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

{"slug":"modern-yoga-vs-traditional-yoga","recentPosts":[{"id":"cldixctfr0tox09k7rfoglac8","slug":"yoga-for-bodybuilders","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Effective Yoga Poses for Bodybuilders (Complete Guide)","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga for bodybuilders can help you build more muscle, reduce your chances of injury, improve flexibility and mobility, and lower inflammation.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best poses for bodybuilders to improve overall physical health.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-30T14:47:12.900063+00:00","coverUrl":"b8qfyhfhved6qjzxviyd.jpg","content":{"text":"If you’re a bodybuilder, or competitive weightlifter, chances are yoga is not part of your overall fitness routine. After all, yogis are known for long, lean muscles — which is the opposite of what bodybuilders work so hard to create. But contrary to popular belief, incorporating yoga into your weight lifting routine won’t detract from your gains, and it will compliment your efforts in the gym.\\n\\nWhy Bodybuilders Need Yoga\\n\\nIntense weight lifting can put enormous stress on your joints, increasing your risk for injury and inflammation. By increasing your flexibility, lowering inflammation, and improving mobility in your joints, you can counteract any negative effects for better health. Yoga can also prevent you from developing arthritis that could potentially be caused by years of repetitive movement, and reduce any stiffness you might feel after a heavy day at the gym.\\nAlong with improving your range of motion and overall flexibility, yoga can also help improve your posture. From a competition perspective, this can imprtove your performance and potentially level up your chances of doing well.\n\\nYoga can help add to your bodybuilding efforts by toning and strengthening smaller muscle groups that may get neglected through classic weight lifting routines. Yoga postures isolate those minor muscle groups, giving your whole body the workout you never knew you needed. A regular yoga practice can also improve your balance — which will make you more stable and less prone to injury.\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Bodybuilding\\n\n\\nBefore you get started with your own yoga practice, there are a few things you should consider. There are many styles of yoga to choose from, and if you’re just starting out it’s important to start slow at a beginner level. When your body is already a fine-tuned machine, that may be hard to hear. But yoga involves holding postures with very specific alignment — practicing incorrectly can actually cause injury.\\nStart by working with a certified yoga instructor. At \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, you can enroll in online courses from the comfort of your very own home. You can also sign up for private lessons where your instructor can design your course to cater to your unique needs.\n\\nWhile practicing yoga, it’s also important to pay attention to how your body feels. This should come easy to most bodybuilders, who already have a high degree of body awareness. If a yoga pose causes pain or discomfort, take a break from the posture or use a modification like a yoga block, strap, bolster, or blanket. Developing increased flexibility takes time, and it’s wise to take it easy and slow.\\n\n\\n10 Effective Yoga Poses for Bodybuilders -\\n\n\\nYou can get started with your yoga practice by incorporating the following 10 poses into your weekly workout schedule. Try performing these yoga stretches after your weight lifting routine, or on rest days in-between.\n\\n1. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\n\\nThis classic primary pose is essential to any yoga routine, and there’s a reason why — it efficiently stretches your torso, hamstrings, calves, and lower back, while strengthening your shoulders.\\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\n\\n2. Low Lunge Pose\n\\n\\nThere’s a chance you’ve already been practicing this pose before performing squats, since it opens up your hips and stretches your glutes.\n\\nFrom Downward Dog, you can transition into 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. Repeat on the other side.\\n\n\\n3. Standing Forward Fold Pose\\n\\n\\n\n\\nThis pose also stretches your lower back, hamstrings, and calves — and it’s a great posture for lowering your blood pressure and encouraging your body to relax.\\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\n\\n4. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\n\\nWhile this yoga move may seem incredibly simple, it’s a staple for increasing flexibility in and around your spine, torso, neck, and lower back.\\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\n\\n5. Cobra Pose\\n\\n\\nAfter an intense ab workout, Cobra pose is your best friend. This subtle backbend stretches the abdominal muscles to reduce stiffness, soreness, and decrease your body’s inflammatory response.\\n\\nStart by laying down on the floor on your stomach 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\n\\n6. Bridge Pose\n\\n\\nYou can continue to stretch the muscles in your chest, neck, hips, and spine with Bridge pose. This posture also calms the body while stimulating your digestive organs for a more regulated metabolism.\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\\n\\n7. Plank\n\\n\\nThis is another pose you may already be familiar with. Plank pose builds strength in your core and lower back, and works to improve your balance and stability.\\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\n\\n8. Locust Pose\n\\n\\nSciatica pain is quite common among bodybuilders, since the sciatica nerve can easily become stressed when lifting heavy weights. Locust pose alleviates sciatica pain, increases strength, and stretches your abdominal muscles simultaneously.\n\\nLie face down on your mat, resting your forehead on your forearms and your legs stretched straight out behind you. With an inhale, extend your arms to your sides and lift your lower legs off the mat, keeping your upper legs (thighs and core) flat on the mat. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths.\n\\n9. Boat Pose\\n\\n\\nFor increased core strength, balance, and overall stability, there are few better poses to perform on a regular basis than Boat pose. Use this posture to compliment your ab workout.