqdmZa49Rh8C7YEoGPmg\" alt=\"The-Spiritual-Side-of-Yoga.jpg\" title=\"The-Spiritual-Side-of-Yoga.jpg\" width=\"679\" height=\"425\" /><p>[image courtesy of doyouyoga.com]</p><h2>1. Physical yoga vs. Spiritual Yoga</h2><p>The Western world of yoga is primarily focused on fitness. </p><p>Yes, many yogis (if not most) understand that yoga makes them feel good – calmer, lighter, better. But the primary goal for yogis who practice modern yoga is to brcome stronger, more flexible, and to have better fitness.</p><p>Which is great!</p><p><strong>What you’re missing out on: </strong></p><p>Traditional yoga isn’t about having or not having a certain religion or set of beliefs. It’s not about finding god or becoming Buddhist, as some may have you believe.</p><p>Traditional yoga is about becoming more self-aware, centered, and present in each moment. It’s about being in harmony with your inner and outer world so you can create a <em>better</em><em><strong> </strong></em>world for yourself. </p><p>It’s also about developing more focus, concentration, relieving stress, learning how to reduce anxiety, depression, fear. </p><p><em><strong>And</strong></em> traditional yoga is about better physical health.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/9oxVjBFTpiMDgOYUIoIg\" alt=\"shutterstock_633989471.jpg\" title=\"shutterstock_633989471.jpg\" width=\"5872\" height=\"3919\" /><h2>2. Yoga practice vs. Yoga lifestyle</h2><p>Another key difference between modern yoga and traditional yoga is how we approach it.</p><p>Modern yoga classes tend to be one to one and a half hours long, sometimes even less than an hour. There’s usually a bit of a warm up, the class itself, and ends with savasana (corpse pose). You might lie there for a couple of minutes and then get up and go about your day.</p><p>Western yoga is generally practiced 1-3 times a week. Similarly to any other regular fitness class one may participate in.</p><p><strong>What you’re missing out on:</strong></p><p>Traditional yoga is very different. Because traditional yoga is rooted in thousands of years of culture and, of course, tradition, it incorporates all of that history and knowledge into everyday life. </p><p>In other words, traditional yoga isn’t a practice per se. It’s a lifestyle. Yes, you participate in classes, but you will also use yogic breathing techniques, yoga stretches, mindfulness, and self-love practices all throughout your day and week. Because as you grow in your traditional yoga journey, you will be equipped with more and more tools to use to live your very best life.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/XBWgvR9KTZub8GewVclh\" alt=\"unnamed (1).jpg\" title=\"unnamed (1).jpg\" width=\"512\" height=\"342\" /><h2>3. Where you start with modern yoga vs. traditional yoga</h2><p>A Western yoga practice or class will most certainly begin with asanas or poses. Maybe you get a yoga teacher who encourages you to set an intention for your practice. Maybe not. Either way, the mindset from the beginning is physical. And physical only.</p><p><strong>What you’re missing out on:</strong></p><p>Traditional yoga classes are challenging, if not more so, than modern yoga classes because they <em>don’t</em> usually start with asanas and because once you get to the physical aspect of yoga, you are mentally and emotionally more prepared to work hard.</p><p>You’ll see and feel better alignment and use your muscles differently because you’re more mindful of what’s going on in your body.</p><p>In a traditional yoga practice, you may begin with a guided meditation, some yogic breathing, and/or you may be encouraged to ground yourself in the present. Setting an intention before beginning the practice is also common. Sometimes you may even begin with some chanting.</p><p>Also, traditional yoga teachers (like the ones from India that we have at MyYogaTeacher) don’t just instruct on <em>how</em> to chant, breathe, or ground yourself. They teach you <em>why it’s important</em> and what its purpose is.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/8QSKZ8a7QEOGDKzBrTs3\" alt=\"bikram yoga.png\" title=\"bikram yoga.png\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" /><h2>4. Modern yoga as big business vs. traditional yoga that isn’t</h2><p>The ancient, traditional practice of yoga was, and still is, about gleaning wisdom and knowledge from those who came before us. It’s about seeking enlightenment and becoming your highest self.</p><p>Traditional yoga has never been about greed or money. The perfect yoga outfit, the highest dollar yoga mat, or the newest, most amazing yoga product has never been a part of this type of yoga practice.</p><p>Modern yoga, unfortunately, tends to thrive on fancy retreats, high end yoga studios that sell smoothies and sweatpants, and overpriced workshops. It’s often taught by a yoga instructor who has very little, or the bare minimum, yoga instruction experience.</p><p>Not always. But often.</p><p>Westernized yoga isn’t focused on purity, ethics, and morals like traditional yoga is. Modern yoga is a money maker.</p><p>And while, there is absolutely nothing wrong with making money or seeking to make money, that is simply not what yoga was ever originally designed to do.</p><p>Yoga was created to help people be better humans. And it doesn’t need to cost a lot of money to do that.</p><p></p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/JBdAUvfcSlqYFdGR2Dtr\" alt=\"_DSC7726.jpg\" title=\"_DSC7726.jpg\" width=\"6048\" height=\"4024\" /><h2>5. Modern yoga teacher role vs. Traditional yoga teacher role</h2><p>Modern yoga teachers are great! They are usually very physically fit and know a lot about the human body, seeing as anatomy and physiology is a part of almost every yoga teacher training course.</p><p>On top of that, many modern yoga teachers are physical trainers or fitness instructors for other types of classes. You’ll definitely get a good work out!</p><p><strong>What you’re missing out on:</strong></p><p>The role of a traditional yoga teacher is a stark contrast to that of a modern yoga teacher. Traditional yoga teachers are dedicated yoga practitioners. They typically do not participate in teaching various other types of fitness classes but rather continue to grow in their own yoga practice.</p><p>There is never an end to advancing your yoga practice! Not even for traditional yoga teachers.</p><p>Traditional yoga teachers take a vested interest in their yogi students, guiding them in their practice both on and off the mat. Helping them create a yoga lifestyle that benefits their whole body health.</p><p>They’re more like a life mentor, or, on occasion a yoga master you can continue to learn from throughout the years.</p><p>At MyYogaTeacher, we practice and teach traditional yoga because the mission of our online studio is to help people physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our amazing, expert yoga instructors from India are beautiful souls who come to each class with compassion, knowledge, wisdom, and the desire to be a part of your life while teaching you how to become enlightened, self aware, and in harmony with yourself and others.</p><p>Our private yoga instructors are all about giving yogis individualized attention, focused instruction, and modified poses that keep yogis coming back for more every week. MyYogaTeacher yoga teachers are highly experienced, expert yoga instructors who offer 1-on-1 yoga classes for people just like you!</p><p>When you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:</p><p></p><ul><li><div><p><strong>102 expert</strong>, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>The ability to switch instructors</strong> or take classes with only your faves</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Access to unlimited group classes</strong>, taught <em><strong>live</strong></em></p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Personalized instruction</strong> and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>To be a member of a HUGE community</strong> of happy yogis from around the world</p></div></li><li><div><p><strong>Yoga teachers who become friends</strong>, who truly care about you!</p></div></li></ul><p>If you haven’t checked us out already, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\"><u>grab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here</u></a>!</p><p><br><br></p>"},"category":[],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}