Yoga

{"posts":[{"title":"11 Common Yoga Questions (and Their Answers)","coverUrl":"wjnf6gca2leiwcxskli4.jpg","slug":"frequently-asked-yoga-questions","content":{"text":"Most of us have questions before or when we start practicing yoga! That’s normal. As a matter of fact, as you grow in your practice, the amount of questions doesn’t really get smaller. They just get different!\\nYoga teachers get asked tons of questions, and, generally, they love answering them! But sometimes, a new yoga student or someone who’s considering starting yoga may feel too shy or embarrassed to ask. Then they go to Google, get lots of conflicting answers, and may give up on yoga before they ever start.\\nWe definitely don’t want that!\\nSo here are the 11 most common yoga questions we get asked and their \\nreal\\n answers!\n\\n\\n1. How long do I wait after eating before I can do yoga?\\nIf you can practice in the morning, before you eat, that is ideal, or later in the evening. However, other than those times, we recommend waiting at least 2 hours after you eat before you start your yoga practice. Doing yoga on a full stomach can cause discomfort and even nausea. It also means you’ll have less energy since your body is busy digesting food!\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Do I have to be flexible to practice yoga?\\nAbsolutely not! As a matter of fact, lack of flexibility is a good reason to \\nstart\\n a regular yoga practice! Besides that, yoga is much more than just stretching. It’s a physical activity that tones, strengthens, calms, and heals the body, mind, and spirit.\\n\\n3. I’m pregnant. Can I still do yoga?\\nYes you can! It’s important when you’re pregnant to do yoga under the guidance of a prenatal yoga instructor or other expert yoga instructor though. There are yoga poses that pregnant women should avoid, such as inversions and poses where you lie flat on your back. \\n\\n4. How often should I practice yoga for best results?\\nIf you’re a beginner, we recommend starting with only 2-3 classes that require more exertion a week (such as Ashtanga, Power, or Vinyasa yoga). However, there are many other types of yoga to try in between, such as restorative yoga, yin yoga, or any of MyYogaTeacher’s meditative yoga classes! As you advance in your practice, you may feel strong enough to try more difficult yoga classes more times per week. Either way, you’ll experience the benefits of yoga whether you do it once a week or 7 days a week!\\n\\n5. Do I need any special equipment to practice yoga?\\nWhile we do recommend the use of a yoga mat, technically, you don’t \\nhave\\n to have one. You can practice yoga on any surface you feel is safe and comfortable. Many yogis also have blocks, bolsters, and straps to help them modify poses or go deeper into poses. But those certainly aren’t necessary to reap the benefits of doing yoga.\\n\\n\\n\\n6. Why do I need a yoga class? Can’t I just do it by myself with a book or video?\\nYou certainly can do yoga by yourself with the use of a book or video but most yogis (especially inexperienced ones) will agree that this isn’t as safe as practicing yoga with a live teacher. Yoga classes allow your yoga teacher to see how you perform the poses and can make corrections to your alignment or help you make appropriate modifications and adjustments as needed. At MyYogaTeacher, ALL of our classes are taught live, and you get personalized attention from your yoga instructor, even in group sessions!\\nDoing yoga poses incorrectly may cause injuries! MyYogaTeacher offers a Yoga Basics and a Yoga 201 class to help beginners create a strong yoga foundation for regular practice. \\n\\n\\nGrab your free 2-week trial of unlimited group classes here and check them out! No credit card required\\n.\\n\\n7. What kind of clothes do I need to practice yoga?\\nDespite what you may see on social media, you do not \\nneed\\n a certain kind of clothing, including the ever popular yoga pants or yoga leggings. If you’d like to wear those, however, by all means! The best clothes for yoga are comfortable ones that you can move freely in. You’ll practice barefoot or, if you’d prefer, in yoga socks.\\n\\n8. What are all the strange terms I hear my yoga teacher saying?\\nMany yoga instructors commonly use the Sanskrit words for yoga poses instead of the English translation. This is a good thing! Yoga is ancient and rooted in tradition, and continuing to use and pass on the language is an important part of maintaining the culture of yoga. If you don’t understand something your instructor is saying, please ask! However, we’ve compiled a list of common yoga \\nSanskrit words you may hear in class and what they mean in this blog post\\n.\\n\\n\\n\n9. Will yoga get or keep me in shape?\\nIf you practice regularly and eat healthfully, yes! Absolutely! Just like with any physical activity, you won’t see continued results unless you practice regularly. How you fuel body is also a large part of getting physically and mentally healthy. Yoga can be as strenuous as cardio or as easy as your regular post workout stretch and everything in between. It is definitely possible for yoga to help you lose weight and/or get the body you want.\\n\\n10. Can I do yoga if I’m injured or have a physical disability?\\nYes, you can! Here at MyYogaTeacher, we feel strongly that yoga is for every body. Meaning any body type, shape, size, and all ability levels. Our highly trained and experienced expert yoga teachers from India come packing credentials and tools to help you practice yoga in a way that is safe and works for you!\\n\\n11. Why should I start practicing yoga anyway? \\nA regular yoga practice provides benefits far beyond what any other type of exercise will do! Why? Because yoga is a whole health form of practice. Everything you do in yoga positively affects your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and the benefits carry over to your life from day to day. Yoga cures things like back pain, joint pain, lowers blood pressure, provides mental clarity and focus, reduces blood sugar, promotes healing, and so much more.\\nWe guess the question is, why \\nwouldn’t\\n you want to start practicing yoga?!\\nMost, if not all, of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga instructors are \\nmore\\n than qualified to help you! We value authentic, traditional yoga and truly care about the health and wellbeing of our students. For us, yoga isn’t just a class. It’s the way we live our life.\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\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"},"createdAt":"2022-07-22T20:08:11.250342+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"18 Common Sanskrit Words to Know Before Your First Yoga Class","coverUrl":"so7zp7thknpvd3b7mtd1.jpg","slug":"common-sanskrit-yoga-words","content":{"text":"Whether you’re a new yogi or you’ve been practicing for a while, there’s bound to be words you’ve heard in a yoga class that you didn’t know or understand.\\nThat’s normal! And you’re certainly not the only one.\\nIf you don’t know already, Sanskrit is the ancient language of India. Many Hindu scriptures and epic poems were written in this beautiful language, but so were all the original Yoga Sutras! Sanskrit has a sort of harmonious fluidity to it, almost spiritual sounding, which makes it an effective tool for practicing yoga.\\nWe don’t want anyone to feel lost or confused in our yoga classes, and we certainly don’t want anyone to be embarrassed to ask questions about any particular words that are used.\\nMyYogaTeacher instructors teach and believe wholeheartedly in the benefits of traditional yoga, and most of them are from the birthplace of yoga, India! \\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\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!\\nAnd after this article, I hope you’ll feel comfortable joining one of our classes, knowing much of the vocabulary that your yoga instructor might use!\\n\\n\nYoga \\nYoga means to “yoke” or “bind” and is often interpreted as “union.” Union of breath, body and mind.\\n\\nAsana\\nIn these times, “asana” is interpreted as the physical yoga poses you’ll practice, but it originally means “seat.”\\n\\nChakra\\nA chakra indicates an energy center within the body between the base of the spine and the top of the head. We have seven. You can learn more about chakras in \\nthis article\\n.\\n\\nNamaste\\nTraditionally, “namaste” means “the light within me bows to the light within you,” but in this day and age it also is a common greeting for “hello.”\\n\\nPranayama\\nThe word “prana” means life energy. Pranayama is a series of yogic breathing exercises that helps your breath move freely through your body.\\n\\nMudra\\nA mudra is a hand position or gesture used to help one focus, concentrate, and develop a deeper connection to self. Prayer hands at the heart (Anjali) is an example of this.\\n\\n\\nVinyasa\\nAlso a type of yoga, a vinyasa is a series of postures connected to your breath, strung together in a longer flow.\\n\\nHatha\\nIn Sanskrit, “ha” refers to the sun and “tha” refers to the moon. Hatha yoga is a slower paced, basic style of yoga and helps form the foundation of other styles.\\nSavasana\\n\\nSavasana is corpse pose, meaning you literally lie on the floor in total relaxation, typically at the end of a yoga session.\\nChaturanga\\n\\nChaturanga is low plank pose or also known as four-limbed staff pose and is usually a transitional pose from plank position to upward facing dog.\\n\nUjjay\\nAlso known as “victorious breath,” ujjay is the common form of breath used in many types of yoga where air enters and leaves a constricted throat. It often sounds like the ocean.\\n\\nOm\\nThe universal sound of consciousness, chanting “om” causes a vibration in the back of your throat and has many benefits.\\n\\nDrishti\\nA focal point used in yoga set up by the yogi to assist with concentration, balance, and focus. This is particularly helpful for balancing postures like tree pose.\\n\\n\\nShanti\\nIn Sanskrit, shanti means “peace.” It is often chanted at the beginning or end of class.\\n\\nIyengar\\nIyengar is a type of yoga that is focused on precision and alignment while practicing yoga poses. It is a fairly popular style and often requires the use of props.\\n\\nShakti\\nShakti literally means “power” in Sanskrit and is the female principle of divine energy. Shakti is often represented by a lotus flower.\\n\\nKundalini\\nThis form of yoga is a system of chanting, meditation, breathwork, and, sometimes, singing. The word itself is a form of female energy that resides at the base of the spine.\\n\\nBhanda\\nBhanda is a lock or bind in yoga, an internal mudra. The purpose of bhanda is to lock in the body’s life energy/force.\\n\n\\nSome of these words you may understand based on the definition and some you may not. That’s ok! Yoga is an experience, which means some words you will simply have to experience to truly understand what they are and the impact they have on your mental, physical, and emotional health.\\nAnd if you still don’t know after you’ve experienced them? Ask!\\nAt MyYogaTeacher, we have members from all walks of life, religions, and all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities! MyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\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\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2022-06-09T00:07:57.890522+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"5 Restorative Yin Yoga Poses for Neck and Shoulder Pain","coverUrl":"u92rlshwashhjwgeelb0.jpg","slug":"yoga-for-neck-pain","content":{"text":"You may hear a lot about yoga for back pain, yoga for joint pain, yoga for lots of different types of pain. That’s why we don’t want to leave out yoga for neck and shoulder pain!\\nYour cervical spine is the most fragile part of your skeletal system! Not only does it hold up your head (about 10-11 lbs!), it is also the least protected of any other part of your body. Think about it. If you’re in a car accident, your neck area is one of the primary areas of injury. \\nMany\\n types of accidents can cause injury to your cervical spine. Additionally, your shoulders are connected to your neck area. So injuries to neck muscles often cause pain and misalignment in your shoulders as well.\\nA yin yoga practice focused on your neck and shoulders is not only beneficial for pain relief from prior injuries, arthritis, or previous surgeries. Yin yoga is great for preventing pain and injury to the neck and shoulder area as well!\\nYin yoga alleviates tension in the muscles, helps correct poor posture, and increases flexibility and circulation in the neck and shoulder areas. \\nOne of our amazing yoga instructors, Supriya, even offers a Yoga for Neck and Shoulders class! Because here at MyYogaTeacher, we know that yoga heals! We offer 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\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\\nLet me talk to you about my top 5 yin yoga poses for neck and shoulder pain relief!\\n\\n\\n\n1. Standing forward bend\\nRolling down into standing forward bend, knees bent or straight (depending on your preference), release your head down so the crown of your head faces the ground. This pose is most effective for your neck and shoulders if you relax and sort of dangle and take 5-10 deep breaths. You may also choose to gently sway side to side.\\nThis isn’t traditionally a yin yoga pose because it’s not completely static, but it is restorative and helps stretch your neck, shoulders and back. If you want, you may roll back up to standing or mountain pose and repeat standing forward bend again.]\\n\\n\\n2. Thread the needle\\nThis pose provides significant relief from neck and shoulder pain. The twisting from this pose also releases tension in the lower and upper back. Feel free to place a blanket or block under your head if you need some elevation or are uncomfortable. Perform this pose on both sides, holding for 1-2 minutes on each side.\\nBegin on all fours with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.\\nLift your right hand up towards the sky and bring it down and underneath your torso to the left along the floor with your palm facing up.\\nPress your left hand into the floor for support as your rest your body on your right shoulder and look over to the left.\\nRemain in this position for 1-2 minutes, as tolerated.\\nRelease gently and slowly, pressing back into Child’s Posefor a few breaths, and repeat on the other side.\\n\\n\\n3. Half lord of the fishes pose\\nYin yoga poses for neck and back often benefit other parts of your body as well. This is one such pose! Half lord of the fishes pose provides a great stretch in the upper \\nand\\n lower back and helps alleviate tension in the muscles that result from bad posture.\\nFrom sitting, bring your right foot along the floor across to the outside of your left hip.\\nPlant your right foot on the floor, so that your right knee is pointing up.Your right foot should be “rooted” on the outside of your left thigh.\\nBend your left knee so that your left foot is still on the floor but close to your body\\nLengthen your spine and then twist your upper body to the left.\\nPlace your left hand on the floor behind your buttocks.\\nBring your right arm to the outside of your left leg.\\nTurn your head to look over either shoulder, or you may gently circle your head.\\nStay in this pose for 1 minute.\\nThen do it on the opposite side.\\n\\n\\n4. Triangle pose\\nTriangle pose stretches the neck, shoulders and upper back. You may use a block under the hand that reaches to the floor for more stability or if you do not have the flexibility to reach the floor. You may also place your hand on your shin or ankle, as long as you maintain proper alignment.\n\\nStand with your feet apart so that they’re wider than your hips.\\nTurn your right toes towards the front of your mat and your left toes out at an angle.\\nRaise your arms up so they’re parallel to the floor with your palms facing down, similar to the beginning of Warrior I, but keep your legs straight. Your chest should be facing out.\\nKeeping your legs straight, reach forward with your right arm as you hinge at your right hip.\\nLower your right arm and lift your left arm up toward the ceiling.\\nTurn your gaze in any direction or you can do gentle neck rotations looking up and down.\\nRemain in this pose for 1-2 minutes, as tolerated.\\nRepeat on opposite side.\\n\\n\\n5. Child’s pose\\nChild’s pose is the most popular and an extremely beneficial yoga pose practiced in all types of yoga! In child’s pose, your neck, back, and shoulders are lengthened, creating space between the vertebrae, similar to standing forward bend. This relieves tension and helps realign your neck and spine. \\nPlacing your arms out in front of you (versus by your sides) gives your shoulders a good stretch as well. You can also place a block or bolster under your head or hips if that is more comfortable. Hold this pose as long as is desired but at least 1-2 minutes.\\nI hope you find these poses as helpful as I do for relieving neck and shoulder pain! A full yin yoga class is a great option to truly get relief in these areas. We carry so much tension in our neck and shoulders from bad posture, sitting at a computer or desk, or from other types of exercise. I invite you to try one of the many classes at MyYogaTeacher!\\n\n\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\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"},"createdAt":"2022-05-31T22:21:04.879358+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Your Chance to Win a Free Yoga Teacher Training Course With MyYogaTeacher is Here!","coverUrl":"b3kn5dnc8izagiuyq4gh.jpg","slug":"my-yoga-teacher-photo-contest","content":{"text":"In honor of International Yoga Day,\\nMyYogaTeacher is announcing our first ever Fun Pic Contest!\\nWe want to see your fun side! Because yoga doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes laughing at ourselves and doing silly things is just the medicine we need to make our day brighter…and healthier!\\nThat being said, you also have an opportunity to positively impact lots of other people’s lives by joining in on this yoga pose, picture-snapping challenge. Maybe you make someone smile. Maybe your picture encourages someone to start taking yoga classes or try a new yoga pose! Good energy spreads, and positive energy is a huge part of the MyYogaTeacher community.\\n1st Prize: Win a FREE Teacher Training Course with MyYogaTeacher (valued over $1,490) \\n\\nHonorable Mentions: Ten participants will win a free MyYogaTeacher T-shirt!\\n\\nFun Yoga Pose Contest Rules\\nYoga poses should be unique in some way (i.e. in a fun location, with your animals, with a partner, or your own twist on your favorite pose).\\nPicture can be taken by you as a selfie or taken by someone else.\\nPost your picture on \\nFacebook\\n or \\nInstagram\\n and tag @myyogateacher\\nWe encourage you to post as many pictures as you’d like, but each picture must be tagged to be considered.\\nIn order to qualify for prizes, images must be posted and tagged before 11:59PM on June 20, 2022.\\nImages must be original and owned by you.\\nWinners will be announced on June 24th!\\nNeed some examples?\\nSince we haven’t done this before, we’re going to drop a few examples of some fun yoga pose pics our teachers submitted to help you out! You’re welcome to recreate them yourself or simply use them as inspiration to come up with your own!\\n\\n\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2022-05-31T18:49:09.281964+00:00","author":{"name":"Anirudh","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Is Yoga a Religion? Why You Can Practice Yoga No Matter What Your Beliefs Are","coverUrl":"siur4olckankjljl4str.jpg","slug":"is-yoga-a-religion","content":{"text":"Yes, we’re going there. Why on earth would we decide to approach the very controversial topic of religion and yoga? \\nBecause we will forever maintain that yoga is for everyone, no matter what you believe in! The MyYogaTeacher team from top to bottom is passionate about the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga, and we don’t want \\nanyone\\n to feel like they can’t practice yoga because of their religious beliefs.\\nAs a matter of fact, part of a yogic life is respecting others’ personal beliefs and accepting them where they are in those beliefs.\\nThat’s why I wanted to talk about how yoga is \\nnot\\n a religion and why you can practice yoga no matter what (or who) you believe!\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we have members from all walks of life, religions, and all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities! MyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\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\\nLet’s dig in!\\n\\nYoga isn’t an organized religion\\nWhile many yogis (not just Hindus or Buddhists) use their yoga practice to grow in their spirituality and/or relationship with God, it does not mean yoga is a religion. No one is worshiping yoga or praying to yoga, or using yoga as a means to get to heaven. \\nYogis \\ndo\\n, however, use yoga and meditation to better connect with (or reconnect with) their religious beliefs. This is because yoga and meditation help you strip away those things in your life that do not promote your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Things that get in the way of healthy forms of spirituality.\\nYoga is a \\nphilosophy\\n. A philosophy that promotes good health and a harmonious existence.\\n\\n\\nThere are no religious requirements in yoga\\nWhile there are many forms and styles of yoga, some that incorporate chanting even, everything within the practice is optional. You are still a yogi if you don’t say “Namaste” with prayer hands at the end of your practice. You’re still a yogi if you choose not to chant. And you’re still a yogi if you don’t participate in nonphysical forms of meditation.\\nYoga has no religious requirements to be able to practice it! \\nThere are no requirements to believe in a god or to perform any religious rituals. But it can help you deepen your existent faith.\\nYou don’t need to be Buddhist or practice Taoism to practice martial arts, right? Neither do you need to believe in any form of religion to practice yoga!\\n\\n\nYou are free to practice (or not) any religion in yoga\\nWhen you practice yoga, you are free to interpret God in a way that you believe to be true – Allah, Jesus Christ, Vishnu, Mother Nature. You are also free to not believe in God at all. Additionally, physical movements (yoga poses) are not religious unless they are accompanied by a faith-based intention.\\nThis means you get to attach whatever religion you choose to your yoga practice! Or no religion at all.\\nCelebrating Halloween does not make you Wiccan. Practicing yoga does not make you a Hindu. However, if your intention on Halloween is to practice the Samhain ritual, then that is a faith-based intention that corresponds with your beliefs, making \\nyour\\n celebration of Halloween religious. \\nIf you choose to practice yoga as a means to pray to and draw nearer to the (Christian) God, that is a faith-based intention as well. It corresponds with your beliefs and makes your yoga practice a component of your religion.\\n\\n\\nYoga is spiritual, which is much different from religious\\nBy definition, the word “religion” means a personal set or institutionalized system of religious beliefs and/or practices. This is vastly different from the word “spirituality,” which denotes an experience of something larger than yourself…living life in a way that is sacred and reverent. \\nSpirituality is an inward journey. Religion is external.\\nBy and far, yoga (ancient and modern) is renowned for being a spiritual practice. While it is derived from several religions – Buddhism, Hindu, and Jainism – it does not contradict any religious belief systems.\\nWhat you make your yoga practice is what your practice becomes. Whether that’s spiritual or not.\\nHopefully, this information helps you better understand yoga and how it can be incorporated into your life no matter what your beliefs are! There is so much freedom in having the opportunity to grow in your spirituality \\nand\\n religious beliefs if you choose or to practice yoga and not practice a religion at all.\\nThe MyYogaTeacher community is full of expert, experienced yoga instructors from India because we feel deeply in upholding the authentic, traditional yoga experience while also weaving in modern day practices.\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\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, \\n!\\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n"},"createdAt":"2022-05-18T23:45:13.027845+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"5 Yoga Poses for Older Women: Yoga for Women Over 50","coverUrl":"shfqitaozmzufddc6ift.jpg","slug":"yoga-for-women-over-50","content":{"text":"Yoga is for every body. And that’s just one of the wonderful things about it! Another wonderful thing is there are\\n specific\\n yoga poses for women, men, children, disabled people, seniors. \\nA yoga practice can be tailored to meet the varying and specific individual needs of a person or of a collective group of people. Here, I’ll be addressing the physical, mental, and emotional needs of women over the age of 50 with yoga poses that are particularly beneficial to them.\\nHi! My name is Vaneeta! I teach a\\n Yoga for Women\\n group class at MyYogaTeacher. Women are the source of life and energy on the planet. And a woman advances through many phases of life from motherhood to menopause. Women who are entering the stage of life that is after menopause have specific needs that can be addressed with yoga!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\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!\\nI hope you’ll try some of these yoga poses for women over 50 and then join my class on MyYogaTeacher for more!\\nOne key to doing yoga at an older age is using props that help you remain stable, safe, and aligned. I recommend using blocks and/or a chair along with your mat.\\n\\n\\n1. Cat and Cow Pose\\nCat and Cow pose is great for anyone at any age, but it’s a great way for women to begin warming up their back and abdominal muscles in a way that is gradual and stable. Supporting your weight on all fours is also a great way to keep arm and chest muscles (that maybe don’t get used as much as we age) strong and conditioned. Women over 50 tend to start experiencing stiffness and reduced mobility in their backs, so cat and cow pose is perfect for helping with those issues as well!\\nAdditionally, because cat and cow pose is designed to sync with  your breath, it is a great way to cleanse emotionally. Since changes in your body can cause emotional distress, particularly in older women, this yoga pose helps women release those emotions before moving forward with more challenging poses.\\n\\n\\n2. Downward Facing Dog\\nOtherwise known as “Down Dog,” this yoga pose is great for older women because it:\\nStretches out the calves, hamstrings, and back \\nBuilds strength in the arms and chest \\nIncreases flexibility in the shoulders\\nBoosts circulation of oxygen and nutrients to otherwise contracting muscles\\nShoulder joints tend to wear out as women age, which makes them susceptible to injuring their shoulders. Building strength in the arms and chest helps protect those increasingly fragile shoulder joints. \\nEmotionally, down dog instills a sense of empowerment and increases feelings of confidence and accomplishment, two things women over 50 tend to struggle with when they notice the changes in their bodies.\\nAdditionally, once a women passes through menopause, muscles tend to tighten and contract due to reduction in hormones and hormone production. Downward facing dog is a perfect yoga pose for women over 50 because it keeps their leg and back muscles lengthened and promotes good circulation!\\n\\n\n3. Modified Cobbler’s Pose\\nAs women age, it is common for them to encounter knee problems and knee pain, making some yoga poses difficult. However, many yoga poses that increase flexibility and circulation to the hip flexors and hip joints require bent knees. \\nPerforming cobbler’s pose on a block or bolster where your hips are higher than your knees helps decrease the pressure on your knees while still reaping the gentle benefits of hip stretching. You may also choose to put blocks underneath your knees or move your feet further away from your body so that the angle of bend in your knees isn’t as sharp.\\nEither way, this pose is proof that yoga for women over 50 is doable, even if you’re experiencing physical challenges and physiological changes.\\n\\n\n4. Modified Tree Pose\\nBalancing postures are a common theme in many forms of yoga. They help yogis learn how to focus better, increase concentration, and (importantly for older women) strengthen the tiny muscles in our feet and ankles.\\nOlder women may begin to experience balance issues as they age. This is common and normal!\\nThe more you work to strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles, the less likely you will be to lose your balance! Additionally, yoga for women helps you navigate the mental changes you may experience by helping with memory, focus, and concentration.\\nUse a chair, wall, or other stable object if needed. You may also place your non-standing foot on your calf or even at your ankle until you are comfortable moving it further up.\\n\\n5. Child’s Pose\\nEveryone loves child’s pose! It’s a great stretch for your back, arms, neck, and even hips and glutes. Older women may want to rest their forehead on a block and/or place a blanket underneath their hips to alleviate any discomfort.\\nTaking some much needed time in child’s pose allows women to reflect on how their body feels and release any negative thoughts about the changes that may be occurring in their body as they age.\\nI would love to have you join us in the Yoga for Women class, where I not only teach a yoga class specifically catered to women’s needs but talk about common issues women face as they transition into and out of different phases of life!\\nMyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\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\\nNamaste!"},"createdAt":"2022-05-11T19:29:46.900088+00:00","author":{"name":"Vineeta","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Celebrate International Yoga Day 2022 With MyYogaTeacher - FREE Sessions for All!","coverUrl":"bm9mwiipzdhlfxubz7ug.jpg","slug":"international-yoga-day-2022","content":{"text":"The MyYogaTeacher team is so excited to announce that we’re celebrating International Yoga Day by offering some very special FREE sessions!\\n(Keep reading to learn more about them and sign up!)\\nThe first International Yoga Day was celebrated around the world on June 21, 2015. After the idea was presented by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, International Yoga Day was made into a formal proposal and adopted by the UN.\\nIt was an exciting day! Over 35,000 people celebrated the first International Yoga Day!\\nMyYogaTeacher strives to continue positively impact the lives of as many people as humanly possible. We do that through yoga and meditation classes, workshops, and teacher training programs. \\nThat is why we invite you to celebrate International Yoga Day 2022 with MyYogaTeacher for FREE!\\nWe’ve put together a series of interesting sessions for International Yoga Day that will allow you to explore different forms of yoga. Our sessions will allow you to connect with practitioners and experts. \\nInternational Yoga Day Event Schedule!\\nMembers and nonmembers can join expert yoga teachers and special guests as they guide you through these special International Yoga Day sessions! \\nJust click the link for each session to sign up!\\n\\nTuesday, June 21\\nWednesday, June 22\\nThursday, June 23\\nFriday, June 24\\n\\n108 Sun Salutations with Bharath Ram\\n\\n6- 8 AM, PST\n9- 11 AM, EST\\n\\nA Yin Experience for the Whole Body with Mrinali\\n\\n6- 7:30 AM, PST\n9- 10:30 AM, EST\\n\\nYoga Therapy Makes the Grade - and the Grade is A+ with Dr. Fishman\\n\\n6 AM, PST\n9 AM, EST\\n\\nIyengar Yoga Session and Q&A with Sri H.S. Arun\\n\\n5- 6:30 AM, PST\n8 -9:30 AM, EST\\n\\nDivine Delight with Yogashree\\n\\n5- 5:30 PM, PST\n8- 8:30  PM, EST\\n\\n\\n\\nYoga, the Key to Resilient Selfcare in COVID Times with Dr. Ananda\\n\\n6 PM, PST\n9 PM, EST\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n108 Sun Salutations with Bharath Ram\\n, Tuesday, June 21\\nFeel invigorated and uplifted after you start your day with this powerful yoga practice! Suitable for all fitness levels, Bharath’s International Yoga Day session will promote detoxification of your body and end with some yogic breathwork (pranayama).\\n\\nDivine Delight with Yogashree\\n, Tuesday, June 21\\nScientific studies have proven that chanting reduces stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms and increases focus and positive mood. Join this session to experience the rhythmic, healing power of chanting! This practice will end with a beautiful classical song rendition. \\n\\nA Yin Experience for the Whole Body\\n, Wednesday, June 22\\nJoin Mrinali for this wonderful, gentle yin yoga practice designed to help you reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit so you can lead a more harmonious and peaceful day! You’ll use the stillness to rediscover sensations and feelings that get masked by the busy-ness of your days.\\n\\nYoga Therapy Makes the Grade – and the Grade is A+\\n, Thursday, June 23\\nJoin MyYogaTeacher’s newest board member and Medical Director of Manhattan Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Dr. Loren Fishman,\\n in this informative session on how to review a yogi’s progress in treating scoliosis, rotator cuff issues, osteoporosis, and weight management! This session is for yoga practitioners and yoga teachers and will end with a live Q&A with Dr. Fishman.\\n\\nYoga: The Key to Resilient Selfcare in COVID Times\\n, Thursday, June 23\\nDiscover how to break free from negative conditioned responses and inherent tendencies in this incredible session with Dr. Ananda, all about how to refocus on your health and wellness. \\n\\nIyengar Yoga Session and Q&A With Sri H.S. Arun\\n, Friday, June 24\\nGo through a series of yoga poses (asanas) in this Iyengar yoga session that will create different positive sensations in various parts of your body. At the end of this invigorating session, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about Iyengar yoga and the different aspects of the practice.\\n\\n\\n\\n“Yoga embodies the unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature.” - Prime Minister Narendra Modi\\n\n\\nThese virtual events are free and offer you a wide range of sessions to pick from.\\n \\nOne day you could be experiencing a meditation session and another day you could be listening to a yoga guru share their experience and knowledge of yoga with you. Most of these sessions will also allow you to ask questions at the end of the session, which can be a great way for you to enhance your understanding of your practice and also connect with the subject matter expert.\\n\nJoin us for this incredible event!\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2022-05-03T22:26:26.102263+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"5 Reasons Couples Should Do Yoga Together","coverUrl":"zbirsieovqwbzfavztoh.jpg","slug":"couples-yoga","content":{"text":"It’s not new news that relationships of any kind can be challenging. Sometimes in good ways and sometimes bad, but either way, we grow and learn.\\nFriendships, relationships with parents, siblings, coworkers. Even the very strongest bonds between humans can face obstacles. But our relationships with husbands, wives, domestic partners, boyfriends, or girlfriends often involve more unique challenges than any other type of relationship.\\nRomantic bonds are very special bonds. These relationships require a significant amount of attention and work to be and stay healthy.\\nThere are many types of activities which promote healthy romantic relationship growth and maintenance, and today we’re going to address one of our faves! You guessed it! Yoga. \\nBecause your yoga journey is (or should be) a uniquely personal experience, we feel that couples yoga is perfect for those who are longing to not only grow in their yoga practice together but also become more bonded to one another.\\nCouples yoga builds trust, connection, intimacy, compassion, empathy, and still fosters better physical, mental, and emotional health on an individual basis.\\nIf you’ve never tried a couples yoga class before, MyYogaTeacher is a perfect place to start! We offer private yoga classes with authentic, expert, traditional yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! You and your partner can experience personalized attention, individual corrections, and a fun, unique yoga class with instructors that you love and trust and who truly care about you and your partner.\\n\\nGet your 2-week free trial here\\n and also get unlimited access to over 42 different group yoga classes! You can get your yoga in from anywhere in the world there’s WiFi!\\nIn the meantime, let’s talk about why we feel couples should do yoga together!\\n\\n\\n1. Yoga is an opportunity to spend time together.\\nIn this busy, chaotic world, couples prioritize their time together less and less. Notice, we didn’t say they \\nhave less time\\n to spend together. Because that’s simply not true.\\nWe make time for what we truly care about the most. \\nMaking your relationship a priority over almost everything else in your life besides your own selfcare and basic needs is the best way to grow and thrive as a couple. You are still very much individual people. But after that, you’re a pair!\\nYoga is the perfect opportunity for couples to spend time together, prevents distancing, and helps them learn how to better give and take.\\nYoga helps couples create shared moments where they can come together and leave the world behind, create memories, and enjoy their relationship, if only for a brief time in their day.\\n\\n\\n2. Yoga fosters a physical connection.\\nIn a world where we are often met with coldness – blank stares, scowling faces, insincere handshakes, office partitions, and unhappy environments – any chance we get to physically and/or emotionally connect with the warmth and love of our romantic partner is one we should take full advantage of!\\nYoga for couples is a perfect way to connect (or reconnect) physically with your partner.\\nYour skin is your largest organ. When you receive pleasant touches, your brain releases a hormone called oxytocin, which not only lowers feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear but actually helps you build an even stronger emotional bond to your partner.\\nSince touch is an integral part of couples yoga, it makes sense that a regular couples yoga practice will surely strengthen your bond with your romantic partner!\\n\\n\\n3. Couples yoga reduces stress and anxiety.\\nOne of the primary benefits of yoga is stress reduction and relief from anxiety and depression symptoms. \\nAs we’ve discussed, relationships can be stressful. Compromises, disagreements, societal pressures. Being in a romantic relationship requires a certain level of responsibility, which can also be stressful. \\nOn top of that, many people allow the stressors of their work life seep into their personal lives. It’s hard to compartmentalize work life and home life sometimes.\\nExcessive stress and anxiety, if unmanaged, definitely has a negative impact on any relationship, but especially the one with your partner. Couples yoga not only releases oxytocin, a feel good chemical (often called the “love hormone”), yoga allows your body to release other “happiness” hormones.\\nEndorphins, dopamine, and serotonin are all released into the bloodstream during and after your yoga practice. \\nThe connection that comes from doing yoga together plus the mutual release of all of these amazing chemicals helps couples destress, releases anxiety, and allows them to face the world with more peace.\\nThey stay grounded together and lean into each others’ strengths in times of trouble!\\n\\n\\n4. Yoga for couples creates sexual wellbeing and intimacy.\\nIt should come as no surprise that stress and anxiety reduction makes room in your relationship for more intimacy. \\nHowever, couples who are distant, disengaged, out of sync, and have busy lives also usually struggle with maintaining or creating the intimacy and sexual wellbeing many need in their romantic relationships. Additionally, if one or both partners isn’t fit, flexible, or toned, that can affect their self confidence in the bedroom as well as how well they interact physically.\\nCouples yoga (practiced privately) can also include massage, meditation, and mutually beneficial poses that spark intimacy.\\nIt also helps that yoga can be done at home in an area of the house that’s comfortable for you and your partner. Feeling mentally, physically, and emotionally safe is important to creating a healthy sex life, and so if intimacy is your goal, it’s best to practice couples yoga in a place where you both feel very comfortable!\\n\\n\\n5. Couples yoga helps build trust and emotional support.\\nTrust is one of the primary keys to making any relationship work but is especially important to have with your partner. \\nWhen we are romantically involved with another human, we open ourselves up in ways that make us vulnerable. We trust that person to treat us with care, respect, and love when we show them who we truly are.\\nIn this type of partnership, we rely heavily on the emotional support of the other person.\\nCouples yoga requires you to rely partially or entirely on your partner, depending on what pose or poses you’re practicing. The types of poses practiced in couples yoga are often different from those performed in other forms of yoga.\\nIn this process of “letting go,” you will find you and your partner will cling to each other more. The result of this is you and your partner learn more about each other. Strengths, weaknesses, talents, and limitations. \\nNot just physically, but emotionally. \\nWith that knowledge, you both get to create an even deeper bond that allows you both to grow in your practice, your relationship, and as humans in ways you never imagined!\\nAll couples go through ups and downs in their relationship. This is normal! The goal is to have tools to navigate those down times in a way that is not only healthy but brings you closer together. \\nSometimes, you both may just need to do something fun, new, or exciting to make it through those challenging times. Other times, you may need to use couples yoga to reconnect, harmonize, calm down, or build up that much needed trust and emotional support!\\nMyYogaTeacher supports yogis in all walks of life, all ages, all fitness levels. Our yoga teachers always have your wants, needs, and goals in mind during your 1-on-1 and group sessions. \\nWhether you’ve spent your entire life practicing yoga or you haven’t made it to your first forward bend yet, we’d love to see your beautiful face on the mat at MyYogaTeacher! \\nIf you haven’t checked out our affordable 1:1 membership plans,\\n you can sign up for your 2-week free trial and get a look at what’s available to you here!\\n\\nJoin the community of members who are really enjoying the perks of 1:1 instruction at MyYogaTeacher!\\n“Doing yoga 1:1 I get to practice with one teacher who knows what I need and can track progress.” - Erin, MYT member since October 2019\\n“Making a correction with 1:1 yoga is way better than any corrections that are ever made in a group class.” - Michael, MYT member since October 2019\\n“There is more focus on your alignment and you get more personal attention with 1:1. You make progress a lot quicker because the teacher is able to fully focus on you and change the techniques based on your body type and need.” - Kashmira, MYT member since November 2019\\n\\nLearn more and sign up here!