\\n\\nStart by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced on your sitting bones. Inhale, engage your core, and as you exhale lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\n\\n10. Corpse Pose\\n\\n\\nIf you’re asking what could be gained by simply lying down flat on your back and remaining still for several minutes, the answer might surprise you. Corpse pose is one of the most important postures in yoga, since it gives your body an opportunity to integrate all of your stretching and strengthening work. It also calms the mind and body, reduces stress responses, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces inflammation.\\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":["fitness"]},{"id":"cldebisqj8am10bk2riasiyyy","slug":"self-love-yoga-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event: Empower Yourself This Valentine’s Day","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Empower yourself this Valentine's Day with our Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event. Find inner peace and self-acceptance through yoga and meditation practices","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-27T09:24:55.671424+00:00","coverUrl":"rvpz4az7wyk8pdo4fvyg.png","content":{"text":"Announcing our free Self Love Event February 13-14!\\n\n\\nEmbrace yourself and practice self love this Valentine’s Day and every day with the help of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga teachers.\\n\\nYoga has been a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth for centuries, and self-love yoga is no exception. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-doubt, self-criticism, and negative self-talk. Self-love yoga can help to change that by promoting self-acceptance and self-compassion.\\nThis special yoga and meditation event\\n focuses on building self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices.\\nSelf-love is the foundation of all healthy relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. Without self-love, we cannot truly love and accept others!\\n\n\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Self Love Event:\\n\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\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\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\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\\n\\n\\nNurturing Relationships Through Self Love \\n\\nMonday, February 13 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\n\\nSelf love isn’t selfish! It’s critical to creating deeper, more meaningful relationships and becoming the best version of yourself you can be! Join us in this discussion based self love class with a guided meditation and walk away prioritizing your health and happiness!\\n\n\\n\\nEmbrace Yourself: Balancing the Heart Chakra\\n\\nTuesday, February 14 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\\nReady to love yourself (and others) more and better? Need more compassion and kindness in your life? Join this yoga for self-love class designed to open your heart chakra and help you walk away feeling empowered to have more meaningful relationships and showing more love\n\\nThis special event will offer a unique opportunity to nurture yourself and discover the power of self-love.  Don't miss out on this transformative experience. Sign up today and awaken your inner strength and self-love.\\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 Self Love Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clda2r496083c0ak7xfyb3sqr","slug":"beginners-guide-to-shakti-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What is Shakti Yoga? Beginner’s Guide to Shakti Yoga","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Shakti yoga is an energizing, dynamic yoga routine that awakens your inner feminine power for greater vitality, awareness, and focus.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn about Shakti yoga, and what you can expect from a typical class.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-24T10:08:22.599414+00:00","coverUrl":"j6pbujfzshx7tpqftipc.jpg","content":{"text":"Maybe you’ve seen it offered at your local yoga studio or online, but you haven’t tried it because you’re not quite sure what it is. Shakti yoga, or Shakti yoga flow, is a dynamic, energizing form of yoga that isn’t as commonly known as other types of yoga — like Kundalini, Vinyasa, Flow, or Power yoga.\\nIt can be intimidating to learn a new kind of yoga you’re unfamiliar with, but if you’ve never given Shakti yoga a try, we recommend giving it a chance. Shakti yoga not only increases your energy levels, but it also improves your awareness, focus, and awakens your inner god or goddess. We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to help you know what to expect from your first class, and the benefits that come from this powerful practice. \n\\nOrigin of Shakti Yoga\\n\\nThe root of Shakti yoga lies in Hinduism, where Shakti is revered as a female goddess that embodies divine feminine power, known as The Great Divine Mother. We can think of Shakti as a goddess, but to gain a deeper understanding of the power of Shakti, it’s helpful to consider her as an essence that lives inside all of us — regardless of our gender identity. \n\\nShakti is formless and yet can take on any form — different goddesses, energies and personalities — and she can activate other Hindu gods. Think of Shakti as a limitless, boundless energy that can be called upon through mantras, chants, breath work, meditations, and yogic movement. Her energy lives coiled at the base of your spine, and you can gain access to it through Shakti yoga flow.\\n\\nWhat is Shakti Yoga?\\n\\nParticipating in Shakti yoga can awaken this energy and move it up your spine, channeling it through your chakras. Like a Vinyasa class, Shakti yoga utilizes dynamic, flowing movement in a yogic dance that facilitates the build-up of your Shakti energy and releases it throughout your chakras and your body.\\nWhile Shakti yoga classes may vary depending on your instructor and the structure of the class, generally you can expect flowing movement that is rooted in spirituality and connected to your breath. Shakti yoga also commonly utilizes specific chants designed to encourage the movement of this powerful energy flow. \\n\\nWhat are the Benefits of Shakti Yoga?