A Cool Yogi Shares Her Health & Fitness Rules
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My wellness philosophy is rooted in balance. It’s not just about the absence of illness, but the presence of vitality. For me, wellness is about connecting with your body and treating it with respect, allowing for growth and transformation in all aspects of life. I take a holistic approach to wellbeing, encompassing mindful movement, nutritious eating and fostering emotional wellbeing. Starting my day with a gratitude practice is non-negotiable. By taking the time to be grateful – even for the small things – you start to experience a more positive attitude that creates a ripple effect into the rest of your life.
The beauty of yoga is that no two practices are the same. My practice is constantly shifting, evolving and growing – every week is different. For me, it’s important to keep my practice fresh, embrace new asanas and learn from different instructors. Vinyasa boosts my energy, while yin enhances flexibility and inner calm. On days when motivation is low, I remind myself that even a short practice makes a difference – even gentle stretches or a quick meditation will help maintain consistency and build momentum.
Restorative yoga is perfect for the colder months. In the warmer months, I lean towards more dynamic vinyasa and outdoor practices to align with nature’s energy, but in the winter, nothing beats yin yoga, which incorporates long-held passive postures to allow energy to reach deep, connective tissues. In a yin class, there’s less flow, except to move from one posture to the next, and you can expect to be holding postures close to the ground for up to five minutes.
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I wish that more people realised yoga isn’t just about pretty poses. Many people don’t know – until they experience it – that yoga can relieve stress, detoxify and strengthen us physically and mentally. When I first started yoga, it was initially to stay active but over the years it has evolved into a deeper practice that’s become a journey of self-discovery and inner peace. Combining meditation with my yoga practice has been game-changing, enabling me to enhance focus and deepen my spiritual connection. If you’re new to meditation, don’t panic – it’s not uncommon to struggle with restlessness and an overactive mind initially. Start with shorter sessions, gradually increase the time and try a guided meditation. Remember it’s normal for the mind to wander – gently redirect your focus to the present and be kind to your mind.
You’ll leave one of my classes feeling strong and grounded. My teaching style is a unique blend of vinyasa and core-focused flow. With a deep understanding of the body’s internal mechanics, I guide my students to connect with their core to support their practice. This helps with not only building physical strength but also cultivating a sense of inner stability and grounding. My classes are a blend of physical challenges and inner introspection. It’s a holistic approach that enhances physical wellbeing and nurtures inner resilience. My favourite pose is a standing warrior. Postures like warrior and tree pose promote inner strength, grounding and balance.
Yoga has taught me to be kinder to myself and others. Your yoga practice takes place every moment of your day when you practice ahimsa – that is, being mindful to not think, speak or act in a harmful way to yourself or others. Ahimsa is one of the main moral guidelines yogis strive to live by. A large part of it is about being mindful of our thoughts. When we think negatively, we send messages through our body that raise cortisol levels, and even feelings of jealousy, anger and resentment towards others can make us feel bad, too. When we pay attention to the aspects of yoga that don’t involve balancing upside down, we start to realise there’s a deeper meaning to our practice. In my classes, I stress the importance of non-judgemental awareness, encouraging you to let your thoughts come and go without attachment.
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Ahimsa reminds us to be gentle with ourselves. It’s about being compassionate towards your body and nourishing it well, and that includes nutrition. I eat a plant-based diet – whole, nourishing foods to provide my body with sustained energy to support my practice. I love a hearty quinoa and vegetable stir-fry with a tahini dressing – this is a meal I eat on repeat. Another favourite is a green smoothie made with spinach, banana and almond milk. I also take adaptogens and good quality B vitamins for stress management.
When I’m not on the mat I’m out in nature. I love long walks, hiking and spending time outdoors, all of which provide a sense of calm. I also journal regularly and love creative activities like pottery. Using your hands to do something creative is a powerful way to relieve stress and find stillness. Finding time to rest is so important and an integral part of mindfulness. I also prioritise quality sleep and make time for regular massages.
If you’re a beginner, be patient. If you’ve never done yoga before, I appreciate it can feel daunting, but start with a beginner-friendly class and take your time to explore different styles to find what resonates with you. Be patient with yourself, listen to your body and embrace the journey rather than fixating on perfection.
For more from Adrienne follow her on Instagram @HippieWhoHustles
@HippieWhoHustles
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