\\n\\n\n\n"},"createdAt":"2021-12-23T17:57:28.845262+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"6 Benefits of Private Yoga for Beginner Yogis","coverUrl":"fy4uzszeeumvdaiwrwvp.jpg","slug":"private-yoga-for-beginners","content":{"text":"Whether you’re going to the gym for the first time or the millionth, working out around a lot of people can be intimidating and uncomfortable for many people. As a matter of fact, upwards of 40% of the population of the United States doesn’t go to the gym for those two reasons.\\nFor new yogis or those who want to start their yoga journey, even a virtual group setting can pose problems. \\nThe fear of being judged seems to be the primary one. But we also tend to compare ourselves to others or have concerns about natural human tendencies happening in front of other people (like extreme sweating or flatulence). We’re worried about how we look, how we smell, whether we’re keeping up, doing the poses correctly.\\nFalling out of poses that others have mastered is also a common concern for beginner yogis.\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we want everyone, every \\nbody\\n, to feel and be safe practicing yoga! That’s why we always highly recommend private yoga classes, or what we call 1-on-1’s, for beginner yogis, with authentic, expert yoga instructors.\\nIf you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\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\\nRead on to find out why we’re so passionate about virtual private yoga classes for beginners!\\n\\n\\n1. You get to build your new yoga practice in a safer environment with online private yoga taught live.\\nIf you’re brand new to yoga or haven’t started yet (but are considering it), you might find even the thought of group yoga classes daunting. \\nYou may struggle to keep up in a yoga class with more advanced yogis. Not only is this unsafe, it’s bad practice. Spending time trying to keep up may mean you’re not practicing proper alignment, using the wrong muscles, or not taking advantage of the meditative aspect of yoga. \\nHowever\\n, with a private yoga instructor, your class is tailored to \\nyou\\n! \\nIt is imperative that you learn the basics of yoga correctly. Otherwise, you’re at an increased risk of injury. Private, 1-on-1 instruction is exactly what beginner yogis need to develop a strong foundation from which to build their practice!\\nNo pre-recorded nonsense. Live instruction means real-time corrections and interactions so you're not practicing poses wrong from the start!\\n\\n\\n2. Virtual private yoga taught live means you skip the intimidation, fear, and discomfort of group classes.\\nWhile even experienced yogis often find group classes uncomfortable, we understand that new yogis – or those who want to \\nbegin\\n yoga – may find a group setting particularly scary.\\nYoga is designed to relieve stress, not create it!\\nWhen humans feel free to be themselves, to make mistakes, and to focus on their self-care and health, we aren’t worried about what others are doing, how we look to them. And we aren’t focused on keeping up. \\nOnline private yoga allows yogis the opportunity to truly be themselves. Free.\\n \\nWhen we’re free of intimidation, fear, and self-consciousness, we have room to grow exponentially as humans \\nand\\n as yogis!\\nPlus, virtual yoga taught live means you get to ask your yoga instructor questions and get personalized answers!\\n\\n\\n3. Online private yoga classes, eating plans, and meditation tailored specifically to you.\\n\nJust like fingerprints, everyone’s needs are different. Ever gotten frustrated with trial-and-erroring your way through various fitness programs, dietary choices, or nutritional supplements to see what works for you and what doesn’t?\\nYeah, most people, yogi or not, can relate to this!\\nWith virtual private, 1-on-1 yoga instruction, you don’t just get a yoga class. You get an expert and a friend. Someone with more than just yoga teaching experience but knowledge of how the body works, how \\ndifferent\\n bodies work and what the human body needs to survive and thrive.\\nWith MyYogaTeacher, you also get instruction rooted in ancient traditions that have helped people heal, grow, and thrive for a thousand plus years! Because our yoga teachers come from the birthplace of yoga, India, and are traditionally trained!\\nWith MyYogaTeacher you get to pick from bunches of yoga instructors. Find one that you gel with and that you feel comfortable opening up to! \\nThen the two of you can tailor your practice to your goals.\\nNothing \\npropels your health, your life, forward better or faster than individualized attention! \\n\\n\\n4. Private yoga reduces stress and anxiety without causing more stress and anxiety.\\nYoga is commonly practiced to reduce or eliminate anxiety and help yogis manage stress. But what if your yoga practice \\ncauses\\n you stress and anxiety?\\nManeuvering through traffic to get to your gym or yoga studio, dressing for the occasion, making sure you have all your yoga gear, bringing a change of clothes (if you’re coming from work). Oh, let’s not forget the amount of time all of those extra steps take.\\nPlus, some people are triggered by large groups of people, which makes group yoga counterproductive to combat anxiety.\\nOnline 1-on-1 yoga eliminates the need to do anything after work but come home. Or, you can practice from anywhere in the world you want that has wi-fi! The stress of traveling, people, prepping for class is virtually non-existent! (haha! See what we did there? \\nVirtually\\n nonexistent?)\\nWith that in mind…\\n\\n\\n5. Virtual 1-on-1 yoga means yoga on \\nyour\\n time.\\nOne of the primary reasons people skip the gym (or their yoga practice) is due to scheduling conflicts.\\nAt gyms, most group yoga classes are only offered very early in the morning or later in the evening. Who wants to get home from work, cook, eat, take care of family needs and \\nthen\\n \\ngo back out to do a yoga class?!\\nIf that’s you, kudos! We’re proud of you! \\nBut most people want to have the opportunity to work out when it’s convenient for them. With virtual private yoga classes, you get to schedule your workouts, health, and fitness around your schedule!\\nWhat works for one person may not work for another. That’s why connecting with a private yoga teacher or studio that offers private yoga classes is important for beginners. Beginner yogis often don’t possess the patience that comes with time and growth.\\nIf giving up due to inconvenience, time constraints, or stress is an option, it’s likely a novice yogi will take it – or not start a yoga practice at all! Which makes us sad!\\n\\n\\n6. Private yoga is perfect for people with injuries, health issues, or unique challenges.\\nA common reason new yogis quit or someone never starts their yoga journey is due to previous injuries or chronic health conditions.\\nThey lack the confidence that yoga will benefit them or simply don’t have the know-how to adapt a yoga practice to their unique challenges. But as we’ve said before, we believe yoga is for everyone! \\nHaving access to a personal yoga instructor helps people with varying degrees of disabilities set goals and participate in a consistent, regular yoga routine that will improve their health and mobility, no matter what the challenges are!\\n\\nWhether you’ve spent your entire life practicing yoga or you haven’t made it to your first forward bend yet, we’d love to see your beautiful face on the mat at MyYogaTeacher! \\nIf you haven’t checked out our affordable 1:1 membership plans,\\n you can sign up for your 2-week free trial and get a look at what’s available to you here!\\n\\nJoin the community of members who are really enjoying the perks of 1:1 instruction at MyYogaTeacher!\\n“Doing yoga 1:1 I get to practice with one teacher who knows what I need and can track progress.” - Erin, MYT member since October 2019\\n“Making a correction with 1:1 yoga is way better than any corrections that are ever made in a group class.” - Michael, MYT member since October 2019\\n“There is more focus on your alignment and you get more personal attention with 1:1. You make progress a lot quicker because the teacher is able to fully focus on you and change the techniques based on your body type and need.” - Kashmira, MYT member since November 2019\\n\\nLearn more and sign up here!\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2021-12-15T20:11:14.873149+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Holistic Healing for Turbulent Times: How Yoga Can Save Our Schools","coverUrl":"zek5di6ispr3v4p5bbkb.jpg","slug":"yoga-in-schools","content":{"text":"Approximately 7% of children between the ages of 3-17 suffer from anxiety. Depression affects about 5% of American children and adolescents.\\nDuring the ages when kids are supposed to be being...well, kids, they are, instead, inundated with societal pressures, bullying, the unending pressures of school and standardized testing, and the constant push to do all the things that will make them competitive in the college application process or in the job market.\\nThat’s not even taking into account their home life stressors. \\nIt’s no wonder children and adolescents are increasingly breaking rules, acting out, and not coping well with their life in or out of school.\\nThese days being a kid is complicated at best.\\nBringing a regular yoga practice into schools would not only improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of the students, it could also prevent or stop bullying, drug use, and deviant behavior.\\nLet’s take a look at exactly how yoga can save our schools and what exactly it does to help make everyone’s life better. \\n\\n\\nYoga helps at-risk, depressed, and suicidal children.\\nIt should come as no surprise that marginalized, poverty-stricken children are at higher risk of anxiety, depression, suicide, drug use, and crime than other demographics. \\nThese children are often not equipped to handle the pressures that come with their lack of support. They also aren’t usually given the tools to cope with the challenges in their lives. And so begins their decline in health.\\nBringing yoga into the classroom gives students coping mechanisms to better handle stressful situations, teaches them how to self-soothe in a healthy way, and can prevent the thoughts that lead up to negative behaviors and health.\\nHere are just a few ways research shows yoga helps kids battle anxiety and depression:\\nYoga releases the same “feel-good” chemicals in children as it does in adults.\\nPracticing yoga teaches kids how to regulate their emotions.\\nYogic breathing techniques help kids manage their anxiety better or eliminate it.\\nYoga improves self-esteem and promotes body confidence.\\nYoga and meditation is a tool kids can use anywhere at almost any time.\\nThe bigger picture is not only the fact that yoga helps kids feel better, cope better, regulate their emotions, and reduces the risk of depression, suicide, drug use, and crime.\\nThese effects create a ripple effect.\\nHappier students mean happier teachers. It means more learning, more productive members of society. Lower suicide rates would mean a relief for emergency medical services, police departments and fire departments. Reduce the likelihood of drug use, and our entire society benefits, not just the child.\\nYoga is powerful. Meditation is powerful. And they can be used to save lives or, at the very least, be used as tools in conjunction with other forms of support to help kids be and do better.\\n\\n\\nYoga helps children focus better and improves memory.\\nIf you haven’t read our post on \\n5 Proven Ways Meditation Positively Affects Brain Behavior\\n, you can click that link and go check it out.\\nResearch has increasingly shown that yoga improves cognitive performance in children and adults alike. This is huge, especially for kids who struggle with focus, concentration, and memory. Children with ADD and ADHD particularly struggle with these things.\\nHowever, children who don’t get enough sleep, aren’t well fed, are abused or neglected, or are homeless are also sure to suffer from lack of focus and retention.\\nThere are a multitude of reasons a child or adolescent struggles with cognitive impairments. Whatever the reason, yoga improves focus and memory in children and adolescents.\\nYoga teaches children how to concentrate on the movement of their body, their breath, and how to get those two things to work together seamlessly. It also teaches them how to calm their central nervous system, let go of things in their lives they can’t change and focus on things they can, and eases tension that may prevent them from learning.\\nThe more tools schools give children to help them learn, grow, and thrive, the better off the child is and the better off society (and the school) is!\\n\\n\\nYoga helps kids get and stay physically fit.\\nIn today’s world, children aren’t sent outside to play until the street lights come on. They don’t ride their bikes all over town, and many no longer participate in sports or physical extracurricular activities.\\nScreen time prevails. \\nPhones, computers, gaming consoles, tv’s. Kids are obsessed with social media and YouTube. And, while screens \\ncan\\n be a healthy outlet, they are turning into kids’ \\nonly\\n outlet.\\nScreen time only got worse with the rise of the pandemic. It was a means to communicate, connect, and stay sane for children and adults. \\nBringing yoga into the schools provides an excellent source of fun physical activity. Many children don’t get the proper amount of exercise. Not to mention, sitting at desks all day, focusing, staying still and paying attention is not easy or healthy for long periods of time.\\nKids need to move their bodies!\\nYoga is a physical activity suitable for all children and adolescents of all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities. Fostering their health and fitness leads to adults who care more about their health. This not only prevents illness and disease but alleviates some of the stress on our healthcare systems.\\nMyYogaTeacher supports the inclusion of yoga whenever and wherever possible. While we hope that, one day, yoga will become the norm in classrooms across the country, we understand that progress takes time. In the meantime, if you and your family are interested in trying out, starting, or continuing a regular yoga practice, check out MyYogaTeacher! We offer 35+ group classes taught by expert yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India. And we truly care about your continued health and wellbeing!\\n\\nGet your 2-week free trial here! \\nNo credit card required!\\nNamaste.\\n\n"},"createdAt":"2021-10-27T23:31:42.683507+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"7 New Yoga Trends Popping Up Around the Globe","coverUrl":"pokb9sz9t7gzg5hbbs9v.jpg","slug":"new-yoga-trends","content":{"text":"Here at My Yoga Teacher, we’re never bored by yoga. There’s always something new to learn, a yoga pose we haven’t mastered yet or meditation practices that can get even better.\\nHowever, we understand that some yogis struggle to find the yoga practice that’s a right fit for them, leaving them piecing together various parts of different yoga classes to create one that works.\\nWhile we offer \\nmany\\n types of yoga classes, it has come to our attention that there are some fun new types of yoga popping up all over the place! And that’s exciting! Instructors everywhere are modernizing a thousands year old practice to fit the needs of yogis everywhere.\\nAnd the more people participating in yoga, the more people are reaping the benefits of it. \\nBefore we get started, we want to stress that yoga isn’t just an exercise. It’s an \\nexperience\\n. One that creates happier, healthier, better adjusted, kinder humans. If you can’t find or participate in some of the newest, creative forms of yoga discussed here, we always welcome you to test drive My Yoga Teacher!\\n[CTA-TRENDS]\\n1. Yoga for Men (aka Broga)\\nDon’t laugh. Broga is a real thing! And we think it’s awesome.\\nTraditionally, yoga has a feminine vibe and is practiced by women, by far, more than men. Even though the ancient roots of yoga are derived from sages who were almost certainly men, ladies have flocked to this ancient practice for decades now.\\nWhile Broga or yoga for men is a fitness-based yoga program designed just for men, it truly is open to all. It is a dynamic yoga session combined with \\nHIIT\\n training that focuses on all the major muscle groups that men tend to want to strengthen.\\nIt’s typically an intense and distinctly masculine yoga practice designed to attract more men to yoga!\\n\\n\\n2. Yoga for runners (aka Roga)\\nThis is another hybrid form of yoga designed specifically for runners.\\nRunners encounter their own set of challenges when it comes to fitness. Besides hitting a brick wall when it comes to motivation, runners deal with health struggles such as shin splints, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, blisters, and incontinence.\\nThey also use mostly the same muscles over and over again. Which means they are left open to other types of injuries due to under or over use of various muscle groups.\\nYoga for runners, or Roga, helps runners strengthen and tone their underused muscles safely while increasing flexibility all around. The mindfulness aspect of yoga for runners helps them be more aware of their body’s needs when they run.\\n\\n\\n3. SUP yoga \\nStand up paddle board yoga is probably the newest form of yoga we’ll talk about here! We haven’t tried it, but it definitely looks fun...and challenging.\\nIf you’re a paddle boarder or even a surfer, this new yoga trend is definitely one to check out.\\nBecause paddle boarding and surfing require you to change positions and almost constantly adjust your feet and balance with micromovements, SUP yoga includes a lot of core work. Both paddle boarding and surfing are excellent forms of exercise and are challenging in their own right. \\nSUP yoga helps yogis (who also participate in these types of activities) build strength, flexibility, and balance to be able to more confidently make the adjustments needed to successfully stay on a paddle or surfboard.\\n\\n\\n4. Slackline yoga\\nEver walked on a tightrope? Slack rope? Yeah, us either. But that’s almost exactly what this form of yoga entails.\\nSlackline yoga is particularly for those who are already advanced yogis. Yogis who are looking to challenge themselves even more than they already have or do. Even simple poses prove very challenging in slackline yoga.\\nIn this type of yoga practice, you’ll focus on practicing yoga poses on a 1-inch wide piece of fabric, often an aerial yoga silk or some other form of webbing. The main goal of slackline yoga is to help yogis regulate stress responses and connect with their calmer inner self. No matter what kind of situation they may be in.\\n\\n\\n5. Aerial yoga\\nSpeaking of yoga silks, they are essential to aerial yoga. While this form of yoga has been around for a while, it’s still new to a lot of people. Plus, aerial yoga studios are popping up everywhere as more adventurous yogis are looking for a yoga style that’s more...fun!\\nNot to mention, aerial yoga swings are super accessible for people who want to try aerial yoga out at home.\\nIn aerial yoga, you’ll do the same yoga poses you do on a mat, just in the air. Sounds fun, right? \\nWhile aerial yoga may not be the best for yogis who have disabilities, injuries, or our senior yogis, it \\nis\\n great for yogis of varying fitness levels and sizes. \\nIf you try this form of yoga out somewhere, be prepared to increase your lung function for sure! It’s definitely a work out!\\n\\n\\n6. Yoga for mental fitness\\nMost people think of yoga as a means to build strength, flexibility, and get toned or as an active recovery for other forms of exercise.\\nBut with all the stress in the world recently – a pandemic, wildfires, floods, politics, and social injustice – yoga is a convenient and accessible solution to anxiety, depression, trauma, and other forms of stress.\\nMental fitness yoga is just that. Yoga practiced for the sole purpose of restoring and/or healing your mental health. \\nMany people are jumping into a yoga practice with a focus on mental health for this very reason, but truly, \\nall\\n forms of yoga improve mental health. It even improves your outlook on life in general, including perceptions of aging. Read \\nhere\\n how instructor Kanika Sud, who teaches Yoga for Seniors, believes yoga can transform commonly held beliefs about getting older. Through yogic breathing, self awareness, and meditation, yoga for mental fitness is helpful (and available) for every single human on this planet.\\n7. Yoga capsules\\nWhile this isn’t a specific \\nform\\n of yoga per se, we wanted to include it because something we hear a lot of is that people don’t have enough time for yoga.\\nThe great thing to remember about yoga is that you don’t have to practice for long periods of time in order to reap the rewards of a yoga practice! For people who are super busy, yoga capsules could be their best option for getting their yoga on.\\nYoga capsules are small chunks of various yoga practices that only take 5-15 minutes each. You can practice at different times of day, whenever it’s convenient for you. Taking just short amounts of time to meditate, stretch, and calm your central nervous system will make a huge (positive) impact on your day!\\n\\nAs always, My Yoga Teacher is here to help you start or continue your yoga practice! We’ve made it convenient to take live classes at almost any time of day (or night). \\nGrab your 2-week free trial here\\n and experience one or all of the various types of yoga taught by our highly qualified, expert yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India!\\n\n"},"createdAt":"2021-09-27T17:10:20.685863+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"How to Create Your Own Group Class on MyYogaTeacher","coverUrl":null,"slug":"How-to-Create-Your-Own-Group-Class-on-MyYogaTeacher","content":{"text":"You can now create your own online yoga studio - the classes you want, at the times & days you want, open for the entire community to enjoy! \\nYou might be wondering - how does this work?\\n\\n\\nWell, we call this new feature \\n'Community Created Classes'.\\n You \\nsuggest a type of yoga class, class difficulty level, class description, the time of day, and the day of the week\\n. (You can do this by clicking the \"+\" button on the bottom of the group class list screen)\\nFor example: you can create 'Slow Flow Vinyasa', for beginners, on Mondays at 9AM. Make sure to add a good description so the teachers and other students know what the class is about.\\nFrom there, MyYogaTeacher starts looking for the best teacher to lead your class. If we're able to match a great teacher for your class with the time and day you ask for - \\nwe'll publish the class live on the group class list\\n.\\nYou can invite your friends and family. You can even reach out to the entire MYT community via the chat!\\nThe class will go live for a test period of 4-weeks. As long as the class gets enough attendance, we'll continue it as a regular group class. So it will get a consistent spot on the class list. \\n(If your class doesn't get enough attendance, I recommend you \\nset it up as a Private group class with our Yoga with Friends feature here\\n.)\\nAnd there you have it, \\na class of your own creation – live, for your friends, family, and MYT community to enjoy!\\nIf you have any questions\\n, feel free to reach out to care@myyogateacher.com \\nAnd, if you haven't signed up for MyYogaTeacher yet, you can \\nclick here to get a 14-day free trial!\\n\\nNow let's all yoga together in YOUR personal online yoga studio with live interactive classes!"},"createdAt":"2021-08-24T17:43:00.875655+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"5 Reasons MyYogaTeacher is Perfect For Busy Executives","coverUrl":"bp47nvrubaxaief6xxic.jpg","slug":"yoga-for-busy-people","content":{"text":"Here at myYogaTeacher, we totally understand how busy people get. Your life is so full! Full of work, family, friends, and...well, \\nliving\\n.\\nMaybe it’s also full of stress, time constraints, and burn out.\\nIt can be difficult to carve out that much needed (and always deserved) time for yourself for self-care and exercise. Especially if you’re a busy executive in charge of managing a big business with lots of teams of people depending on you.\\nOne of the great things about yoga is it’s for everyone. And a yoga practice can easily fit into anyone’s big, busy, stressful life! \\nAs a matter of fact, we think yoga is the absolute \\nperfect\\n selfcare solution for white-collar workers just like you.\\nAnd we’ll tell you why!\\n1. First thing’s first! Yoga is \\nthe best\\n for stress relief.\\nStress is definitely not just a white-collar worker’s problem. But executives in all industries do undergo a significant amount of mental and emotional stress.\\nOne of the leading causes of belly fat in men and women is consistently high cortisol levels, the body’s solution to consistently high stress levels! And belly fat is the most dangerous of any other fat on the body.\\nA consistent yoga practice is proven to provide effective stress relief. Yes, scientifically proven. \\nThe combination of meditation, breathing, and movements in yoga lowers blood pressure, cortisol levels, and helps yogis bring more harmony to their inner and outer selves. \\nIt also helps people become (and stay) more aware and present in their lives. The more awareness we have of ourselves, the better able we are to manage our stress!\\n2. Yoga is perfect for executives with busy schedules\\nNot to brag, but myYogaTeacher has plenty of really, really busy corporate working yogis as members. \n\nWhy? Well, we could go on and on, but one of the main reasons we hear is because it’s easy to find a class to suit their needs at almost any time of day. AND they can do yoga almost anywhere with little to no equipment.\\nMyYogaTeacher has classes offered by our amazing, expert yoga instructors even as late as midnight! Nothing like yoga to help you get a good night’s rest! Don’t believe us? \\nGrab your 2-week free trial and see for yourself!\\n\\nEither way, being too busy doesn’t have to be the reason you don’t practice yoga. \\nMore importantly, we care about your well-being, about the health and wellness of people in general. Like truly care. And we know without a doubt that a consistent and regular yoga practice will make a positive impact on your life.\\n3. Yoga prevents burnout\\nThe positive effects of yoga are not short term. Yoga is considered one of the best ways to prevent burnout and to keep it from happening.\\n\nStudies have shown that besides relieving stress, \\ndis\\ntress, and mental and emotional issues related to work, life, or work-life balance (or lack of), a regular yoga practice helps people – like executive workers – stop burnout in its tracks.\\nWhy? Mostly because yogis develop a better sense of awareness of what their physical, mental, and emotional needs are and begin to understand that their work and life suffers when those needs are not met.\\nOne of the primary causes of burnout is lack of sleep or rest (yes, they’re two different things). \\nStress, anxiety, overstimulation, overwhelm, caffeine, bad eating habits, and not drinking enough water can all contribute to sleep problems.\\nYoga is a highly effective solution to sleep issues because it addresses the root cause of those problems.\\nPlus, myYogaTeacher offers 35+ classes, many that are designed specifically to address things like anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.\\n4. A yoga practice is easy to maintain and keep doing.\\nEver started an exercise program with all the intentions of getting in shape, feeling better, and changing your life only to give it up some days, weeks, or months later?\\nIt’s such a defeating feeling. \\nWhatever the reason was for quitting, the core problem was that the exercise program wasn’t sustainable \\nfor you\\n.  And that is completely ok!\\nMaybe it was too hard too fast. Maybe it didn’t give you modifications you need to help with past injuries you’ve had. Maybe it was too easy. Or boring or upbeat or time-consuming. Maybe success within the program didn’t seem attainable.\\nYoga’s not like that. \\nFeel like taking it easy? There’s a yoga class for that. Want a longer, more rigorous workout? Yep, there’s a class for that too. There’s a form of yoga for almost every single person on this planet. \\nChair yoga, bed yoga, yoga with props, yoga without props, yin yoga, hatha yoga, yoga for stress relief, yoga for hormone imbalances. Here at MYT, we’ve got a yoga class for almost anything you could possibly want or need. \\nAnd if you can’t find it? We offer 1:1 sessions to our members as well!\\nYoga is sustainable, motivating, and helps you maintain your momentum! (Once again, another perfect exercise solution for busy corporate workers!)\\n5. Yoga requires little to no equipment or space or travel time\\nThe fact that yoga can be done anywhere with little or no equipment is a really big deal for busy people. For all people!\\nYes, a yoga mat is obviously helpful, but it’s not an absolute necessity! Plus, there are all kinds of travel yoga mats that can be discreetly tucked away and taken with you wherever you’re going.\\nYou don’t need any kind of special clothing to do yoga and you don’t even need to travel anywhere (unless you just want to that is)!\\nIt’s just so...\\nconvenient\\n. \\nYou can’t beat a form of exercise that is sustainable, safe, easy to maintain, doable at any time of day or night, prevents boredom, and can literally be practiced by any human being. Right?\\nNot to mention there is \\nso much\\n science behind this ancient practice demonstrating that it consistently cures a whole host of medical problems!\\nWe’d really love to have you join us at myYogaTeacher! Whether you’re a busy big wig executive or not, you are welcome here. Our instructors are amazing at supporting all their yogi students in any way possible on their health journey. Not just their yoga one. Because they truly do care about bringing wellness to the masses!\\n\\nGo ahead and grab your 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher and check out the huge variety of classes available\\n. We know there is one just for you!\\nNamaste. "},"createdAt":"2021-07-22T19:15:25.152643+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"What Is Iyengar Yoga: Improve Body Alignment With Long Poses & Props","coverUrl":"jc4h9m76ft8o8k6zvblq.jpg","slug":"what-is-iyengar-yoga","content":{"text":"What Is Iyengar Yoga?\\nIyengar yoga is the practice of pranayama and asanas that's combined to emphasize body alignment, planned sequencing and timing, and the use of props like blocks, straps, bolsters, and benches to support the body.\\n\\nAll types of yoga work through physical postures, meditation, and pranayama to bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. And Iyengar yoga is no different.\\nIyengar yoga uses precise body alignment supported by various props to give practitioners confidence and courage. It's a methodical yoga practice that is accessible and beneficial to just about anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or health issues.\\nIyengar, unlike Vinyasa, focuses on poses that are held for an extended time instead of flowing through each pose quickly. In fact, there's no flow to Iyengar yoga. Instead, practitioners hold each pose for a length of time, focusing on perfecting alignment.\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nOrigins of Iyengar Yoga\\nThe term \"Iyengar yoga\" is what students of B.K.S. Iyengar began calling his style of yoga in the 1970s to differentiate it from the \\nother styles of yoga\\n.\\nIyengar was born in India in December 1918 and learned yoga from his brother-in-law, T. Krishnamacharya to improve his health. Iyengar started teaching yoga himself in 1936 but it wasn't until 1975 that the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute was founded in Pune, India. This was the precursor to the founding of the Iyengar Yoga Institute in 1982, in London.\\nCertified Iyengar Yoga Teachers must complete rigorous training to earn the right to describe their instruction as Iyengar Yoga.\\nBenefits of Iyengar Yoga\\nIyengar yoga, like all styles of yoga, offers several benefits. Here are a few of the predominant benefits you can expect:\\nImproved Alignment\\nIyengar yoga prioritizes proper alignment over moving deeper into a pose. This emphasis on alignment helps practitioners relieve pain, adjusts the spine, and improves muscle and joint health.\\nIncreased Body Awareness\\nThis style of yoga is particularly beneficial with it comes to increasing body awareness, or proprioception. Thanks to the focus on precise alignment and breathing, practitioners are able to better understand how their bodies take up and move in space in a more accurate way.\\nOverall Healing\\nIyengar yoga goes beyond postures. This practice extends into living in a yogic way, meaning living a life that's free from self-harm and harm to others. There's an expectation that practitioners will study and live yoga philosophy and the eight limbs of yoga.\\nWhat to Expect in an Iyengar Class\\n\\nIyengar yoga\\n focuses on three things:\\nAlignment:\\n Props are used to help practitioners get into poses while supporting their bodies and respecting their bodies' boundaries. The emphasis on alignment is intended to help practitioners achieve balance between the mind, body, and spirit without putting their bodies in stressful positions or putting themselves at risk.\\nSequencing:\\n While Iyengar classes don't have a set series that is followed for every class (like Ashtanga does), each class will follow a sequence chosen by the instructor to lead practitioners through a safe progression.\\nTiming:\\n Iyengar prioritizes alignment and stability over flow. This means that the poses will be held for a longer amount of time than you may be used to if you've only ever practiced Vinyasa or power yoga.\\nIyengar Yoga Poses: A Quick Sequence You Can Do at Home\\nThis Iyengar yoga series comes from the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York:\\nStart in Tadasana and warm up by moving between Tadasana and Urdhva Hastasana three times.\\nFrom Tadasana, move into Urdhva Baddhanguliyasana, interlocking your fingers above your head. Repeat this movement, alternating the interlocking pattern of your fingers.\\nMove into Vrksasana. Alternate sides and repeat.\\nMove into Utthita Trikonasana. Alternate sides and repeat.\\nMove into Utthita Parsvakonasana. Alternate sides and repeat.\\nMove into Parsvottanasana. Alternate sides and repeat.\\nMove into Prasarita Padottanasana. Repeat.\\nMove into Adho Mukha Svanasana. Repeat.\\nMove into Urdhva Prasarita Padasana. Stay here for five minutes.\\nEach of these poses should be held for up to a minute or longer. If you're pressed for time, prioritize repetitions over holding the poses for time.\\nDifferences Between Iyengar and Vinyasa Yoga\\nHere are the key differences between Iyengar yoga and \\nVinyasa yoga\\n:\\nIn Iyengar, postures are held longer. Vinyasa yoga links breath to movement and practitioners flow through poses quickly. Poses in Iyengar are held for up to a minute before practitioners transition (instead of flowing) to the next posture.\\nIyengar emphasizes alignment whereas Vinyasa practitioners are encouraged to be curious and explore the practice on their own.\\nIyengar classes tend to set aside time to discuss \\nyoga philosophy\\n and cues tend to be given in Sanskrit. This isn't as common in a Vinyasa class.\\nIn Iyengar, sequences are put together with the intent of preparing practitioners for each progressive pose.\\nDifferences Between Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga\\nHere are the key differences between Iyengar and \\nAshtanga\\n:\\nAshtanga connects movement with Ujjayi breath and is meant to increase the heart rate and make practitioners sweat.\\nAshtanga uses a set series of poses that don't vary, no matter who is leading the class.\\nAshtanga focuses on cleansing and purifying whereas Iyengar focuses on alignment.\\nStart Your Iyengar Yoga Practice With myYogaTeacher\\nAnyone can practice Iyengar. Thanks to the focus on alignment and the use of props, it's perfect for those of us who want to start practicing yoga but might have physical limitations. Of course, that doesn't mean Iyengar is easy. You'll probably still break a sweat and start feeling the burn in your muscles.\\nIf you're interested in starting your Iyengar practice, we invite you to \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n. With myYogaTeacher, you'll get access to 40+ live online classes every single day, each led by highly experienced Indian teachers.\\nEach Iyengar Yoga class follows a unique sequence that focuses on one or two parts of the body. You'll learn to pay close attention to anatomical details and alignment of each pose as well as how to modify each pose with props like belts, blocks, pillows, and more to cultivate strength, flexibility, stability, and awareness."},"createdAt":"2021-06-30T00:55:29.016022+00:00","author":{"name":"My Yoga Teacher","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"What Is Yin Yoga: Long Holds, Props, and a Wealth of Benefits","coverUrl":"gnawii6allphd4zcdbyu.png","slug":"what-is-yin-yoga","content":{"text":"What Is Yin Yoga?\\nYin yoga is a very slow-paced style of yoga where poses are held for a long time — anywhere between five and twenty minutes — to target and stretch deep connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, and fascia.\\n\\nWe're all so busy and constantly connected these days. And while that may be good from a productivity standpoint, the constant buzz of modern life can cause serious problems with our physical, mental, and emotional health.\\nThe truth is, our bodies aren't meant to be in a state of constant stress with the sympathetic nervous system always on and ready to initiate that \"fight-flight-freeze\" response. As a result of constant stress, our bodies and minds become agitated, anxious, and fearful.\\nAnd so the cycle continues.\\nWe start experiencing this anxiety in our physical body as aches, pains, and tightness. This makes it so important to focus on activities that will help us calm our nervous systems and our minds.\n\n⁠And that's where Yin yoga comes in.\\n[CTA-YIN]\\nOrigins of Yin Yoga\\nYin yoga combines concepts from both Indian and Chinese practices. From India, it adapts the postures of \\nHatha yoga\\n, marrying those poses with martial arts. Western yoga teachers like Paulie Zin, Sarah Powers, and others have contributed to modern Yin practice through integrating Buddhist meditative practice and Taoist principles.\\nThe Three Tattvas of Yin Yoga: Edge, Stillness, Time\\nTattva is the reality of something, its principle nature. There are three simple tattvas for a Yin yoga practice:\\nEdge\\nYour edge is how deep you go into each pose. This is very personal and the purpose is to go to where the body naturally stops you and stay there. Over time, your edge will change, meaning you'll be able to go deeper into a pose.\\nStillness\\nOnce you find your edge, stay there (as long as you're free from pain). Resting into Yin poses helps the deep connective tissues release.\\nTime\\nPoses are held for a long time in Yin yoga. This gives you time to fully release into a pose, getting the most benefit from each pose.\\nWhat Are the Benefits of Yin Yoga?\\nYin yoga is a wonderful complement to more physically demanding styles of yoga. And, like other yoga practices, \\nYin yoga\\n has several benefits to help us stay flexible and avoid injury. Here are some of the ways Yin can benefit you:\\nLengthens Connective Tissues and Increases Flexibility\\nYin yoga is all about holding poses for a long period of time. The purpose of this is to target the fascia, deep connective tissues around the muscles. This is also beneficial to other connective tissues like ligaments and tendons that tend to lose elasticity through aging and being underused. Through Yin yoga, we can increase flexibility in those connective tissues and offer better support to our joints, reducing joint stiffness, limited mobility, and pain.\\nBoosts Circulation\\nWhile it may seem counterintuitive, holding poses for a longer period of time can improve circulation. This is because you're giving your body more time to move oxygen through the body to its muscles and organs.\\nReduces Stress and Encourages Mindfulness\\nIf you've never experienced the deep calm that comes from a Yin yoga class, you're truly missing out on something special. Yoga is documented for helping to lower stress and anxiety, and Yin yoga is particularly adept at this thanks to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.\\nYin also encourages mindfulness through silence and stillness. As you relax into a pose and stay there for an extended period of time, your mind is given the space it needs to experience emotions that you might be pushing away.\\nWho Should Practice Yin Yoga?\\nEverybody!\\nYin yoga is a highly accessible \\ntype of yoga\\n that just about anyone can practice. Yin relies heavily on props to keep the body both stretched and supported and is a very slow-moving practice. If you come across a pose that doesn't work for your body, there are always going to be alternatives you can use instead.\\nWhat to Expect in a Yin Yoga Class\\nWhile no two studios or teachers are the same, there are a few typical features of Yin yoga that you can expect in any Yin yoga class.\\nLong Holds and Deep Stretches\\nPoses in Yin yoga can be held for two to five minutes up to 10 minutes or longer. Practitioners are encouraged to observe how the poses feel and let go, not dwelling on any particular sensation and, instead, letting the body really relax into the pose.\\nProps\\nProps are used in Yin because the length of time you hold the pose is much more important than how intense the pose is. Practitioners are encouraged to find their \"edge\" in each pose, the level of intensity that you can comfortably hold for a period of time. The props are there to help support your body at that edge without moving beyond it.\\nQuiet Time\\nYin yoga is deeply meditative. As such, most Yin classes include a lot of silence so you can listen to your breath and direct your awareness inward.\\nGentle Guidance\\nWe mentioned earlier that Yin is an accessible practice. That extends to the language that's used in Yin classes. Teachers will usually have variations available in case a pose doesn't work for your body and you'll likely be encouraged to use more props than you may think you need to support your body.\\nPractice Yin Yoga With myYogaTeacher\\nYin yoga strives to create a balance between the physical, mental, and emotional. In a world that's constantly on the move, a Yin practice can help restore balance.\\nIt focuses on the cooling energy of the body and, unlike an active practice that targets the muscles and builds strength, Yin yoga works into the connective tissue of the body to enhance flexibility.\\nThe postures in Yin yoga are held passively, often for several minutes, so the body finds a way to completely relax the muscles while in a pose. Holding poses for an extended period of time brings the mind and heart into a calm, meditative state.\\nSounds heavenly, doesn't it?\\nIf you're interested in practicing Yin yoga with us, we'd love to see you in class! You can \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n and get access to our Yin yoga classes along with 40+ other live online yoga classes every single day."},"createdAt":"2021-06-23T01:23:01.93939+00:00","author":{"name":"My Yoga Teacher","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"myYogaTeacher has a New Look and Feel!","coverUrl":"deoojih5d48c5oxdqib5.jpg","slug":"myYogaTeacher-New-Look-and-Feel","content":{"text":"We've upgraded our website. \\n\\nFirst – What's the same?