Why yoga is important and what it actually brings
Do you often feel stressed and tense after a long day at work? Yoga is more than just exercise—it's a holistic workout for body and mind . It helps you switch off from everyday life and recharge your batteries. It's no wonder yoga is booming in Switzerland, too: According to a study, around 13% of the Swiss population practices yoga or similar programs, and the trend is rising. More and more people of all ages are discovering yoga for themselves as a way to live a healthier, more balanced life.
The positive effects of yoga are scientifically proven. Regular yoga increases flexibility , improves strength , and calms you mentally. It demonstrably lowers stress hormones, can reduce blood pressure, and improve sleep. In short: yoga makes you fit, relaxed, and happy . And the best part: you can start anytime! Whether you're a complete beginner or a fitness enthusiast, yoga adapts to your level. With an experienced yoga teacher at your side, you'll benefit even more, as they'll guide you safely and motivate you on the right path.
How yoga affects mobility, pain and the brain : VIDEO 📹
We thank the BR and the contributors for this insightful, superbly made video.
Good reasons for yoga 💚
There are many good reasons to start practicing yoga. Here are some of the key benefits it offers:
- Better health: Yoga strengthens the entire body. It improves posture and can relieve back pain . Your heart and circulation also benefit – for example, yoga helps lower blood pressure and strengthen your immune system . Overall, you'll feel fitter and more energetic.
- Increased flexibility and strength: Yoga gently strengthens and stretches muscles. With regular practice, you'll increase your flexibility , especially in your back, hips, and shoulders. At the same time, you'll build strength—particularly in your core and arms. Many yoga exercises may look easy, but they're actually strength training using your own body weight.
- Stress relief & relaxation: Yoga is pure relaxation. Through conscious breathing and flowing movements, your mind slows down. Stress hormones are reduced, and the nervous system is calmed. After just one yoga session, you often feel significantly more relaxed. Studies even show that just a few weeks of yoga can improve sleep quality and reduce feelings of anxiety —making you more relaxed in everyday life.
- Mental strength and focus: Yoga trains not only the body but also the mind . Through meditation and mindfulness exercises, you learn to be in the here and now. This increases concentration and promotes a positive mood. Yoga is successfully used as a therapy for depression and anxiety because it supports mental balance. Over time, you will develop more self-confidence and inner balance, which will benefit you in all areas of your life.
What you train in yoga: Typical exercises 🤸
Yoga is holistic – strength , flexibility , balance and relaxation are trained all at the same time. The focus can vary depending on the yoga style, but generally speaking, yoga trains the whole body and also the mind. The goals of a yoga workout are often a stronger, more supple body, better posture and a calmer mind. Different areas of the body are addressed: many asanas (yoga poses) strengthen the torso and deep muscles, others stretch the legs and hips or relieve tension in the neck and shoulders. Balance and coordination are also trained through balance exercises (for example, stand on one leg in the tree pose – you'll immediately notice the small muscles working!).
Typical yoga exercises – so-called asanas – include the sun salutation (a sequence of postures, ideal for warming up), warrior poses (for stable legs and a strong back), and tree pose (promotes balance and concentration). Each class also includes breathing techniques ( pranayama ) to deepen your breathing and focus your mind. Relaxation usually ends at the end, often in shavasana (lying on your back), to bring complete peace of mind and body. In short: yoga training mobilizes the entire body, strengthens the muscles, improves flexibility, and promotes mental calm and mindfulness.
Why train with a yoga teacher? 🤝
You may be wondering: Can't I just practice on my own with YouTube videos? Of course, you can start yoga on your own. But a personal yoga teacher offers many advantages that make your practice more effective and safer:
- Individual planning: Every person is different – a trained yoga teacher will develop a training plan tailored to your goals and needs. Whether you want to relieve back pain, reduce stress, or learn to do a headstand, your yoga teacher knows the way. They select exercises appropriate for your level and increase the intensity at the right pace. This way, you'll achieve optimal progress without becoming overwhelmed.
- Safety & Health: Incorrect posture in yoga can lead to injury. Your yoga instructor will ensure that you perform the asanas correctly . They will gently correct your posture and provide immediate feedback. This will help prevent misalignments and overexertion. Especially as a beginner, you will benefit enormously from this personal attention – you will feel safe and can fully concentrate on your practice.
- 💡 Expertise & Experience: A good yoga teacher has extensive training and often years of experience. They will pass this expertise on to you. You'll gain background knowledge about exercises, breathing, and anatomy – so you'll understand why certain postures are important. Your teacher can offer alternative exercises for those with physical limitations and knows relaxation techniques for everyday life. Did you know, for example, that some health insurance companies subsidize certified yoga courses? With a qualified yoga teacher at your side, you can take full advantage of this expertise.
- Motivation & Support: Not in the mood for yoga today? Your personal yoga teacher won't let you slip away! Motivation is a crucial factor in staying on track. A yoga teacher will encourage you when your inner demons are hesitating. Fixed appointments make it much easier to stick with the plan – canceling is harder when someone is waiting for you. A good yoga teacher will also celebrate your successes with you and continually provide new inspiration to keep things interesting. The personal connection and regular interaction increase the fun and discipline.
In short: With a yoga teacher, you'll train more effectively, safely, and with greater motivation . You'll get the most out of yourself and have an expert partner at your side who will guide you every step of the way.
