This word annoys me (but it perfectly describes yoga)

There's a word that's often used to talk about yoga, and it annoys me for two reasons:

  1. because it's laden with spiritual-charlatan connotations
  2. because unfortunately, there's no better word to describe yoga

That word is holistic.

What does it actually mean? It means we take the whole person into account. That yoga has an impact on our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health... nothing less.

And I'm talking about this today because I know you don't have much time. That you're looking for what's most effective. And there's nothing more effective than a holistic approach. Your body gains strength and mobility, your mind calms down, your nervous system learns to regulate stress better.

Except that... you can also do yoga (or exercise) in a way that's not holistic at all.

When I started, I only cared about flexibility. It was my strong point (thanks genetics), so I wanted the most impressive splits, to become an Instagram star. As a result, my body became hypermobile but unstable, and I experienced injuries that should never have happened.

Similarly, some people swear by weight training and lose all mobility (the famous bodybuilder who can't scratch his own back). In either extreme, imbalances create tension, pain, and increased risk of injury.

Of course, we all do what we can with the time and energy we have. And it's already brilliant to move, whatever way that looks like.

But what I've come to understand over time is that a truly holistic approach combines three pillars:

  • Strength, to stabilise and protect your joints
  • Flexibility, to maintain your mobility and prevent stiffness
  • The nervous system, which orchestrates everything (from your stress management to your recovery capacity)

That's exactly what therapeutic yoga offers. Short but targeted routines that, done regularly with the "little and often" principle, allow the body to age gracefully without losing vitality.

Ready for a practice designed specifically for you? I'm opening the doors for a couple of people who want to finish the year on a high 😊 Answer these questions so I can know your situation better, and I'll come back to you very soon.

Take care 🧡

Clem