\\n\\nWe are who we've always been. \\nYour classes and teachers will continue to give you the best, most authentic yoga experience possible!\\n\\nThe \\nfunctionality of the website and app is all the same\\n, so you can continue to book and join classes with ease.\\n\\nOver time, we will continue to improve the functionality and ease of the website. We usually do this based on feedback from students like you.\\n\\nWhat's New?\\n\\nThe \\nnew look and feel of the website is meant to\\n reflect our community values and mission – to help you feel healthier and happier every day!\\n\\nThe site is lighter, happier, cleaner, less cluttered. \\n\\nRight now, you'll notice most of the changes are on the homepage \\nmyyogateacher.com\\n and our articles \\nmyyogateacher.com/articles\\n.\\n\\nBut the biggest change is...\\n\\nOur New Logo – The Banyan Tree\\n\\n\\n\\nWe invite you to join us as we reconnect with ourselves, and each other, under the banyan tree.\\n\\nMake sure to \\ntake note of the new logo (the Banyan Tree in the top pic)\\n, so you can find the app on your phone and continue to join amazing yoga classes with your myYogaTeacher community!\\n\\nIf you don't have it already, \\nyou can download the app here\\n."},"createdAt":"2021-05-27T20:36:03.515244+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"What is a Community Created Class?","coverUrl":"pselzy6nubjte1ugsfkp.jpg","slug":"what-is-community-created-class","content":{"text":"Community Created Classes are group classes created by the myYogaTeacher community. You, other students, and MYT teachers can create these classes.\\n\\nHow Does it Work?\\n\\nYou click the \"Suggest Class\" button on the class list page (on mobile it will be \"+\" in the bottom right).\\n\\nAfter that, you let us know what kind of class you want to create, the time, day of the week, experience level, and the launch date of the class.\\n\\nThen, we'll take it from there.\\n\\nmyYogaTeacher staff will try to find a teacher who is both qualified to lead the class AND has availability at that time.\\n\\nWe'll let you know if we can match your class request with a great teacher. If so, your class will go live on the launch date you specified!\\n\\nWhat Happens After the Class is Created?\\n\\nThe class will be posted to the regular group class list page. It's open to the entire MYT community to join (and anyone you invite)!\\n\\nFrom there, the class will run for a trial period of 4 consecutive weeks. If it gets enough attendance, it will become a regularly schedule group class!\\n\\nIf enough students don't join, we'll have to remove it from the class list (we do this with classes created by the Class Curation Team too).\\n\\nHow Can I Help my Community Created Class to Continue Regularly?\\n\\nCommunity Created Classes will only continue after the 4 week trail period if there is enough attendance. (We can't predict the exact number of students required because it depends on many factors) \\n\\nThe best way to get your class to continue after the 4 week trial period is to invite friends. \\n\\nYou can use the \"share\" button on the class page, or the share link in the confirmation email (sent once we match the class with a teacher). \\n\\nSending that link to friends through social media, text message / WhatsApp, or even in the myYogaTeacher group chats is a great way to make sure others know about your class and join!\\n\\nHow Much Do Community Created Classes Cost?\\n\\nIn many ways, these classes are just like group classes.\\n\\nIt costs nothing to suggest a group class (ie. Community Created Class). And the rate for Community Created Classes are the same as for regular group classes.\\n\\nHow do I Pick the Teacher for the Community Created Class?\\n\\nWe cannot ensure you get a specific teacher for a Community Created Class. If that is very important to you, you can either use the chat to ask the teacher to set up the Community Created Class themselves. Or you can schedule a \\nYoga with Friends\\n.\\n\\n\\nIf you have any other questions, you can email \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to get a quick answer!\\n"},"createdAt":"2021-05-21T15:30:32.747854+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Hatha Yoga: What It Is and How It Balances Mind and Body","coverUrl":"aksqrww1vxtvylmg7m6e.png","slug":"what-is-hatha-yoga","content":{"text":"Hatha yoga is any style of yoga that focuses on attaining balance through pranayama (breath) and asana (body). It's an umbrella term that contains yoga styles like Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, Iyengar, power yoga, and more.\\n\\nCheck out the class schedule for most yoga studios and you'll find a Hatha yoga class. It's a popular style of yoga that has a long history.\\n\\nThe term \"Hatha\" comes from the Sanskrit \\nha\\n (\"sun\") and \\nta\\n (\"moon\"). Combined with the term \"yoga,\" which comes from the word \\nyug\\n (\"union\"), Hatha yoga is the balance of the sun and moon energy that lies in all of us.\\n[CTA-HATHA]\\nWhat Is Hatha Yoga?\\nHatha yoga has long been an umbrella term for any type of yoga that combines asana (poses) and pranayama (breathing). Over time in the west, Hatha yoga has come to describe a certain type of yoga—slower-paced and more meditative.\\n\\nThis differs from something like \\nVinyasa\\n mostly in the pacing. Most Vinyasa classes feature a flow of poses at a moderate pace. Hatha yoga classes, on the other hand, tend to include more guidance and detail about how to do the poses.\\n\\nThe Origins and Evolution of Hatha Yoga\\nThe origins of Hatha yoga are a bit muddy. The oldest Hatha yoga text is the Amrtasiddhi, which dates back to 11th century India. It doesn't actually mention the term but is still considered a source for the style. Later, in the 15th century, came the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, written by Svātmārāma as a compilation of earlier Hatha Yoga texts.\\nAccording to the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā, Hatha creates conditions for samādhi (\"meditative consciousness\") through:\\nAsana\\nPranayama\\nMudras (hand gestures)\\nKriyas (purification techniques)\\nMeditation\\nEthical living\\nCreating the right environment\\nWhile the earliest forms of this style of yoga are documented in the 11th century, Hatha yoga has evolved into two subtypes:\\n\\nClassical Hatha\\nClassical Hatha is thought to be the yoga detailed in the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā and is used to improve energy and direct energy flow to reach samādhi. It's more common in India but can be found in some western yoga studios. While the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā mentions that there are 84 asanas, it only describes 15 of them.\\n\\nModern Hatha\\nModern Hatha yoga focuses more on asanas. This subtype of Hatha yoga showed up in the 1920s in India and is the result of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya fusing Hatha with elements of wrestling and gymnastics. Most of what we think of as yoga in the west comes from this version of Hatha yoga.\\n\\nTo learn more about yoga philosophy, \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of MyYogaTeacher\\n and join a \\nyoga philosophy class\\n!\\n\\nThe Hatha Yoga Path\\nHatha yoga teaches us how to use our bodies and minds for self-realization. While modern Hatha yoga emphasizes \\nstrengthening and purifying the body\\n, the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā teaches us that the body is truly just an instrument.\\n\\nIf you choose to follow the Hatha yoga path, your goal will be balance and moderation in all things—eating, sleeping, movement, and emotions. Through this balance, you'll be able to move safely through the world and meet challenges from a place of physical, mental, and emotional strength and calm.\\n\\nHow Does Hatha Differ From Vinyasa?\\n\\nWhile Vinyasa falls under the umbrella of Hatha yoga, there are several key differences you're likely to find between Hatha and Vinyasa classes.\\nAsana:\\n Hatha yoga classes tend to include a combination of \\nkriyas\\n, \\nmudras\\n, \\npranayamas\\n, \\nmeditation\\n, and asanas. While Vinyasa might include these, it's also quite likely that your Vinyasa class will only include asanas.\\nTime Spent in Pose:\\n In Hatha, poses are generally held for longer (from three breaths to up to a few minutes). Again, Vinyasa classes might include poses held for longer periods of time, but you'll likely find that the poses are moved through rather than held.\\nFlow:\\n Vinyasa classes tend to focus on longer sequences on a single side followed by transitional poses to then repeat the longer sequence on the other side. Hatha classes generally have less \"flow,\" sometimes with practitioners simply stepping from one pose into the next, and the poses are often done on one side then immediately on the other side.\\nVariety:\\n \\nVinyasa yoga\\n classes sometimes incorporate movements inspired by martial arts, \\ndance\\n, and calisthenics or might include therapeutic movements and plyometrics. Hatha classes are more likely to include traditional poses.\\n[CTA-GC]\\nBenefits of Hatha Yoga\\nLike all styles of yoga, Hatha has several benefits. Yoga has been shown to lower blood pressure, help manage chronic disease, treat pain, improve mental health, and a lot more.\\n\\nFitness:\\n In a \\n2015 study\\n of Chinese adults, cardio endurance, muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility improved after just a 12-week Hatha yoga practice. Another \\n2015 study\\n showed that once a week 90-minute Hatha yoga sessions helped the subjects (older women) improve spine and hamstring flexibility.\\nBalance:\\n A \\n2014 study\\n of 34 men showed better postural control and balance after a five-month Hatha yoga practice. Participants in a \\n2016 study\\n improved core muscle strength and balance in just 21 days of hatha yoga practice.\\nMental Health:\\n A \\n2016 meta-analysis\\n of 17 studies with a total of 501 patients, showed preliminary support for Hatha yoga as a treatment for anxiety. According to a \\n2013 systematic review\\n, yoga can boost serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (\"feel good\" neurotransmitters). A \\n2017 study\\n even found that Hatha yoga can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels and increase confidence when practiced right before a stressful event or task.\\nArthritis and Fibromyalgia:\\n NCCIH found that there's some evidence to support yoga's benefits for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.\\nBack and Neck Pain:\\n A \\n2008 review\\n found that yoga helps prevent and manage lower back pain. And, A \\n2019 meta-analysis\\n found that yoga potentially improves the range of motion in the neck to reduce the intensity of neck pain.\\nMindfulness:\\n In a \\n2018 survey\\n of 1,820 young adults, those who experienced greater mindfulness and motivation to engage in other healthy activities attributed those results to a regular yoga practice.\\nFollow the Hatha Yoga Path With MyYogaTeacher\\n\\nHatha yoga\\n is a slower, more mindful and meditative yoga practice and one of the most popular styles of yoga. It's an excellent option for a broad range of people and is especially helpful for beginners to yoga since Hatha classes tend to include more guidance that will help beginners get comfortable with unfamiliar poses.\\n\\nEach Hatha yoga class at myYogaTeacher is designed to include the integration of opposites. This means that poses contracting the body will be followed by poses that expand the body. This brings balance to the body and mind.\\n\\nWe invite you to \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n so you can join us for a Hatha yoga class where you'll experience poses and breathing techniques that work together to bring you balance, flexibility, strength, clarity of mind, and relaxation.\\n\\nIn addition to Hatha yoga classes at the beginner and intermediate levels, you'll also get access to 35+ additional live online yoga classes every single day. So, even if Hatha isn't your thing, rest assured that we have a class for you—from \\nAshtanga\\n to Iyengar to Vinyasa and everything in between and beyond!"},"createdAt":"2021-05-18T23:13:52.014191+00:00","author":{"name":"My Yoga Teacher","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Yoga 101: What Is Yoga? Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Started","coverUrl":"ozfwdauigdcdmkiwkeqs.png","slug":"yoga-101-what-is-yoga","content":{"text":"What Is Yoga?\\nYoga is an approach to physical and mental health and wellbeing that has been around for thousands of years. According to Sadhguru, the word \"yoga\" means \"that which brings you to reality.\" Taken literally, the word means \"union.\" Many take this to mean a \"union of the body and mind.\" Some might add \"spirit\" to the mix.\\n\\nThe word comes from the Sanskrit root word \"yuj,\" which means \"union,\" \"integration,\" or \"wholeness.\"\\n\\nThere are more than 300 million people in the world who practice yoga, according to the Yogi Times and the Economic Times. And roughly half of that number is yoga practitioners from India, but more and more people around the world are coming to yoga for various reasons, including 36 million people in the United States who make yoga a nearly $12 billion industry in the country (Statista). In this Yoga 101 article, you'll learn more about the practice of yoga, different yoga paths and styles, and the benefits of yoga.\\n\\nTo get the best possible understanding of yoga, we encourage you to \\nsign up for a free two-week of myYogaTeacher\\n. Once inside, you'll have two weeks to try more than 35 live online yoga classes every single day from Indian teachers who have a comprehensive understanding of the entire yoga practice. We even offer a \\nYoga 101 class\\n that you'll probably enjoy if you're here reading this article!\\n\\nPaths of Yoga\\n\\n\\nYoga philosophy\\n tells us that the cause of our suffering is a disconnection from our true self. That's why Vedanta offers four yoga paths to help us reconnect with our true selves. Let's take a look at these four paths of yoga: Bhakti, Jnana, Karma, and Raja.\\n\\nBhakti Yoga (Devotion)\\nBhakti yoga is the path of yoga built on self-realization through devotion. It's typically practiced through kirtans or bhajans (devotional chants) and helps practitioners work through intense emotions by focusing on the divine being.\\nBhakti yoga is all about prayer, worship, and ritual that gets the practitioners closer to the spirit, letting the ego and desire go.\\n\\nJnana Yoga (Knowledge and Wisdom)\\nJnana comes from the Sanskrit for \"knowledge.\" This is the path of intellect and wisdom and involves the study of sacred texts as well as contemplation and self-analysis. Those practicing Jnana are seeking to break through illusion to find the true meaning of life.\\n\\nJnana yoga is called the \"science of the self,\" by Swami Sivananda and the philosophy of Vedanta teaches self-inquiry to discover your true nature.\\n\\nKarma Yoga (Selfless Service)\\nKarma means \"action.\" Through Karma yoga, we learn to be kind and compassionate without expecting anything—even kindness and compassion—in return. Karma yoga is practiced through any acts of service when you put others’ needs before your own and feel grounded during these acts.\\n\\nThis practice is \"work as worship,\" cosmic love and tolerance when we act without expectation of personal gain. It is seen as liberating, through selfless service we free ourselves from karmic bonds and find peace.\\n\\nRaja Yoga (Meditation)\\nThe fourth path of yoga we're going to talk about is Raja yoga. Raja means \"royalty\" or \"kind\" in Sanskrit and balances the three other paths (Bhakti, Jnana, and Karma) to help you find inner peace and self-awareness. While asanas and pranayamas are integral to Raja, the main practice is silent \\nmeditation\\n.\\n\\nThis type of yoga is also known as Ashtanga because the practice can be divided into \\neight limbs\\n:\\nYamas, or ethical standards: Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), Aparigraha (non-attachment), and Satya (truthfulness)\\nNiyamas, or self-discipline: Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (study), Isvara Pranidhana (surrender)\\nAsana: the postures practiced in yoga\\nPranayama: breath control\\nPratyahara: internal awareness\\nDharana: concentration\\nDhyana: meditation\\nSamadhi: fulfillment, joy, ecstasy\\nStyles of Yoga\\n\\nNow that you have a better understanding of the paths of yoga, let's turn our attention to the styles of yoga that you might find in any yoga studio. Styles of yoga range quite a bit, from power yoga and other demanding classes, to gentle yoga, and more meditative classes.\\n\\nSome of the styles of yoga have a yoga lineage (like Kriya, Hatha, Ashtanga, and others), but yoga lineage has become less important to practitioners as yoga becomes more readily available to different cultures and people around the world.\\n\\nThis is by no means a complete list of the different styles of yoga. Inside \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n, you'll also find offerings like gentle yoga, chair yoga, and therapeutic yoga for things like thyroid, \\ndiabetes\\n, and more.\\n\\nKriya Yoga\\nKriya yoga is an ancient practice that includes pranayama and meditation. Swami Paramahansa Yogananda is the guru known for bringing Kriya yoga to the Western world. This style of yoga uses meditation to lead practitioners to spirituality.\\n\\nHatha Yoga\\nHatha yoga is a broad term that encompasses yoga styles using asanas (poses). \\nHatha classes\\n tend to be slower-paced and train practitioners to regulate their breath and meditate while in poses. It's truly a \"moving meditation.\"\\n\\nVinyasa Yoga\\nVinyasa yoga uses movement and breath, similar to Hatha. However, \\nVinyasa\\n tends to be a faster pace and flows through asanas rather than holding them. It's a physically demanding practice without a set structure.\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga\\nAshtanga yoga is another physically demanding style of yoga that helps increase flexibility, as well as build strength and stamina. With Ashtanga, practitioners work through the same series of poses every time.\\n\\nIyengar Yoga\\nIyengar yoga was created by B.K.S. Iyengar in the 1960s. This style of yoga focuses on precise movements and alignment. Poses are generally held for a long time and props are used to help practitioners perfect their form or get deeper into poses.\\n\\nKundalini Yoga\\n\\nKundalini yoga\\n is a spiritual and physical yoga practice designed to release the energy trapped in the lower spine. This style of yoga uses fast-paced postures and breathing, chanting, mantra, and meditation. It was introduced in the West during the 1970s by Yogi Bhajan.\\n\\nBikram Yoga\\nBikram yoga is often called \"hot yoga\" since it is practiced in a humid, heated room (105º and 40% humidity). It's named after Bikram Choudhury and includes a series of 26 postures, performed twice, in a fast flow. It's a challenging practice that improves endurance and flexibility. As more and more practitioners try to distance themselves from the style's founder, you'll find a deviation from the series of postures as well as room temperatures and humidity.\\n\\nYin Yoga\\nYin yoga focuses on seated postures held for long periods of time. It's a slower-paced style of yoga and can be quite meditative. Poses are generally held from 45 seconds to two minutes.\\n\\nPower Yoga\\nThere are several different forms of \\npower yoga\\n but it's always intense and fast-paced. It combines flexibility, strength, concentration, and breathwork into a flowing style and was originally created for athletes.\\n\\nRestorative Yoga\\nOn the opposite end of the yoga spectrum from power yoga is restorative yoga. This style of yoga focuses on body relaxation and freeing your mind. It borrows pieces from several other yoga styles. Like Iyengar, \\nrestorative yoga\\n practice encourages the use of props to encourage complete relaxation through body support. Like Yin, the poses in restorative yoga are held for a long time (though much longer than in Yin).\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga\\nSo far, we've covered the paths of yoga as well as several different styles of yoga. But you may be wondering why you'd practice yoga in the first place.\\n\\nThere have been so many scientific studies about the practice of yoga and its benefits. Those benefits range from physical to mental to emotional. Here are some of the benefits you can expect.\\nBetter posture. Yoga postures can help strengthen shoulder and back muscles. That strength then leads to better posture.\\nImproved flexibility and mobility through a combination of active movement and held stretches.\\nIncreased strength. Yoga isn't easy. Many of the poses \\nchallenge muscles\\n in the legs, shoulders, and core.\\nCardiovascular strength and endurance. Several yoga styles can improve your cardio through movement and flowing poses that increase the heart rate.\\nBetter brain function and stress management. Many styles of yoga include meditation that has been shown to calm the mind, relieve stress and tension, improve concentration, and stabilize mood. The addition of Mudras (hand positions) and Pranayama, or controlled breathing, only heightens those positive effects.\\nWrapping Up\\nBy now, you should have a much better understanding of what yoga is, the paths and styles of yoga, as well as which forms of yoga you might want to check out. To gain access to different styles of yoga, we invite you to \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n where you'll find 35+ live online yoga classes of various styles every single day to choose from."},"createdAt":"2021-05-04T12:54:40.207865+00:00","author":{"name":"My Yoga Teacher","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"What is 'Yoga with Friends'?","coverUrl":"yoga-for-flexibility-poses-1.png","slug":"what-is-yoga-with-friends","content":{"text":"Yoga with Friends is a healthy way for you to stay connected with friends, by doing a private group yoga class online.\\n\\nEach Session Feeds Food Insecure Children\\n\\nFor each paid Yoga with Friends session, you give about 2 meals to food insecure children in India.\\n\\nWe've \\npartnered with Give India\\n, so a portion of your Yoga with Friends fee is donated on your behalf. \\nEvery time you book a class, you'll see exactly how many meals you're donating to hungry children in India.\\n\\nNote:\\n For 2-weeks, 100% of Proceeds from Yoga with Friends donated to supply Oxygen to critical COVID patients in India.\\nYou've probably seen that COVID is rampaging through India, tearing apart families, and leaving hospitals crippled by an overflow of cases. The supply of oxygen and ventilators is critically low. Too many people are dying simply because they can't get the oxygen they need. You might be looking for a way to help our brothers and sisters in India. Right now, what they need more than anything is Oxygen. For 2-weeks, starting May 3rd, 100% of the proceeds from Yoga with Friends sessions will be donated to \\nGive India's Oxygen Campaign\\n.\\n\\nSo your yoga practice will help you to live a healthier and happier life, while also making a positive impact on our global community.\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga with Friends\\n\\nIn a time of increased disconnection and discontentment, Yoga with Friends is an amazing way to take care of yourself.\\n\\nWe first created yoga with friends during the height of the COVID Pandemic in the US. We were all feeling isolated and bored of the typical zoom get-together. So we decided to create a way for people to connect with loved ones and have a healthy fun activity.\\n\\nHow to Get Started\\n\\nYou \\ncreate a free account\\n, then pick one of our 100+ expert yoga teachers. After that, just choose a time that works for you and invite your friends!\\n\\nYour first Yoga with Friends class is always free. You can \\nclick here to create an account and get started now!\\n\\n\\nStep-by-Step:\\n\\n1. Go to \\nmyYogaTeacher.com\\n and create your free account\\n2. Click the \"Book a class\" button and then select \\n\"Book Yoga with Friends\"\\n\\n3. After that use the Date & Time selector at the top to choose a good time for you\\n4. Then pick your teacher and invite your friends with the easy to share link!\\n\\nWe'll send you an email confirmation with a Zoom link to join your private group Yoga with Friends session!\\n\\nYou can \\ncheck out the FAQ here\\n to find answers to common questions. And if you still aren't sure about something, you can always email us at \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n and we'll help you get started"},"createdAt":"2021-05-02T17:46:33.942735+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"5 Ways Yoga Specifically Benefits Women","coverUrl":"dfekrugui0eu4hvygi99.jpg","slug":"yoga-for-women","content":{"text":"Nothing against men or anything, but women go through way more changes throughout their lives than men do. Physiologically, mentally, and emotionally.\\n\\nThat’s what happens when you’re the source of life energy for the whole planet. ;-)\\n\\nSeriously, though. A woman’s world can be truly taxing.\\n\\nWe advance through multiple phases of life. And sometimes we need relief from what can seem like an unending burden of just being a woman. \\n\\nAs a woman myself, and one who has already experienced many of the stages of life women go through, I wanted to offer a \\nYoga for Women class with myYogaTeacher\\n. Because yoga helps women transition through these phases with more ease, grace, and comfort.\\n\\nIf you haven’t signed up for myYogaTeacher yet, I invite you to do so! \\nYou can grab a 2-week free trial here!\\n\\n\\nThere are yoga poses that will be beneficial to women in particular, but there are also other ways yoga supports women through all of their many life changes!\\n\\n\\n1. Yoga helps with premenstrual symptoms.\\n\\nDid you know yoga is often recommended as a treatment option for PMS? That’s because scientific research has shown yoga to be an effective tool for minimizing the effects of PMS on women.\\n\\nNot only does the actual act of yoga and meditation help women relax and release the stress from physical pain, emotional and mental stress associated with pain from PMS, it literally eliminates cramps, back pain, and cleanses the lymphatic system to help regulate hormones.\\n\\nHere are some common yoga poses that help women with premenstrual symptoms:\\n\\nChild’s pose \\n- relieves strain on back, neck and shoulders.\\nCrocodile pose (aka Superman)\\n - alleviates indigestion and constipation.\\nSeated spinal twist \\n- reduces cramping and lower back pain.\\nStanding forward bend\\n - helps with depression and anxiety, relaxes whole body\\nBridge pose \\n- relieves headaches, improves blood circulation\\nCorpse pose \\n- great for releasing tension and just relaxing.\\n\\nWhen you’re having a rough time with premenstrual symptoms try some of these yoga poses for women who experience PMS regularly.\\n\\n\\n2. Yoga improves menopause symptoms.\\n\\nMenopause is inevitable. And every woman will react differently, have varying degrees of symptoms, and need various types of relief. \\n\\nThis is normal. It’s a time when abnormal is normal (to some extent). Unfortunately!\\n\\nBut did you know that women who do yoga during menopause have fewer hot flashes, regulate hormone levels better, and improve joint health?\\n Fluctuating hormones is what causes the majority of menopausal symptoms, but you can help stabilize that just by participating in a regular yoga practice.\\n\\nYoga is sort of like a natural hormone therapy versus actual hormone replacement therapy. Which has its own negative side effects.\\n\\n\\n3. Yoga helps with pregnancy and labor.\\n\\nIf you’ve ever been pregnant, you’ll understand how valuable it is to find any natural remedies for the discomforts of pregnancy and childbirth!\\n\\nPrenatal yoga for women is an excellent and safe alternative to many types of pain medications to alleviate back pain, joint discomfort, pregnancy stress, and hormonal imbalances. \\n\\nWill yoga eliminate those cravings for ice cream and pickles – eaten together? Probably not. \\n\\nBut it’ll help.\\n\\nYoga during pregnancy (and even labor) reduces stress and can relieve pelvic floor pain. \\n\\nHere are some simple prenatal poses you can do to help reduce pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy and labor:\\nWide knee child’s pose\\nCat and cow\\nStanding side stretch\\nWide legged standing forward bend\\nYoga squat\\n\\nThese poses will open the hips and relieve tension in the lower and upper back!\\n\\n\\n4. Yoga may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.\\n\\nAlmost two-thirds of Americans who have Alzheimer’s Disease are women.\\n That’s a lot of women who will suffer from this fatal disease.\\n\\nResearch studies have shown a regular yoga practice combined with meditation could delay the onset of this terrible disease. And we’re not just talking about yoga for women here. We’re talking about yoga period.\\n\\nAny type of yoga. That’s huge.\\n\\nWouldn’t you want to do anything and everything possible to delay or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease? I know I would.\\n\\nYoga literally improves the neural pathways in your brain! \\n\\nIf you’re looking for a place to start, \\nI invite you to try my Yoga for Women class\\n where we spend time doing different asanas every week that are beneficial for women.\\n\\n\\n5. Yoga improves your heart health.\\n\\nDid you know heart disease is still the biggest killer of women in the United States today? It kills more women than cancer, suicide, or car accidents. \\n\\nYou don’t need a yoga for women class to know that yoga is good for your heart health. \\nYoga reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. It releases endorphins.\\n Yoga helps you become more self-aware so you can address problems within your mind more quickly and easily. \\n\\nYoga brings harmony to your inner and outer world.\\n\\nSo of course, that will have positive effects on your physiological body! Your blood pressure will be lower. Your cortisol levels will be lower. You’ll emotional eat less and work out more. You’ll spend more time in nature and participating in selfcare.\\n\\nYou’ll just be a healthier human. \\nWith a healthier heart.\\n\\n\\n\\nWomen, you deserve to feel good, to take time for yourself. You deserve selfcare and a supportive community to come along beside you during the many transitions you face in life. Yoga is your path to sanity, to pain relief, to mental clarity and calm whether storms are rough or not. \\n\\nYoga brings balance to your body and soul. \\n\\nWhether you’re stressed, trying to lose weight, suffering from hormonal imbalances, or are in physical, mental, or emotional pain,\\n I invite you to come see me in my Yoga for Women Class.\\n We work together and support one another. We are a group of all ages from all walks of life, and we’d love to see you there!\\n\\nIf you’re not a myYogaTeacher member yet, please come try it out! It is a wonderful community of yogis of all abilities, and you’ll have the opportunity to try many types of yoga with many instructors and find the ones that are a good fit for you! \\nGet your 2-week free trial here and join us!\\n"},"createdAt":"2021-04-27T16:54:57.670414+00:00","author":{"name":"Vineeta","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"What Is Gentle Yoga + Styles and Poses to Try","coverUrl":"gentle-yoga.png","slug":"gentle-yoga","content":{"text":"If you're injured, have limited mobility, want an easy and soothing practice, or are just a bit older and need to be careful with your movements, gentle yoga might be a great option for you. Gentle yoga is also a wonderful way to ease into yoga if you've never practiced before and are a little nervous.\\n\nI'd love to have you join me for my next \\nGentle Yoga class\\n! Sign up for a \\nfree two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n and get access to 35+ live online yoga classes and workshops every day.\\n\\nWhat Is Gentle Yoga?\\nGentle yoga is a less intense, slower yoga practice. It generally includes an emphasis on stretching, meditation, pranayama, and relaxation. In a gentle yoga practice, you'll typically move at a slower, more comfortable pace that reduces stress and strain on joints and muscles.\\n\\nThe slower nature of gentle yoga makes it a perfect practice for just about anyone of any age or physical ability. It's a particularly beneficial practice for those with limited mobility, health issues, injuries, pain, or those who are worried about being fit or flexible enough for something like power yoga or Ashtanga.\\n\\nBenefits of Gentle Yoga\\nGentle yoga offers several benefits and advantages:\\nIt's accessible. Gentle yoga classes should be a safe space for beginners as well as those with injuries, limited mobility, and other concerns, and should include modifications.\\nIt's calming. Gentle yoga helps calm the nervous system so the parasympathetic nervous system can engage.\\nIt improves digestion.\\nIt decreases stress levels.\\nIt stimulates the immune system.\\nIt increases flexibility and strengthens the body.\\nTypes of Gentle Yoga\\nGentle yoga is a broad term that actually includes several different types of yoga. What each of these different types of gentle yoga has in common is that they're slow and low-impact and poses are likely to be held for a longer period of time. Here are a few different types of gentle yoga worth checking out.\\n\\nRestorative Yoga\\nIn \\nrestorative yoga\\n, poses are held for several minutes, often 10 minutes or more. Your body is supported by props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks so you can relax fully into the poses. The goal of restorative yoga is to open your muscles, mind, and nervous system.\\n\\nYin Yoga\\n\\nYin yoga\\n is often confused with restorative yoga. In Yin, you'll still be holding poses for several minutes (usually 3–5 minutes), but where restorative is passive and focused on opening your muscles, Yin tends to focus on active stretching and deep release of your muscles. It can be a mentally challenging practice.\\n\\nKripalu Yoga\\nKripalu yoga is sometimes referred to as \"meditation in motion.\" This type of gentle yoga focuses on mindfulness, pranayama, and meditation.\\n\\nSomatic Yoga\\nSomatic yoga is a way to retrain your nervous system through gentle movement. The idea is that trauma, aging, illness, habits, and stress can get our bodies trapped in samskaras (patterns) that keep our muscles from relaxing and engaging as they should. Somatic yoga is designed to help release those patterns.\\n\\nChair Yoga\\n\\nChair yoga\\n is a type of gentle yoga in which practitioners use a chair for support in most or all yoga postures. It's a great option for those with mobility issues as well as seniors.\\n\\nWho Should Try Gentle Yoga?\\nEverybody! Gentle yoga is the perfect option for:\\nBeginners\\nPeople with chronic health issues or injuries\\nPregnant people\\nSeniors\\nPeople with limited mobility, flexibility, and strength\\nHonestly, gentle yoga is great for anyone who wants a mindful, slow, meditative yoga practice.\\n\\nGentle Yoga Poses\\nThere are several yoga poses that are suitable for gentle yoga. Here are five of my favorites:\\n\\n1. Bitilasana Marjaryasana (Cat-cow pose)\\n\\nFrom your hands and knees, inhale and press your belly button towards the floor, coming into a slight backbend. On the exhale, arch your back up toward the ceiling. You can do this as slowly and for however long you want. Feel free to put a blanket under your knees if they bother you and use your knuckles or even go down to your elbows if you have wrist problems.\\n\\n2. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Supported bridge pose)\\n\\nBridge pose helps open up your hip flexors at the front of your hips. It's typically an active pose in which your glutes and legs are engaged, but with supported bridge, you only engage your muscles long enough to bring your hips into the air and place a yoga block under your sacrum.\\n\\nStart on your back with your knees bent toward the ceiling and your feet flat on the floor. Engage your glutes and press your hips toward the ceiling. Place a yoga block under your sacrum and relax down onto it. To deepen this pose, you can extend your legs and raise your arms over your head. Rest in the pose and breathe.\\n\\n3. Viparita Karani (Legs up the wall pose)\\n\\nLegs up the wall pose is a great pose for calming the nervous system. Lie down on your back with your hips close to the wall and extend your legs up, resting them on the wall. Close your eyes and relax. If you'd like, you can let your legs fall out to the side (like you're doing the splits) to target your hips and groin.\\n\\n4. Supta Matsyendrasana (Supine twist)\\n\\nSupine twists not only feel good, but they help improve digestion. Start on your back with your knees bent up toward the ceiling and your feet flat on the floor. Extend your arms out to the side at shoulder height, making a 'T' shape. Bring your knees in towards your chest and drop them over to one side, turning your head to look toward the opposite side. Relax and breathe for a few minutes before switching sides. If you'd like, you can place a pillow between your knees.\\n\\n5. Balasana (Child's pose)\\n\\nChild's pose is a restful pose that helps you open your hips as well as stretch both sides of your body. Start on your hands and knees then send your hips back to rest on your heels (or as close as they come). Stretch your arms forward and breathe. Rest your forehead or chin on the floor in front of you. If you're struggling to relax into the pose, bring your knees out wide (keeping your big toes together) and relax into the pose that way. For a deeper side stretch, you can walk your hands over to either side, keeping your lower body squared.\\n\\nWrapping Up\\nGentle yoga offers a safe, mindful, and meditative practice that is appropriate for everyone. If you're looking for a practice that will help you reconnect your mind and body, join me on myYogaTeacher for my next \\nGentle Yoga class\\n.\\n\\nAnd, don't forget to \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n. You'll get access to 35+ live online yoga classes every day!\\n6006"},"createdAt":"2021-04-20T12:16:26.572562+00:00","author":{"name":"Sarita Kumari","pictureUrl":"dgymh7at5xtfcevolni4.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"sarita-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"It’s More Than A Symbol: Yin and Yang in Yoga","coverUrl":"find-balance-yin-yang-yoga_770x513_.jpeg","slug":"what-is-yin-yang-yoga","content":{"text":"Not that anyone wants a history lesson, but the ancient Chinese yin and yang symbol is more than just a cool wallpaper for your computer.\\n\\nOr poster on your wall (if you were born in the 80’s).\\n\\nThe concept of yin and yang has to do with duality and how opposites are interconnected. \\n\\nFor instance, the word “yin” in Chinese philosophy is associated with all things hard, cold, wet, feminine. Negative. Even earthy. But not in a bad way. It’s in a necessary way. Even yin yoga is restorative, passive, cooling.\\n\\nThe word “yang” corresponds to all things light. It is the masculine energy that possesses heat, dryness, and combines with yin to create all things.\\n\\nIt makes sense to offer a \\nYin and Yang Yoga class\\n! I chose to create this class because combining the heat of yoga for exercise with the restoration of yoga for relaxation and stretching works well together to promote harmony with one’s inner and outer world.\\n\\nYou can check it out, along with many other types of yoga classes, at myYogaTeacher. \\nGrab your 2-week free trial and experience any or all of them!\\n\\n\\nLet’s talk more about the different parts of yin and yang yoga! We’ll start with the yin since no one says “yang yin symbol.” Or “yang and yin yoga.” \\n\\nYin yoga\\n\\nDid you know that studies show that doing yoga before bed assists with weight loss? Obviously, this practice can be done any time of the day, but before bed is also helpful!\\n\\nYin yoga, particularly, is a great practice to do before bed. It not only helps relax your body, stretch your muscles, and prepare you to sleep. It helps your body reduce its cortisol levels.\\n\\nHigh cortisol levels are associated with weight gain and many other health conditions.\\n\\nIn addition to reducing those levels, yin yoga helps cleanse your lymph nodes, which is important for keeping your immune system healthy! You can read more about how yin yoga helps with lymphatic drainage and immunity \\nhere in this blog post\\n by another expert yogi, Annelise!\\n\\nHere are some other examples of how yin yoga benefits your mind and body:\\n\\nImproves flexibility (because you’re holding each pose longer)\\nIncreases circulation \\nImproves joint mobility\\nBalances internal organs and improves chi\\nCalms the mind\\n\\nAnd it’s beneficial for every body type at any fitness level.\\n\\nWithin the yin yoga practice, the “black” part of the yin yang symbol, there is still that small circle of white. The yang is still present. It shows up as the stretch you feel in your muscles when you’re holding a pose or the little bit of heat you may experience that is left over from the heat of the yang portion of a practice.\\n\\nBut just like there is a time to rest, to eat, to look inward, to reflect, there is also a time for the opposite of those things! (Ever heard the song Turn! Turn! Turn! by The Byrds?) There is a time for every purpose under heaven.\\n\\nAnd that is where the “yang” part of my yoga class comes in!\\n\\n\\nThe yang\\n\\nYang yoga is most commonly called hatha or ashtanga yoga. But the idea is that creating heat in your body and working your muscles in a gentle way that increases your heart rate is just as necessary as a calming, restorative yin yoga practice.\\n\\nHatha and ashtanga yoga practices focus on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. I use both of these in the yang yoga portion of my yoga class. \\n\\nAs a matter of fact, we start the class with yang yoga. This part of the practice includes dynamic asanas and a faster pace to build heat. We really work on synchronizing our breath with the movements as well, since that can be more challenging with a faster flow!\\n\\n\\nYou can see how yang yoga is the white portion of a yin yang symbol, while yin yoga is the black. But in each of these is a tiny bit of the other.\\n\\nEven in yang yoga, while you may be sweating and warm, there is a calm and consistency in your breath. A release with each pose. That is the yin.\\n\\nYou see? There is not one without the other! The centuries old concept of yin and yang is still very prevalent in our society today.\\n\\n\\nWhy yin and yang are equally important\\n\\nWhat happens if you sleep all day? Rest all day? Eat all day?\\n\\nWhat would happen if your life consisted of one extreme or the other? Poverty, wealth, daytime, night.\\n\\nThe yin and yang represent harmony. The necessity of both light and darkness. Feast and famine. Activity and rest. Calm and chaos. And they are both important to our mental, emotional, and physical health!\\n\\nWhen there is too much of one and not enough of the other, the result can be catastrophic.\\n\\nFor example, marathon runners who don’t spend enough time resting and nurturing their bodies, stretching, and relaxing tend to injure themselves more easily than those who do. Injuries that could prevent them from running forever!\\n\\nWhen there is not enough rain, forest fires occur more easily. When there are long periods of rain, suicide rates are higher. When we work too much and play too little, we burn out and quit our jobs or don’t do well at our jobs.\\n\\nThis is the importance of yin and yang. In yoga and in life!