\\n\\nSo, how does the channeling and release of Shakti energy benefit you as the practitioner? There are many ways in which Shakti yoga can bring a welcome dose of feminine vitality to your daily life. \n\\nOn a spiritual level, when you take a Shakti yoga class, you can expect to come away with an increased felt sense of vibrancy in your being. Your consciousness will be enlivened and you’ll feel a greater connection with your body, your spirit, and all living things.\n\\nShakti yoga also increases your energy reserves. If you’ve been feeling tired, depressed, and like your internal battery is running low, a Shakti yoga session can animate you physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can improve your circulation, recharge your nervous system, build strength and flexibility, and increase your sense of self-awareness. \n\\nSince the goal of Shakti yoga is to awaken this powerful energy, you may come away feeling like the goddess herself, as you’ve taken on her all-encompassing and healing spirit within your own body. If this sounds amazing, that’s because it is — Shakti energy can make you feel as if you are buzzing with vitality and like you’re glowing with endless light.\n\\nShakti Yoga Routine\\n\\nA typical Shakti yoga session utilizes the same kinds of Hatha yoga poses you’d find in a Vinyasa or Power yoga class. Since this type of yoga is meant to invigorate your body and soul, expect standing and strength building poses that may be somewhat challenging. Asanas like Warrior I, II and III, Dancer’s pose, Sun Salutations, Plank, Downward-Facing Dog and Upward Facing Dog are a few common poses in most Shakti yoga classes.\\nEach pose will be linked together with dynamic movement in conjunction with your breath. While performing Shakti yoga, continuous chanting — or mantras — harnesses your kundalini energy and channels it up your spine and through your chakras. If you already have experience practicing Hatha yoga, the poses will feel familiar to you, and if you’ve been to a Vinyasa or Flow yoga class, the Shakti movement will provide a similar experience. Don’t worry if you stumble a bit with some of the chants — as you repeat them throughout the class, you’ll become accustomed to the Sanskrit words, even if they feel a little foreign at first.\n\\n5 Beginner Shakti Yoga Poses :\\n\\nYou don’t have to wait for the next Shakti class to show up on your yoga studio’s schedule. You can start practicing this divine form of yoga at home by performing the poses below in a flowing manner.\\n\\n1. Sun Salutation Pose\n\\n\\nStart by standing at the top of your mat in Mountain pose with your hands in prayer position. Inhale deeply and sweep your arms above your head into Upward Salute. Exhale and fold forward into Standing Forward Bend. Inhale and lengthen your spine as you shift into Extended Forward Fold. Exhale, bend your knees, step backward with your right leg to perform a lunge. \\nInhale, plant your palms on the mat, and step your left leg back to join your right leg in High Plank pose. Exhale and sink into Low Plank, or Chaturanga Dandansana. You can modify this to Four-Limbed Staff pose if needed. Inhale and dynamically flow into Upward Facing Dog. On your next exhale, lift your hips into Downward Facing Dog. \n\\nInhale and step your right foot forward to perform a lunge on the opposite side. As you exhale, step forward into Standing Forward Fold. Return to Mountain pose by inhaling and rolling yourself upward to standing position, one vertebrae at a time. Press your palms together in prayer position to finish the sequence. Repeat at least 2 more times. \n\\n2. Dancer’s Pose\n\\n\\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Shift your weight onto your left foot, while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. For better balance, keep your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\n\\n3. Warrior I Pose\\n\\n\\nStart in Downward Facing Dog and step your right foot forward. Keep your toes angled toward the front of the mat, and your front leg knee bent at 90 degrees, while strongly engaging your back leg. Your back foot should be slightly angled. Inhale and bring your arms to either prayer position, or in an Upward Salute position above your head. Extend the front side of your body allowing your back to softly bend. Stay here for five to ten breaths.\n\\n4. Warrior II Pose\\n\\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, parallel 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\\n5. Warrior III Pose\\n\\n\\nStart in Mountain pose, with your feet hip distance apart. Step your left foot back, turned at a 45 degree angle, and bend your right knee, keeping your right foot pointing forward at a 90 degree angle. Your torso and pelvis should be squared with the front of your mat. Shift your weight to your right (front) foot, lifting your left (back) leg off the ground, extending it straight back behind you, and straightening your right leg. \\nKeep your standing knee slightly bent and avoid locking it. Extend your arms forward above your head, so that your entire body is positioned in a straight line, parallel to the floor. Engage your core, extend your body from your fingertips to the toes of your lifted foot, and focus your gaze on the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\n\\n2 Powerful Shakti Yoga Mantras :\\n\\nTo deepen your Shakti yoga practice, try incorporating mantras with your routine. Even if you don’t know the meaning of every word, the sounds and syllables are designed to awaken your Shakti energy. Repeat as often as you can during your practice.\n\\n1. Adi Shakti Mantra\\n\\nAdi shakti, adi shakti, adi shakti, namo namo\\nSarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, namo namo\\nPritham bhagvati, pritham bhagvati, pritham bhagvati, namo namo\\nKundalini mata Shakti, mata Shakti, namo namo\\n\n\\nTranslation:\\n\n\\nI bow to the primal power\\nI bow to the all-encompassing power\\nI bow to the creative power at the beginning\\nI bow to the divine mother of all peace\\n\n\\n2. Maha Shakti Mantra\\n\\nYa devi sarva bhuteshu\\nShakti rupena samsthita\\nNamastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaha\\nYa devi sarva bhuteshu\\nChetanetyabhidhiyate\\nNamastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaha\n\\nTranslation:\\n\n\\nOh Goddess, who lives within everything in the form of power,\\nSalutations to you, salutations to you, salutations to you\\nOh Goddess, whom we name with the word awareness,\\nSalutations to you, salutations to you."