Yoga: the missing piece in your weekly workout routine

So, you’ve heard the buzz about Yoga and all its benefits for your mental health and mobility. You think you'll finally give it a go, only to be overwhelmed by an Instagram feed full of influencers in fancy activewear, contorting their bodies into pretzels, all the while smiling and espousing inner-peace. And you think to yourself, I’m not flexible... maybe I'm not ready to try Yoga?

I get it. I’ve been there, too. Yoga can look intimidating at times. But if there’s one thing you take away from this read, it’s that you do not need to be flexible to practice Yoga. In fact, Yoga will help you improve your flexibility over time. 

It’s about progress over perfection. And what's most special about yoga is that every pose can be modified to fit your ability. It’s all about the journey - not the destination. Something special in that, right?

Who is Yoga for?

Like I've said, anyone can practice Yoga, irrespective of your body type, age, physical capacity or background - it is truly the most democratic and accessible practice there is.

Instead of pushing or contorting yourself too far, yoga will meet you exactly where you're at and take you on a journey of growth and evolution. Whether you’re a complete newbie, yoga-dabbler or lifer, yoga is for every body.  

As one of my teachers, Anand Mehrotra, said, “if you have a body, then you have a yoga body”.

Yoga is more than just stretching

Initally, most people come to Yoga for the ‘flexibility’ benefits, but the reason they keep coming back is because they cultivate a deeper and richer relationship to their body and soul.

If you're not sold just yet, here’s a few more reasons you should add Yoga into your weekly routine:

Recovery and strength

In Yoga, we work with the energy that regulates our nervous system. By regulating your nervous system as it enters the parasympathetic state (rest and digest), your cells have an opportunity to repair quicker. Think of this as a shortcut to recovery. All those micro-tears from lifting weights begin to heal themselves. Say hello Yoga, and goodbye DOMS.

Yoga helps strengthen and lengthen your muscles, creating a solid foundation to support all the other ways you move - from lifting weights to pounding the pavement, or even playing team sports. 

And one of the biggest benefits? Better posture. With better postures comes easier breathing, improved mood, deeper sleep, more energy, and even a boost in confidence.

Whether you're a weightlifter, boxer, soccer player or crazy for cardio, regular yoga practice can enhance your recovery, reduce your risk of injury, and help you perform at your best.

Build strength: both mind and body

“The Pose begins when you want to leave it” - B.K.S Iyengar.

Yoga isn’t just about flexibility - it’s designed to challenge you. By stepping into discomfort on the mat, you train yourself to handle life’s highs and lows with more resilience and calm.

You might be surprised by how much physical strength you build in a flow class - holding planks, balancing in downward dog, and supporting your own bodyweight with control. At the same time, your mental strength grows and learns to stay steady when things get tough.

Stress less, think clearer

“Master your mind, master your life” - Aubrey Marcus.

Yoga isn’t just a workout for your body - it’s training for your mind. Through breathwork, mindfulness, and focused movement, Yoga helps quiet mental clutter and bring you into the present. The result? A calmer, clearer mind.

Plus, the benefits go beyond the mat - consistent practice has been linked to reduced stress, lower cholesterol, a healthier resting heart rate, and even relief from chronic pain.

What type of Yoga is right for you?

There are many types of Yoga out there, which can make it challenging to know what's right for you. Here’s a breakdown of what we offer at Virgin Active and how it can support you:

Yoga Align: a solid starting point for those at the beginning of their Yoga journey. Rooted in Hatha Yoga, with a focus on precision and alignment, this slower-based class will teach you everything you need to know about the Yoga poses.

Yoga Flow: if you’re looking for an energising practice, this one is for you! Based on Vinyasa Yoga, you will flow between poses in time with your breath. Yoga Flow is a dynamic practice that builds strength, flexibility and coordination.

Yoga Calm: if you’re looking for a slow and meditative practice, Yoga Calm is the way to go. Inspired by Yin Yoga, this class is all about deep stretching, releasing tension and creating mental ease.

Sound Bath: for days when you just need to reset and relax. Sound Bath utilises crystal singing bowls to create a soothing soundscape for you to tune into. A deeply healing practice to support recovery and rejuvenation.

Tips for getting started

Mindset: come in with a beginner’s mindset and be open to learn. Let go of any prevailing expectations and focus on connection between your body, breath and mind and soul.

Find the right class: if you’re unsure, ask your instructor. Let them know you’re new - they’re there to help.

Stay consistent: to see real changes you need to give your Yoga practice time. Just like learning any new skill, we are never a master of it the first time we do it, so be patient and consistent, and in time, the fruits of your labour will come into fruition.

Meet you on the mat

It is said that 90% of Yoga practice is in the discipline of showing up on your mat. You don’t have to be perfect, you just need to show up. If you’re looking for a sustainable practice that will improve your health, reduce stress and keep you grounded, then you’re looking in the right place. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try, you’ve got nothing to lose.

If you’re ready to embark on your Yoga journey, head to your local Virgin Active and book yourself into a class.

^{About the author: Mahsa Javam}

^{Mahsa Javam is an experienced Yoga teacher with over a decade of personal practice and 5 years of teaching under her belt.}

^{Before stepping into the world of wellness, Mahsa spent years working as a corporate lawyer in Mergers & Acquisitions and Operations Executive in the tech sector – a fast-paced, high-pressure environment that ultimately led her to discover Yoga as a way to find balance in the chaos.}

^{Now, as Head of Yoga at Virgin Active, Mahsa leads a team of passionate teachers and curates Yoga experiences that are accessible, grounded, and transformative. Her mission is to help members slow down, reconnect with themselves, and build strength – physically and mentally – through mindful movement and breath.}

^{Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned yogi, Mahsa’s approach is all about meeting you where you are, and guiding you towards where you want to be – one breath at a time.}