\\n\\n\\nIf you’re feeling a bit out of sync and imbalance and are interested in trying out my \\nYin and Yang Yoga class, we’d love to see you on the mat! \\n\\n\\nNot a member of myYogaTeacher yet? That’s ok! \\nYou can sign up here for your free 2-week trial here.\\n No credit card needed. You’ll get access to 35+ yoga classes taught by many wonderful, expert yoga instructors, all from the birthplace of yoga, India.\\n"},"createdAt":"2021-04-02T17:00:26.971968+00:00","author":{"name":"Nikita","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Yoga with Friends - full launch with pricing & charity!","coverUrl":null,"slug":"yoga-with-friends-launch-announcement","content":{"text":"The soft-launch and test for Yoga with Friends is over. The pricing is going live soon.\\n\\nEveryone has loved their Yoga with Friends sessions, so now we've made it sustainable. Here's what's happening: \\n\\nCan I continue to get free Yoga with Friends sessions?\\n\\nYes! There are still tons of opportunities to get these sessions free.\\n\\n1. Every new student gets to create one free Yoga with Friends session. So anytime a friend or family member signs up for a free trial of myYogaTeacher, they can create a free yoga with friends session.\\n\\n2. Every time you invite a friend who's never taken a class with MYT into your Yoga with Friends session (and they join) — the session is completely free!\\n\\nThis is because we created Yoga with Friends to help new students get started with yoga. And, of course, to help all of us stay connected.\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nHow much will Yoga with Friends sessions cost?\\n\\nGreat question!\\n\\nSo a Yoga with Friends session starts around $12.50 per person, and then goes down in price as more people join the session! (it can go as low as $5)\\n\\nWe've made it so that the teachers get compensated fairly for their extra effort, and your rate goes down as more people join. Win-win!\\n\\nANNNDDDD ....\\n\\nThe best part is...\\n\\nGood Karma Credits: Every Yoga with Friends session feeds hungry children in India!\\n\\nWe've partnered with \\nGive India\\n, a charity that provides meals to food insecure children in India. \\n\\nSo every time you take a Yoga with Friends:\\n✔️  You're getting healthier and happier\\n✔️  Connecting with friends and family\\n✔️  And giving meals to children who might not have eaten otherwise\\n\\nThe more people who join your Yoga with Friends sessions, the more meals donated on your behalf!\\n\\nOur mission is to make the world a healthier and happier place. So we feel amazing about having another opportunity to give back, and helping you to give food to those in need (while taking care of your own health and happiness too)!\\n\\nIf you have questions about any of this, please feel free to email us at care@myyogateacher.com"},"createdAt":"2021-03-30T22:52:48.369781+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"What Is Ashtanga Yoga? Explaining the 8 Limbs","coverUrl":"ckmfcdrvk0p4k0c29d8c2imwz.jpg","slug":"ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs","content":{"text":"Sometimes yoga words can be complicated. Especially if you’re a new yogi.\\n\\nComplicated words and descriptions mean people get overwhelmed and uncomfortable when they think about doing yoga. And that’s definitely not what myYogaTeacher is all about!\\n\\nYoga is a practice that incorporates philosophy, meditation, breathwork, behavioral principles, and physical exercise into one’s life. It’s a lifestyle.\\n\\nWe want everyone who comes to us, from young to old, from out of shape to fitness fanatics, to feel like our virtual yoga studio is a safe space to learn about and practice yoga. No judgement. Every question is a good question.\\n\\nThat’s why I wanted to talk to you about ashtanga yoga. What does that word mean anyway, you ask?\\n\\nI’m going to explain what it is and why it’s even important to know what it is. If you’re interested in experiencing ashtanga yoga in action, I invite you to try my \\nAshtanga Yoga Class on myYogaTeacher\\n! \n⁠\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nThe Sanskrit word ashtanga means “8 limbs.” Let’s explore what those are so we can understand and deepen our yoga practice!\\n\\n1. Yama - Attitude towards environment\\n\\nThe word “yama” originally meant “bridle” or “rein.”  You can think of it similarly to how a bridle works when placed on a horse. It is a means to control how you interact with your environment, including other people.\\n\\nThe yamas of yoga are there to help yogis live an ethical life. A life that is peaceful and that promotes healthy relationships with others. A huge part of a solid yoga practice is creating self-awareness and learning how your yoga practice helps you relate to the world. \\n\\nThere are 5 yamas in ashtanga yoga:\\n\\nAhimsa:\\n Non violence and non harming of animals.\\nSatya:\\n Truthfulness, honesty in words and actions.\\nAsteya:\\n Not stealing other people’s time or possessions.\\nBrahmacharya:\\n Sexual restraint, fidelity, chastity.\\nAparigraha:\\n Non coveting.\\n\\nThese are what we work on as a part of an ashtanga yoga practice. They are important to creating a calm and peaceful life.\\n\\n2. Niyama - attitude towards ourselves\\n\\nEqually important to our attitude towards our environment is the attitude we have towards ourselves. The Niyamas are the second limb of ashtanga yoga.\\n\\nDo we show self love? Self compassion? Are we practicing self care regularly? \\n\\nDeeper questions to ask ourselves would be if we’re content, self-disciplined, and how we feel spiritually.\\n\\nThe Niyamas of ashtanga yoga address all of these things. If we aren’t loving ourselves, our attitude towards others and our environment will become increasingly negative.\\n\\nThe word “niyama” means “moral observance.” There are 5 niyamas that are the focus of ashtanga yoga:\\n\\nPurity\\nContentment\\nSelf-discipline\\nSelf-study\\nSurrender to a higher source\\n\\nNo matter your religion or belief system, these niyamas are important to mastering yourself and creating a moral compass.\\n\\n3. Asanas - physical postures\\n\\nThe asanas are what most yogis are probably the most familiar with.\\n\\nThese are the postures that you move through when you’re practicing any kind of yoga, not just ashtanga. Asanas are the third limb of ashtanga yoga. There are 84 yoga asanas!\\n\\nWe don’t learn them all in my Ashtanga Yoga Class, but we definitely build up a sweat going through a bunch of them. If you want to learn even more asanas and the correct way to do them, \\ntry a 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher and get access to 35+ classes every day!\\n\\n\\n\\n4. Pranayama - restraint or expansion of breath\\n\\nYou may or may not have heard this word before. There are yoga practices that specifically revolve around pranayama.\\n\\nPranayama is the fourth limb of ashtanga yoga and consists of synchronizing the breath with the asanas or movements between asanas.\\n\\n“Prana” means life energy. Yama means control.\\n\\nIn ashtanga yoga, we literally learn how to control our life energy. It’s an exercise in using our breath to create mental and physical wellness. Even in a vigorous practice, ashtanga asanas will work with the breath, not against it, and you will quickly realize that controlling your heavy breathing is vital to the flow of your life energy!\\n\\n5. Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses\\n\\nMost yoga students are confused by the fifth limb of ashtanga yoga. Pratyahara is “the conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses.” \\n\\nThis often occurs when we do Savasana, at the end of a yoga practice. Maybe you recognize the feeling of almost falling asleep but not. You still maintain consciousness and contact with the present, but you feel far away from it. \\n\\nIn pratyahara, you are not affected by the disturbances of the surrounding environment. You know they’re there and are aware of them, but you do not react to them. You are in a sort of haven of silence.\\n\\n6. Dharana - concentration\\n\\nThe sixth limb of ashtanga yoga is all about fixing your mind on one point. Maybe it’s a chakra or maybe you bind your mind to one place, object, or idea. \\n\\nWhatever the case, dharana is a step towards deep meditation. The point is to hold that concentration, to maintain that thought without wavering from it for an extended period of time.\\n\\n7. Dhyana - meditation\\n\\n\\nMeditation\\n. Elusive for some, meditation is the complete withdrawal of the mind from environmental and inner world distractions.\\n\\nMeditation is the ultimate state of awareness, peace, and being present in the moment. It is built upon the other six limbs of ashtanga yoga, postures, breathwork, control of senses.\\n\\nDhyana is the union of all the limbs. The attainment of full self-realization.\\n\\n\\n8. Samadhi - integration\\n\\nThe eighth limb of ashtanga yoga is enlightenment! \\n\\nSamadhi is the highest state of mental concentration that one can achieve without actually leaving their body. It is total and complete liberation. In Sanskrit, samadhi means “self-collectedness.”\\n\\nComplete and ultimate bliss. That is samadhi.\\n\\n\\nNow that you have a better understanding of \\nashtanga yoga\\n and the stages, maybe it won’t seem so overwhelming! My hope is that you will feel comfortable practicing yoga and reaching towards the goal of mastering the 8 limbs of ashtanga yoga.\\n\\nThere is nothing I could want more for you than complete and total bliss!\\n\\nAre you ready to experience it firsthand? All are welcome to my fast-paced, high-energy \\nAshtanga Yoga Class\\n. If you haven’t yet, \\ntake advantage of myYogaTeacher’s offer of a 2-week free trial and get access to my class and many, many more!\\n All taught by highly experienced yoga teachers from India.\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2021-03-18T20:44:43.961653+00:00","author":{"name":"Rohan","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Iyengar Yoga: Alignment, Balance, Strength, and Flexibility","coverUrl":"iyengar_yoga_ckm21vv5s37b90b72pvyehh0b.jpg","slug":"iyengar-yoga-practice","content":{"text":"In this class from Pranjal Joshi, we invite you to explore Iyengar Yoga. B.K.S. Iyengar believed that achieving balance in the body will be reflected as balance in the mind. While Iyengar Yoga isn't a cardiovascular practice like the flowing style of Ashtanga, holding the Iyengar poses is excellent for your body to build strength and increase flexibility. It's a wonderful practice for those who either don't want or can't participate in flowing practices.\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nWhat Is Iyengar Yoga?\\nIyengar Yoga is a practice developed by B.K.S. Iyengar and derived from Hatha yoga. It is rooted in the traditional eight limbs of yoga. The Iyengar practice emphasizes self-knowledge through Asana and Pranayama and works to improve balance, flexibility, alignment, strength, concentration, stamina, and awareness. Teaching is geared towards gradual, steady progress, not quick results.\\n\\nBenefits of Iyengar Yoga\\nThere are several physical and mental benefits of practicing Iyengar Yoga. You can use this practice to:\\nBuild strength\\nIncrease flexibility\\nImprove your posture\\nCalm your mind\\nReduce chronic pain\\nLower blood pressure\\nImprove breathing\\nProtect from disease\\nToday's Iyengar Yoga Practice\\nLet's start today's Iyengar Yoga practice sitting on a pillow or a bolster. Keep your hands beside you with your elbows bent. Roll your shoulders back, squeezing your shoulder blades together, and point your elbows back, not out to the sides. Lower your eyes down to look at the floor.\\n\\nInhale deeply, feeling the breath move in your body starting from your hip joints and filling your torso. Exhale out your arms, relaxing them and letting them stretch downward. Breathe like this for a few rounds. Close your eyes when they feel heavy.\\n\\nWith your torso lifted, join your palms at your heart center in Namaskara. Inhale deeply and on the exhale chant \\nOm\\n. Complete this chant three times before bowing your head to your heart. Place your palms on your thighs, raise your head up, and open your eyes.\\n\\nPlace your palms on the pillow once again and then press your left palm into the pillow. Tilt your head to the left, stretching all the way down your neck and into your shoulder. Inhale back to the center. Repeat on the right. Repeat the sequence, returning your head to the center.\\n\\nFrom the center, tilt your head back while continuing to lift your neck up (lifting your face to the ceiling). Now, exhale your chin forward, stretching the back of the neck. Repeat two more times. Inhaling back to the center.\\n\\nInterlace your fingers behind you and stretch your hands down towards the floor, rolling your shoulders back and down. Create space throughout your torso and the front of your neck. Relax and come to a standing position.\\n\\nStand straight with your feet hip-width apart. With your left arm down at your side, take your right arm behind your back, bending your elbow. Grasp the elbow of your left arm and stretch it down. Repeat with the other arm.\\n\\nNow bend both arms behind your back, grasping the elbows with the opposite hand. Be sure to roll your shoulders back and down. Hold the stretch for a few breaths.\\n\\nInterlace your fingers behind you and stretch your hands towards the ground. Start bending forward, raising your arms high behind you, keeping your elbows straight, and pushing your chest down towards the floor. Slowly inhale and come up, release your hands, and relax.\\n\\nGrab a yoga strap, scarf, towel, or belt. Bend forward and find the bone at the base of your neck. Place your strap over that bone, holding the strap close to your neck. Pull down on the strap, putting a little bit of pressure on it. Then, gently and slowly pull the strap down from the bone up the back of your neck to your hairline. Repeat four more times before returning to a standing position.\\n\\nNext, wrap the strap around your back, at the base of your shoulder blades. Take the ends of the strap and put them up, over your shoulders, and behind your back. Cross the ends of the strap behind your back and grasp the ends in your hands.\\n\\nSlowly pull diagonally down on the straps to stretch your shoulders. Hold for a few breaths. From there, take your arms out to the side, pulling the straps gently. Stay here for a few breaths.\\n\\nNow, stand with your right side touching the wall. Raise your right arm behind you on the wall (try to get it. parallel to the ground), keeping your palm, inner elbow, and shoulder all pressed against the wall. Take your left hand behind your back with your elbow bent and let your fingertips touch the wall. Look straight ahead and breathe in this position for several breaths. Repeat on the other side, with your left side on the wall.\\n\\nWe're going to do that again, starting on the right side. This time, when you get into position, press your palm against the wall and roll your shoulders back and down without letting your arm drop. Repeat on the other side, with your left side on the wall.\\n\\nGet used to the feeling of opening your chest, rolling your shoulders back and down, keeping them away from your ears and without tension in your neck. To get more used to that movement, stand or kneel with your arms at your sides. Rotate your arms so your palms face forward and really feel what's happening in your shoulders and upper back.\\n\\nGrab your strap and hold one end of your belt in your right hand. Take your right hand behind you and grab the strap with your left hand behind you. Your right hand will be near your neck and your left hand will grab the strap at your mid-back. Pull down on the strap with your left hand to stretch your right tricep. Hold the stretch for a few breaths.\\n\\nNow, without changing your hands, pull the strap with your right hand. This will pull the left hand further up your back. Hold this stretch for a few breaths. Repeat these stretches with the arms switched so your left hand is holding the strap behind you near your neck and your right hand is mid-back.\\n\\nIn this position, you'll want to ensure that the elbow of your top arm is close to your head and pointing up instead of out. Also, keep your torso straight, don't lean to either side and look straight ahead.\\n\\nTry doing the pose without the strap now. See if you can at least get the fingertips on each hand to touch behind you. If that feels okay, you might try gripping your fingertips or even shaking your other hand. Hold for several breaths before repeating with the arms switched.\\n\\nThis pose requires that your armpit open entirely, creating a straight line with your arm and your torso. To work on that opening, grab a chair and kneel down in front of it. Place your elbows on the seat of the chair and press your palms together as they point to the ceiling. Move your knees back slightly away from the chair so you can move your back in line with the chair. Keep your abdominals engaged so your back doesn't arch, and drop your chest down towards the floor.\\n\\nFocus on opening the armpit area, this isn't a backbend pose. Stay in this stretch for several breaths. From here, try to bring your palms towards your upper back.\\n\\nWe're going to do one more stretch for that armpit area. Get into a tabletop position in front of the chair. With your right hand, grab the opposite leg of the chair at about the midpoint, and don't let your hand slide down. Move your left hand a little outside of your body. Bend the left elbow (like you're going for a pushup), keeping the right elbow straight, and pressing your right armpit towards the floor. Hold this stretch for several breaths, stretching from your upper hip to your palm. Repeat on the other side.\\n\\nWe've opened up the chest and shoulders quite a bit, so let's try Namaskara behind our backs. Start by taking your fingertips towards each other behind your back. Arch your back slightly and push your palms upward, joining them between your shoulder blades. Your elbows should be in line with your palms and your palms and fingers should be together. Roll your shoulders back and down and keep your torso straight and your eyes forward. Hold for a few breaths.\\n\\nNow it's time for a counterpose. Take your right arm across your chest, holding your left shoulder with your right hand. Take your left arm across your chest to hold your right shoulder with your left hand. It's sort of like you're giving yourself a little hug. Keep your elbows lifted away from your chest and moving your hands towards one another. See if your arms are long enough to let your hands meet. Hold this pose, stretching your upper back, for several breaths.\\n\\nGrab your bolster, placing it horizontally across your mat. We're going to take child's pose with our elbows on the bolster and lowering your chest and head toward the floor. If you're having trouble relaxing into the pose, widen your knees so your torso can fall between them. Stay in child's pose for several breaths.\\n\\nOur next pose will be a heart opener. Move your bolster so it's in line with your mat. Sit with the bolster at the base of your hips and roll yourself back onto the bolster. Let your shoulders roll back and down. Your head and neck should also be supported on your bolster. If they aren't, add more pillows to keep your head and neck in line with your spine. Let your shoulders drop to either side of the bolster and breathe. Stay in this position for several breaths before rolling to one side and bringing yourself up to a sitting posture.\\n\\nRub your palms together to generate some heat and place your palms over your eyes. Gently blink your eyes open.\\n\\n\\nThank you for your interest in learning more about \\n\\nIyengar Yoga\\n! To get the best benefit from your practice, please \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n to participate in the complete Iyengar Yoga class or one of the other classes we offer each day. With myYogaTeacher, you get access to more than 35 live online yoga classes each day with Indian instructors who can offer you feedback on your form, answer your questions, and help you deepen your yoga practice."},"createdAt":"2021-03-09T13:29:52.611248+00:00","author":{"name":"Pranjal","pictureUrl":"pranjal-1.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-teachers/pranjal-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Kundalini Yoga: The Path to Enlightenment","coverUrl":"pexels-rfstudio-3820312.jpg","slug":"kundalini-yoga","content":{"text":"Most Westerners probably aren’t aware of the various different types of yoga and meditation practices.\\n\\nThe language can be weird to us and hard to pronounce. The concepts are unfamiliar to those who weren’t born and raised in an environment that supports yoga and meditation. And honestly, the second most people see the word “enlightenment” or “spirituality,” they’re running for the door.\\n\\nBecause they’re not in it for the feels. They’re in it for the exercise. For their health.\\n\\nBut the truth is, meditation opens doors. Doors of peace, self-awareness, empathy, compassion, gratitude, stress reduction. It opens doors of better physical, mental, and emotional health.\\n\\nKundalini yoga (aka Kundalini meditation) is one of those practices that will really create a path for your mind, body, and soul to heal and thrive. \\n\\nIt’s also considered one of the most powerful meditation practices in existence. And since the concept of kundalini energy has been around for over 1,000 years, it might be something we should all give a try at least once!\\n\\nIf you’re interested, \\ncheck out my Kundalini Yoga class on myYogaTeacher!\\n\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nWhat is Kundalini meditation?\\n\\nThe theory behind Kundalini meditation is that your life energy resides in your root chakra at the base of your spine. As a matter of fact, in Sanskrit, the word Kundalini means “coiled.” As your tailbone and spine create a sort of coil at the base.\\n\\nThe purpose of Kundalini meditation is to clear your energy centers – or chakras – from the root chakra up through the crown chakra. This release of energy is said to promote internal balance, awakening, and enlightenment.\\n\\nKundalini meditation consists of:\\n\\nMudras (hand movements)\\nDeep breathing\\nMantras (in the form of phrases or chanting)\\nPhysical movements\\n\\nAs your Kundalini energy rises up through your energy centers, your chakras are balanced and contribute to your spiritual wellness. \\n\\nKundalini meditation and yoga go hand in hand. The movement and the meditation work together to create cleansed chakras and internal cleansing.\\n\\nBenefits of Kundalini Yoga\\n\\nWhile other forms of yoga focus on movement and syncing your breath to your movement, \\nKundalini yoga\\n combines chanting, singing, movement, and breathing in a specific order. A repetitive pattern that is more precise than other forms of yoga.\\n\\nKundalini is also a more spiritual practice with benefits such as:\\n\\nRelief from stress and anxiety\\nImproved cognitive function and mental clarity\\nBetter self-esteem and improved body positivity\\nMore empathy\\nIncreased energy\\nInternal peace\\n\\nAccording to research, Kundalini Yoga has even been shown to help treat eating disorders!\\n\\nWith regular practice, it has been said that Kundalini yoga leads to spiritual enlightenment, which is less about religion and faith and more about becoming fully self-aware.\\n\\nAccording to Deepak Chopra, enlightenment means you have a simultaneous connection to your inner self and everything around you. An ability to maintain separation and connection at the same time like an ocean wave.\\n\\nIt’s definitely something we can all aspire to!\\n[CTA-GC]\\nHow Kundalini yoga is different from other types of yoga\\n\\n\\nHatha\\n, \\nIyengar\\n, \\nVinyasa\\n, and Anusara yogas are all focused on movement with breath and alignment of the body.\\n\\nKundalini yoga is different in the sense that the purpose or desired outcome is much more spiritually based. But there are lots of other ways Kundalini differs.\\n\\nIn Kundalini yoga, “Om” is replaced with “Ong, Namo, Guru, Dev, Namo.” This mantra means “I call on the divine teacher within.”\\nKundalini yoga uses the Breath of Fire, which is an energizing, rapid, rhythmic breathing practice sometimes used with movement and sometimes not.\\nThe mantras used in Kundalini yoga are in the Gurmukhi language and not drawn on Sanskrit mantras like traditional yoga is.\\nInstead of static or smooth movements that are common in other forms of yoga, Kundalini yoga uses dynamic, vigorous postures.\\nAs mentioned above, Kundalini yoga doesn’t focus on alignment but more on internal energy – gland secretions, Kundalini energy, and circulation.\\n\\nThere is more I could mention, but these are the primary differences between Kundalini yoga and other forms you’ve probably heard of and practiced. It’s just much more of an experience with cultural music, chanting, singing, breathing. It’s invigorating and you can start to have a spiritual awakening after just one session!\\nWe’d love to have you\\n \\njoin us in my Kundalini Yoga class on myYogaTeacher!\\n \\nGrab your \\n2-week free trial here \\nand check out this class and many more!"},"createdAt":"2021-03-04T16:08:34.072282+00:00","author":{"name":"Sujit","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"5 Reasons Why Kids May Need Yoga More Than Adults","coverUrl":"pexels-gabby-12-small.jpg","slug":"yoga-for-kids","content":{"text":"In a world where parents are all hustle and bustle and go, go, go, it’s no wonder our children are stressed out, anxious, and have zero self awareness.\\n\\nThey don’t have time to be self aware!\\n\\nAnxiety and stress in little kids all the way to older teenagers can look like sleeping a lot, temper tantrums, crying over “nothing,” not eating, or eating too much. It can show up as hyperactivity, bad attitudes, poor mental focus, bad grades.\\n\\nOr it can show up as many more terrible things that no parent wants to think about.\\n\\nWe stress how important it is for adults to take part in selfcare, to stretch and move our bodies. Surely, at this point in history, every adult knows that selfcare is a thing we should all be doing. But what are we telling our children to do for selfcare? \\n\\nSports? After school activities? Clubs? More doing. Less being. More rushing around. Less stillness. Less quiet time to process their days, their emotions. And your days, your emotions. Because kids are subject to those too.\\n\\nDo we ever teach them how to just be? \\n\\nThis is why I offer a \\nKids Yoga class at myYogaTeacher\\n! Because kids with healthy bodies, minds, and spirits make for adults with healthy minds, bodies, and spirits!\\n\\nHere are some reasons I’m passionate about teaching kids the importance of yoga.\\n\\n1. Yoga improves a child’s mood.\\n\\nWe all know that happier kids make their parents, teachers, coaches, etc. happier. But the focus really needs to be more on the children and less on the adults!\\n\\nKids have fewer tools than adults to help them regulate their mood. \\n\\nJust like any other physical activity, yoga releases endorphins, those feel good feelings, which, in turn, reduces stress and anxiety. When children experience less stress and anxiety, they eat better, sleep better, act better, perform better. \\n\\nThey do everything better. Just like adults do.\\n\\nThey’re calmer. And all the built up negativity is released. Plus, yoga is fun! It’s not competitive, and kids are free to be themselves.\\n\\nSpeaking of being themselves...\\n\\n2. Yoga helps children self regulate\\n\\nHow can we expect kids to self soothe, regulate their behaviors and emotions, and regain focus if we don’t give them the tools they need for self awareness? Unlike adults, kids often have very little control over their lives. \\n\\nThey’re told what to do and when and how. \\n\\nA regular kids’ yoga practice will help children of all ages look inward and take time to examine why they feel or behave in certain ways and process that. With that information, they can discover how to change bad habits or behaviors, work through negative emotions in appropriate ways, and have a clear mind to make better choices in the face of challenging situations.\\n\\nKids yoga isn’t just about strength, flexibility, or getting the sillies out. It’s a portal for them to just be who they are designed to be! Let your kids check it out with a \\ntwo week free trial at myYogaTeacher.\\n\\n\\n3. Yoga improves sleep for kids.\\n\\nDid you know that school age children need anywhere from 9-12 hours of sleep every night? \\n\\nWith parents hurrying their children from one activity to another, the long hours of homework, or just being allowed to stay up too late, it’s no wonder kids are exhausted, moody and irritable. Not to mention late night screen time impacts their rest tremendously.\\n\\nThey’re simply not getting enough sleep! Not only that, but the quality of their sleep may not be all that great.\\n\\nPracticing kids yoga right before bed is an excellent way to help them have a really restful, restorative sleep.\\n\\nThe breathwork involved in yoga helps calm their minds and nervous system. The release of tension from their muscles helps them relax and ditch the overwhelm or negative thoughts. Yoga will help them fall asleep faster and sleep better.\\n\\n4. Yoga helps their brains work better.\\n\\nYep. It’s true. Yoga literally helps kids have better memory and cognitive function.\\n\\nKids who do yoga will learn how to focus on their bodies more and better and apply that mental clarity to other areas of their life. They’ll remember more of what they learn and have more self awareness.\\n\\nYoga actually requires you to use the same neural pathways in your brain that are responsible for memory. The practice itself is sort of conditioning your brain to work better, faster, and more efficiently.\\n\\nThe meditation aspect of yoga enables kids to focus on their breath and clear out all the mind junk that may be interfering with their memory.\\n\\n\\n5. Kids don’t have it easy, but yoga helps.\\n\\nAdults who say “kids these days have it easy” need to switch places with a 12-year-old in 2021. \\n\\nLong gone are the days of riding bikes safely (and even alone) along the streets of your home town. The days of simplicity and easy afternoons fishing by the local pond.\\n\\nCompetition is more fierce in almost every aspect of kids’ lives. There is more stress to have a career that makes well above minimum wage because cost of living is atrocious.\\n\\nParents are on the go or absent, and visibly stressed out when they’re not. There’s cyber bullying, drug trafficking, human trafficking. Terrorism. Political unrest. Social unrest. Children today are forced to overcome obstacles that older generations never thought of not even once when they were growing up.\\n\\nYoga for kids gives children a chance to unwind, detach from the world, and create their own safe space of peace. It’s a tool they can use almost any time, anywhere, and for any circumstance to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well being.\\n\\nSo why in the world wouldn’t we encourage them to use it?\\n\\n\\nDo you have a son or daughter in need of some time on the mat? \\nCheck out my Kids Yoga (10-12 years) class\\n when you sign up for your \\nfree two-week trial at myYogaTeacher! \\n\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2021-02-25T13:54:08.269963+00:00","author":{"name":"Sujit Tiwari","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"About Membership with myYogaTeacher — FAQ","coverUrl":"membership-faq-2xcklk5gg5c3y6509310uqgzcmd.png","slug":"membership-faq","content":{"text":"Is there a contract?\\n\\nNo, the Standard Membership is month-to-month and there is no contract. \\nYou can cancel any time\\n. \\n\\nFor your convenience, your membership will auto-renew at the end of the billing cycle. \\n\\nIf you're interested, you can \\nview the standard Membership Plans here\\n.\\n\\nNote:\\n You can sign up for 3-months, 6-months, or 1-year Membership Packages and get up to 20% off. With these packages there is a commitment and you cannot cancel anytime. Partial refunds may be granted for special cases, but the discount is given for the long term commitment. You can \\nclick here to see the discounted packages\\n.\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nCan I cancel anytime?\\n\\nYes\\n, you can cancel your membership any time.\\n\\nIf you cancel your membership, you will continue to have access for the remaining time on your current billing cycle.\\n\\nHow many group classes can I take with my Membership?\\n\\nAs many as you want. All Membership Plans include \\nUnlimited\\n Group Classes. So you can take 5+ classes per day if you'd like. You can \\nclick here to check out the different Membership Plans\\n.\\n\\nHow long is my Membership billing cycle?\\n\\nmyYogaTeacher has a unique billing cycle to help with 1-on-1 Membership Plans. The \\nstandard billing cycle is 4-weeks\\n. \\n\\nHowever, if you sign up for one of the \\ndiscounted Membership Packages\\n, then the billing cycle is the time you've chosen to sign up for (3-months, 6-months, or 1-year).\\n\\nNote:\\n If your 3-month, 6-month, or 1-year Membership Package includes 1-on-1 sessions, your 1-on-1 credits will be distributed to you every 4-weeks. This is to help you ration your sessions; and build and maintain healthy habits.\\n\\nCan I get a discount?\\n\\nYes!\\n When you sign up for a 3-month, 6-month, or 1-year plan, you can \\nsave up to 20% off your membership rate\\n.\\n\\nmyYogaTeacher focuses on keeping costs down and membership rates down so that you get access to live yoga classes at an affordable price. Because \\nwe don't inflate our prices, and we make the everyday rate as low as possible\\n, we can not give deep discounts.\\n\\nBut when you commit to your health and happiness through myYogaTeacher classes, we're happy to reward you with a discounted membership rate. You can \\nsee the discounted Membership Packages here\\n.\\n\\nWhat if I want to go on vacation or know I'll be busy?\\n\\nYou can \\npause your membership any time\\n.\\n\\nA membership pause is exactly like hitting pause on a show. It goes on hold when you want, and picks up right where it left off. (ie. If you pause with 2-weeks left in the billing cycle and one 1-on-1 session credit left unused, when you un-pause you will still have the one 1-on-1 session waiting to be used and your billing cycle will end 2-weeks after the un-pause.)\\n\\nNote:\\n The\\n image below shows exactly how to pause your membership\\n. Just \\ngo to \"My Account\" or click here\\n to set a pause\\n\\n\\nWhat if I know I want to sign up for membership in the future, but not today?\\n\\nGreat! You can sign up today and \\nset your membership start date for anytime in the future\\n. \\nClick here to see the Membership Plans and set a delayed start date\\n.\\n\\nYou can also pause your Membership any time, read the \"What if I want to go on vacation or know I'll be busy?\" section to find out more.\\n\\nCan my friends or family use my membership?\\n\\nNo. Because all myYogaTeacher classes are live and the plan includes Unlimited Group Classes, \\nthe membership is intended for one person only. This allows us to fairly compensate your teacher.\\n\\nNote:\\n You can get a \\n10% family discount\\n when any family member joins myYogaTeacher as a member. As long as both accounts are active and on the One 1-on-1 Session per Week Plan ($89) or higher, both memberships will enjoy the 10% discount. If you'd like to set up a family discount, please email us at \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n\\n\\nCan my family join my sessions?\\n\\nYes. As long as you are on one device, \\nyour family may join your group classes\\n.\\n\\nWhen it comes to \\n1-on-1 sessions, they are meant to be 1-on-1\\n. Your teacher is looking forward to (and has only prepared for) working with you 1-on-1. It's kind of like a personal training session. So please come alone and ready to practice!\\n\\nNote:\\n If you would like to practice in private group classes with your family and friends, you can \\nbook a Yoga with Friends session here\\n, and invite them to join!\\n\\nHow many 1-on-1 sessions do I get?\\n\\nIt \\ndepends on the Membership Plan\\n you sign up for. The most popular plan is \\nTwo 1-on-1 Session per Week\\n, so 8 sessions per billing cycle. If you sign up for the \\nOne 1-on-1 Session per Week\\n plan, you get 4 sessions per billing cycle.\\n\\nYou can \\nclick here to check out the 1-on-1 Membership Plans\\n.\\n\\nDo I have to use my 1-on-1 sessions weekly, or can I use them whenever?\\n\\nYou can use your 1-on-1 sessions whenever you want within each billing cycle\\n.\\n\\nNote:\\n At the end of the billing cycle, any of this cycle's unused sessions will rollover to the next month. Please read the \"What if I don't use all my 1-on-1 sessions, do they rollover?\" section for more details on session rollover. \\n\\nWhat if I don't use all my 1-on-1 sessions, do they rollover?\\n\\nYes\\n. Every 4 weeks you will get new 1-on-1 session credits distributed to you. At the end of they cycle, if you have unused new credits, they will rollover to the next 4-week cycle. \\nHowever, they cannot rollover into the following cycle (2-cycles later)\\n.\\n\\nFor example\\n, if you are on the Two 1-on-1 Session per Week Membership Plan, you get 8 new session credits every 4-weeks.\\n\\nCycle 1:  +8 new session credits, if you use 6, 2 will rollover into Cycle 2\\nCycle 2: +8 new sessions credits +2 rollover = 10 session credits, only the 8 new credits can rollover into Cycle 3\\n\\nSo if you use 6 sessions in Cycle 2: -2 rollover, -4 new credits\\nCycle 3: +8 new session credits +4 rollover = 12 session credits\\n\\nOr if you use 1 session in Cycle 2: -1 rollover, -0 new credits\\nCycle 3: +8 new session credits, +8 rollover = 16 session credits (the unused session from Cycle 1 cannot rollover to Cycle 3)\\n\\nAs shown above, when you take sessions, the rollover credits are consumed first. So you don't lose any unnecessary sessions.\\n\\nNote:\\n 1-on-1 session credits given to you by the care team, or when you refer a friend and they take a class with MYT never expire.\\n\\nYou can always \\ngo to \"My Account\" (or \\nmyyogateacher.com/profile\\n) to see a graphical usage bar for your session credits\\n.  \\n\\nIf you have any questions about this, please email us at \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n\\n\\nYou can \\nclick here to check out the 1-on-1 Membership Plans\\n.\\n\\nWill my membership automatically renew?\\n\\nYes, for your convenience\\n, your membership will renew at the end of each billing cycle. You can cancel anytime if you'd like to discontinue your membership. \\n\\nIf you cancel, your membership will stay active until the end of the current billing cycle.\\n\\nCan I upgrade or downgrade my membership later?\\n\\nYes, you can always upgrade or downgrade your membership\\n.\\n\\nUpgrades\\n take effect immediately and your billing cycle will reset. Any unused time, or 1-on-1 sessions, will be refunded immediately. This is so you get access to the additional 1-on-1 credits right away. So it's kind of like resetting with the new upgraded Membership Plan.\\n\\nDowngrades\\n take effect at the end of the billing cycle, so that you continue to have access to your current 1-on-1 session credits.\\n\\nYou can \\nclick here to upgrade or downgrade your membership\\n anytime, or go to \"My Account\" then \"Manage Membership\".\\n\\n\\nYou can email \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n if you have any questions about membership. We'll typically get back to you within 24-hours."},"createdAt":"2021-02-25T00:50:00.04206+00:00","author":null,"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Your First Online Yoga Class: start here","coverUrl":"plank-laptop_cklk2dq1c3e320c345lzxp8h7.jpg","slug":"first-online-yoga-class-start-here","content":{"text":"Never practiced yoga online before? Don't worry, you'll learn everything you need to know here.\\n\\nBut first,\\n if you've never practiced yoga before period\\n (as in never practiced online OR offline), then \\nclick here to read this article first\\n.\\n\\nNow there's a few big differences between practicing yoga online, and practicing in-person at a studio.\\n\\nIn this article, you'll learn the best way to set up your space for practicing yoga at home, the ideal tech setup, and creating the right atmosphere for a good yoga practice.\\n\\nSetting Up Your Space, the bare essentials\\n\\nWhen it comes to online yoga, the \\nfirst thing you need to do is choose a space\\n to practice in. For some people, this is your bedroom, for others, the living room, guest bedroom, or the garage. \\nWhat's important is that you have enough room to practice yoga\\n. \\n\\nYou should be able to stretch your hands up and all around without touching any walls or furniture. Then place your laptop or tablet about 9 feet away from your mat, so your online teacher can see you from head to toe, even when you’re standing. (pictured below)\\n\\n\\n\\nYou might want to \\nput your laptop, tablet or phone on a table or chair. This will give a better camera angle\\n and make it easier for your teacher to see you practice and give you feedback.\\n\\nThe Ideal Tech Setup\\n\\nI always \\nrecommend practicing online yoga with your laptop or tablet\\n. A phone is OK, but the small screen makes it hard to see the teacher.\\n\\nWith myYogaTeacher, \\nall you need to get started\\n is to \\nregister for your free trial here\\n (no credit card required). And then \\ninstall Zoom here\\n.\\n\\nDon't worry \\nif you're not technically inclined\\n. You can \\nschedule a tech consult with us here\\n. We'll give you a call at the time you choose, then walk you through installing zoom, booking and joining classes, and anything else you need to get started. (Or just call us at 855-771-2929)\\n\\nIf your computer speakers aren't loud enough for the class, you might want to consider an \\nexternal speaker for more volume. Or a Bluetooth headset so you can easily hear everything\\n your teacher is saying, even when you're head down in child's pose!\\n\\nI use \\nthese Bluetooth ear buds\\n. I've had them over a year, they're great quality and easy to use. I'm not getting paid to promote these, they're just a good headset for online yoga.\\n\\nAmbiance, Atmosphere, and Making Your Yoga Space Cozy\\n\\nNow this isn't strictly necessary, but \\nmaking your space feel like a \"yoga space\" can really help you to be in the best mindset for yoga\\n.\\n\\nYou don't have to create your own studio at home. But \\nfollowing these tips, will help your space feel like the prefect place to practice yoga!\\n\\nKeep it clean\\n. If your space is messy, cluttered, or dusty then your mind wont feel at ease, spacious, or relaxed. This is an easy one to help you relax while you practice.\\n\\nPrivacy is important\\n. Now you may love practicing yoga with your kids hopping on the mat and climbing on your back while you're in down dog. But if yoga is your \"me\" time, then practicing while they're asleep or occupied, in a private place helps you to deeply relax and focus on yourself.\\n\\nThe \\nlighting can make a huge difference\\n to the feeling of the room. Intense florescent lighting is stimulating and sterile. You don't want to feel like you're at the office. You can use a lamp and cover it with a shawl, use rock-salt lamps, or any warm lighting with a dimmer switch will do. This will make your space feel warmer, more welcoming, and serene.\\n\\nLots of living plants\\n. The more plants in the room, the better. This will help your room to feel more alive and natural. You'll feel the vibrancy and abundance of nature while you stand firm in Warrior I.\\n\\nA quiet space\\n. Even if you have to stuff a towel under the door so you don't hear the TV in the next room, it's worth it to make the space quiet. This way you don't hear abrasive sounds while you're enjoying your final relaxation (savasana) at the end of the session.