},"category":[]},{"id":"clczdmysytyzn0ak616x0ikhn","slug":"yoga-for-fitness-event","author":null,"title":"Join the Yoga Movement: Free MyYogaTeacher Yoga for Fitness Event for Everyone!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Join MyYogaTeacher's new free Yoga for Fitness Event starting soon and get fit faster with yoga!","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":["Fitness","HathaYoga","Ashtanga","Yoga","Vinyasa","Hatha"],"createdAt":"2023-01-16T22:27:36.746406+00:00","coverUrl":"fegu2jin0qfhgaefpml6.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to get fit, flexible, and unleash your inner radiance?! Don’t miss our 3-day FREE Yoga for Fitness Event January 29-31!\\nYoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This event will feature a variety of yoga styles and levels to suit everyone from beginners to experienced yogis.\\nOur authentic, expert yoga instructors from India will guide you each day through sessions focused on improving your physical fitness and overall well-being. Plus, the even is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to come give it a try!\\nHow to join the Yoga for Fitness Event:\\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.\\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.\\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.\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga can help you get fit fast. So you can live your life to the fullest and move with more ease.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of yoga for fitness classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting 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 Hatha Yoga for Physical Fitness with Ankit\\n\\nSunday, January 29 at 6:00 am PST/ 9:00 am EST\\n\\n\\nHatha yoga is focused on the physical practice of yoga and is perfect for helping you build strength, get fit, and improve flexibility. Bonus? You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated after this hatha yoga class! Join us for asanas, Sun Salutations, and other strength building poses!\\n\\nFind Fitness in Flow: Vinyasa Yoga with Monica\\n\\nMonday,  January 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nReady to get fit while finding your flow? The fluid movement of this challenging vinyasa yoga class is perfect for building up a sweat, improving flexibility, and building strength, making it a perfect class for overall fitness! Join us!\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga for Increased Fitness with Sujit\\n\\nMonday, January 31 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nDo you like structure in your yoga class? Need a workout focused on building strength through muscle training? This is for you! Join the ashtanga yoga class designed to help you get fitter and stronger faster!\\nWhether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, or simply try something new, our free yoga for fitness event is the perfect opportunity. So come and join us, and discover the many benefits of yoga for yourself!\\nExperience getting fit in a way that works for you and \\nwith\\n you! We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other fitness related 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\\nShweta Jain\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMonica Agarwal\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nArchana\\n \\n\\n\\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!\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Fitness Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clct2nkfx04xw0bk3fr4lrcjp","slug":"yoga-poses-for-osteoporosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis: Maintaining Bone Health","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can prevent and in some cases reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia by stretching and strengthening muscle tissue to rebuild and maintain bone density.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to prevent osteoporosis with a few simple yoga poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:33:31.959847+00:00","coverUrl":"pmkhkhuxo5s9dq2qkevm.jpg","content":{"text":"Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis with Yoga\\n\n\\nIf you suffer from the painful symptoms of osteoporosis, or if you are at risk of developing this limiting disease, there is help (and health) in starting your own regular yoga routine. In fact, doctors are now prescribing yoga as treatment and prevention for osteoporosis and osteopenia, making it an important part of maintaining physical health and wellness throughout your 50s and 60s — and beyond.\\n\\nOsteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions that commonly emerge throughout our later years, and if left untreated they can affect your mobility, bone density, and even your ability to remain self-sufficient. These conditions cause bones to be come weak and brittle, and over time more vulnerable to fractures and even breakage. \\n\\nBut a recent\\n \\n2016 study\\n discovered that yoga can be used in conjunction with other treatments to prevent the loss of bone density and in some cases reverse early onset of osteoporosis. Plus, as an added benefit, yoga is also a low-cost and low-risk treatment option, meaning there is little to lose by giving it a try.\\n\\nHow Yoga Can Treat Osteoporosis\\nThe process by which yoga treats and prevents osteoporosis is simple — through stretching and strengthening your muscle tissue you can build bone density and prevent fractures. Yoga postures exert subtle force upon your bones, prompting them to build up density and become stronger.\\n\\nYoga also improves your balance, which can help prevent falls — which may result in fractures or breakage. Along with building strength and flexibility, yoga also increases your mobility, endurance, and energy levels, helping you stay active no matter your age.\\n\\nIt should be noted that yoga may not cure osteoporosis on its own, and for some advanced cases it may not be effective in reversing this disease. Results vary on an individual basis, depending on your age, bone density, and other factors such as weight and co-existing conditions\\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Osteoporosis\\nIf you’re thinking of starting your own yoga regimen to prevent or reverse osteoporosis, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to first consult your doctor before practicing yoga for osteoporosis or osteopenia, to find out if there are any specific precautions you should be taking and whether or not it’s a safe activity for you. \n\\nPatients with advanced osteoporosis who have suffered fractures, breaks, or acute bone loss may need to avoid practicing yoga. If you’ve recently undergone surgery or if you’re still healing from an injury, you should wait until you’ve fully recovered before getting started.