How yoga got me through the pandemic

I started practicing yoga in 2012 – from the humble beginning of joining a yoga event up to enrolling in a studio for cross-training in pole and getting my first yoga teacher certification in 2014. I was in the middle of a yoga teacher training course when the lockdown happened.  From the face-to-face sessions with manual adjusting that we were used to for many years, we had to continue through video conference and focus on verbal cues. 

Even though we already graduated from our teacher training program, I was still able to continue my regular practice by coming to the mat daily and sharing my practice with my students. Not only has it helped my students develop their own healthy habits but yoga has helped me physically and emotionally cope with uncertain times in more ways than one.

I love the endorphin rush as well as the meditative aspect of yoga

Yoga being a form of physical exercise gives a “natural high” or happy hormones in the form of endorphins.  Hip openers also help release pent-up emotions that are stuck in our body (i.e. our hugots), which can also be very toxic emotionally. The quieter, meditative yoga practices like yin or restorative yoga put a “pause” button when my emotions and brain went haywire or when I would have episodes of emotional breakdowns. 

I love how yoga builds up energy gradually

Some days I feel so lethargic that getting out of bed is a chore - more so working out. What I like about yoga is the steady pacing of energy. You start really chill first, with a 3-5 minute meditation either seated or lying down. As you go through the class, you start with gentle warm-up stretches before moving to more dynamic flows and more challenging poses. Soon, you’re working up a sweat and doing peak poses before winding down. It’s not as intimidating or “shocking” on the body. You can come to the mat feeling really sluggish or sleepy and wake up feeling energized.

I love the health benefits that come with the practice

A lot of health practitioners recommend yoga, especially for those needing to work out after years of having a sedentary lifestyle. Yoga helps lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and increase quality of sleep. It also builds both strength and flexibility.

Doing yoga regularly has also prepared me to explore other forms of exercise. Last year, I started doing two kilometer runs around our village to add more explosive exercises to my routine. I also got reunited with pole and boxing. I also did HIIT workouts. Yoga kept my energy up to be able to do other forms of movement so my body doesn’t plateau.

I’m learning from and teaching all over the world

The new normal virtual setup can be a challenge with unpredictable internet connection. It’s also a one-person team setup since I’m also the receptionist, studio staff, and the teacher. Not to mention doing a full demo while speaking can be an added workout as well! While I do miss being able to physically see and adjust the students, the online setting also has some benefits. 

With yoga classes moving online, we can take classes from teachers all over the world. Yoga teachers have also uploaded classes on YouTube and upload more full-length feature classes in pay-per-view streaming platforms. I’ve taken classes from teachers in Singapore, Canada, and the U.S. without having to leave the condo.  For those interested in becoming yoga teachers, there are several online yoga teacher training programs you can take, both locally and internationally. All these you can attend at the safety of your own home. 

As a teacher, I’ve also reached a wider student base from my living room. I’ve taught students from Baguio to Cagayan de Oro as well as corporate classes of students from Singapore, China, Japan, and Korea.

My daily practice gave me some sense of normalcy back

Waking up and knowing I have students to teach and classes to attend gave me a sense of the “old normal” even when things got too uncertain and stricter implementation of lockdowns happened. It’s grounding to know that I am able to inspire healthy habits in others. 

Whatever new fitness hobby you choose, whether it be yoga, dance, HIIT, or strength training, just enjoy the process. For me, enjoying what you do and growing in your hobby is what makes it a lifelong passion. Whether you try out yoga for yourself or eventually become a teacher, what matters is your intention.  Also, remember to eat healthy, sleep better, and rest when your body calls for it. Enjoy, stay healthy, and stay safe!