\\n\\nIf you have a space you can dedicate for yoga, and keep your mat rolled out on the floor, \\nthis will help you to build a habit of yoga\\n. It will make it easier to start every practice, and remind you to book your next class. \\n\\nYou can \\nbook your next Online Yoga Class with an expert teacher here\\n. Enjoy your class!"},"createdAt":"2021-02-24T23:23:54.479509+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Never done yoga before? No worries, start here","coverUrl":"smiling-yoga-class-prayer-cklk1qczk39250a84fnq1e3ie.jpg","slug":"never-done-yoga-start-here","content":{"text":"A lot of people want to try yoga but feel intimidated. \\n\\nWe have the idea that it's going to be a bunch of fit and flexible people watching me fumble around on the mat.  . . .  Not exactly something to look forward to.\\n\\nBut it's not like that. The people in your class are going to be more focused on themselves, and if they're doing it right — than if you're doing it right. \\n\\nEveryone will warmly welcome you into the class. We all remember exactly what it felt like to be new to yoga — learning all the asanas (yoga poses), the terminology, and the culture. \\n\\nBut don't worry, \\nit's pretty easy to go unnoticed your first few classes\\n. So if you want, you can get started discreetly. And if you're practicing online, you can even leave your camera off until you feel comfortable connecting with your teacher and classmates!\\n\\nNow, for those who want to know what it's going to be like, here are some tips and tricks to make you look like an experienced yogi and fit in right away.\\n\\nRespect the Mood of the Room\\n\\nWhether online or in-person, every class is slightly different. Every class has it's own culture. \\n\\nDuring the class, it's typically appropriate to be silent or quiet. You can ask the teacher for assistance if you need to, but usually they're keeping an eye on you and the other students. They'll give you guidance when they think you need it.\\n\\nWhile class is in session, you should avoid talking in a normal voice. It's more of a library-voice setting.\\n\\nIn some classes, it's normal to be social before and after the class. Everyone is friendly and chatty. Then, the class starts and it becomes quiet and meditative.\\n\\nIn other classes, it's all about \"me\" time. People will be more quiet, even silent, and be in a more meditative mood before and after the class. So it's a sacred space of contemplation the entire time.\\n\\nThe culture of your class will be obvious right when you enter the room. Just notice, and respect the mood. You'll be everyone's favorite new classmate if you do this!\\n\\nDon't get hung up on \"doing it right\"\\n\\nWe all have different bodies, different ranges of flexibility, and different fitness levels.\\n\\nWith practice, you'll definitely get more fit, more flexible, and more accustomed to the asanas.\\n\\nBut you may never look like \"flexible Judy\" on the next mat over. Don't worry about that!\\n\\nYoga is not about comparison\\n. It's totally OK to look around the room and see how to do the asana. Though, I'd always recommend looking to the teacher for correct alignment, not \"flexible Judy\". \\n\\nAs you spend more time in class (or after a 1on1 session), you'll learn the correct alignment for your body.\\n\\nYes, \\neven after years of practicing, no two people should do the asana exactly the same\\n. Even at maximum flexibility, we all have different bone structures, not to mention past injuries and things like that. So expect correct alignment for you and your other yogi friends to be slightly different.\\n\\nDon't push yourself too hard\\n\\nIt's great to improve and push beyond your current limits. But only 5-10% beyond your current limits.\\n\\nNothing is more awkward for the rest of the class than that person who comes in and tries to be \"the best at yoga\". They stand out like a sore thumb. Because they don't get that it's not a competition. \\n\\nYour yoga class is a sanctuary of acceptance, self-reflection, and self-improvement. Not a competition to look good, athletic, or flexible.\\n\\nSo \\nrelax, take it easy, and let yourself improve over time\\n. You'll see the results stack up fast — physically and mentally!\\n\\nStart Today!\\n\\nThere's always an excuse to \"start tomorrow\", or \"wait until I'm a little less busy.\" And we all have \"a lot going on right now.\"\\n\\nThese are great excuses to avoid trying something new, something we think is going to be more awkward or uncomfortable than it actually is.\\n\\nI've literally talked to thousands of yoga students now. Most of them wanted to try yoga for years before they finally did. And\\n they all wish they just did it and started sooner\\n. \\n\\nBecause yoga makes you feel happier, more relaxed\\n. Most yogis watch themselves become better people, better parents, as they get into great shape and feel more confident.\\n\\nWhy wait until tomorrow to start feeling better? Tomorrow never comes.\\n\\nIf you actually want to get started and begin taking steps towards a healthier happier you, today is the day to take your first class!\\n\\nYou can \\nclick here to see a list of upcoming classes and book your first free class today!\\n\\n\\nWhat to bring to your first yoga class\\n\\nYoga mat (for cushion, support, and better traction)\\nBottle of water (to stay hydrated and eliminate toxins)\\nSmall towel (to wipe away sweat and help you keep traction on the mat)\\n\\nGood to have but not necessary \\nYoga block (to help with alignment in some yoga postures)\\nYoga strap (a belt or long narrow piece of fabric will do, to help with alignment in some yoga postures)\\n\\nYou can \\nclick here to read more about what to bring to your first yoga class\\n.\\n\\nAnd now that you know exactly what to bring, you can \\nclick here to book a Live Online Yoga Class with expert teachers\\n. (If you haven't already, you can \\nsign up for your  2-week free trail\\n — Unlimited Yoga Classes with Live teachers, 35+ daily classes, and over 85,000 happy students!)\\n\\nWhat to wear to your yoga class\\n\\nYou might have an idea that you should wear $150 yoga pants and a lulu lemon sports bra to yoga class. This totally works, but it's not the only good option. \\n\\nYou can wear anything that doesn't restrict your movement. So any workout clothes will do.\\n\\nAuthentic yoga is not about appearance, fashion or fads. It's about inner growth, health, happiness, and meaning.\\n\\nWith that in mind, it's good to know that you can wear your PJ's to class if you want. I sometimes wear sweats and a t-shirt (although I always regret wearing sweats, because they get too hot!)\\n\\nSo you'll want to wear comfy clothes, that give you full range of motion, and you don't mind sweating in.\\n\\nAnd of course, \\nin online yoga classes, many of us do wear our PJ's. There's no social pressure to look a certain way. Most of us roll out of bed and into our morning class anyways!\\n\\nIf you haven't already, you can \\nsign up for a free 2-week trial with myYogaTeacher\\n. You'll get Unlimited Group Classes with expert teachers — Live and online! If you're in your trial or already a member, you can \\nclick here to book your next live class\\n."},"createdAt":"2021-02-24T23:05:44.318333+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"What to Bring to Your First Yoga Class","coverUrl":"yoga-props-ckljzp2vc2x210c348e63z78i.jpg","slug":"what-to-bring-to-yoga-class","content":{"text":"Yoga mat (for cushion, support, and better traction)\\nBottle of water (to stay hydrated and eliminate toxins)\\nSmall towel (to wipe away sweat and help you keep traction on the mat)\\n\\nGood to have but not necessary \\nYoga block (to help with alignment in some yoga postures)\\nYoga strap (a belt or long narrow piece of fabric will do, to help with alignment in some yoga postures)\\n\\nWhat to look for in a good Yoga Mat\\n\\nIf you have a yoga mat, definitely bring it to class. While it's not 100% necessary, it helps you to have good traction as you do poses like Warrior (so your feet don't slip around).\\n\\n\\n\\nA good mat will also help you with your balance, and is a comfortable cushion between you and the floor.\\n\\nIf you don't have a mat, it's good to get one right away. You can find them for as cheap as  $20 to $30 — these are great starter mats. When you know you'll be practicing yoga for years to come, you might want to invest in a higher quality mat, like my favorite — \\nJade Yoga Mats\\n, or the favorite of many yoga teachers \\nManduka Yoga Mats\\n.\\n\\nWe're not paid to promote either of these mats. After more than a decade of practicing yoga and teaching others, these are the mats I know are high quality, long lasting, and help you have a better practice.\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nWhy Water is important when practicing yoga\\n\\nYoga is kind of like a full body massage. As you stretch your muscles and move your body, you release stored up toxins. That's why, just like a massage, you should drink plenty of water after (and during) your class.\\n\\nThis will help get the toxins out of your body and increase your energy. So bring a bottle of water to class with you, so you can stay hydrated and flush the toxins from your system.\\n\\nUse a towel to keep from slipping\\n\\nNot everyone needs this. I do. And you might too.\\n\\nIf you start to sweat in your yoga class, you'll want a towel to wipe it away. This will help you to keep traction on your mat and make your yoga classes easier for you.\\n\\nFor most people, a good sized hand towel is enough. You can wipe the sweat from your face or body and continue with your practice.\\n\\nIf you're a super sweater, you like hot yoga classes, or practice yoga after an intense workout, you might want a full body length towel to throw on top of your mat. This will give you an absorbent surface to practice on, and keep maximum traction while you sweat.\\n\\nHow yoga blocks help your practice\\n\\nYou don't need to buy yoga blocks on day one. This is an optional but handy piece of yoga equipment.\\n\\nNote:\\n blocks, straps, bolsters, cushions, and even blankets are often called \"props\". These are things you can use in your yoga practice to help with your alignment (your body in the right position)\\n\\nA yoga block is a firm foam, cork or wooden block — it's about the size of a football, but rectangular.\\n\\nYou use them to help \"bring the ground closer to you\" when you can't bend all the way down. This way you have something to rest your weight on so you can relax into the asana (yoga pose).\\n\\n\\n\\nIf you practice yoga regularly, and you can't touch the ground in every pose you're meant to, you'll have a safer and more fun practice with a yoga block.\\n\\nWhen you'll want a yoga strap\\n\\nYoga straps are great when you can't always reach your toes or the limb your supposed to grab.\\n\\nFor example, in Gomukhasana, the Cow Face pose, you're supposed to grab your hands behind your back. Many people can't do this. A strap gives them something to grab with both hands, so they can hold the pose easier and even crawl their fingers closer together, increasing the stretch and their range of motion.\\n\\n\\n\\nOr in a sitting forward bend, Paschimottanasana, if you cant reach your toes. A strap can wrap around your feet and give you the hold you need to relax deeper into the stretch. \\n\\n\\n\\nSo in every yoga class, you'll want to bring your mat, a bottle of water, and a towel. If you're going to be practicing regularly, it might be a good idea to get a couple of props like a block and strap.\\n\\nWith this, you're all set for your first yoga class! You can \\nbook a Live Online Yoga Class with expert teachers here\\n."},"createdAt":"2021-02-24T22:08:45.893995+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"How To Find The Best Yoga Teacher for You","coverUrl":"shutterstock_1801286311.jpg","slug":"find-best-yoga-teacher-for-you","content":{"text":"Most people don't know this, but finding the right yoga teacher for you is the most important part of building a regular yoga practice.\\n\\nAnd having a regular \\nyoga practice\\n is the \\nonly way to start reaping the benefits of yoga:\\nFeeling more \\npeaceful, calm, and relaxed\\nGaining \\nstrength and flexibility\\nBeing more \\nfocused and clear minded\\nHaving \\nmore energy\\n throughout the day\\nBalancing your hormones\\nFeeling \\nhappier and more satisfied\\n in life\\nLosing weight and maintaining a fit physique\\n\\nYou can read a lot more about the \\nbenefits of yoga here\\n (all scientifically verified in medical studies).\\n\\nWithout regular yoga practice, you may feel more calm, more flexible, and happier on the days you practice. But after a few days, you'll feel just like you did before. One or two classes is not enough to make any \\nlasting change\\n.\\n\\nWhen you \\nbuild a yoga habit\\n — that's when the magic happens! That's when you \\nstart to feel incredible as your default setting.\\n\\nAnd \\none of the fundamental keys to building a regular practice\\n — is finding the right teacher for you. \\nThe rest of this article will show you secret to finding the \\nbest yoga teacher\\n for you.\\n\\n\\n1. Do you like the teacher's personality?\\n\\nThis might seem obvious to you, but to most people it's just an 'icing on the cake' situation.\\n\\nThe reason this is #1 , is because even if you have the discipline to force yourself to show up. \\nYou can't rely on discipline in the long-run\\n. Discipline takes effort — \\nhabits are effortless\\n. So we need to create a Yoga Habit.\\n\\nIf you don't like the teacher, you'll always be forcing yourself to show up. When you do like the teacher, showing up becomes easy. In fact, you might show up even when you don't want to (but know you should), just because you don't want to disappoint your teacher.\\n\\nSo \\nthis is one of the easiest ways to help yourself show up\\n... finding a teacher that you like.\\n\\n\\n2. Can they teach to your level of experience and flexibility?\\n\\nThis is a tough one to find at your local studio. But it's \\ncritical to find a teacher and class at your level\\n. \\nOne that is challenging enough to push you forward in your practice. But easy enough that you can keep up.\\n\\nIf the class is too easy, you'll get bored and drop off\\n. You don't have to strain and push yourself to new athletic levels. But you do have to be challenged - even if it's just holding the asana for a few seconds longer.\\n\\nAnd of course, this has to be balanced. \\nYou won't stay long in a class that is too difficult for you either\\n.\\n\\nIf you feel like you can't do any of the asanas, and like the teacher is leaving you behind. You will become discouraged or feel a sense of failure. Then, the risk / reward mechanism in your mind will tell you to stop showing up.\\n\\nSo when the class is too easy, you get bored and stop showing up. When the class is too hard, you feel like you can't do it, and stop showing up.\\n\\nBut when you find that Goldilocks teacher...\\n When it's just right — then you feel motivated and excited to show up every day!\\n\\nFinding the right class for you can be impossible at your local studios. Its hard to find that perfect class when there are only 4 or 5 options. That's why myYogaTeacher offers \\n35+ daily classes live\\n, and has over \\n80 incredible teachers\\n. \\nYou can click here to sign up for a free 14-day trial\\n (no credit card required).\\n\\n\\n3. Are they a good teacher?\\n\\nNOTE:\\n While finding a 'good' teacher is fundamental, it has to be #3 on the list. Because if the teacher's personality and class difficulty are not a good match, you won't stick with it!\\n\\nThis is a difficult one to answer if you're not a teacher yourself.  But it's really important to get right — because \\nlearning from an unskilled (yet often well intentioned and kind) teacher can lead to injuries\\n. Sometimes serious injuries, if you're already struggling with issues like back-pain or knee-pain.\\n\\nBut don't worry, I'll give you some \\nkey things to look fo\\nr. So you can see if the teacher is skilled at teaching (not just flexible or good at practicing yoga).\\n\\nOne of the first things to look at is:\\n \\nHow many hours of certified training does the teacher have?\\n\\nIn the US, it's common for people to take a 200-hour certification course and then jump right to teaching at a studio. A 200-hour certification is amazing for going deeper in your practice. And you can be an excellent teacher with only 200-hours of certification. But it takes time and experience for these skills to develop.\\n\\nIf the teacher only has a 200-hr certification, look for at least 4 years of teaching experience.\\n\\nIn India, yoga is practiced, taught, and learned at a whole different level than in the US. It's more like the medical field.\\n\\nMost yoga teachers go to university and study yoga the way a physical therapist, nurse, or doctor does in the US. With myYogaTeacher you'll find\\n teachers who are literal Doctors of yoga, \\nyoga therapists\\n, and many with 900+ hours of certified training\\n.\\n\\nThis means that \\nyou can trust the teacher to give you a safe practice that will help your body\\n heal and become stronger and more flexible, without the risk of injury. \\nEspecially when you have back pain, knee pain, injuries, or are recovering from surgery.\\n\\nYoga is a natural way to heal many illnesses and injuries. But only when your teacher truly knows what they are doing.\\n\\nIf you're interested in trying classes with an expert Indian teacher, someone who has 900+ hrs of certified training, went to University for yoga, or even a Dr of yoga — \\nyou can click here for a free 2-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n.\\n\\n\\nSummary\\n\\nIf you want to find a teacher that will naturally motivate you to be consistent with your yoga practice, heal any injuries or illnesses, and help you feel stronger, more flexible, and more at peace — \\nyou should look for:\\n\\nA yoga \\nteacher you like\\nA yoga teacher who's \\nclasses challenge you but aren't too difficult\\nA yoga teacher who has \\nat least 200-hours of certified training AND 4-years of experience\\nOr better yet\\n, an expert teacher from the birthplace of yoga, India, who studied yoga in University (similar to a Dr or Nurse in the US)\\n\\nIf you want to try yoga (for free) with an expert teacher like this,\\nyou can signup for a 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher by clicking here\\n."},"createdAt":"2021-01-20T22:33:23.314902+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"MYT 2020: A Year in Review","coverUrl":"MYT_Highlights_2020_v2.png","slug":"2020-summary-letter","content":{"text":"2020 was a crazy year for all of us. We had a lot of ups and downs.\\n\\nHere, I'm going to share with you \\nwhat 2020 looked like for the MYT Community\\n at large:\\n\\n\\n\\nIf you consider yourself a \\nbeginner to yoga\\n, you're not the only one.\\n\\nIn 2020, \\n86,041 people signed up to give myYogaTeacher a try\\n. And of those, \\n65% are beginners\\n.\\n\\nIn fact, the most common question I get from new students is, \\n\"I'm a beginner to yoga, what classes should I start with?\"\\n\\nAnswer:\\n Here is a list of classes I recommend to anyone getting started with yoga \\n(this list was created using the filter function on the class list page)\\n.\\n\\n\\nClick here to see the Best Yoga Classes for Beginners!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThis year, we found more people than ever are practicing yoga to recover from surgery or heal from injuries and illnesses.\\n\\nHere's a word-cloud of \\nthe most common injuries and illnesses\\n MYT students are healing from right now.\\n\\n\\n(the size of the word represents the number of people in the MYT community working on that ailment)\\n\\nThat's why we keep adding these \"Yoga for ...\" classes. Group classes that help you recover and heal from the most common ailments we see.\\n\\n\\nYou can check out a list of the most popular recovery & healing classes here\\n. \\n(This list was created using the filter function on the class list page)\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWe \\nlaunched 'Yoga with Friends'\\n and it's been an \\nimmediate hit!\\n\\n'Yoga with Friends' is a \\nsemi-private online yoga session\\n. Basically, you pick a teacher and time to schedule a class. Then it's open to anyone you invite, with an easy-to-share link.\\n\\nRight now, these 'Yoga with Friends' sessions are \\nfree\\n. But that's going to change soon as we add pricing to these sessions.\\n\\nThis is a \\ngreat way to have healthy fun with your friends, connect with new friends on the MYT platform, or help a reluctant friend get started with yoga\\n.\\n\\n\\nYou can click here to book a free 'Yoga with Friends' session now!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMYT's primary mission is to help you feel great everyday (in body, mind, and soul). Right after that, \\none of our main goals is to empower Yoga Teachers, all over the world, to make a livable wage sharing their passion\\n.\\n\\nMYT has definitely succeeded here!\\n\\nMYT Teachers in India are earning more than their top MBA (Masters in Business) and IT friends.\\n\\nYes, that's right. \\nMany of the MYT teachers are able to earn significantly more than some of the most prestigious careers in India\\n.\\n\\nThey're able to buy their parents nice gifts, send their kids to better schools, and live with outstanding quality of life. All while doing what they love, and earning more than when they worked corporate jobs!\\n\\n\\nYou can read an article about some of our teachers here!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd of course, we launched our first two Teacher Training Courses!\\n\\nThe first one started in September and finished in December. It was amazing and \\nall the students loved it!\\n\\n\\nYou can hear about it from the TTC students themselves here\\n\\n\\nThey made \\ngreat new yoga friends\\n \\n(if it's anything like my TTC, these are close friends for life)\\n. They \\ndove much deeper into their understanding of yoga\\n; the asanas, pranayama, meditation and yogic philosophy.\\n\\nMany of this TTC batch are \\nfeeling less reactive, less stressed, and like better parents\\n.\\n\\nThe 2nd TTC\\n actually started just a few days ago. But it's not too late to join. We're keeping the registration open a few days longer.\\n\\n\\nIf you're interested, you can learn more and enroll here!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nSo while 2020 was an incredibly challenging year. We wanted to share some 'fun facts' and uplifting highlights of myYogaTeacher's 2020 too!\\n\\nI hope you enjoyed learning a little more about your yoga community here at MYT.\\n\\nWith Love,\\nWill"},"createdAt":"2021-01-20T22:05:16.927217+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Things I Wish I Knew Before Beginning My Yoga Journey","coverUrl":"pexels-elly-fairytale-3823204.jpg","slug":"things-i-wish-i-knew","content":{"text":"Hindsight is always 20/20, right?\\n\\nWe think so too. But we would’ve really liked to learn a few things from others before making our own mistakes – or assumptions.\\n\\nThat’s one of the reasons we offer yoga for beginners and other classes that help beginners on their path to becoming better humans, not just better yogis. Still, though, there are just some things we wish we knew before diving into the world of yoga.\\n\\nFor instance, what types of mats are best? Does the mat even matter? How do classes with a private yoga teacher compare to those in groups? Is it really worth the extra cost?\\n\\nThere are lots of questions you don’t even know to ask if you’re a newbie. And just like with anything you try that’s new, in the end, you’re always left thinking, “I wish I knew that before I started.”\\n\\nWhich leads us here. Imparting our experience, wisdom, and continued learning to you!\\n\\nLet’s talk yoga mats\\nWhat makes a great yoga mat, anyway? Is it really that important?\\n\\nWell, yes. Actually, it is. If you haven’t already experienced the struggles with a yoga mat that doesn’t work well for you, you probably will at some point. \\n\\nBut we’re here to help you avoid as many yoga mat problems as possible. \\n\\nYoga mats for beginners\\n\\nA high quality yoga mat is probably the most important piece of the puzzle to keeping you safe, stable and grounded during your yoga practice.\\n\\nIf you’re a beginner yogi\\n, you’ll want a mat that is thicker until your joints get stronger and more used to the poses you’ll be performing. A thicker mat is also great for yogis that have knee, back, or shoulder issues.\\n\\nYou’ll also want one that provides good grip so you’re not slipping out of downward dog and nose diving to the floor. \\nFollow these general guidelines when choosing a mat:\\n\\nChoose a mat that is 3-5 mm thick.\\nJute, cork, and natural rubber mats provide a good amount of stickiness to reduce slipping.\\nA mat with a foam underside gives more padding and support (but be careful using them on carpet).\\nFind a mat that is resistant to moisture, antimicrobial, and/or easy to clean.\\n\\n\\nLiforme\\n is an excellent brand of yoga mats for beginners! All of their mats feature the AlignForMe system to guide yogis through their flow with ease. They also happen to be eco-friendly!\\n\\nPrivate yoga teacher vs. Group classes\\nHow do you take your yoga? With a side of privacy? Maybe you’d prefer to practice yoga out in nature. You could be the yogi that survives and thrives in a studio or group of other yogis in group yoga classes. Maybe you don’t even know which type of class is right for you.\\n\\nWhatever the case, a private yoga teacher – or at least a few private yoga sessions – helps you build a solid foundation for a strong yoga practice.\\n\\nIf you’re a beginner yogi, a private yoga teacher benefits you by:\\n\\nInstructing you on proper alignment for your body.\\nAddressing any current or former injuries that will affect your yoga practice.\\nTeaching you the true meaning of yoga so you can get the most out of your practice.\\nAssessing your breath and demonstrating how to sync your breath to your flow.\\nMaking you feel comfortable and safe talking about your anxieties, stress, or areas of your practice where you know you need improvement.\\nCreating a customized practice designed specifically for you and your needs.\\n\\nThese are all important aspects of yoga.\\n\\nMany novice yogis begin with private lessons so they feel more comfortable and confident moving into group yoga classes. \\n\\nPrivate yoga lessons are customized to you and your needs, help you develop self-awareness, and give you the tools you need to go out on your own! \\n\\nSo when it comes to comparing group classes to private lessons, it’s like comparing apples to oranges. They are both beneficial in different ways. Here at \\nmyYogaTeacher,\\n we offer both! \\n\\nMisconceptions about starting a yoga practice\\n\\nWe could go on and on about all the things we wish we knew before starting our yoga practice. Unfortunately, we hear a few really common misconceptions that we want to nip in the bud right now!\\n\\nYou have to be flexible to do yoga.\\n\\nThis is absolutely not true! \\n\\nFlexibility is often a side effect of yoga, which is really cool. It’s a great way to develop flexibility if you aren’t already flexible. But it’s not a good excuse to dismiss starting your yoga practice.\\n\\nTaking a “yoga for beginners” class or hiring a private yoga teacher is a perfect way to start your journey to newfound flexibility.\\n\\nYoga teachers know everything about yoga.\\n\\nIf this is a thought you have, it’s probably intimidating. \\n\\nYou are inundated with images of perfect yoga poses, and IG posts of online yoga teachers wearing expensive yoga gear flood your feed. Talk of spirituality, asanas, harmony, meditation, and breathwork might have you thinking yoga isn’t for you.\\n\\nNews flash. Even advanced yogis and yoga teachers don’t know everything. They also can’t do everything. Which is totally fine! Yoga is about constantly growing and evolving as a human and a yogi! And what you see on social media isn’t always the best representation of what yoga is really about.\\n\\nAlmost all online yoga classes are created equal so it doesn’t matter which one I choose.\\n\\nThis couldn’t be further from the truth. \\n\\nBefore you start your yoga journey, it’ll benefit you to do a bit of research or, at the very least, talk to someone with a fair amount of knowledge about yoga. \\n\\nFree online yoga is great. YouTube has tons of free yoga videos, and myYogaTeacher gives you a\\n free 2-week trial\\n! But finding the best yoga class and instructor for you will help you develop a practice that is safe, healthy, and optimized for your body, mind, and spirit.\\n\\nHere at myYogaTeacher, we feel that people learn yoga best when their class is LIVE. Our yogis get the added benefit of immediate feedback and personalized interaction with their yoga teachers. LIVE classes offer a more comprehensive yoga experience versus pre recorded online videos one might find elsewhere on the internet!\\n\\n\\n\\nSo let’s recap!\\n\\nYour mat choice is important. Private yoga teachers offer major benefits, particularly for newbie yogis. You don’t need to be flexible to begin doing yoga. And finding the right teacher and class for you is the best way for you to gain the most from a sustainable yoga practice! \\n\\nWhether hindsight is 20/20 or not, you don’t have to make the same mistakes other yogis have. Remember these tips when you’re ready to begin your yoga journey!\\n\\n\\n \\n"},"createdAt":"2020-12-29T15:47:35.958926+00:00","author":{"name":"myYogaTeacher","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"The Benefits of Membership","coverUrl":null,"slug":"benefits-of-membership","content":{"text":"In case you're wondering about the benefits of Membership with myYogaTeacher — I'll sum them up for you here:\\nYou get \\nUnlimited Large Group Classes (LIVE) \\n— so you can take as many classes as you want, whenever you want!\\nYou get \\nrecordings of every class \\n(teacher view only) — so you can re-take your favorite classes whenever you want, or catch up on a class you missed!\\nYou get special \\nMember discounts on \\nWorkshops, Courses, and Teacher Training Programs (often 50% or more off)!\\n\\nAnd most importantly, our students are constantly telling us that signing up for membership... it's a \\ncommitment to yourself\\n.\\n\\nA commitment to \\ntaking care of your health. Making time for yourself. And getting that peace of mind and awareness that makes you happier \\n— \\na better mother, a better father, a better son, a better daughter.\\n\\nLess reactive with your loved ones. \\n\\nMore peaceful and calm.\\n\\nMembership with MyYogaTeacher isn't about us. \\n\\nYes, we scout out incredible teachers from India. Teachers who share deep and authentic yoga. We offer live classes and 1-on-1 sessions at the most affordable rates. We're building an online yoga community like no-where else (check out \\nYoga with Friends\\n). And this is pretty special...\\n\\nBut at the end of the day. \\nMembership is about You\\n. Your body, your needs, your health, and your joy!\\n\\nIf you're interested in signing up for Membership with myYogaTeacher, you can \\nclick here now to get started\\n."},"createdAt":"2020-12-03T18:47:22.18258+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Yoga with Friends","coverUrl":null,"slug":"yoga-with-friends","content":{"text":"\\n\\n\\n\\nBook Yoga with Friends — free\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nYoga with Friends just launched\\n. We haven’t even had a chance to promote it. But it’s quickly becoming one of our most popular offerings!\\nIt’s essentially a private yoga class for you and your friends. Very soon, we’ll start charging for these private group classes.\\nBut for the next two weeks, it’s 100% free! All we ask is that you give us your feedback.\\n\\n\\nWe want to know; what you like about it, what you don’t like, and what we can do to make it easier or better for you.\\n\\n\\nBut the free launch isn’t going to last. And we only have a limited number of teachers.\\nOnce they’re booked up, it’s done. So we can’t guarantee you’ll get a chance to try it free.\\nIf you want to make sure you get a free Yoga with Friends class, book now!\\n\\n\\nBook Yoga with Friends — free\\n\\n\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-11-07T07:49:11.588328+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Exploring the Benefits of Live Online Yoga Classes","coverUrl":"online_yoga_2.jpg","slug":"exploring-the-benefits-of-live-online-yoga-classes","content":{"text":"Yoga has skyrocketed in popularity in the United States and around the world. Go into any mid-sized city in the U.S. and you're likely to find at least a handful of studios offering classes for a range of prices. But what if you can't make it into a studio? Are you supposed to let your yoga practice fall to the wayside? With online yoga from myYogaTeacher, you don't have to.\\n\\nThe internet has brought yoga led by experienced teachers right into our living rooms. And on myYogaTeacher, you can find classes for all levels from Indian teachers who've been studying yoga for years. The world is your ashram. And to get started, all you have to do is head over to \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n and click the purple \\nTry for free\\n button.\\n\\nVirtual yoga classes from myYogaTeacher can do everything live yoga classes do: help you increase flexibility, improve your posture, develop core strength, and boost your energy. You can even find online yoga classes that increase your mind-body connection, offering pranayama (breathwork) and meditation in addition to the asanas, or movements, that we in the West think of as yoga.\\n\\nOf course, most online yoga classes are hidden behind a paywall. You have to really search to find a yoga teacher online who offers high-quality, free online yoga classes. And if you're looking for a live yoga class instead of something pre-recorded, you might be looking for a while.\\n\\nWe at myYogaTeacher understand how important it is to keep up your yoga practice. That's why we're offering free online yoga classes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Once we're through the pandemic, we'll go back to our very reasonable pricing for unlimited group classes. And we also offer 1-on-1 classes for our students who want to go deeper with their practice.\\n\\nSigning up with myYogaTeacher is simple, just go to \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n and click \\nTry for free\\n. You’ll then enter your name, email address, and choose a password before clicking \\nContinue\\n.\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nIs online yoga worth the time (and money)? We think so. Let's talk about why.\\n\\nBenefits of Live Online Yoga Classes\\n\\nYou already know that yoga can help you increase your flexibility, build strength, destress, and better understand your body and mind. But yoga can be expensive and time-consuming. Classes typically start at $15 and only go up from there. Then, you have to consider the additional cost of gas, clothes, mats, and yoga props.\\n\\nYoga can get expensive, fast.\\n\\nAnd that’s not even taking into consideration the time commitment. If you have a full-time job and a family, you might not have the time to drive 20 minutes to a yoga studio, spend 60–90 minutes on your mat, then drive another 20 minutes back home. And definitely not every day.\\nAdd a global pandemic into the mix and, well, bye-bye yoga.\\n\\nFinding a yoga teacher online or taking an online yoga class can be exactly the solution you’re looking for!\\n\\nOnline Yoga Is Cheaper\\n\\nIn-person yoga classes are typically a lot more expensive than online yoga classes. If you’re a drop-in student at a yoga studio, it can cost $15 or more per class. If you buy classes in bulk or sign-up for a monthly rate at a studio, your discount is only going to be slightly less per class.\\n\\nAn online yoga class is much more cost-effective. You can sign up for unlimited monthly classes through myYogaTeacher for just $29 per month! Go to \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n to get started for free!\\n\\nOnline Yoga Is Faster\\n\\nWhich takes less time:\\n\\nChanging into your workout clothes, getting your yoga bag together, driving to a studio, finding a parking spot, walking in, finding a spot, and rolling out your mat… And then do that all again an hour later.\\n\\nOR\\n\\nRolling out your mat and clicking a button?\\n\\nOnline yoga takes less time and that typically means that you’re more likely to do it consistently.\\n\\nOnline Yoga Is More Flexible\\n\\nSince you’re not taking up your time commuting to a studio, you can do yoga whenever and wherever you want. Have an hour? Click a button and spend your full hour focusing on yoga, instead of worrying about fitting your yoga practice into your lunch break and getting back to the office late.\\n\\nHave a weekend to yourself? Take a few \\nyoga classes\\n and treat yourself to an in-home yoga retreat.\\n\\nIf your yoga app or online yoga class offers class recordings, you even have the option of practicing any time, day or night. Two in the morning and you can sleep? Go check out that \\nYoga Nidra\\n class and get your sleep back on track.\\n\\nOnline Yoga Is Travel-Friendly\\n\\nOne of the biggest complaints we hear from students is that it’s so hard to stick to a yoga routine when traveling for work or vacation. With a yoga app or online yoga class, you don’t have to worry about it. You can search for a class and be ready to go with the click of a button from your hotel room or the beach at sunrise.\\n\\nOnline Yoga Offers Brilliant Teachers\\n\\nMany yoga practitioners in the United States talk about wanting to go to India to experience yoga at its origin, with teachers who have been involved in yoga on some level for their entire lives.\\n\\nUnfortunately, this just isn’t feasible for most yogis.\\nWith online yoga classes, especially through myYogaTeacher, students can get access to yoga courses offered by Indian instructors who are familiar with yoga tradition.\\n\\nOnline Yoga Is Less Intimidating\\n\\nWalking into a yoga class can be scary—no matter if you’re a beginner or have been practicing for years. What if you don’t know all the poses, can’t move your body into a certain pose or don’t understand what’s going on? What if you’re not dressed right? What if there’s chanting?\\n\\nBeing able to practice yoga online is much less anxiety-inducing. You can dress for comfort, meditate without worrying what you look like, try your hand at chanting, and use all the props you need to get into a difficult pose (or take another pose entirely).\\n\\nThe Downside of \\nOnline Yoga\\n\\n\\nOf course, even with all the benefits of online yoga, we’d be remiss if we didn’t also mention some of the disadvantages that we’ve heard:\\n\\nIt’s not safe\\nIt’s harder to understand or follow\\n \\nIt’s harder to build a community\\n\\nWhile it’s true that taking a yoga class online can make it harder to follow the moves or make certain moves less safe, that’s not really the case with myYogaTeacher.\\n\\nFor starters, our instructors are really great at what they do. If you leave your camera on, the teacher will be able to see you and offer gentle audible cues to adjust your poses. They also explain the movements, the purpose of the movements, and in some classes talk about the philosophy behind the movements before or as they ask you to do them.\\n\\nYou’ll also get cues that will help you understand how a pose should feel and, importantly, shouldn’t feel.\\n\\nIn terms of community, some practitioners just aren’t looking for that, which is why they might have turned to online yoga classes in the first place.\\n\\nIf you’re still looking for a sense of community, we recommend seeking out a live yoga class online (like those you find with us) and engaging with other students either before or after the class.\\n\\nAs you can tell, we’re passionate about online yoga and are so proud of what we’re able to do through \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n. Head over to myYogaTeacher to start—or deepen—your personal yoga practice.\\n\\nWhy Choose a myYogaTeacher Online Yoga or Yoga App Class?\\n\\nTo enjoy an online yoga class, all you need is a mat, some space, and internet access. While some classes do incorporate props like yoga blocks, bolsters, and straps, they're not required. You can find a yoga teacher online for wherever your practice takes you, be it for meditation, movement, or breathwork or a combination. The best online yoga classes will challenge you on both a physical and spiritual level.\\n\\nIf you're new to yoga or want to experiment with a style you're unfamiliar with, you'll find beginner options available in our live yoga classes. If you keep your camera on, our skilled instructors can offer you modifications right in the moment, giving our group yoga classes the same benefits you'd get from an in-studio class. Instructors will also teach you how to use your props, if you have them, to keep your practice safe.\\n\\nYou'll be able to enjoy the yoga experience you want, on your own schedule by streaming our online yoga classes in a browser or through the myYogaTeacher yoga app. Our enthusiastic and skillful teachers offer high-quality, structured programs that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home, no matter whether you're a beginner to advanced yogi.\\n\\nWe also understand that the relationship between a yoga teacher and yoga student is an important one. If you find a yoga teacher you particularly like, you can sign up for 1-on-1 instruction with them or stick with the group classes that they offer each day. If you're a paid member of myYogaTeacher, you can access class recordings, too, so you can experience your favorite class whenever you want.\\n\\nWhat Online Yoga Classes Are Available on myYogaTeacher?\\n\\nWe offer online yoga classes for any level of experience, from beginners to advanced yogis. You can filter classes by date, class, teacher, and level to find the class that's right for you. On myYogaTeacher, you'll find online yoga classes for ashtanga, breathing and meditation, chair yoga, chakra healing, Hatha, Iyengar, restorative, pranayama, vinyasa, and a whole lot more. We even offer yoga for kids aged 7–12, laughter yoga, and yoga for specific issues like back pain, knee pain, and hormonal imbalance, among others.\\n\\nMany of our classes are 60 minutes but you'll find 30-minute, 45-minute, and 90-minute classes, too.\\n\\nEvery class, whether experienced in your browser or our yoga app features the same brilliant teachers who bring expert, motivating instruction to you. No matter where you are, you’ll find a nourishing yoga class that you’ll love. Sign up at \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n and get started for free!\\n\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-10-20T22:57:24.791156+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Privately Powerful: 3 Eye-Opening Benefits of Online Power Yoga","coverUrl":"eye_opening_2.jpg","slug":"3-eye-opening-benefits-of-online-power-yoga","content":{"text":"Times they are a-changing.\\n\\nThe days of sweating it out in a yoga studio or gym with a group of people you may not even know have passed us by. \\n(Deuces, overpriced gym membership)\\n\\nPower yoga teachers all over the world are getting up close and personal through the television, computer, and phone screens of yogis who simply can’t live without their daily dose of power yoga practice.\\n\\nPlus, in an insta-everything world, where everyone wants everything quick, fast, and in a hurry, online everything is just….well, better.\\n\\nNow is the perfect time to explore your yoga options and truly understand the benefits that \\npower yoga\\n brings to your mind, body, and life!