\n\\nMost importantly, you should take care to listen to your body when practicing yoga for osteoporosis. If a particular yoga pose causes pain or strain on your bones or joints, stop for a moment and take a break. Or, try using a modification like a bolster, block, or yoga blanket if applicable.\\n\\nIn their 2016 study, scientists found that the best results for using yoga as treatment for osteoporosis came from regular practice. Try performing yoga poses at least 3-4 times per week, or daily if you can. The more regularly you practice, the more bone density you’ll build, and the more strength and balance you’ll develop in your body.\\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis:\\nIf you’ve been cleared by your doctor to practice yoga and you’re ready to get started, there are some simple yoga poses you can do at home to help prevent osteoporosis. You can also try taking a yoga class specifically designed for patients with osteoporosis. Here at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, certified instructors can help you stay safe and injury free while giving you the independence to practice yoga in the comfort of your home.\\nReady to get started? \\nFollow the steps below to begin your own personal yoga journey.\\n\\n1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)\\n\\nThe foundation of all balance poses, Mountain pose helps you find stability and improve your posture.\\nStart by standing at the front of your mat. Keep your feet hip distance apart, and you can rest your arms at your sides or bring your hands together in prayer formation. Inhale and feel your chest opening and your collar bones widening as you focus on balancing your weight proportionally on both of your feet. Gaze straight forward and maintain this pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)\\n\\nFrom Mountain pose, you’ll begin to transition into Tree pose to further improve your balance and stability.\\nBring your awareness to your left foot and firmly ground it into the mat. Begin to shift your body weight to your left foot, while gently lifting your right foot. Depending on your ability to balance, you can place the sole of your right foot on your left calf or thigh. As you do this, be sure to keep your pelvis aligned, your spine straight, and your gaze focused forward. Give yourself a moment to steady yourself, and then, if you feel comfortable, press your hands together in prayer formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths and repeat on the other side, then return to Mountain pose.\\n \\n3. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana 2)\\n\\nThis standing pose also improves your balance and builds strength in your legs and core. If you have trouble balancing and wish to modify this pose, try practicing it next to a wall or with a chair.\\nMove to the back portion of your mat and step your right foot forward. Your right toes should be pointed forward and your left (back) foot should be kept parallel with your mat. Bend your right knee at 90 degrees, taking care not to overextend. Your right knee should not move forward past your toes. With your hips evenly squared, stretch your arms out to both sides, so that your right arm extended out in front of you and your left arm behind you. Open your chest and focus on activating your legs so that you are grounded into your mat. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n4. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)\\n\\nThis pose also requires strength and balance, and can be modified by performing it next to a wall. You can also place a block next to your front foot for easier hand positioning. \\nJust like with Warrior II, step your right foot forward for Triangle pose, keeping your left (back) foot parallel with your mat. Inhale and stretch out both your arms the same as in Warrior II, but keep your right leg straight with a slight, soft bend in your knee. As you exhale, hinge at your hip  and bend forward, placing your right fingertips on the floor, or you can place your hand on the block positioned next to your right foot. Turn your upper body and reach your left hand toward the ceiling, and either turn your head to gaze up at your hand, or keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana)\\n\\nThis pose is excellent for increasing mobility in your spine and hips.\\nMove to a tabletop position on your mat, with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. Feel the stretch in your chest and abdomen. 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. Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)\\n\\nLike Cat-Cow, Locust improves your spinal mobility with a soft backbend, but in this pose you will also be working your core muscles, glutes, and shoulders.\\nFrom Cat-Cow, lower yourself onto the mat so that you are lying face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides. On your inhale, strengthen your core and lift your head, legs and arms at the same time, balancing your body on your lower abdomen, pelvis and upper legs. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths, and then relax back onto your mat.\\n \\n7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nAfter the strengthening work of Locust pose, give your body a rest with Child’s pose\\nAfter Locust you’ve likely returned to lying face down on your mat. Press your palms and knees into the floor as if you were rising back into tabletop position, but this time bring your hips back so that your buttocks are resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Extend your arms forward so that your palms are resting on the mat in front of you, and bring your forehead to the mat. Breathe gently and allow your body to fully sink into this pose, supported by the floor. Hold for 5-6 minutes.\\n \\n8. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nAfter practicing the above stretching and strengthening poses, it’s important to let your body fully digest the movement by resting in Corpse pose. \\nCome to a seated position on your mat. Slowly lower your body to the floor, so that you are lying flat on your back with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your focus inward. Bring your awareness to your body and check in with each and every body part, noticing if you feel any tension and allowing yourself to fully relax. Soften your face, neck, and shoulders, and let yourself melt into your mat while visualizing any tension leaving your body. Rest in this post for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["pain_management"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"clckc2txxldwd0ajx6v2ewnfg","slug":"everyday-selfcare-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event","createdAt":"2023-01-06T09:47:25.040388+00:00","coverUrl":"sqksdkhom5g0uivl5z2l.png","content":{"text":"Ready to make time and take time for YOU in the New Year? This 2-day event on January 16-17 makes it easier than ever to start and keep a self care routine going.\\nAnd, of course, you’re invited!\\n\\nAlmost everyone is guilty of not putting themselves first most of the time. \\nBut did you know that research shows that self care reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Not to mention that people who have a consistent \\nself care routine\\n are 67% more productive, 71% happier, and 64% more self-confident than those who don’t!  \\nThe impacts of a yoga for self care routine are nothing but positive. And there is nothing standing in your way of creating one with MyYogaTeacher’s free event. Imagine how much better you’ll feel and how much more productive you’d be if you just took some time for yourself everyday. Your routine doesn’t have to be time consuming. Even 30 minutes of yoga for self care may make all the difference in your life! \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand creating a self care routine may seem unobtainable at first. That’s why we created this event!\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Everyday Self Care 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\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\n⁠\\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\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\n\\nWe've put together a schedule of yoga sessions designed specifically to get you started on your self care journey.\\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting 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\\nYoga Breathwork: Relaxation and Self Care with Archana\\n\\nTuesday, January 17 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you make time for selfcare? Meditation and yogic breathing are excellent forms of selfcare that you can do almost anywhere or any time! Join us for this relaxing class focused on breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching. Discover how easy it is to take time for you!\\n\n\\n\\nYoga for Self Care: An Everyday Practice with Archana\\n\\nMonday, January 16 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you struggle to make time for self-care? You’re not alone! This beautiful yoga session is designed to help you learn asanas and stretches that you can do every day specifically as a self-care practice. Join us for self-care through yoga!\\n\n⁠\\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. And so you can be less stressed, more productive, and more \\npresent\\n.\\n\\nExperience the peace that comes from yoga and explore all the tools our expert yoga instructors offer to help you start and maintain a consistent self care routine. We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\n\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Many are perfect for continuing your self care routine long after this event is over. Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n- Ankit Bhatnagari\\n- Abhishek Bodhi\\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\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"}},{"id":"clb6d7i3dguvb0bkghnequ3yl","slug":"yoga-for-women-with-pcos","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga for PCOS: How a regular yoga practice can help you relieve PCOS","createdAt":"2022-12-02T10:30:33.809654+00:00","coverUrl":"ka5ed2fhlzx6v5coonue.jpg","content":{"text":"PCOS affects 12% of women during their childbearing years. This incurable syndrome can affect many aspects of a womens day to day life as well as their mental health. Yoga can help to take some of the pressure away mentally and physically. While there is no cure, the symptoms can be mangable with lifestyle changes such as effective diet and exercise routines. \\nWhat is PCOS?\\nPCOS is a hormonal disorder which causes the ovaries to be enlarged & small cyst to appear on the outer parts of the ovaries. This syndrome can cause issues with menstruation and fertility. \\n \\nWhat are the PCOS Symptoms?\\n According to John Hopkins University, the most common symptoms are: \\nMissed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods.\\nOvaries that are large or have many cysts.\\nExcess body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism)\\nWeight gain, especially around the belly (abdomen)\\nAcne or oily skin.\\nMale-pattern baldness or thinning hair.\\nInfertility symptoms\\nBenefits of Yoga for Women with PCOS\\nFor women who suffer from weight gain with PCOS, mind-body exercises can help burn calories & reduce stress. Exercise like pilates and yoga are a great choice for the following reasons! \\n1. Reduce Anxiety \\nMood swings, cravings and unbalanced emotions are very common with PCOS. Yoga can help to manage these symptoms by reducing stress and anxiety by reducing testosterone levels and balancing your blood sugar. \n⁠\\n2. Balance Hormones\\nYoga is known to balance your endocrine system which will help to regulate your hormones internally. A regular yoga practice can help improve your period cycle and symptoms as well as stimulate your metabolism. Have you ever tried a hormone balancing yoga class?\\n Try our class with Gomati for free with our two week trial!\\n\n⁠\\n3. Reduce Pain\\n \\nYoga is known to reduce chronic pain in those with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.When you’re experiencing pain from your symptoms, try these asanas to ease the pain.\\n \\nYoga Asanas to Perform for PCOS Relief\\nBridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)\\n - Bridge pose reduces stress and anxiety while also stretching the lower back. \n⁠\\n\\nReclined Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konasan)\\n - Helps reduce cramping.