\\n\\nHelllllloooooo, choices!\\n\\nAre you a fitness fanatic who’s new to yoga? Maybe exercise is what you see models doing on infomercials. Not something \\nyou\\n actually do. \\n(That’s cool. Yoga’s the perfect place to start your fitness journey!)\\n\\nMaybe you have limitations like knee, shoulder, or back injuries that prevent you from working out in the same way as many others do.\\n\\nOr \\nmaybe\\n you’re a yoga ninja, and you’re ready to keep up or ramp up your yogi game.\\n\\nWhether you're the newbie or the master, age 5 or 50 (or even older), online power yoga offers you a safe space to explore the world of yoga, get fit and flexible, and clear the mind junk from your trunk.\\n\\nFeel Wealthy, Get Healthy\\n\\n\"I feel like a rich person because I have a \\nyoga teacher\\n in my house 2 times a week. It’s amazing!\"  - Ursula\\n\\nThe word “yoga” means to yoke, unite, or join. It’s deeply rooted in the Hindu culture and has been a part of our world for thousands of years. \\n\\nThe practice of yoga has taken over our modern world by storm with the creation of over ten thousand yoga studios and about thirty million Americans practicing.\\n\\nIn these uncertain times, many yoga studios have been forced to close. Some temporarily and some permanently. Which has left many yogis searching for their intimate connection to mind, body, and spirit online. \\n\\nEnter >>> \\nOnline yoga\\n. Taught by experts from India.\\n\\nPower yoga is a fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga. What many modern-day yogis are most familiar with.\\n\\nLet’s look at some of the primary benefits of power yoga classes:\\nIncreases stamina \\n(Ditch the huff and puff)\\nIncreases muscle mass and core strength \\n(Six-pack abs anyone?)\\nHelps with achieving permanent weight loss \\n(Um, yes please.)\\nSafely increases flexibility \\n(AKA Party trick pizazz)\\nHelps alleviate back and joint pain \\n(Bye, bye grunts and groans)\\nReduces stress and anxiety \\n(Get your Zen on)\\n\\nMy Yoga Teacher\\n offers you personalized attention from hand-picked, highly-sought-after power yoga teachers from India, the birthplace of yoga.\\n\\nYou get expert guidance, goal setting, an individualized plan all from the comfort of your home. Not to mention your very own personal guided meditation from the folks who really know how to help you clear your mind and be present in your life.\\n\\nOh. You’re a fan of a group yoga practice after all?\\n\\nThat’s cool. \\nMy Yoga Teacher\\n offers those as well. \\nAs a matter of fact, you get unlimited group classes with your membership. \\n\\nClasses on \\nyour time\\n in \\nyour space\\n.\\n\\nReduce stress and anxiety, improve strength and flexibility, condition and tone. Lose weight and keep it off. There’s a power yoga teacher just for you. And a group class that you’ll fall in love with. We promise. \\n\\nBecause we’ve insisted on giving the best of the best to our favorite yogis \\n(that’s all of you out there).\\n\\nLive like a rich person — if you aren’t already rich, that is — for less. Bring expert yoga instruction right to your home. \\n\\nPlus, being healthy \\nis\\n being wealthy!\\n\\nThe Power of Personalized Attention\\n\\n“They are so focused on me. I’ve never had that. I mean, who’s had that unless you pay for a 1- on-1 class? [...] it makes the practice so healing.”\\n   - Rachel\\n\\nEveryone likes to have 1:1 attention! No one wants to pay the hefty price for it. \\n\\nPersonalized 1:1 online power yoga classes allow you to not only choose the power yoga teacher that’s the right fit for you but brings them into your home virtually. \\nFor less\\n. Your teacher will address important aspects of power yoga such as alignment, posture, flexibility, and the possibility of pain relief.\\n\\nAnd, in case you haven’t heard, power yoga is an excellent full-body workout, folks!\\n\\nYogis use their own body weight to tone, strengthen, condition, and build muscle mass, which can boost metabolism. \\n(Feel the buuuuuuurn. Gently.)\\n\\nOne on one sessions give you what a studio or gym can’t. For a price that’s much more affordable.\\n\\nOf course, the healing power of yoga is most effective when you’re doing it right. \\n\\nYour personal power yoga teacher (that you select based on your personal preferences and needs) will teach you the benefits of being properly aligned and the dangers of being misaligned during your yoga practice. \\n\\nYou’ll get a rigorous workout that is safe for beginner yogis and expert ones alike while also being easy on your back and knees. \\n(Who needs plyometrics anyway, right? Right.)\\n\\nAnd most importantly, your instructor will meet you where you are. \\n\\nMy Yoga Teacher’s kind-hearted, knowledgeable power yoga teachers guide you lovingly and compassionately through your yoga practice and instill a sense of calm in a space that is safe for you two to connect.\\n\\nA Safe Space for A Safe Practice\\n[testimonial from someone other than Ursula or Rachel]\\n\\nEver feel too embarrassed to practice yoga in a studio or gym with a whole bunch of strangers? What if you have a wardrobe malfunction? Or worse. Gas? \\n(It’s ok. We all have it, folks.)\\n\\nBut in a quiet room. With \\nstrangers\\n?!\\n\\nEnter >>> judgement and eye rolls. Or worse. Laughter.\\n\\nIf you’re a newbie, virtual at-home yoga sessions are the perfect place to explore power yoga in the comfort of your own home. If you topple over, mess up, grunt, groan, sweat like a stuffed pig, or even — gasp — fart, it’s ok. \\n\\nAND, My Yoga Teacher is perfect for beginner yogis!\\n\\nOh, you’re a veteran yogi?\\n\\nPushing yourself is your jam. Where else do you feel the most comfortable trying out new yoga moves besides in the privacy of your home? \\n\\nMaybe your safe space is a hotel, condo, villa sitting on the beach in Bali \\n(or on the beach itself, you lucky thing, you)\\n. Having the ability to practice yoga anywhere at any time is priceless.\\n\\nHere are some more benefits that come with practicing online power yoga in your very own safe space:\\n\\nNo traveling needed. \\n(Which means no excuses not to get your yogi on. Plus save gas and time.)\\nYour home. Your rules.\\n (You have all the control over your yoga practice.)\\nPick your person. \\n(Your power yoga teacher is your friend, not just some rando.)\\nWear whatever you want. \\n(No high dollar yoga pants necessary.)\\nKeep your germs to yourself. \\n(Your house. Your germs. Stay healthier.)\\nMake mistakes in private.\\n (If a yogi falls in a forest, does anyone really know?)\\nYou don’t get those benefits at a studio or gym, my friends.\\n\\n__________________________________________________________________________________________________\\nMy Yoga Teacher\\nYoga Your Way\\n\\n\\nMy Yoga Teacher’s mission is to improve the mental and physical well-being of the world through the healing power of yoga and meditation. Yoga and meditation are powerful tools that have been used for over 1000 years to help people of all ages, abilities, and ethnicities become better, healthier humans. Naturally.\\n\\nWe offer online power yoga classes for beginners and advanced yoga practitioners taught by expert instructors from the birthplace of yoga itself, India.\\n\\nGet personalized expert guidance, without the commute from the privacy of your own home or other safe space. PLUS, set goals and track progress with your individualized roadmap to success that you and your teacher create together. You get the added benefit of discussing your progress with your power yoga teacher and getting their feedback! They will provide tips, tricks, and changes that will push you past difficult spots and plateaus. Your success is our success with My Yoga Teacher!\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-10-20T22:28:00.28937+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Lawyer turned Yogi","coverUrl":"shrutika-post.jpg","slug":"lawyer-turned-yogi","content":{"text":"It was the year 2006 when I passed the 12th grade and chose to study law (a regular professional course), as expected from a girl who is from a middle class family in India. An added advantage was that I got into one of the top five law universities in the country, followed by a handsomely paid legal job in the country's top bank. Like everybody else, I was running the rat race shifting to better paying and more demanding jobs. Following an epiphany experienced in late 2016, I took a sabbatical from work for 2 months after being burnt out from corporate life and set off to Rishikesh for a \\nyoga course\\n without any expectations (I had never done yoga before only heard about it). \\n\\nThe experience in Rishikesh completely transformed me as a person. The course in Rishikesh was quite demanding starting at 5 A.M. in the morning and ending with a meditation session at 7 P.M. in the evening. The course in Rishikesh was affiliated to Yoga Alliance organization in the US. We were taught \\nHatha Yoga\\n, \\nAshtanga Yoga\\n, philosophy of Yoga, physiotherapy, Pranayama, history of Yoga, guided meditation techniques as subjects. However, I realized that it was the little things like discipline, family, diet, environment, not talking while eating (basically our ancient Hindu tradition), etc. that mattered the most in life. It was because of these things that I was transformed as a person, as these very basic things were missing in my life because of the hectic corporate job.\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nI came back from Rishikesh to Bangalore in January 2017 and worked for a whole year as a lawyer with yoga completely missing from my life due to time constraint. However, I was not happy as my mind kept taking me back to those blissful months in Rishikesh and to explore more in the field of Yoga. As I knew that the course in Rishikesh was just a tip of the iceberg. Moreover, the course in Rishikesh catered to modern day Yoga and not the traditional Yoga. I quit my job in 2017 and did 3 courses in different types of Yoga, the course in Nashik was a traditional Hatha yoga, the course in Kerala was based on Ashtanga yoga of Patabhi Jois and lastly, the one in Dharamshala was mainly on Iyengar yoga. However, I was still not satisfied with just these month long courses. I finally applied to a yearlong Post graduate diploma course in Kaivalyadham Yoga Institute. I also wanted to stay in a typical ashram like setting and experience Yoga. The yearlong course finally prepared me to face the fact that Yoga has to be a lifestyle or the way of life to get benefits from it and it is during this course that I realized that I should share with people my knowledge and decided to take it up as a career. Briefly, we were taught traditional Hatha Yoga asanas, Pranayama, guided meditation techniques, theory subjects Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gherand Samhita, Patanjali \\nYoga Sutras\\n, yoga and mental health, to name a few. Never thought Yoga as a subject had so much theory. I am pursuing my masters in yoga through distance education trying to get deeper knowledge of the theory which will aid my practical teaching as well. \\n\\nUnfortunately, I met with an accident last year and had to quit Yoga for a few months. I have completely recovered now and thus ready to share my knowledge of yoga with people. I am raring to go. I could come out of these tough times (surgery and recovery) only because of Yoga (asana, pranayama and meditation). \\n\\nAs stated previously, following an epiphany experienced in late 2016 to find peace and spirituality, I found my true calling in Yoga, I want to share this knowledge with as many people as possible so that they can benefit from it as I have. Yoga has made me realize that I am a simple person at heart. My dream is to lead a simple life with my family filled with peace (as happiness follows peace). \\n"},"createdAt":"2020-09-28T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Shrutika","pictureUrl":"shritika-pro.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"shrutika-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Journey of Yogini","coverUrl":"IMG_20200601_214146-1.jpg","slug":"journey-of-yogini","content":{"text":"\\nI discovered yoga 15 years ago while in high school , yoga was a part of curricular activity during my school days . I was unaware what yoga really is? I thought it's just for flexibility and molding a body as we want until I realize. We had \\nyoga asanas\\n for sports competitions during my school days, that was the best part of my childhood days .  When I look back now, it is clear to me that I was not doing it correctly at that time. I thought to myself, “Yoga is not that difficult, I just need to rest in the pose!” I brought that mind of thinking, namely, that I was not so bad at yoga. I had participated in many competitions during my high school and graduation, and got many prizes for my advanced postures.\\n\\nAt the beginning of regular practice, I was always being adjusted for alignment and asked to use strength by my master’s n friends. I wondered why all my alignment and concepts about Yoga were wrong before? Fortunately, I didn’t feel frustrated but was just curious to learn the correct way to perform the poses. Otherwise, I would have quit Yoga and wouldn’t have been the “me that I am” today. Many other aspects about Yoga have been unfolded to me in my \\nYoga journey\\n. Firstly, breathing technique – we breathe every moment, why do we have to learn how to breathe after being alive for so many years? Secondly, Yoga Sutras – Yoga also has a “bible”! This is interesting. Thirdly, meditation – it is a relatively normal topic – sitting still without moving has always been my strength. Of course, it is a deeper topic than I thought. Fourthly, Mantra chanting – although I didn’t understand the meaning of the mantras at the beginning, I liked the melody. Fifthly, cleansing technique – when my master asked me to join the cleansing class, I asked what we would do and he just said we would drink a lot of water.\\n\\nIn the second half of 2015, Strangely enough or I may be lucky, all these invaluable concepts unfolded gradually. I was interested in learning more without any hesitation. I was asked if I was interested in undertaking Yoga teacher training or some course.\\n\\n I resisted teaching as I didn’t think I had the talent. Further, I was too shy to speak in front of people. But I was eager to learn more about Yoga besides asanas (postures). I was still hesitant to enroll for the course, only four days before the course started, I signed up with sudden impulse. Then I took 2 years masters in yoga science in specialization of yoga therapy which includes traditional hatha yoga. Then I did a 200hr TTC ashtanga course and 200hr TTC Aerial yoga course in Mysore.\\n\\nI kept challenging myself in new things that I had never thought of doing or resisted doing (sometimes out of fear or because of lack of confidence). Now I volunteer to teach Yoga in a charity organisation. It's been more than 4 years since I started teaching in India and Abroad(Qatar) as well. \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nI have become more aware of my feelings and the emotions deep down. So I begin to understand myself more out of this Yoga journey. Thanks to every master and every fellow practitioner I have met along the journey. I have learnt a lot from each of them. I believe that the right things will unfold at the right time.I believe keeping practising without setting any rigid goals while experiencing along the journey is more precious. It is a simple but deep and meaningful statement. The way we practise Yoga will affect the way we live our lives. Don’t give ourselves too much pressure. Don’t take things too seriously. Learn to undertake challenges playfully. Balancing between persistence and letting go will go a long way in every aspect of our lives. We will feel the joy when gratefulness fosters naturally.\\n\\nYoga is the union of body, mind and soul. My practice has been transformed from a physical exercise to more a practice of awareness of my feelings and emotions. I have changed my approach to practice by having a thankful mind with a focus on feeling every part of my body and my breath. There is still a long way to go on the journey, but I am sure I am heading in a joyful path, no matter how the external environment evolves. The seed of joy has sprouted inside me.\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-07-27T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Mamatha GP","pictureUrl":"IMG_20200601_214146-1.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"mamatha-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Yoga – A companion for life !","coverUrl":"IMG-20200317-WA0030.jpg","slug":"yoga-a-companion-for-life","content":{"text":"Having seen a loved one go through a terminal illness in my family, I, very early in my life, realized the importance of maintaining good health for living a happy and fuller life.  \\n\\nI suffered from gastric and hormonal related problems for a very long time and taking allopathic medicines only helped in temporarily relieving the symptoms. My demanding corporate job as a marketing professional also added to the mental stress and kept me feeling on the edge most of the time.\\n\\nTo address these issues from their root level, I started to research about natural and sustainable ways of improving my health by reading and talking to people going through similar challenges. As cliched and commonsensical it may sound, I discovered that making changes in my diet and incorporating a workout routine in my lifestyle was what I needed to combat these health issues. \\n\\nGoing to the gym never appealed to me and hence I decided to give yoga practice a try. What intrigued me about \\nYoga\\n was its ancient origin and ability to impact by targeting the root cause of the problem and somewhere I knew, intuitively, that this is the right form of practice which will gel with my overall temperament. \\n\\nI started practising it daily for one hour with the help of a Yoga instructor along with some dietary changes and within 7-8 months, I started to feel its impact on both physical and mental well-being. The flexibility of my body increased making me feel lighter most of the time and I experienced a significant improvement in digestive health. My anxiety levels came down enabling me to stay more grounded, present and connected with myself.\\n\\n \\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIt's been 6 years since I brought Yoga into my life and I cannot emphasize enough on its power to heal you from the core. Last year, organically, I got a strong urge to deepen my understanding of yoga philosophy and developed an inclination to share my knowledge and experience of yoga practice with other people. I figured that to fulfil this desire of helping other people discover the benefits of yoga more systematically, I needed to learn the teaching techniques, the symbolism of the \\nasanas\\n and their effects at the mental and spiritual levels. Hence, I enrolled myself in a super intense teacher training course offered by an internationally recognized and yoga alliance certified Yoga Centre. Spending time at the centre opened a whole new dimension into the world of Yoga for me and my connection with the practice became stronger and deeper, \\n\\nYoga will always mean different things to different people. For me, it has become a way of life and much more than just a set of physical postures. As a teacher, I believe in learning together with my students and structure my class depending on the needs and goals they are looking to address. I would be very happy to be a part of your yoga journey 😊 "},"createdAt":"2020-06-29T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Shikha","pictureUrl":"shikha-pro.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"shikha-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"International Yoga Day!","coverUrl":"int-yoga-day-123.jpg","slug":"international-yoga-day","content":{"text":"We're celebrating International Yoga Day this weekend! \\nSo you'll see a bunch of special classes (for this weekend only)!\\n\\nYou see, the purpose of International Yoga Day is to raise awareness of the benefits of yoga — \\nto bring peace, health and joy to every human being.\\n\\nOn top of the regular schedule, you'll see these special \\nInternational Yoga Day\\n classes.\\n\\nThey're easy to spot because they all have \"International Yoga Day\" in the name. \\nThe one's listed below are all free!\\n\\n\\nYou can \\nclick here to sign up for any of these International Yoga Day classes now!\\n\\n\\nSaturday June 20th\\n\\n🧘 \\nCandle-Guided Meditation\\n (7:30 PM PST / 10:30 PM EST)Tratak is a \\nmeditation\\n technique in the practice of yoga to help concentrate on the visual stimulus of a candle flame in order to bring the mind to focus. In addition, it also cleanses the eyes, strengthens the eye muscles, and improves vision, concentration, and memory. It even helps in improving the quality of sleep. Tratak is practiced in a room with dim lights by focusing on a candle flame and stabilizing the breath. Requirements: candle, matchstick/lighter, table of height almost similar to the height of your eyes when sitting on mat/cushion, a slightly dark room.\\n\\nSunday June 21st\\n\\nYoga for Balancing and Deep Stretch\\n (7:00 AM PST / 10:00 AM EDT)This class offers strength postures that will have you moving, breathing, and sweating.This class focuses on building and engaging your core strength to support you in more advanced postures. Yoga strengthens, balances and exhilarates the body and mind!\\n\\nKids Yoga Party!!!\\n (8:30 AM PST/ 11:30 AM EST)Get ready for some fun challenges, new activities and games!! We welcome you to \\nKids Yoga\\n party for celebrating International Yoga day!!\\n\\n108 Sun Salutations\\n (10 AM PST / 1 PM EDT)During this session, we will work on flowing with the breath and challenging ourselves by working on our physical and mental endurance. We will focus on warmup and kick-start with doing a few sun salutations. Then, gradually we increase to reach our goal of 108 sun salutations!\\n\\n🧘 \\nMeditation & Deep Relaxation\\n (7:30 PM PST / 10:30 PM EDT)In this class, we will begin with a few rounds of breathing, including A Kara chanting & awareness. We will move through A - U - M chants to help us find our peaceful and aware state of Samadhi.\\n\\nAgain, if you'd like to \\nsave your spot in any of these special (and free) classes, you can click here now! \\n\\n\\nHope to see you there!\\n\\nAnd happy International Yoga Day / weekend! \\n"},"createdAt":"2020-06-20T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Letter from Jitendra (CEO and co-founder of myYogaTeacher)","coverUrl":"jitendra-family.jpg","slug":"letter-from-jitendra-ceo-and-co-founder-of-myyogateacher","content":{"text":"\"If you want to reach your goals, the WHY is always more important than the HOW.\"This letter to you isn't short but you'll want to read it. Because it could be the start of a life-changing process for you. It was for me...\\n\\nYou see, when I was starting my first company, I was living a super unhealthy lifestyle.\\n\\nI was smoking cigarettes, binge eating and then pushing myself to run like a maniac. I'd exercise to the point of exhaustion and then go right back to eating a carton of doughnuts!\\n\\nThis is how I dealt with the stress of starting my first company. And to be honest, it was much worse on my family.\\n\\nFor 7 years I was just a body at the dinner table. My daughters would bubble with excitement about their day at school. And I would barely respond, \"uh huh\". They were instantly deflated. They'd repeat themselves 3 or 4 times and I still wouldn't be able to listen...\\n\\nI LOVE my daughters, I care about them, and I wanted to listen! But it felt like a train was steaming through my head and running off the tracks... My mind was out of control!\\n\\nMy body was there, but I was completely unavailable for my wife, my kids, and everything outside of work. No bedtime stories, no basketball games, nothing like that.\\n\\nI was missing the highlights of their lives... of our lives!\\n\\nI knew I needed to be more present. I needed to be less stressed. I needed to be healthier and more available for my family. But I had too much work to take care of.\\n\\nI wanted to be the father for my girls, that my dad was for me. I wanted them to know they're loved, to be a meaningful part of their life. And I want them to have amazing memories of us for the rest of their lives...\\n\\nBut I was failing. I couldn't balance work and family. I couldn't balance health and taking care of my responsibilities.\\n\\nNearly 10 years of this! I had to do something...\\n\\nSo I decided to join a yoga studio. I thought \"I'll get in shape AND reduce my stress!\" Sounds great, doesn't it?\\n\\n... It wasn't that simple. The studio classes were generalized. It was more about the class and style of yoga than it was about me and my needs. I wasn't seeing any results.\\n\\nSo pretty soon, I was back to the gym and discount yoga classes at The Y... the random gym-class schedule never quite worked for me. I'd always have to miss out because of a meeting or something like that.\\n\\nThen a friend told me about 1-on-1 private sessions with a yoga teacher. He said it's kinda like my own personal trainer, but for yoga!\\n\\nI was super excited and hopeful again!\\n\\nSo I started...\\n\\nNow I was finally getting results! She gave me constant motivation. She kept me accountable. And she helped me to be consistent.\\n\\nThe sessions were personalized to my needs. And that alone made a world of difference.\\n\\nI was less stressed, toning up, and feeling like 26 year old me (instead of 46 year old me)!\\n\\nBut it was $100 a session, and I stil had to drive to the studio. It just wasn't sustainable. So pretty soon I had to quit...\\n\\nThen one day, I mentiond all this to a friend. Do you know what she told me? She was doing 1-on-1 sessions ONLINE with a teacher in India! ... Genius!\\n\\nRight away I reached out to my friends back home (I'm from India) and asked them to put me in contact with a teacher.\\n\\nI was hooked! I was getting 1-on-1 sessions for a fraction of the cost! The sessions were in my home. No baby sitter required, no driving, no class full of people to feel awkward in front of. Just me and my teacher.\\n\\nBut the scheduling was a pain.\\n\\nWe'd write about a dozen emails back-and-forth just to pin down a time for one session. Then my schedule would change and we'd go through the whole process again. (So annoying!)\\n\\n\"You know, I didn't go into business just to make money. I want to contribute something meaningful to the world.\"I knew this was big. I knew I had to do something drastic. So I handed off my company to a friend, and hired a team of developers to start building myYogaTeacher.\\n\\nOver the next year we streamlined all the technology and the scheduling!\\n\\nNow anyone can have the most affordable 1-on-1 private yoga sessions. And easy online access to amazing Indian teachers.\\n\\nI've been practicing with myYogaTeacher at least 2 or 3 times per week for the last year and half. And my family will tell you, it's made all the difference.\\n\\nI'm healthier than ever. I haven't smoked a single cigarette for 14 months. I'm even working on my headstand!\\n\\nAnd I almost never get stressed. When I do start feeling a bit stressed, I take a 1-hr yoga session and reset.\\n\\nBut the best part is, I'm happier and finally here for my family. I make breakfast every morning for my girls. I help them with their math homework and even coach their basketball team!\\n\\nI am present for my family. I'm the father I want to be.\\n\\nAnd I am so grateful to my yoga teachers who have helped make this happen. I sincerely hope you love your trial with myYogaTeacher and it's the start of a HUGE transformation for you too!\\n\\nThanks for taking the time to read this letter. And...\\n\\nRemember your WHY!Jitendra\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-06-03T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Begin Again","coverUrl":"anushacover.jpg","slug":"begin-again","content":{"text":"By Anusha\\n\\nBeing professionally a Doctor my yoga journey started a little over a decade ago, just with Asanas or physical postures. That was irregular too. Since balancing profession and passion was a difficult task. Then I found a way. 3 years back it all started. I started attending retreats and got exposed to different places of yoga. And it's then I changed. I wanted to go deep into this path of \\nyoga\\n and spirituality. I did my TTC and started teaching students from different countries and with different languages as I love traveling. Also conducted many workshops and retreats. Then I wanted to expand my teaching and reach people staying far. So decided to take online classes. All I want is to give the best of my knowledge to my students.\\n\\n‘Am learning too! ’, is the key for me to teach my students. We all are learning in different ways. I cannot promise you that I 'll make your dreams come true, but I can promise that I will definitely make a way for you to achieve your dreams.\\n\\nMy classes are always a combination of asanas/physical posture, \\npranayama/\\nmeditation. And the structure of each session is primarily based on every student’s requirements and goals. With details including body alignment, breath and mindfulness for every practice. A practice very important for your physical and mental health. Its ok if you are too young or too old to \\nstart yoga\\n. Your age, health, race, etc., doesn’t matter, you can always find a way. We all have that phase in life which lead us to start over again and again. It’s never too late. No matter what’s happened to you, you can always begin again."},"createdAt":"2020-05-19T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Anusha","pictureUrl":"anushacover.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"anusha-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"The Direction of Yoga","coverUrl":"Umesh-Feature-image.jpg","slug":"the-direction-of-yoga","content":{"text":"\\nThere was an immense surge of energy and a sense of lightness in being me. I was dripping like it was hot summer. I was so aware of my body, my mind, and my breath. I wanted more of it. There was this beautiful rush I felt throughout and when it was time for ‘Shavasana’. I could not stop myself being one with the stars and the galaxies as I closed my eyes. It was magical! I was smiling! I was happy! I had finished my first Yoga class! Almost two decades later…with the same smile, I’m here with you sharing how it all began.\\n\\nMy background in movement arts started in 1997 when my parents enrolled me to study martial arts because I beat up my school mate when he teased me. As lame as it may sound, I was pretty hurt and suppressed as I held onto my emotions. I was all bottled up and quite. The training began with stances, alignment, breathing, and striking with the foot and hand. My reflexes were required to develop into responses rather than unsystematic reactions. I was jumping, rolling, learning to break a fall. It all became second nature to me. Over the next few years, I improved multifold not only physically but mentally and emotionally. I was taught about – ‘Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit’. These were lessons for life.\\n\\nWhat had changed in me was that I turned out more disciplined with awareness. The boy who I beat up was friends with me again because I went up to him and apologized. I had learned to forgive and be empathetic. And, that felt good to me. It was on the same campus where dance was taught. The sound of Indian percussion music aroused a passion for dance. Now I was both shadowboxing and ‘shadow dancing’ with postures I did not even have a name for. They looked aesthetic and pleasing to me. I knew I had an eye for detail and articulation.\\n\\nFrom 2001 to 2014 I have been a contemporary dancer, performing across the globe. Through this, I learned more about ‘rasas’ and stage presence. I gained further insight into human anatomy, musculature, injury prevention, and nutrition. Martial arts and dance are such a beautiful combination together. They are like two sides of a coin to me. One you defend yourself with and with the other you express and communicate. Oh yes! I specialized in sculpture making in my Arts College. It was all a beautiful alignment to understand the human body. It was at this juncture that I started learning Yoga to prevent injuries and to focus inwards.\\n\\nThe spiritual search for clarity began with Yoga and there has been no end to the possibilities it opened up within and outside. I’m grateful to all the teachers and schools who have given me this knowledge and to the students who I learn from as I teach. I will always remember the very first \\nYoga class\\n which has taken me till here with a smile.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe chanting of the ‘mantras’ at the beginning of a class invoked a sense of being in the present and thanking the almighty creator, the universe, and its elements. India has had such a rich heritage, deep culture, and its own mystique to it. Who knew that this would be Yoga? Why these postures? How are these postures, mudras, yogic breathing, and uses backed by medical and scientific research and analysis in the present day? \\n\\nIt amazes and intrigues me as more advanced scientific and medical data proves and shows that Yoga is a must for everybody. For example, the risks arising from cardiovascular diseases are reduced with the practice of certain ‘\\nasanas\\n’ and ‘pranayama’. Apart from making me physically flexible, strong, and supple, Yoga has helped me heal mentally and emotionally. My emotions are sometimes on a surge because I am human. Even if it does surge for a few seconds, it automatically brings me back into a sense of calmness and blissful focus. I look inwards and question myself. I try to be in the present and practice mindfulness with every step, bite, and breath. I have learned to amalgamate the nuances and technique of martial art and dance into \\nYoga\\n and I have noticed in my own practice and the inner feelings of my students who express so well saying they feel heroic and they feel unknown beautiful serenity. They feel relaxed and accomplished at the end of the class. That is so true because I feel the same! My life has been full of art and movement. The compass is always pointing towards Yoga. Simply put, Yoga unifies the mind and body. Uplifting our spirit and energizing us, it aligns everything possible for us in a positive way. This ancient art of Yoga was made for all of us to practice with an open heart regardless of age. We will have a clear direction then. And, that is Yoga, the most beautiful path! I hope you like my journey so far here. Looking forward to seeing you often! Stay Blessed, Namaste!\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-05-15T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Umesh Balavaradaraju","pictureUrl":"sbx7hdb2bzbkpgvdqmiu.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"umesh-2"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"When Yoga became the Aim of my Life","coverUrl":"sakshi1.jpg","slug":"when-yoga-became-the-aim-of-my-life","content":{"text":"\\nAfter suffering from TB and pneumonia for almost a year, I remember feeling desperate to get out of this miserable condition. Till this date I’d never practiced yoga, only heard it could cure and bring good health. I also thought it was about certain asanas only. I needed to do something to get out of it for once and for all so I decided to join one of the century old school, The Yoga institute to start 900 hrs of intense Hatha \\nyoga training \\nstraight out of my sickness, and what happened next was truly the best thing that could’ve happened, the sickness turned out only to be a big best blessing in disguise. It was like through my sickness I was preparing for yoga, and through Yoga, I not only understood why I felt sick but I also completely healed myself. \\n\\n\\n\\n\\nYoga for me was coming home to myself. Taking 100% responsibility for my actions, starting a tremendous love affair with myself. It has only been life-transforming for good. I never started \\nYoga\\n to become a teacher, it just came naturally and now this attempt of teaching yoga is only with the intention of walking everyone home, to a safe place within ourselves, full of creativity, compassion and celebration engulfed in absolute silence, even amidst the chaos. It’s like waking up from a dream and seeing everything for the 1st time and laughing at the whole gameplay of the universe! Then Little things start bringing great joy, and the secret lies in simply being aware that you’re aware. Yoga is a journey to attuning yourself with your higher awareness. It’s about a deeper understanding of your own true nature. The beauty of this journey is going from the known the unknown, from gross to subtle, so subtle that there is no difference between you and the divine. \\n\\nYoga is not just doing \\nasanas\\n and finding peace of mind, these are just by-products, the ultimate aim of Yoga is \"Samadhi\". \"Samadhi\" means transcending the duality to merge with one consciousness. I invite you to take this leap of faith and jump with me to take a ride in the infinity. I invite you to take the 1st step: START.\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-05-12T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Sakshi Jain","pictureUrl":"SAKSHI.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"sakshi-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Turning my whole life around with Yoga","coverUrl":"b055cca2-fd74-44f2-ae4f-411a740a47da.jpg","slug":"turning-my-whole-life-around-with-yoga","content":{"text":"\\nPrior to writing “Ramayana”, Valmiki was known as Ratnakara – a highway robber. It is said that he obtained knowledge by repeating the name of Sri Rama in the reverse. The story narrates the glory of the name Rama.\\n\\nRatnakara spent his time in the forest, looting travelers. One day he attacked a group of seven saints who had nothing to offer to the robber other than the name of “Rama”.\\n\\nThe seven sages told about the glory of the name Rama and the treasure it can unfold. They told him that the name is the key to the true treasure of life.\\n\\nRatnakara was so immersed in his wrongdoings that he was unable to utter the word “Rama.” \\n\\nAs a solution, the sages then asked him to repeat the name in the reverse order. Thus, Ratnakara started chanting the name: Mara.\\n\\nMara…Mara…Mara soon became Rama… Rama…Rama.\\n\\nOver time, Ratnakara became so fond of repeating the name that he became a pious saint.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nI am no saint but the above story is quite true in my life. Years ago, I was a staunch non-believer of God or spirituality and never cared about the world around me. Arrogance was my second name. My world was a fantasy and I was the protagonist. I did all possible sins that landed me in trouble many times and I constantly succeeded in annoying people with my tantrums. \\n\\nI lived as I pleased and nothing more mattered. Living like there was no tomorrow, I enjoyed everything the material world had to offer. I was a heavy smoker and drinker, and I ate meat every day. Unhealthy food and lifestyle habits wrecked my body, causing health issues and damaging my immune system to the degree I was sick more often than not. I took pills all my life and overmedicated myself at the slightest sign of discomfort.\\n\\nWhen the Bollywood movie, Sanju, was released, my friends said it reminded them of me. It was a wakeup call. I felt ashamed at that moment because I realised how painful that would have been for my parents. A totally ignorant life.\\n\\nI didn’t have to be reborn to be like Valmiki, rather maybe I am one of the few to have realised what is the real purpose of life. My new path wasn’t immediate, however. When my wife did her Teachers’ Training course, I didn’t try simple things that she asked me to. Even my own TTC wasn’t for the right reasons at first. I wanted to earn money and be independent, because I was moving to the US for good. \\n\\nLittle did I know that the 3 months course would be transformative and change the value system in me. I started looking at life with a completely different lens. As an actor on stage for many years, I had become very critical about life but \\nYoga\\n gave me a different perspective towards humanity. I started appreciating the beauty of life and loving people. \\n\\nPhysical practices brought a lot of confidence and eliminated health issues gradually and in fact, I could overcome some very serious injuries in my body like Coccydynia and because of a major train accident in childhood, I had multiple fractures on my left foot, fracture in the pelvic bone, dislocation in my left shoulder and many other fractures, bruises, stitches on my entire body. The simple technique of Jalaneti made my immune system strong and I no longer rely on medication-- I haven’t had a cold in three years. The magic of \\nyoga\\n astounded me and gave me the humility I desperately needed.\\n\\nWhen I saw these changes in my life, it gave me the faith to believe in a higher reality and recognize the truth in the scriptures. My relatives and friends don’t recognise me anymore because my life has taken a 360 degree turn and my bad habits and vices are gone for good. Yoga gave me firm determination to never go back and suffer. I never thought I would be doing headstands and teaching philosophy to students from all across the globe at The Yoga Institute for TTC, but here I am. I’m pursuing my Masters in \\nYoga\\n from SVYASA University. \\n\\nI am not telling all this to gain fame or boost my ego because that truly is the last thing I want. If my story can help some and work as an eye opener, I will be fulfilled. I can’t change my past but I have the power to shape my future because I am living consciously in the present. If I could do it, then anyone in this world can do it. I give this credit to all my teachers and students, without whom I would not have been able to learn more and change my life. I thank my family for supporting me in everything, my faith in Sai Baba and the courage I get from reading Swami Vivekananda.\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-05-12T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Rohan Shroff","pictureUrl":"qrgfegrgnhqevaotkukn.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"rohan-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"What Style of Yoga is Right for Me?","coverUrl":"pexels-photo-823694.jpeg","slug":"what-style-of-yoga-is-right-for-me","content":{"text":"\\n\\nStarting out on your yoga journey might leave you feeling lost. Beyond where to find your yoga instruction (a studio? online?), you have to navigate what type of yoga is right for you. Here, we’ll dive into six different types of yoga that you can try from the comfort of your own home. Many yogis choose more than one to do regularly— so don’t worry if you’re drawn to a few options! \\n\\n1. Ashtanga\\n\\nYou might have seen \\nAshtanga\\n Yoga touted by popular Instagram yogis like @kinoyoga and @fitqueenirene. Their strength and confidence are intoxicating, and it’s no surprise that they both have roots in the challenging, demanding practice of Ashtanga yoga. Traditionally, Ashtanga uses one set sequence and takes its practitioners deep into each pose, using many vinyasas to raise the heart rate and increase the physical exertion of the class. I call Ashtanga “hardcore” because it involves really settling into demanding poses. A beginner might use the sequence as a “goal”, something to one day be able to go through without stopping— while an advanced yogi can challenge themselves by moving deeper into poses and activating even their smallest muscles in accordance to their instructor’s guidance. \\n\\n2. Vinyasa\\n\\nModern yoga as we see it is mainly Vinyasa-style yoga, because there is a flow and freedom to the sequencing. There is no set sequence to Vinyasa yoga, though many teachers incorporate a beginning meditation, core/warmup work, a few standing flows, and backbends or inversions before savasana. Because of this, Vinyasa yoga is easily adapted to one’s abilities and goals. If you are a beginner, a Vinyasa yoga teacher may stick to some simpler poses, moving through Warriors and Twists so you can get the foundations of the practice. If you are an advanced yogi, however, you might see a Vinyasa teacher guiding you through arm balances, handstands, and one-legged poses. Vinyasa is easily adaptable for the student, and because of that it is one of my favorite yoga styles to teach.\\n\\n3. Yin\\n\\n\\nYin yoga\\n is like a spa experience for your body and mind. In Yin, practitioners spend several minutes in supported poses, using props like bolsters and blocks (or for at-home yogis, pillows and even books!) This helps muscles truly release, tapping into the parasympathetic nervous system and encouraging the body to let go of any stress it may be holding. At the end of a Yin class, I often feel as though I’ve just had a day at a spa— I feel loose and light on my feet. This is a great class for both beginners and seasoned yogis alike— the practice truly meets you at your level, whatever that might be.\\n\\n4. Hatha\\n\\nHatha is more or less an umbrella term for any class that takes you through asanas, or physical poses. It can mean anything, although in most cases it is slower-paced and more gentle than Vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga. A lot of beginners flock to Hatha yoga because of its accessibility— Hatha yoga instructors emphasize teaching body alignment in foundational poses. But even non-beginners should take note: when scientists study the benefits of yoga, they often focus on Hatha yoga because of its healing capabilities and its accessibility. If you’d like to learn more about Hatha yoga’s benefits, see our article on yoga and immunity! \\n\\n5. Kundalini\\n\\nI remember the first time I ever went to a Kundalini yoga class. It was actually one of my first yoga classes ever, and as a bashful high schooler I was immediately cautious about the chanting and meditation that comes with Kundalini. Yet, afterwards  I felt empowered— as if I’d tapped into an energy bigger than myself. That is what Kundalini is all about— linking breath, meditation, and poses to connect to spirituality. Practitioners love it for directing energy and bringing guidance and motivation to the mindfulness journey. Expect to see the more spiritual side of yoga in a Kundalini class— you likely won’t break a sweat, but will leave feeling transformed and revitalized. I recommend it for anyone regardless of their religion; yoga is around for as long as it has been in large part because it allows one to clear through the chaos of everyday life. Kundalini takes that awareness to the next level.\\n\\n6. Iyengar\\n\\n\\nIyengar yoga\\n was developed in the 20th century by BKS Iyengar, but its newness doesn’t take away from what is a soon-to-be classical practice. Iyengar yoga is a refreshing form of yoga that utilizes props in new and novel ways, moving its practitioners through long pose holds and therapeutic flows. A highlight of Iyengar yoga is its precision: teachers aim to fine-tune each muscle of your body so it sets perfectly into every pose. Iyengar yoga is great for every level, and I think it shines most for those looking to develop intense core strength, those looking to work around injury, and those (like me) who love how props can change a practice. \\n\\nNo matter what yoga style you choose, it’s important to remember that choosing to practice yoga is a step in the direction of improving your health, stress levels, and even how you view the world. We offer all of these styles and more, and our teachers can guide you towards any physical and mental goals you may have. No matter which style you choose, have a happy practice and enjoy the process! \\n"},"createdAt":"2020-05-08T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"When Yoga happened Suddenly...","coverUrl":"","slug":"when-yoga-happened-suddenly","content":{"text":"By Priya \\n\\nMy first exposure to yoga was when I was in grade, during a summer camp.\\n\\nI was awestruck, watching the instructor demonstate different postures. I thought jalaneti (water-based nasal cleansing) was magic!\\n\\nAt that point, I wanted to learn yoga ..\\n\\nWhen I delivered my daughter some years ago, I realized the impact of yoga during my post natal and motherhood experience.\\n\\nAt that point, I wanted to teach yoga..\\n\\nI then went to yoga school to get qualified academically, learnt several new aspects, met new people and unravelled the wonder of spirituality, value education, yoga therapy, naturopathy and overall health.\\n\\nYoga has been my companion over the years, guiding me through anxiety, weight issues, deadline pressures, parenting blues, and injuries.\\n\\nYoga has had a major influence on me and I am passionate about sharing this broadly.\\n\\nThere is something in this for everyone and the magic continues .. \\n\\nOm, Sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-05-05T00:00:00+00:00","author":null,"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Finding Yoga in the Heart of Winter","coverUrl":"winter.jpg","slug":"finding-yoga-in-the-heart-of-winter","content":{"text":"Before we dive into the article, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Charlotte, and I’ll be writing some blog posts for \\nMyYogaTeacher.com\\n. I’m beyond excited to share my words with you, starting with my yoga journey:\\n\\n When I was in high school, I was constantly focused on body image. There were myriad ways to spend my time better than worrying about how I dressed, how I looked, and a number on the scale— but due to a mix of tabloid magazines and TV shows, that is what I thought about.\\n\\nI was also obsessed with exercise, and because of this my mom got me a book on yoga poses. It was probably her not so subtle hint to slow down, to enjoy these years where the biggest thing I had to worry about was school. And it worked— kind of. I followed some of the poses in the book, and eventually did stop obsessing over looks and popularity. I enjoyed my high school years.\\n\\nSeemingly, I forgot about the book and about yoga in general until a friend asked me if I wanted to go to a hip hop yoga class at a studio near my college. I said “sure”, and was absolutely blown away. Not only were the intense \\nvinyasa\\n poses set to hip hop beats, but it was blacklight yoga! That made the experience seem like a spiritual party— the white leggings I’d worn glowed and the room was vibrant with color. At the end of the class, sweaty and subdued after a perfect savanna, I had changed my mind about yoga. It was really cool. \\n\\nThat fondness, and the studio, stayed in my heart as I trained for obstacle course races and half marathons. Then, post-college, I was on a trail run after work one day when I fell hard on my ankle. Running the rest of the way down the mountain wasn’t the hardest part. The hardest part was learning I’d fractured my ankle, and that I’d have to take it easy for a while.\\n\\nExercise had been my one outlet for stress, and it had empowered me to see myself and my body outside of just physical looks. Over the years, I saw my body as something that could take me through mountains, races, and more. I wanted to run ultramarathons, and now that vision was slipping away from me.\\n\\nBut the universe provided as it always does. A friend from college who I hadn’t seen in years reached out to me— the studio that I loved was offering a month for only $45. We started going every day. We were absolutely hooked. We grew inseparable, and yoga was a huge part of our friendship. It made us as close as sisters, and to this day, even when we live in other states, we are just as close. \\n\\nYoga became my routine— no day was complete without it. Having instructors who knew me by name, who cared about my journey, brought me closer to my \\nyoga practice\\n every day. Soon I learned they were offering a teacher training, and I leapt at the opportunity. I’d known I wanted to change career paths for a while, and this came at the perfect time.\\n\\nYoga Teacher Training, or YTT, was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. I was working overtime at my job as an art teacher, and weekends were spent doing the training. Beyond that, it was the winter in Boston— and with that came cold, snowy weather that sucked the energy out of the city. I wanted desperately to curl up in bed for a whole day with a book and a chai latte, but I couldn’t. Still, it was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. \\n\\nAs the spring arrived, so did our graduation. Soon I taught classes and transitioned to teaching full time. This was in 2017 and I’ve been teaching yoga ever since.\\n\\nMy yoga journey has brought me so many positive people that I now call friends. It took me out of my college years, where even though I kept myself in shape I drank heavily and didn’t treat my body well. Yoga gave me a profession that I adore, and a confidence that comes with breaking the normal career route. \\n\\nI’ve taught yoga in four states now, and I cannot wait to teach it in more. One day I’d like to run yoga retreats in Costa Rica or Panama, somewhere that feels like an escape. Some days I feel exhausted, but I’ve had so many clients come up to me and tell me that I helped them heal from injuries, or I taught them how to love their body just the way it is. That keeps me going no matter what. \\n\\nI don’t look like a traditional \\nyoga teacher\\n, or even a traditional yogi. I’m in shape, but I’m also curvy. I have rose-colored hair and a few tattoos. I’ve seen very few people that look like me in yoga magazines and Lululemon ads. But that’s okay. \\n\\nYou don’t have to look one way or another to be a yogi. You don’t have to dress a certain way, or believe in a certain thing. We have people in yoga who practice the spirituality right down to their diet (vegan and Ayurvedic), and others who come in wearing vintage rock and roll t-shirts and hot pink bike shorts. \\n\\nThe only thing you need to be a yogi is to try yoga. Let yourself fall in love with it. Let passionate, educated teachers guide you through poses and meditations. You don’t need to change who you are, but you might just change your life.\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-04-23T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Charlotte","pictureUrl":null,"teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Let your yoga begin","coverUrl":"Poonam-Shah.jpg","slug":"let-your-yoga-begin","content":{"text":"My yoga journey started a little over a decade ago, just with asanas or physical \\npostures\\n. And now, it's become a way of living for me and my family!\\n\\nAsanas are just one aspect that most of us start with, but I promise, you leave each session with so much more! My classes are a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, and \\nmeditation\\n. And the structure of each session is primarily based on each client's requirements and goals. There's a lot of detail included such as body alignment, breathing technique, and mindfulness for each practice.\\n\\nHaving my MBA, I was in corporate finance for a long time. I am a mother of two. The reason I mentioned this is I know we all have some of the other challenges in each phase of life, so making the best of our fitness session becomes especially important for our physical and \\nmental health\\n.\\n\\n||Athah Yoganushasanam|| which means... Let your yoga begin! \\n"},"createdAt":"2020-04-22T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Poonam","pictureUrl":"Poonam-Shah.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"poonam-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"How to setup at home for your online group class!","coverUrl":"","slug":"how-to-setup-at-home-for-your-online-group-class","content":{"text":"Congratulations! You've signed up for an online group class with us. Are you excited about seeing new faces or the chance to find peace at home? \\n\\nHaven't signed up yet for a FREE group class? CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED.\\n\\nTo make your experience as stress-free and wonderful as possible, here are a few tips to get started!\\n\\nChoose a room with enough space and good lighting. You'll want about 10 feet away from your computer so that \\n"},"createdAt":"2020-03-18T00:00:00+00:00","author":null,"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Free LIVE Online Group Classes","coverUrl":"1-0n-1-GIF.gif","slug":"free-live-group-classes","content":{"text":"We are offering Free Group Classes\\n\\n[CTA-FREECLASS]\\n\\n\\n\\nAt \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n our fundamental mission is to help people.\\n\\nIt seems like there is a lot of confusion, panic and uncertainty with the coronavirus right now.\\n\\nEspecially in times like this - yoga, meditation and breath practices can help. These practices help you feel calm, increase your immunity, and your overall health.\\n\\nWe want to help. So we've been hustling like crazy and pulling all-nighters to put this together.\\n\\nIn our pursuit for helping,  we are offering absolutely free group classes. No credit card required, no obligation to sign up after, nothing like that.\\n\\n... ... Honestly, I'm struggling to write this. You see I'm not interested in fear mongering. So I'm going to avoid saying anything about the state of things right now.\\n\\n\"The reason why you don't put your hand in the fire is not because of fear, it's because you know you'll get burned. You don't need fear to avoid an unnecessary danger, just a minimum of intelligence and common sense.\" - Eckhart Tolle\\n\\nSo, if like many others you are taking the precaution of Social Distance seriously. Then you'll probably benefit from these group classes.\\n\\nLike all our offerings, these classes are online. So you can take yoga, \\nmeditation\\n, or breath-work classes from the comfort and safety of your own home.\\n\\nAs long as we can manage it, this offer is Open To All and Completely Free. So please invite anyone you know who can benefit from these online classes - your friends, family and all loved ones. They are very welcome to join us.\\n\\nEven if you've already completed a free trial (of private 1on1 sessions) with us, or you signed up for the trial but never started, or you are currently a My Yoga Teacher Member - YOU ARE INVITED TOO!\\n\\nAfter the \\nsignup\\n, you'll see a special section to book group classes - go there and pick any class you'd like.\n⁠\\nWe're scrambling to contact our teachers and add many more classes.We're adding times, teachers, and styles so you'll have tons of options soon!\\n\\nThanks for reading this, we wish you well.\\n\\nWith Care,The Entire MyYogaTeacher team\\n\\nPS: Please share this post with everyone who will want to practice yoga, meditation, or just keep up with their fitness in this time.\\n\\nYou can tell them \"MyYogaTeacher offers \\nonline yoga classes\\n with live teachers (it works much better than you might think). The teachers are kind-hearted and extremely knowledgeable. \\nClick here to sign up for live group yoga classes online.\\n\"\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-03-14T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Will","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"will-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Our body is a temple","coverUrl":"jyoti.jpg","slug":"our-body-is-a-temple","content":{"text":"Since I was a kid, I wanted to avoid the problems I saw in others. I remember hearing people say that medications and pills had side effects or after they went through surgeries or operations that their body just doesn't feel right anymore. I didn't want that future for myself. \\n\\nI believe that medicine and surgery can fix things. But, there is definitely a problem with our lifestyle that we actually need to fix. \\n\\nMy mom was was diagnosed with a slipped disc when I was younger. I remember that when I looked it up online, it was very common! There are more than 20 million cases per year! There must be something else we can fix with our lifestyle to help this.\\n\\nWe don't usually take care of our bodies. It's a blessing that we take for granted. Our sleeping habits, eating habits, bad posture and etc. impacts so much. We don't even realize.  \\n\\nAll these questions have one answer \"\\nYOGA\\n\".\\n\\nYoga is so much more then just a workout that we do for an hour in the morning. I believe yoga has all the solutions to the physical, mental and emotional stress.\\n\\nI am learning everyday and can't explain how grateful I am!\\n\\nI completed my graduation and masters in IT and I was working as a data analyst. I was happy but I realized I would be happier if I could help people with this gift of Yoga.\\n\\nSo, I did my teachers training course along with various certification in yoga and I am glad I took this decision. Yoga helps with:\\n\\n\\nBad posture\\n\\n\\nAlignment \\n\\nStiffness\\n\\nWeight loss\\n\\n\\nStress\\n\\n\\nAnxiety\\n\\n\\nDepression\\n, etc.\\n\\nYoga is all about realising that your body is a temple and we need to be grateful for it by taking care of it.\\n\\nYou can book a session directly with me by \\nCLICKING HERE!\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-02-25T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jyoti","pictureUrl":"jyoti-pro.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"jyoti-3"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Real People, Real Talk: Curious about myYogaTeacher?","coverUrl":"tyler-nix-JPGS3UGKKag-unsplash-1.jpg","slug":"real-people-real-talk","content":{"text":"You might be just getting to know us. And we're happy you are here. \\n\\nWe're dedicated to improving the lives of every student on our platform. We know this sounds big and maybe just a little over the top - but it's true. \\n\\nAnd it's starting to happen. \\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWe wanted to add these testimonials here for the world to see. Here are some real students, giving us some real talk about how myYogaTeacher has been a huge help in their lives. \\n\\nWe're excited. And we hope you are too. \\n"},"createdAt":"2020-02-25T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Elemental, chemical and energetic shifts","coverUrl":"Aswathy-rotated-e1582225936289.jpg","slug":"elemental-chemical-and-energetic-shifts","content":{"text":"I was introduced to yoga at my dance classes as my teacher used to incorporate yoga in our warm up routines. I wanted to increase my flexibility and strength to be a better dancer, so I decided to enroll in a \\nyoga class\\n. \\n\\nI remember my arms quivering while holding downward dog in my first yoga class and yet now it has become a resting pose in my \\nvinyasa \\npractice!\\n\\nIn 2014, I completed my 200 hours of training at Aayana Yoga Academy, Bangalore. It was during this course that I realized there was so much more to yoga than the physical practice I was exposed to. \\n\\nLuckily, I got the opportunity to teach a few classes at Aayana immediately after completing the course. During the first two years of teaching, I only paid attention to the students' physical abilities. I worked on their strength, \\nflexibility\\n, and stamina. My practice remained at the physical level. \\n\\nIn 2018, I went through a challenging phase in my life. I thought that solving the problems in my life would make a difference. When I solved one, I would find a new problem pop up in my life. I reached a state where it had become my day-to-day reality. I thought it was normal to always be bothered by problems. \\n\\nThe same things that gave me joy seemed meaningless. \\n\\nI went through a stage where I felt I was being unfair to my students because I felt that my classes were not good enough. By the end of that year I had reached my limit, so I decided that it was time to make a shift. I enrolled for my 300 hrs training program at Aayana Yoga Academy. \\n\\nIt was one of the most beautiful period in my life. It was three months of regular practice and theory classes. The course transformed my thoughts by giving me good content to think about, making my conversations about new concepts I had learned and creating a new drive within me. \\n\\nI experienced an elemental, chemical and energetic shift within myself. \\n\\nMy practice and teaching changed significantly after the course. I moved from being scared of not being a good teacher to being confident that I have something valuable to offer. \\n\\nIn class, we keep observing our breath, and our thoughts with a detached attitude. \\n\\nIt was only last year that I actually started to bring it to practice in everyday life. Yoga taught me that my physical body, emotions, thoughts, or mind don’t define me. And that my intelligence can be above them all. There are days when I am able to practice this detachment and there are days when I am unable to do so. This journey with yoga will continue and I look forward to delving deeper into this way of life.\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-02-20T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Aswathy","pictureUrl":"Aswathy-rotated-e1582225936289.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"aswathy-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Not Just Yoga","coverUrl":"deepak-cover.jpeg","slug":"not-just-yoga","content":{"text":"Early Days \\n\\nI grew up watching my father's Yogic practice. He would get up at 4:30 am and practice until 6:30 am. This initial observation became part of my learning Yoga with him, which I started at the age of 14.\\n\\nMy First Teacher\\n\\nAs I was craving more understanding of Yoga, I met with Sri. Satyavratha, the former President of Bharath Sevadal and one of the Directors of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Bangalore.\\n\\nHe taught me not just how to practice but made me understand why should I \\npractice Yoga\\n! I learned \\nAshtanga Yoga\\n, pranayama and a few meditation techniques.\\n\\nTh daily discussions on Yoga with him generated so much curiosity and interest. This inspired me to join the Yoga University in Bangalore and I completed my Master's Degree in Yogic Education and Therapy.\\n\\nNot just Yoga but the importance of Yogic Life\\n\\nYoga in my life is unique and helps me to break all the limited beliefs - the beliefs that blocked thoughts of achievement. Now I feel more confident, fearless and truly compassionate. \\n\\nNot just Yoga but significance in Lifestyle changes\\n\\nWalking along the Yogic path gives me confidence to try new things. This level of awareness has increased many times and this happens to everyone who walks the path of Yoga. Yoga helps with a better quality of sleep, deep rest, a flexible body and more energy and enthusiasm throughout the day!\\n\\nNot just interest but inspiring self\\n\\nEvery time I teach a class, I learn something new. This has been a continual process. I will never forget the day that I began teaching a 65 year old woman with bronchial asthma. She is now my longest cient and the Yoga practice has removed her need of medication. Teaching her required me to think outside of the box and she is now extremeley happy practicing yoga!\\n\\nNot just practicing but complete Transformation of Life\\n\\nWhenever I practice Yoga, I feel a deep connectivity inside. Initially, I used to just feel it as a physical workout. But as it became a habit, I began to feel an integration between Body and Breath. Practicing this has brought in so much awareness, that I now feel this integration throughout the day. \\n\\nNot just a teacher but giver and contributor \\n\\nIf Yoga has given me one thing its the attitude of GIVING more than getting. I follow \\nKarma yoga\\n, the Path of Dynamic Action. This is making me fearless and has opened up new directions for contribution to society. This courage to give has helped me bond with people and understand their stories. \\n\\nOne incident totally changed my perception about life. I gave an elderly person a ride and he began to ask me about my place, family members, relations. At first, there was so much laughter and exchange of information. Then it started to become serious as I listened to his story.\\n\\nHe was awealthy person that had lost his son, wife, daughter, son-in-law in a road accident. He had given all his wealth to an orphanage and was working in a market selling pumpkins. He told me it gives him so much more joy selling pumpkins than running a corporate business. \\n\\nThat day, he showed me the Power of Without Expectation. I give my 100% in classes and get 100% of Love, Health, Wealth, Happiness and Prosperity. \\n\\nAs the Bhagavat Geeta says:\\n\\nYoga Karmasu Koushalam\\n which means Creativity in Action is Yoga.\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-02-10T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Deepak","pictureUrl":"deepak-cover.jpeg","teacherMytSlug":"deepak-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"A Teacher and Practitioner","coverUrl":"raghavendra-cover.jpeg","slug":"a-teacher-and-practitioner","content":{"text":"I have done many things in my life. I come from sports (cricket), acting, modelling, and have been an entrepreneur. I am now a practitioner and teacher of Traditional Classical \\nHatha Yoga\\n,  \\nVinyasa\\n,  \\nAcroyoga\\n and Aerial Yoga. \\n\\nI love teaching, inspiring, motivating people to live a smiling, healthy and challenging life. I guide myself and others to stick to the roots and the basics of life. \\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMy greatest alltime teachers are my Father, Mother, and my Grandfathers who are both doing well at the age of 96 years and so active! Their whole life, they have been Karma and Bhakti Yogis dedicating their lives to service and devotion.\\n\\nYoga is a discipline, a way of life and an experimental science. It is a vast ocean, a process and a path towards an inner journey and self-realization.  \\n\\n\\n\\n\\nI started a Yoga Shala in Bengaluru  called In the Name of Swadhyaya Yoga Institute. We conduct 300-hour teacher training certification (TTC) programs and are affiliated and certified by VYASA. We also teach Brahmavidya, a unique breathing Practice.\\n\\nI am a Certified \\nYoga Instructor\\n from SVYASA and have completed 900 Hrs TTC from 101 Years Oldest The Yoga Institute (Mumbai). I am a Brahmavidya practitione and a Pranic Healer.\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-01-20T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Raghavendra","pictureUrl":"raghavendra-pro.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"r-raghavendra-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Why we started myYogaTeacher","coverUrl":"image-1_37.png","slug":"why-i-started-myyogateacher","content":{"text":"\\n\\n\\nHaving started 3 companies, I believe, there are two kinds of startup ideas.\\n\\nFirst, there are ideas that make intellectual sense – I mean ideas where you can think of a need, talk to customers and imagine a way to deliver a service in an economically viable fashion to address that need.\\n\\nBut myYogaTeacher is the second kind of idea. The ideas where you personally feel the need. These are ideas where you feel a sense of mission and you are compelled to pursue them because you feel that the universe and your entire life has been building up for you to bring the idea to reality.\\n\\nYou see – My name – Jitendra – is derived from Sanskrit and it means “one who has control of his senses.” For the most part, I felt I lived up to this but while running my previous startup I found myself miserable and losing control.\\n\\nOn the outside, I had it all together. I owned successful companies, had tons of friends and a great family. I had everything I wanted and worked so hard for … but despite all of that, I had thoughts running like trains in my head I could not control, I was not sleeping well, not exercising enough, counting the days to my next break and feeling like there was more to life. There was something that I was missing. You know what I mean?\\n\\nI felt sad and depressed pretty much every day. My eating habits were terrible and all my efforts to improve fell flat. My mind circled in unhealthy thought patterns that I just couldn’t stop.\\n\\nI didn’t feel good in my body, I didn’t feel good in my mind, and I didn’t feel good in my life.\\n\\nNow, I’m originally from India. Of course I had heard about Yoga since I was a child. Even here in America, Yoga is a big deal. A regular \\nYoga practice\\n creates peace, drastically increases health and well-being and can even help you to lose weight.\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nThese were all the things I desperately needed.\\n\\nBut, despite knowing all that, I didn’t want to go to a yoga studio! I was out of shape, totally inflexible and just plain self-conscious.\\n\\nMy old friend, who lived in India and practiced Yoga everyday, said the best way to learn yoga was the classic Guru–shishya relationship that has been passed down for generations. To put this in modern terms (and to pass on the outdated “guru” idea), this meant having a connection with a teacher to learn from directly. A teacher who could get to know me and my unique struggles. My friend offered to find someone for me and I agreed.\\n\\nHe delivered!!!\\n\\nHe found me Pranjal, a yoga teacher with 8 years of teaching experience and 1,600 hours of certified teacher training! Yes, you read that correctly – a whopping 1,600 hours of training.\\n\\nBut, she lived in Pune, India and I was in California! So we decided to try practicing through video calls.\\n\\nI was skeptical – Yoga is a physical thing! Was she going to see me well? Would she be able to tell how I was doing and give me the guidance I needed? I was just starting out and was going to need A LOT of help.\\n\\nBut Pranjal was amazing!\\n\\nShe helped me build the strength and \\nflexibility\\n to perform the postures really well. She guided me towards realistic goals. I could feel and notice the improvement in each session.\\n\\nThe flexibility, strength and ability to meet challenging postures in my yoga practice was spilling into my mental health as well.\\n\\nI was happier, calmer and able to make healthier decisions (and stick to them). I was losing weight and the stress from building my businesses practically vanished. I still get stressed but I don’t take it home with me.\\n\\nAfter a few months, I felt ready to go practice in a yoga studio…\\n\\nWhat. A. Disappointment!!!\\n\\nAfter all the 1-on-1 personal attention I was getting from Pranjal, it was a bitter experience to finally feel ready to practice in public. The teacher had no time to focus on me.\\n\\nYeah, she would do (MAYBE) one correction during the class. But nothing more. She didn’t KNOW my body the way Pranjal did. She didn’t help me to set goals or work toward them. She didn’t change the pace of the class when I felt ready to\\n\\nIn the group classes, I was just another one of 30 people the teacher needed to keep track of.\\n\\nAfter a few classes of that, I sprinted back to Pranjal!\\n\\nBut something was off…with all my tech skills and entrepreneurial spirit, I needed to share this with other people. I knew there were tons of people too busy to go to a studio, too shy to practice in front of others. People who need and want the 1-on-1 personal attention that will help them to progress, heal, and grow fast!\\n\\nI knew there were so many people out there ready and waiting for yoga to transform their lives.\\n\\nWith a team of amazing people, I started myYogaTeacher to improve physical and mental well being of the entire planet. To help empower you to take positive steps forward in your life. And even to heal the symptoms of pain and illness that we’ve seen yoga heal.\\n\\nSound’s big, doesn’t it?\\n\\nIt’s a bold mission, but I also know that our teachers have the power to make it a reality for every one of our students. So I brought together a team of awesome engineers to start working on myYogaTeacher.\\n\\nBut, most importantly, I hired a group of scouts in India to find the best yoga teachers in the country.\\n\\nAfter 8 months of hard work, it’s time for the big test! We launched recently and I am so excited to see this venture grow. I value all of my businesses, but helping people improve their physical and mental health through a personal connection to one of the best \\nYoga teachers\\n of the East is close to my heart.\\n\\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\\n\\nI genuinely hope you try and enjoy your time with myYogaTeacher. We would sincerely love to hear from you. Email us, call us or chat with us through the app.\\n\\nYour friends in growth, health and wellbeing!\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-01-18T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"A Resort in Kerala Changed My Life","coverUrl":"Charu-pro-1.jpg","slug":"a-resort-in-kerala-changed-my-life","content":{"text":"from Charu\\n\\nWhat is your first yoga memory?Seeing a group of foreigners attending a yoga class in the wee hours of the morning, at an upscale resort in the backwaters of Kerala. It thrilled me to see so many people from outside our country traveling all the way to \\nlearn yoga\\n! It was an eye-opening experience.\\n\\nHow has yoga helped you in your life?A lot! Yoga has helped me deal with health issues and life issues overall. It has helped me deal with situations and people better and maintain my calm.\\n\\nWhat was the most significant yoga moment in your life?While pursuing my yoga teacher training course at the Yoga Institute, I realized that I was able to control my cravings better. That was the best moment for me because I had been struggling with this literally all my life. It was a true aha moment!\\n\\nWhen did you first get interested in yoga? Why?This goes back to my first memory with yoga at the resort in Kerala. I had heard about yoga being popular outside India but it was the first time I witnessed it myself and it made me think that there might be a huge potential in yoga. I started my yoga journey from a book of common \\nAsanas\\n that I bought from a shop in the resort. \\n\\nWhat keeps you practicing? The immense benefits that I can feel in my body and my mind keep me going on. Yoga made not only my body but also my mind more flexible. There were days when I would wake up gloomy but pushing myself to do some yoga and meditation completely turned things around for me, and increased my productivity manifold.\\n\\nWhen and why did you decide to become a teacher?I decided to become a teacher a year ago when I realized that more and more people across the globe need to reap the benefits of yoga and being a channel in their journey would make me feel very grateful! I love to spread the joy called \\nyoga\\n.\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-01-09T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Charu","pictureUrl":"Charu-pro-1.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"charu-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Yoga is for any age and any body shape","coverUrl":"sheena-pro.jpg","slug":"yoga-is-for-any-age-and-any-body-shape","content":{"text":"by Sheena\\n\\nNamaskaram.\\n\\nI was introduced to yoga by my mother at the age of around 14 or 15 as I was a chubby girl. She used to make me watch an \\nIndian yoga\\n guru, Baba Ramdev, morning \\nyoga sessions\\n on TV and practice with him. I used to do that unwillingly as when someone makes you do a thing in which you do not have the whole heart, it appears to be a burden. Much later, I moved out for studies and was occupied in the college life.\\n\\nAfter college, I started going to the gym. Because of no guidance and experimenting stuff on my own, I injured my knee. I ignored my condition for around 3 to 4 years as the pain wasn't regular and only bothered me once in a while. \\n\\nThis ignorance towards my knee was not wise.\\n\\nOne day, I was not able to cross a street so I finally consulted a doctor. He told me I could no longer do intense workouts and that I might need a knee replacement when I got older. \\n\\nThis was so disappointing for me. I couldn't just stop being active, so I joined yoga classes to keep myself fit without being harsh on my knee. After few months, with the help of a physiotherapist and yoga, the condition of my knee improved.\\n\\nBut by this time, my knee issue was not even the matter of my concern. The \"feel-good\" factor which I was experiencing everyday after the practice session hooked me to yoga for life!\\n\\nThis \\nyoga practice\\n was changing me on so many levels - not just physically but mentally and emotionally. \\n\\nI experienced a phenomenal change in my thought process, the way I was perceiving things was very different as compared to before. I grew to be more confident, happy and light. My temper improved and the way of reacting towards situations.\\n\\nIt isn't that I am completely evolved but I am full of hopes and have a positive mindset. I am ready to work towards becoming strong everyday. I am a person who still gets angry. I still compare myself to others and get anxious over life matters. But also I am full of hopes and ready to come out of the troubles, to face the challenges of life.\\n\\nWhen I tried a forward fold in class, or any pose for that matter where it was hard, it was difficult at first. Yet, with patience, hard work and consistent practice, I improved and got better in the practice day by day.\\n\\nMy yoga practice made me realize that this principle can be applied not only in achieving any pose but also anything in life.\\n\\n\"Patience, hard work and consistent practice\" is the Mantra which personally made me realize that every problem in life can be dealt with if we keep these three words in mind. Be it any troubled relationship, work related matter. Any thing and everything can be sorted.\\n\\nYoga does not only help in toning our body but also the mind. Yoga can bless us not only with the body of our dreams but can also condition our mind in such a way that we are comfortable in our own skin. \\n\\nHow deep is the meaning of the saying \"Sound mind resides in sound body\"? We all are aware of the fact that a disturbed mind creates unpleasant chatter in our heads. The habit of procrastination, comparing our lives with others, overthinking, stresses from work and other spheres of life, all of these appear to drain ourselves.\\n\\nTherefore, I want to help and encourage others, so that the same kind of relief, confidence, satisfaction and happiness can be experienced by them and they can also witness the beauty of this life.\\n"},"createdAt":"2020-01-03T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Sheena ","pictureUrl":"sheena-pro.jpg","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"The Physics & Chemistry of Yoga","coverUrl":"vineetacover.jpg","slug":"the-physics-chemistry-of-yoga","content":{"text":"It was an overwhelming experience for me to direct people into Yoga - into knowing themselves, their bodies, their breath.\\n\\nIt even took me a while to sink into that amazing feeling of Yoga. I can't remember exactly Yoga began to grow in me. Was it when I saw my grandfather \\nmeditate\\n inside our family temple? Was it when my great grandmother used to tell me great Indian mythological tales? Or maybe it was when someone gave me a beautiful book on Yoga. \\n\\nBorn in a Hindu Brahmin family, I was blessed with a conducive environment for my practice. I was always excited to get into asanas and breathing practices. But soon I was hungry for more depth, more knowledge, more philosophy. \\n\\nI completed my teaching certification about 3 years ago but the major Yoga moment for me happened a bit later. Yoga's therapeutic aspect had a profound impact on me. \\n\\nI just wonder - how the practice of doing your asana and breathing mindfully, one can achieve complete health, be it the physical, mental or spiritual one? One can shine from inside.  My studies in physics, chemistry and biology have helped answer those questions. My post-graduate degree in organic chemistry has helped me have a better understanding of our word but also an understanding of the universality of Yoga. My studies helped me to have a better understanding of the human body.\\n\\nYoga, as well as Art, has been a major part of my existence. My dream is to create a painting series of my understanding with Patanjali \\nyoga sutras\\n if Almighty allows me.\\n\\nNow, helping students into \\nasanas\\n with full understanding and awareness is a pleasure to watch. \\n\\nFor me, Yoga is for everyone! Be it a teenager, a kid, old, young, a marathoner, a gym enthusiastic, a sick or a stressed one - Yoga serves EVERY individual in its unique way. \\n\\nIt acts on all the layers of our existence. The deeper you go, the more you have Yoga. It just happens. You can do yoga anytime, anywhere in any situation. You just have to know it. \\n\\nAnd this is really beautiful.\\n"},"createdAt":"2019-12-13T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":" Vineeta","pictureUrl":"vineeta.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"vineeta-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"The Best Moment of My Life","coverUrl":"supriya-pro.jpg","slug":"the-best-moment-of-my-life","content":{"text":"When I was pregnant with my first child, I wanted to do something for my body. But workout options were limited so I decided to try \\nprenatal yoga\\n. \\n\\nI’ll never forget my first class. When I walked out, I was so energized yet mentally relaxed. I had wondered why I never tried yoga seriously before then! My daughter is now almost 6 and I don’t remember the day that I missed my \\nyoga class\\n! \\n\\nYoga didn’t only help me with my pregnancy, it also helped me avoid a serious operation. \\n\\nAfter my pregnancy, I had a nasal deviation which the doctors said I’d need surgery for. I did not feel mentally prepared for such a surgery, so I took up \\nPranayama \\nbreathing techniques. After 6 months, the doctor told me that the operation was no longer needed!\\n\\nAfter seeing my results, I believed in the power of yoga and wanted to spread the benefit of yoga to others. \\n\\nIn 2017, I began a Teacher Training Certificate program to deepen my knowledge but I wasn’t totally sure I wanted to actually teach. I still worked in finance but I realized that through Yoga, I was doing something that I really wanted to do. When my TTC was about to finish, my close friends approached me to start teaching a yoga class. \\n\\nSo I began teaching. Shortly afterwards, one of my students told me that my yoga classes had changed her life. She had severe depression yet she always started to smile and feel positive after my classes. This was one of the best memories of my life and I knew that I was finally on the right path. Finally, I was living my truth and helping people through Yoga. \\n"},"createdAt":"2019-12-13T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Supriya","pictureUrl":"supriya.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"supriya-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"I was destined to be Yogi","coverUrl":"Gourangi-1.jpg","slug":"i-was-destined-to-be-yogi","content":{"text":"When I was young, I would see my parents wake up early and exercise. This was how they kept their body, mind and spirit healthy and fit. As the youngest in the family, I always looked to my elders as a source of admiration and for guidance. \\n\\nWhen I was in school, I was THAT child who was always ready to go - ready to run, exercise or participate in any physical activities. \\n\\nBut I never thought that my interest in physical fitness or health would turn my life into being a YOGI.