\n⁠\\n\\nChild's Pose (Balasana)\\n - Child's pose will help to open the hips and bring the body back to a natural state. \n⁠\\n\\nBoat Pose (Naukasana)\\n - Boat pose reduces body fat and improves blood flow. \n⁠\\n\\nLotus Pose (Padmasana)\\n - Resets hormones and reduces period discomfort. \n⁠\\n\\n Other ways to improve PCOS symptoms\\nLifestyle and diet changes can help decrease symptoms and help you to maintain a more normal lifestyle. Try these tips to reduce your day to day symptoms. \\nEat whole foods! For women suffering with PCOS, the best diet is to eat foods in their most natural unprocessed form. When filling your plate, try to introduce lots of color into your meals. Stick to mostly plant based foods when possible but when eating meat, choose chicken or fish. Also make sure to regularly detox your body, Read the article to know more on How to \\nRejuvenate with a Body Detox at Home\\n\\nCreate a routine for balance. Our bodies are most at peace when they're on a schedule. Try to create a routine that works within your lifestyle and stick to it as often as possible. Try your best to keep your workouts and meals around the same time each day! If you need to be more flexible, you can choose time frames instead of an exact time. \\nHere’s an example schedule:\\n6:00 am morning workout.\\n9:00 am breakfast.\\n12:00 pm lunch. \\n3:00 pm  snack.\\n6:00 pm dinner\\n9:00 pm night time meditation before bed. \\nGo for a walk! This is something so simple that we sometimes take for granted. Going for a walk is great to get moving & help balance our hormone levels! It’s also a great way to reset during your lunch break or at the end of the day. \\nCreate a mindfulness routine to reduce stress. In a 2015 clinical study, 69% of women with PCOS found meditation helps with PCOS by reducing psychological stress and improving participants overall quality of life. Think about adding a meditation practice to the end of your day or journaling over coffee before work. \\nEven on day’s that feel tough with your symptoms, there are so many benefits to taking time to do yoga or meditate. You don’t have to let PCOS define you, you can be in control when your mind is clear and your body is grounded into its routine. Ready to build a regular yoga routine? Get started with us at\\n Try our hormone balancing yoga class to rev up your system or a gentle yoga class to wind down!\\n MyYogaTeacher!\\n"}},{"id":"ckv5agr3s1rq40a90vykgwe1a","slug":"meditation-effects-on-brain","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Proven Ways Meditation Positively Affects Brain Behavior","createdAt":"2021-10-24T13:50:43.10345+00:00","coverUrl":"im2iwdslj01ob1qu5w4r.jpg","content":{"text":"Meditation and brain studies have been around, and increasing, for a number of years now. And new studies are consistently revealing more and more incredible information about how meditation positively affects the human brain!\\nBut what precisely are the benefits of meditation on our brain?\\nWe already know meditation lowers cortisol levels, reduces or eliminates anxiety and depression, lowers blood pressure, and even regulates insulin levels in the body.\\nIt’s pretty amazing that something as ancient and simple as meditation can create such a positive impact on people, an impact that has a ripple effect.\\nHowever, scientific research actually reveals that meditation literally changes the composition of the brain and how the brain behaves.\\nMyYogaTeacher offers multiple meditation-only classes on our platform! All taught by extremely experienced, expert yoga instructors. If you aren’t reaping the rewards of meditation or don’t know where to start, \\nget your free 2-week trial of MyYogaTeacher here\\n and check out any or all of the group classes offered!\\nNow, on to the ways meditation positively affects brain behavior.\\n\\n1. Meditation changes the brain structure\\nBefore we dive into this topic, let’s go over the names of the parts of the brain that will be mentioned. No one likes having to look up big words!\\nDon’t worry. There are only four areas we’ll talk about here!\\nGray matter\\n - Controls muscle movement, sensory perception (including emotions, hearing, speech, memory, seeing, and decision making).\\nAmygdala \\n- In charge of emotional responses.\\nPrefrontal cortex\\n - Responsible for decision making.\\nHippocampus\\n - Controls memory and learning.\n\\nAccording to a study reported by the \\nNational Institute of Health\\n (NIH), regularly participating in a specific type of meditation called Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) increases the brain’s gray matter in the hippocampus.\\nNot only that, but that same study also showed that the part of the amygdala involved in stress, fear, anxiety, and depression \\ndecreased in size\\n.\\nThe actual \\nphysical\\n structure of the brain changed because of meditation.\\nMind-blowing, right?! (hehe)\\nThis means meditation restructures the brain so that you feel less stressed, anxious and depressed and have better memory and learning capabilities.\\nImagine how this would affect a child’s growing brain! And since I mentioned it…\\nThe effects of meditation on the brain is perhaps even more promising when it comes to children. And children in schools. Studies show that even short bursts of meditation through a child’s school day reduces discipline problems, increases their focus, memory, and improves executive functioning.\\n2. Mindfulness meditation reduces brain aging\\nWhile certain types of stress responses are beneficial to our survival (even in the modern world), some are not.\\nThose stress responses that are triggered by our misguided perceptions of a situation or event promote brain cell death. Stress kills. True story. \\nWhen we have emotions that stem from something reasonable, we react in a meaningful way. This does not contribute to excessive aging the way emotions stemming from false beliefs or fear-based worries do.\\nThe good news?\\nStudies show that mindfulness meditation increases thought awareness, improves control of those thoughts, and reduces cognitive stress. That’s the stress that leads to brain cell death, not the kind that saves your life.\\nCreating more positive states of mind and decreasing the negative ones slows down the rate of cell aging.\\n3. Meditation improves symptoms of depression and anxiety.\\nMeditation is by no means a cure all for \\nany\\n type of mental health condition, much less anxiety or depression. But it’s an excellent tool for managing the symptoms and, in some cases, does eliminate them altogether.