\\n\\n\\nInitially, I practiced yoga for my health and fitness and looks but then I became mesmerized with the connection of our internal body and the external world. \\n\\nI realized how beautifully humans are created: I felt my blood flow, my breathing, my nerves and each and every body part.\\n\\nMy parents, ever my idols, are social workers, engaging themselves in helping and improving society. Their commitment instilled in me a desire to help people. \\n\\nAs a \\nYoga Teacher\\n, I want to help people improve their mental and physical well-being. I want to share this beautiful feeling of self realisation of one's own body with as many people as possible. \\n\\n \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n has given me this opportunity. \\n\\nLet's enjoy this beautiful energy. \\n"},"createdAt":"2019-12-13T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Gourangi","pictureUrl":"Gourangi-1.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"gourangi-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Yoga Gave Me Everything","coverUrl":"Shiva-1.jpg","slug":"yoga-gave-me-everything","content":{"text":"from Shivayogi \\n\\nMy name is Shivayogi, but I don't know why my parents named me that. When I decided to enter into the world of Yoga, my parents actually stood against me. They were not confident in my decision. I turned away from 16 years of education and came to an unfamiliar city to follow this passion. \\n\\nMy journey started as a fitness trainer, completing certificates in Pilates, strength and conditioning and Strong by Zumba. I worked in a well-established gym called Chisel in Bangalore. Finally, I entered into the beautiful ocean called YOGA by enrolling in a Hatha and \\nAshtanga\\n Vinyasa certificate program in the Yoga capital of the world: Rishikesh, India.\\n\\nI fell in love with yoga.\\n\\nYoga is so so beautiful, monumental and soul-bearing and I adore it. Since completing that certificate program, I have worked with more than 50 multigyms in Bangalore and conducted more than 1,000 group classes. Each week, I teach everything from workshops to personal one-on-one classes and styles including hatha, \\nvinyasa\\n, power and even \\nacroyoga\\n!\\n\\nMy experience, training and love for this practice enable me to teach confidently.\\n\\nYoga gave me confidence. Yoga gave me health.Yoga gave me a sound mind in a sound body.\\n\\nIn short, yoga gave me everything.\\n"},"createdAt":"2019-11-14T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Shivayogi","pictureUrl":"Shiva-1.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"shivayogi-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Our myYogaTeacher Conference in Goa!","coverUrl":"120_41.jpg","slug":"our-myyogateacher-conference-in-goa","content":{"text":"It's not every day that our teachers and team get together face-to-face so when we do, we do it right! \\n\\nThis year the whole team (minus a few teachers who were dearly missed!) met in the sunshine paradise of Goa. \\n\\nWe practiced morning yoga by the ocean, ate entirely too much food (pani puri anyone!?), and danced in the evening.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIn between all of that energizing fun, we had the opportunity to learn how to be the best online teachers possible - with presentations about connecting with your student, an enlightening session on how to create and maintain repeat students (turns out it's all about getting to the core of what that student needs!) and some needed help on how to tackle tech issues when they occur. \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nNo yoga conference is complete without a vibrant discussion about the origins of Yoga philosophy led by a knowledgeable storyteller. Especially when you can feel the ocean breeze and the grass beneath you!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nBut it obviously wasn't all learning, our teachers had such a fun time showing off their smiles and skills with each other! \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nBetween all this activity and learning, the best part was making new friends and being a part of this thriving and amazing community. Having (most of) us together in a beautiful location proved that we have the best people as part of myYogaTeacher. \\n\\nSo, until next time! \\n\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2019-10-28T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"What are the 5 Yamas?","coverUrl":"yama-definition-1_45.png","slug":"what-are-the-5-yamas","content":{"text":"Because our teachers are our greatest source of knowledge, let's see how Geeta explains the Yamas: \\n\\nThe \\nYamas\\n are practices in how you treat others in your environment. Sometimes these Yamas are described as “restraints” but when we use the word restraint it sounds forceful, right? Rather, imagine how nice it would be when these behaviours come right from the heart .Geeta\\n\\nThe Yamas the first limb of yoga. They are beautiful and basic rules which help you live your life. \\n\\nThe Yamas are social practices. We sometimes refer to them as \"social restraints.\" But as Geeta mentions above, that just sounds harsh. Instead, we can look at each Yama as a perspective. We can then weave these perspective into the way that treat others and our environment. \\n\\nDon't be intimidated by the word \"Yamas\" - these boil down to a few simple facts that you were probably taught as a young kid: don't lie! don't steal! don't over-exert yourself! don't be selfish! But our \\nyoga practice\\n helps us get these into our daily living. We have to take what we learned as kids and integrate it into the messy situations we find ourselves in as we get older. Does not telling your boss they have spinach in their teeth count  as lying? \\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nFollow along as we briefly describe these 5 basic rules for living, the 5 Yamas.\\n\\nAhimsa\\nThis is doing your best to lead with kindness. This includes observing your treatment of others. Are you being kind or judgmental? It's also your environment. Are you taking good care of where you live?\\n\\nSatya\\nSatya is the Sanskrit word for Truth. But not just not lying - being truthful so that you can find your true self. ⠀It means truthfully observing how you feel and understanding what your limitations are. For example, maybe you hang out in a modified version of a yoga pose before doing the full expression. This is Satya. \\n\\nAsteya\\nAsteya is the Sanskrit word for basically \"do not steal.\" But not just material things - also mentally and physically from others AND yourself.  Think of your time - do you often overcommit and \"steal\" time from yourself for things like self-care?\\n\\nBrachmacharya\\nBrahmacharya is the maintenance of vitality through moderation. Moderation in words thought, and actions. It's a balance between pleasure and restraint. In a world overfilled with stimuli, making wise choices about what we read, hear, do, eat, and buy helps us live a full life rather than one of excess.  \\n\\nAparigraha\\nPart of our \\nyoga\\n practice is finding the natural state of the mind, in which you can truly enjoy and be satisfied with life. This is where greed gets sticky. You start wanting more than you need. Then what you have is never enough. And how can you be at peace with your life if you feel this way? \\n"},"createdAt":"2019-08-30T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"The Simple Guide to the 8 Limbs of Yoga","coverUrl":"yama-definition-1_45.png","slug":"the-simple-guide-to-the-8-limbs-of-yoga","content":{"text":"Yoga is comprised of 8 parts, and each part matters. Asana, which we often think of as \\nYoga\\n, are the postures we do in a class. You’ll notice Asana is only 1 part!\\n\\nDon’t be intimidated by the Sanskrit language for these - when you break it all down, it’s actually simple. It definitely falls into the category of “simpler said than done” but it is a concise guidebook. \\n\\nYamas and Niyamas\\n\\nWe start with the \\nYamas\\n and the Niyamas, which are lovingly called the do and do nots. They fall closely in line with just general good behavior. The purpose of these steps is to build an internal integrity and a clean unruffled perspective. \\n\\nFor example, if you keep your house in good order, it becomes easier for you to move through it. If you keep it very messy and cluttered, you might move slower through your hallways or even have trouble finding things. In this example, the house is your mind and body. The Yamas and Niyamas help you to keep your mind and body in order. \\n\\nAsana\\n\\nThese are the physical postures of yoga. The simple idea is that to maintain the Yogic path of living, you must be healthy. Your body should be strong. Your mind should be open and uncluttered. \\nAsana\\n is a practice that helps us strengthen the bond between the body and mind. \\n\\nPranamaya\\n\\n In Yoga philosophy, Prana is the energy that flows through all things. And before you classify this as new age or spiritual, think of prana as just being “what exists.” Prana is a flow that we all experience. When you are nervous about an upcoming presentation, you feel flutters in your stomach perhaps. This might be a nervous response, but we can symbolically think of this of prana fluttering. When we feel bored, we often also feel heavy and a little sleepy. There are all sorts of physical reasons why - but we can think of this of slow and heavy prana.  \\n\\nWith this perspective, Pranamaya helps move this energy around in beneficial ways.\\n\\nIf you feel very nervous, you might notice that taking ten very slow and very deep breaths calms you. This is an example of Pranamaya.   \\n\\nPratyhara\\n\\nThis is the practice of training your awareness away from the outside world and turning it inward. We practice Pratyhara by noticing what is going on inside - our habits, our beliefs, our hopes and everything else in between. Here we learn the art of stepping back a little to just notice these internal patterns, doing our best to not criticize them. It can be truly surprising how much change can happen when you just notice something. \\n\\nDharana\\n\\nThis often is referred to as a practice of concentration. We begin to develop the tools for concentration by practicing Asana and Pranamaya. This helps us prepare for meditation. For example, in Asana we concentrate on the pose itself. When practicing Dharana, we might choose an object to singularly focus on. Commonly, concentration on a mantra or even just a single sound can be done. \\n\\nTry Candle Gazing to practice Dharana\\n\\nFind a comfortable seat. Gaze at a small flame for a few moments. Close your eyes and focus on the afterimage of the flame. Attempt to think of nothing else other than this image until it disappears.\\n\\nDhyana\\n\\nDhyana follows Dharana as this become a concentration on just the mind. Here, we no longer focus on a thing - we simply have a sharp awareness. We often call this practice meditation or mindfulness. Considering that as humans, we are trained to notice, respond and do so many things with our mind, this practice is absolutely difficult. This is why we first start with Dharana - training the mind to focus and concentrate on a thing before removing that focal point and practicing Dhyana. \\n\\nSamadhi\\n\\nSimply put, Samadhi is experiencing the peace of simply existing. It is being present without stress, anxiety or busy thoughts. There is also a genuine sense of connectedness between you and all other living things. This is the peak moment within the 8limb path - and don’t worry - if you experience Samadhi you won’t be walking around like a zombie with a half-smile. This is an experience that comes and goes and eventually becomes a beautiful backdrop to how you experience your life.\\n"},"createdAt":"2019-08-06T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Destiny Has Plans","coverUrl":"snap-1_43.jpg","slug":"destiny-has-plans","content":{"text":"Yoga was a mere form of exercise\\n\\nWhen I was a kid I used to practice few yoga postures (\\nasanas\\n) which my grandmother demonstrated and I liked. Going forward as a teen, I used to practice sun salutations a lot as I found it developing my biceps and triceps and improved my posture. \\n\\nGym replaced Yoga\\n\\nLater during my teens, I joined the gym for muscle building and weight training. Yoga was far behind the scene. The fascination towards those awkward \\nyoga poses\\n remained, though was dormant, but the inclination towards being spiritual and the yogic literature remained active.\\n\\nLife goes on with its ups and downs but destiny had its own plans\\n\\nI graduated with a degree in Physics and post graduated in electronics and business management. Initially, I was self-employed in the family business but later worked in a corporate job. This corporate life has its effects on my mind and body due to the stress and the social habits. \\n\\nAlways, I felt a need to do something for people, to be of help to everyone but did not know how to do it. Stress continued to take its toll until one fine day, a thought emerged. I thought of learning yoga and teaching it as a profession. I pursued the thought and then the beautiful journey started - though it it wasn't easy as my earnings would stop initially yet the household expenses still continued.\\n\\nJourney of Yoga\\n\\nIt all started in 2016. I did my Level 1 and Level 2 yoga teacher training from the Yoga Institute, Mumbai. There along with the basic asanas, the theoretical part of ancient texts (Vedas, Upanishad ) was taught. These philosophical texts attracted me more towards yoga. From here, I went on to learn the \\nAshtanga\\n style. Further, to increase my knowledge of the theoretical aspects, I did a Master's in Applied Yogic Science from the Annamalai University, Chennai. \\n\\nI try to keep my practice very simple and include yogic literature wherever I feel necessary. Though, of course I don't make as much as I did in corporate job, the satisfaction and the peace of mind is infinite and keeps me moving forward all the time. The feedback from all of my students motivates me to learn more and more for their benefit.\\n\\nAnd here I am now enjoying the best phase of my life!\\n"},"createdAt":"2019-07-17T00:00:00+00:00","author":null,"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"A Seed Waiting To Be Planted","coverUrl":"2_36.jpg","slug":"a-seed-waiting-to-be-planted","content":{"text":"My first brush with “yoga” was during college. I had signed up for an evening class that I would attend regularly, with much gusto. I recall asking my teacher where she learned yoga. Not one to remember names with great ease, it was strange that the name and location of this particular school stayed with me over the years, perhaps like a seed waiting to be planted.\\n\\nNeha\\n\\nOver the years, I was drawn to alternative modalities of healing and meditation. I got attuned to Reiki and learned \\nVipassana\\n among other things. I became conscious of the kind of food I consumed; food really is medicine. In times of illness, I’d turn to these therapies as a first resort, rather than popping pills.\\n\\nAfter a volunteering stint in Kenya, I wanted to do something for my body. That dormant seed was beginning to take root. I joined a health camp at The Yoga Institute in Bombay. I loved it and signed up for a teacher's training course there. Here we learned postures (asana) in the Classical Ashtanga style, control and regulation of breath (pranayama), meditative techniques, anatomy and Yoga philosophy which included the \\nYoga Sutras\\n, the Bhagwad Gita and Samkhya.\\n\\nSoon after the course, I began teaching private yoga classes, group classes in studios and corporate offices. Along the way I also learned  the primary series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga from \\nAshtanga Yoga\\n Mysore.\\n\\nIn 2017, I was asked to intern at The Yoga Institute and soon began teaching a subject called the \"In-depth Study of Yoga\" at the institute, something I still do. Teaching is one of the best ways to learn your subject. This experience has deepened my understanding of anatomy, pathology and how yogic techniques impact the human body and can be used to enhance wellbeing – both mental as well as physical. Today, thanks to this experience and the guidance of my teachers, I am able to use the right techniques with clients suffering from health issues and bring relief and enhance wellbeing.\\n\\nIn Yoga, I found something much deeper than what I was originally looking for. It is a vast science with immense potential, beyond the physical. I've become more interested in correct posture and breathing, the quality of my thoughts, rather than my ability to stand on top of my head and external displays. Yoga, I have learned is a way of life; and if we can maintain a balanced state of mind, even when the going gets tough, we may have come a step closer to yoga. \\n"},"createdAt":"2019-07-09T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Neha","pictureUrl":"1_34.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-teachers/neha-2"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Finding My Cup Of Tea","coverUrl":"rachanas-image2_33.jpg","slug":"finding-my-cup-of-tea","content":{"text":"Rachanaa\\n\\nAs a kid, I suffered constantly from wheezing and asthma. When I was 12 years old, I was asked to run at the playground. When I gave up and informed my teachers about my health problems, I was then introduced to yoga.\\n\\nI didn’t \\npractice yoga \\nseriously until I was 19 - thanks to the Yoga Intercollege Competition during my engineering studies. I started practicing Iyengar yoga under Arun Sir in Prasanth Yoga Ashram. It was only then I realized the profound effects of yoga on my body and mind. I lost weight naturally and my skin started glowing. Moreover, I was feeling happy and cheerful for no apparent reason.\\n\\nSoon after getting an IT job, I realized that software engineering was not my cup of tea! I began a quest for a job which was more soul satisfying. I tried acting and even acted in various movies and in theater. Although I really loved every bit of it, I didn’t warm up to the industry or its atmosphere.\\n\\nThis stress of my personal problems and the financial crisis moved me to explore \\nVipassana\\n meditation. After only 3 courses, it helped me profoundly to increase my self-awareness. \\n\\nLater, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD). I realized how a healthy body is vital for dwelling deeper into meditation. I took my practice seriously again and started teaching yoga full-time. My stamina has increased profoundly and my PCOD vanished. \\n\\nTeaching yoga makes me feel more centered, balanced and gives me a sense of peace and contentment. While my students thoroughly enjoy my class, it gives me a sense of joy to be fully present and focused in my class. I give my best to each and every one.\\n\\nI specialize in Hatha, Ashtanga vinyasa and \\nYin yoga\\n. I have done 200-hour registered yoga teacher (RYT) trainings twice - once with Regeesh at Aayana Yoga Academy and another with Bharath Shetty at Indea Yoga, both in Bangalore. I have completed my advanced training for 300-hour and an additional 50 hours in Yin yoga at Aayana Yoga Academy under Regeesh and Mrinali.\\n\\nTeaching for the past four years, I am grateful that my life journey has led me to this Yoga path.\\n"},"createdAt":"2019-05-08T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Rachana","pictureUrl":"rachanas-image1_32.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"rachanaa-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Yoga Connects Me With My Childhood","coverUrl":"kanicas-image_31.jpg","slug":"yoga-to-me-is-a-connection-to-my-childhood","content":{"text":"Since the age of 16, when my mom started to practice Yoga every morning following Baba Ramdev, I have been intrigued by the ways and wonders of it. Those were the beginnings of Yoga in modern society where it was largely practiced by the elderly or housewives as a recreational activity. During this whole cycle from Yoga's new age beginnings to shaping the current society, I always had my mom around to look up to. She went on from doing it as a trial for her knee issues to becoming a \\nYoga teacher\\n and now having assisted and consulted more than a few thousand people in her personal capacity during the last decade. \\n\\nMy journey to explore, understand and finally express the Yogic ways didn't happen as smoothly as one would imagine. \\n\\nAs a teen, once I started college, life was completely different. Millennials in this age have the passion to do everything but there isn't much talk about the health aspect of the society, even though it's slowly building up now. A few years into college I started to have body problems due to excessive sitting, late night sleeping, unhealthy eating and most other habits we all have while at that age. This led me to a ton of insightful conversations with my mom about Yoga and its benefits. Hesitant, yet determined to fix my body, I started to adapt her ways into my life. \\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nThis was when I knew that \\nYoga\\n is not just a cool term but a way of life. \\n\\nI continued to practice my \\nasanas \\nas I joined the corporate life. That is when I saw the brokenness in society. People around me failed at maintaining their work, personal life and health. It was misery that we barely notice but pass away with laughter. These issues are so serious and can lead to very difficult times in the old age. As I grew into the firm, I only realized how much I wanted to help and fix the health part of the society with the knowledge I had. \\n\\nI willingly joined a 7 days Yoga camp after exhausting my annual leave, and never looked back. \\n\\nThis might sound cliche but I was enlightened by the knowledge and experience I had. This made me go to a Teacher Training course, the same as my mom, and explore it even further. I graduated a few years ago, leaving my job and the corporate life behind. Since then, I have always had the aim and motivation to help as many people as I can. My mom, who used to be someone I always looked up to, now proudly calls me her partner as we go around and conduct talks and workshops on a regular basis. \\n\\nThis transformation is something I owe to her and most importantly the society around us, which requires these changes desperately. I am a proud and happy Yoga practitioner who is always happy to help! \\n"},"createdAt":"2019-05-08T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Kanica","pictureUrl":"kanica-pro.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-teachers/kanica-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Now, I Follow Yoga","coverUrl":"prathibha-pic-for-myt_30.jpg","slug":"now-i-follow-yoga","content":{"text":"I have been practicing for over 15 years but I haven’t always done yoga. In fact, growing up I was forbidden by my conservative grandmother to do yoga. I was a skinny person until I had children. On one particular visit, the doctor told me that with my personal and family medical history if I didn’t watch my health I was looking at a difficult and bleak future. \\n\\nI started going to the gym, did all the right things and I lost the excess weight. I got perfect scores in all the health tests. But I knew that to sustain good health, I needed a holistic solution. I started learning yoga from “Krishnamacarya yoga mandiram (KYM)”. I stopped going to the gym and began only practicing yoga. What I liked about KYM was there was no preaching or “guru” to follow. They taught just the practices. This allowed me to experience the effects of the practices for myself without any kind of adulteration. \\n\\nTo make a long story short, I ended up at a teacher training at KYM. \\n\\nIt was a life-changing and eye-opening experience. Now I avoid saying “I do yoga” because I realized that doing yoga is not just practicing \\nasanas\\n. It is a state of being, a way of being and just being in the here and now. If you were to ask me “do you do yoga?” I would respond “Yes, I practice.” I continue to learn and practice this vast ocean of knowledge. \\n\\nI always knew I was destined to be a teacher. Growing up, I was always the teacher in role-playing games. Through my adult life, I have taught various languages including foreign and Indian, which is another passion of mine. But I never thought of myself as a \\nyoga teacher \\neven though I did the teacher training. Yet, when the students responded to my teaching and started asking for me to teach again, I realised I had something of value to share. I was able to connect with the students and allow the practices to do their magic for them just like it did for me. I will forever be thankful to my teachers at KYM for enabling me to do this very rewarding work. \\n\\nI continue to be a student as I work my way towards learning \\nyoga therapy\\n but more importantly as I teach. I look at every class as a learning experience. I prepare before I go into a class and I reflect after the class. To me, self-practice and study is a must for a teacher. As Sri Pattabhi Jois famously said “Yoga is 99% practice, 1% theory.” If I didn’t practice that day, I would feel unworthy of walking in and teaching. Even on difficult days, I sit down and work with my breath before class. \\n\\nThe very first sutra of Patanjali speaks to me more than anything:\\n\\n“atha yoga anusasanam” translated as “Now I follow yoga.”Patanjali\\n\\nIt brings me back to the present and now. I don’t know what I want to do or where I want to be 5 years or 10 years from now. But I know I am going to practice yoga in the next moment. This is the only advice I give to my students. Someone feels guilty they didn’t do their practice yesterday or the past few days or someone wants to be able to do a handstand at a certain future date. I believe, if we are able to bring ourselves to “atha” (now), yoga will give us the clarity and ability to be our best selves. \\n"},"createdAt":"2019-05-08T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Pratibha","pictureUrl":"prathibha-pic-for-myt_30","teacherMytSlug":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-teachers/pratibha-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Starting from the Lowest Rung","coverUrl":"geetha-1.jpg","slug":"starting-from-the-lowest-rung","content":{"text":"Geetha\\n\\nCertified yoga teacher from Krishnamacharya traditionQCI certified Level 2 Yoga Teacher RYT-500 registered with Yoga Alliance\\n\\nSomeone asked me “How did Yoga come to your life? Did you choose Yoga by chance, choice or destiny?” I don’t have an answer for this. I really don’t know exactly when my journey started. I am here - standing in the path of Yoga - looking back at when I started until this point in my life. I am neither able to see my starting point nor my destination. Both are millions of miles away. \\n\\nFrom my childhood, the quest to understand that I am more than just this physical body led me to explore the yogic path. My grandfather was my first guru in Yoga. When I was stressed from my parents high expectations, he would teach me a few asanas and sit for meditation. (Believe me, my parents expectations were too high!)\\n\\nI began exploring my mind through organized meditation programs. \\n\\nAfter attending a few meditation courses, I learned that to fully explore the mind, you start climbing that ladder from the lowest rung - the body. \\n\\nHence, I started the practice of asana, the Yoga postures. \\n\\nI successfully managed my profession as an architect and my interests in Yoga in parallel for a while. In 2004, I was diagnosed with a thyroid nodule and my Yoga practice has helped me successfully manage this condition. When the quest for Yoga knowledge became so high, I decided to make a living out of my passion. I joined Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai (KYM) for my organized study of Yoga to become a Certified Yoga Teacher. Thanks to my Gurus at KYM, who taught me the yogic philosophy through the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, my journey was more clear. I got the opportunity to study under Srivatsa Ramaswami, direct disciple of Shri Krishnamacharya. \\n\\nThough I became a yoga teacher, I have never stopped being a student. I did my 500-hour Intense Hatha training from Asana Andiappan, a legendary Yoga master in Chennai, and am presently completing my MSC Yoga therapy from Tamilnadu Physical Education and Sports University.\\n\\n In the past 4 years of running a Yoga studio, I realize more people are seeking Yoga for therapy and wellness rather than just mere fitness. I am very sure Yoga is the answer for many problems in the world. \\n"},"createdAt":"2019-04-03T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Geetha","pictureUrl":"geetha-1.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"geetha-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"International Yoga Festival","coverUrl":"img_20190303_072835033_hdr_17.jpeg","slug":"international-yoga-festival","content":{"text":"This March, I had an opportunity to attend the 2019 International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh, India. It was my first time visiting Rishikesh and, needless to say, it was an experience to remember. \\n\\nThe festival was at the shores of the river Ganga (Ganges) in an ashram called Parmarth Niketan (which means \"place for eternal meaning\"). To get to Paramarth Niketan, we had to take a footbridge across Ganga called the \"Ram Jhula\". The background music of the gently flowing Ganga, coupled with the fragrance of incense sticks, chanting of prayers at various temples and tolling of bells gave the place a special spiritual feel.  Almost all of the posters on the walls were related to interesting Yoga events and so many people of all races and religions were walking about. It felt like the perfect setting for an International Yoga Festival.\\n\\n\\n\\nRam Jhula at night\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nRiver Ganga at Paramarth Niketan\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nParamarth Niketan\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMexican contingent in traditional gear\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nOver 150 countries were represented\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe parade with all the countries\\n\\nAt the International Yoga Festival, there were a vast array of yoga sessions on offer. Session spanned various yoga types and were taught by some of the best teachers in the world. I got to try Kundalini (Teacher Anand Mehrotra), Ashtanga (Teacher Sharadh Jois) and \\nVinyasa\\n (Teacher Mohan Bhandari) sessions. While Ashtanga and Vinyasa sessions were tough and physically taxing, the \\nKundalini\\n session was an intense and amazing experience. In the session Anand played background music and he synced it with the deep breathing techniques coupled with simple physical gestures that amplified the breathing. I was light-headed and happy after the session. \\n\\n\\n\\nMeeting with Sharadh Jois - son of the founder of Ashtanga yoga - was amazing\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAshtanga\\n yoga class with Shardh Jois\\n\\nOne of the best parts was meeting all the amazing domestic and international attendees who were just as excited about the event as we were. \\n\\n\\n\\n\\nContingent from Pune\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nManeesh meeting attendees\\n\\n\\n\\nWe also visited a few yoga schools in Rishikesh and met with their representatives. \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nOverall, it was such an amazing experience and a well-organized event. Look forward to being back again next year!!!\\n"},"createdAt":"2019-03-17T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Yoga is Passion","coverUrl":"divya-1.jpg","slug":"yoga-is-passion","content":{"text":"My story is pretty ordinary but I have strong pillars of parents and friends who helped me through my yoga journey. \\n\\nI started learning yoga at age 18, right after high school. I just wanted to learn something new. My friend told me about her yoga class and said “Just try it for 1 week. If you like it then good! If not, try something else.\" \\n\\nWell, that “something else\" never happened! \\n\\nThat one week became 2 yrs and then 4 years of practicing and teaching under my guru. In 2014, I finally did my first yoga teacher training in the midst of the financial crisis. During the financial crisis, I came to Pune from Chandigarh and got a sales job at an IT firm. I thought I would never teach yoga again but I think destiny had other plans. Soon, my colleagues turned into my yoga students! I was so happy to be sharing yoga with them.\\n\\nOver the 4 years at the IT firm, with late night shifts and sometimes two shifts back to back, my health started giving up and even yoga was not doing much to help. I was never like that - sick and all worked up. Last year, in 2018, my father and my boyfriend both asked me “When are you going for your next yoga studies?” \\n\\nI realised it was high time to get back to being myself again. \\n\\nI quit my job and found another yoga teacher training. Since then, I haven't looked back. Looking after my health, mentally and physically, and the health of people around me is my prime job. I love doing that. I feel content about where I am today.Always a student for life and a teacher for now.\\n\\nSomething I always remember:  \\n\"Santosha anuttamah sukha labhah\"\\n meaning from contentment, incomparable happiness is obtained. \\n\\nAnd my motto, that I teach always,\\n\"Listen to your body, respect it and appreciate it.\"\\n\\nDivya\\n"},"createdAt":"2019-02-08T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Divya","pictureUrl":"divya-1.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/yoga-teachers/divya-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"When Yoga Happens Suddenly","coverUrl":"teach-what-is-inside-you-not-as-it-applies-to-you-to-yourself-but-as-it-applies-to-the-other.png","slug":"when-yoga-happens-suddenly","content":{"text":"I had a career in the software industry for almost 14 years achieving the highest rung in the career ladder and traveling across many countries. However, for me, finding Yoga happened all of a sudden.\\n\\nAs a Program Manager at an IT firm in Bangalore, I managed 25 projects and 200 people by working 18-hour days. With this heavy workload and my poor eating habits, my health went for a toss. I had a skin allergy, severe back pain, and breathing issues. To make matters worse, I was away from my family. \\n\\nMy company was preparing my Visa to travel to Australia for an extended work trip. Considering my health, I asked for a week off before this trip. But it was rejected, including even the option to work from home. At that point, my organization wanted a 24-hr shift as they could not manage my team of 200 people without me. \\n\\nAll of a sudden, when I was struggling with project issues and my time-off rejection, I went truly blank for few minutes. Questions began circling in my mind. What more am I going to achieve by going to Australia? What am I going to do when my health is getting worse each day? And with my family being away from me? Is this truly adding any value to my career? \\n\\nIn short, where am I going?\\n\\nThese questions started circling again and again and I could not move an inch or concentrate on my work anymore. So I shut down for the day and went to my room. I was hoping that by the next day I would feel fine. However, I did not. With my health going back and forth, I did not want to work so hard to only spend my earnings paying doctors to prescribe medication for me.\\n\\nAround this time, one of my friends in Chennai who worked with me in the US, told me about this yoga course he was taking. As I was not a fast-paced gym person, my muscles were tight, and I was having issues with insomnia, I thought of trying yoga to improve my health. I remembered that a few years back when I was in the U.S, I attended a workshop and course from Art of Living. Even then, the application of Yoga was a huge relief for me. \\n\\nI quit my job at that moment and came to YOGA! Yes, I resigned!\\n\\nMy initial intent was to heal myself and regain my health. Slowly, with the practices of Yoga, I began to understand how rigid my body and mind had become. My mind was like a cockroach, with my antennas always alert managing 25 projects!\\n\\nI started slowing down in my daily life. \\n\\nAs I became more present, my back pain, breathing issues and other troubles of acidity started diminishing day by day. My hip, which was like a rock, started becoming so light and flexible. My sleep improved so much that now it takes me only a few minutes to fall asleep. \\n\\nAs I was always highly alert and sharp, I asked my mom if I had become very slow or dull after coming to yoga. She responded “No! Now I find you normal.” She was so happy for me that I had chosen to concentrate on my health. \\n\\nMy interest in yoga continued to grow. As I got relief from my pain, I wanted to learn more. I wanted to share these skills so that I could help people who were also facing such issues attain a healthy and happy life.\\n\\nAfter several rounds of a difficult interview selection process, I joined a dense course for 1.5 years at Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai. Krishnamacharya was the guru of BKS Iyengar. The mind, body, and breath concepts that we covered in my education amazed me. \\n\\nYoga is not a one size fits all approach. \\n\\nIt is as unique as each of us. Hence, the practice also differs for each individual and needs customization. The skills of Yoga must be taught “not as it applies to us, but as it applies to the other”.\\n\\nFurther enhancing my knowledge, I obtained a certification in Yoga Therapy from Bihar School of Yoga. It has been over 4 years since quitting my corporate job and the hi-fi environment. Yet, there has not been a single moment that I regret my decision or feel like going back even when I think of the fond memories I have for some of it.  \\n\\nYoga has changed my life from stress-filled to peace-filled. Above all the co-human connectivity which I establish with my clients and students and the satisfaction I get out of it is immeasurable. Yoga helped me understand what my NEEDS truly are rather than what I want. \\n\\nNevertheless, all of this would not have been possible without the love, care and support shown by my family and people around me. They believed in me then and continue to believe in me today. They are my biggest pillars of my strength.\\n\\nYoga is all about what lies within and there is nothing without it! \\n\\nKeep Calm and Love Yoga\\n\\nSowmya\\n"},"createdAt":"2019-01-30T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Sowmya","pictureUrl":"sowmya-pro.jpg","teacherMytSlug":"sowmya-1"},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"myYogaTeacher mission & culture","coverUrl":"culture1.jpg","slug":"company-mission-culture","content":{"text":"Our mission: Improve physical and mental well being of the entire planet\\n\\n\\nOur commitments to each other\\n\\n1. Genuine care for our customers: Be nice and gentle with the customer. Listen to them before responding. Work on making every interaction a positive one for our customers.  E.g. if a customer is not happy with a session and wants a refund - we should accept that they are not happy and give them a refund. E.g. The customer did not like a particular session, even though we think it was great - we should accept customers judgement and try and understand what we can do better to meet customer's expectations and not waste time trying to change the customer's judgement. \\n\\n2. Have fun: We have fun while working. We celebrate our co-workers and celebrate every large and small victory with each other.\\n\\n3. Respect for the each other: We respect each other as individuals. This means:\\nProfessionalism: We respect and treat each other as professionals. We help everybody grow, train and develop in order to achieve their full potential.\\nAutonomy: Respect everybody's opinions and their ability to make decisions.\\nIndividual worth: Everybody has inherent worth. We do not label or typecast. We give everybody a chance to grow.\\nAffirmation: We affirm positives in each person.\\n\\n4. Frugality: We are frugal in terms of spending money. We do not splurge on things that do not have a direct impact on making customers happy. We are wise with spending our resources.\\n\\n5. Hiring well: Hiring is a key function of the company. We focus, train and reward hiring well to ensure that we give hiring the utmost importance.\\n\\n6. Encouraging risk-taking: We embrace failure as an important part of learning. We realize that big projects require iterations and in such cases, we don't let perfection be the enemy of getting started. If we learned something new by executing fast, taking risk and failing, we are growing. We need not be afraid of failure. Risk taking, executing fast and failing fast is far better. Failure to learn is the biggest negative outcome.\\n\\n7. Understanding the value of time: We are focussed on moving fast as time is the ultimate limited resource. We are always trying to find ways to speed up learning and to reduce time for tasks by planning, collaborating and communicating better.\\n"},"createdAt":"2019-01-26T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"Teachers conference","coverUrl":"52-am-1_5.jpg","slug":"teachers-conference","content":{"text":"Update: 1/3/2008 - Amazing conference\\n\\nWe met with so many great teachers with a so many amazing stories. Thank you all for joining us and for inspiring us on this project. Great to see so much excitement and traction, even before launch!!!! \\n\\n\\n\\nProduct session\\n\\n\\n\\nDinner before the conference\\n\\n\\n\\nRooftop Yoga session \\n\\n\\n\\nLearning about Yoga in America\\n\\n\\n\\nI could not be there in person - so joined via video - (I wish the beach was real but this Green screen tech still under development )\\n\\n\\n\\nYoga session was intense\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat is a Yoga conference without a Yoga selfie :-)\\n\\n\\n\\nOur amazing yoga teachers\\n\\nWe will be having our second teacher conference this weekend - Saturday 12/29/2018 in Banglore. We have a lot of exciting updates, live Yoga session and a lot more... \\n\\nAnil, my co-founder, will be joining and leading the team. \\n\\nLook forward to a great day of sharing and learning. \\n\\nWishing everybody all the best, Jitendra\\n"},"createdAt":"2018-12-25T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]},{"title":"The Journey Begins","coverUrl":"post_0.png","slug":"the-journey-begins","content":{"text":"Thanks for joining us on this exciting journey! \\n\\nGood company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton\\n\\n"},"createdAt":"2018-12-20T00:00:00+00:00","author":{"name":"Jitendra","pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png","teacherMytSlug":null},"category":["yoga"]}],"categories":[{"name":"Fitness","value":"fitness","display":"fitness"},{"name":"Therapy","value":"therapy","display":"therapy"},{"name":"Yoga","value":"yoga","display":"yoga"},{"name":"Anxiety","value":"anxiety","display":"anxiety"},{"name":"Pain Management","value":"pain_management","display":"pain management"},{"name":"Mental Health","value":"mental_health","display":"mental health"},{"name":"Emotional Health","value":"emotional_health","display":"emotional health"},{"name":"Weight Loss","value":"weight_loss","display":"weight loss"},{"name":"Meditation","value":"meditation","display":"meditation"},{"name":"Restorative","value":"restorative","display":"restorative"},{"name":"Yoga Teacher Training","value":"yoga_teacher_training","display":"yoga teacher training"},{"name":"Workshops","value":"workshops","display":"workshops"},{"name":"Yoga Poses","value":"yoga_poses","display":"yoga poses"},{"name":"MyYogaTeacher","value":"myYogaTeacher","display":"myyogateacher"}],"search":"","category":"yoga","pageTitle":"Yoga","schema_category":"Yoga"}