\\nMost importantly, meditation changes your response to negative thoughts and, when practiced regularly, can even help you manage them in a healthy way.\\nHow?\\nIt teaches you to be aware of your thoughts without judging them or making assumptions about them.\\nThis is not to say you’ll never have depressing, anxious, or generally negative thoughts. But meditating regularly will give you the tools you need to manage them appropriately and behave in healthier, more positive ways.\\n4. Meditation helps with addiction.\\nAccording to the \\nNIH\\n, decades of research have shown that mindfulness based meditation helps stop addiction and even prevents relapse.\\nThe important thing to remember is that for addiction, consistency in a meditation practice is the key to success. However, it’s also an important practice to start or continue in the event of a relapse.\\nBecause many people who suffer from addiction have little awareness of the negative consequences of their behaviors on their body, relationships, family, and life, meditation plays an important role in helping them gain awareness and gives them tools to change their behaviors.\\nAnother thing to note is since regular mindfulness meditation changes the structure of the brain, the positive side effects are two fold.\\nSince breaking an addiction is obviously stressful, meditation also helps alleviate that stress response during withdrawals. There is also growing evidence that MBSR training cultivates a practice called “savoring.” This is where focused attention is created around natural rewards. In studies involving this idea, participants had reduced cravings and were less likely to take part in substance abuse behaviors. This “savoring” practice helps people pay more attention to pleasant daily activities and focus on the positive emotional responses they have towards those experiences.\\nSo exciting to think about the idea that mindfulness meditation could actually be saving lives!\\n5. Meditation reduces default mode network activity\\nWhat is default mode network activity (DMN)? The DMN is the network within the brain that’s operating when we’re not really thinking about anything at all.\\nIt’s the mind-wandering part of your brain.\\nStudies show that mind-wandering and “background thoughts” lead to worry, stress, anxiety, and general unhappiness.  This network is most active when we’re left to our own thoughts or don’t actively have something we’re thinking about (i.e. when we’re performing a task).\\nA common misconception about meditation is that you’re doing nothing when is really quite the opposite.\\nMeditation is active. Just not in the way most people think.\\nMeditation involves drawing your attention to and concentrating on your immediate experience. It requires you to learn how to be present in each moment. This practice does not generally come naturally (or easily) to humans! \\nSo meditation, then, requires us to \\nthink\\n. Which, in turn, helps reduce the “background noise” of the brain that is not only mostly unproductive, but also can lead us into states of worry, anxiety, and depression.\\n6. (Bonus!) Meditation has a stacked effect on the brain.\\nWhile there is tons of scientific evidence showing that various forms of meditation positively impact the brain, the short and sweet of it is…\\nA consistent meditation practice makes our lives better.\\nHere’s a quick list of just some of the benefits of meditation:\\nImproves concentration and memory\\nReduced blood pressure\\nHelps control pain\\nImproves sleep\\nReduces age-related memory loss\\nHelps fight addictions\\nHelps control food cravings\\nReduces emotional and binge eating\\nIncreases attention span\\nHelps you become more self-aware\\nControls anxiety\\nReduces stress\\nAs with many types of medication or therapy, meditation doesn’t just help with one or the other (or maybe a few) of these things listed above. A consistent meditation practice benefits you – and your brain – in \\nall\\n the ways!\\nCan you tell we’re pretty passionate here at MYT about your health and wellness? We truly do care about your mental, emotional, \\nand\\n physical health. That’s why we are excited to have such an amazing group of experienced, expert yoga instructors with varying backgrounds and who have extensive education in their field on board the MyYogaTeacher platform!\\nMyYogaTeacher hosts a variety of  35+ group classes, offers 1:1 classes, and members get discounted pricing on all of our phenomenal workshops! If you haven’t tried us out, we want to make it easy for you to do so by offering \\na 2-week free trial that you can get right here!\\n No credit card required!\\nWe hope to see you on the mat!\\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                data-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                data-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                data-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                data-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                data-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                data-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                data-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                data-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                data-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                data-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                data-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                data-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                data-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                data-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                data-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=3bb1a027-9fca-4730-bf92-2f5719dcd76b\n            href=\"/free-trial-o?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(\"3bb1a027-9fca-4730-bf92-2f5719dcd76b\")\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":"free-trial-o","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. 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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). 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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. 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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}