Training formats & implementation: individual, group, online or on-site 🎯
Yoga training can be very flexible—both in terms of number of participants and location. Consider which training format suits you best:
- 👤 Private training: Here, the focus is solely on you . In 1:1 training, your yoga instructor can focus on you individually. This format is perfect for working intensively on personal goals or addressing special needs (e.g., injuries or pregnancy). Private training can take place in your home or in the yoga instructor's studio—you determine the time and location. The instructor's full attention guarantees rapid progress and a customized experience.
- 👥 Group training: Practicing yoga in small groups is fun and motivating . You'll feel the energy of the group and connect with like-minded people. Your yoga teacher will structure the class so that everyone can participate within their own abilities. Group classes often take place in yoga studios, fitness centers, or outdoors in parks. The advantage: The cost per person is lower than for individual training, and the community spirit is motivating. However, there's less room for individual adjustments than in a private class.
- 💻 Online yoga: Want to train with a yoga instructor from anywhere? Online sessions make it possible! You can participate in yoga classes via video call (e.g., Zoom) – from the comfort of your living room, without having to travel. Many instructors now offer online personal training , where you receive instruction and correction via webcam. Online group classes are also popular. A stable internet connection and enough space at home are essential. Online training offers maximum flexibility and even allows you to practice with instructors from all over the world. It's ideal for people with busy schedules or those who prefer to stay at home.
- 🏠 In-person (face-to-face): Some people find the atmosphere of a real, in-person yoga class essential. The scent of the studio, the calming music, the direct interaction – all of this is hard to replace online. In-person training means your yoga teacher is physically present, can guide you directly into the correct posture, and use props (straps, blocks, etc.). Whether in a yoga studio, a fitness center, or as a home visit in your living room – in-person training offers an intensive experience. Many feel more at home in person and can switch off more easily outside of their own four walls.
As you can see, yoga training can be implemented flexibly . Thanks to modern offerings, you can easily find the form that fits your lifestyle – whether it's personal one-on-one coaching at home or a sociable online group class in the evening. The important thing is that you feel comfortable and practice regularly.
Common myths & mistakes – what's really true 🛡️
There are several myths surrounding yoga that keep many people from getting started. Don't let misconceptions scare you away! Here are a few common myths and the reality :
| Mythos | Reality |
| “Yoga is only for young, flexible people.” | Yoga is for everyone —whether you're 15 or 75, whether you're in top shape or not at all athletic. A good yoga teacher will adapt the exercises to your age and level. Anyone can start! |
| “Yoga is not a real workout.” | Yoga can definitely increase strength and endurance . Advanced yoga styles (e.g., Power Yoga or Ashtanga) will get you sweating and work your whole body. |
| “Yoga is far too esoteric.” | There's a style for everyone. Many modern yoga classes focus purely on fitness and relaxation —incense sticks and mantras aren't required. So you don't have to be a yogi guru to benefit from yoga! |
What about common mistakes ? A common mistake yoga beginners make is over-ambition. 😅 Trying to force yourself into the most difficult poses the first time risks frustration and injury. It's better to increase your practice slowly, take breaks, and listen to your body. You should also avoid comparing yourself to others—every body is different. Instead, focus on your own progress . An experienced yoga teacher will constantly remind you to practice mindfully and help you avoid mistakes. This way, you can build your yoga practice safely and healthily.
Practical tips for getting started with yoga 🏁
Getting started is easy – with the right tips! If you want to get started with motivation, these practical tips will help you:
- Start slowly but regularly: Don't overexert yourself at the beginning. It's better to do shorter sessions (e.g., 20–30 minutes 2–3 times a week) than one marathon session and then nothing for weeks. This will help your body adjust to the new routine. Consistency is more important than perfection. Over time, you can increase the volume and difficulty.
- Breathing and technique before depth: From the very beginning, focus on calm breathing and proper execution of the exercises. It doesn't matter how deep you go into a stretch or whether you can get your leg behind your head. What matters is that you perform the pose correctly. Your breath should flow, not stutter. Quality over quantity – this way you get the most out of every exercise and avoid injury.
- Listen to your body: Yoga is not a competition. Every day feels different. Be patient and respect your limits. Pain is a warning sign—so only stretch to a comfortable level, not beyond. Do you feel stiff or tired today? Choose gentler exercises or treat yourself to a longer relaxation period. Your body knows best what it needs. If you listen carefully to it, yoga will be even more effective for you.
- Set small goals: Nothing motivates you more than seeing your own progress. Set achievable goals —for example, practicing regularly for four weeks or being able to hold a certain pose. Celebrate your successes! You may notice after just a short time that you're able to lower your forward bend a little further or sleep more restfully. Such progress increases your desire to keep going.
- Get support: Many things are easier in pairs. Find like-minded people or a yoga teacher to accompany you on your journey. A personal trainer (in person or online) will give you a helping hand, provide guidance, and motivate you. Scheduled training times with your coach will keep your inner demons at bay. On our Trainors platform, you can quickly find the right yoga coach in your area—from Zurich to Bern.
Conclusion: Find the right trainer now and get started
Yoga is good for you all around – you've seen that now. It improves your physical fitness, helps you relax in everyday life, and strengthens your mental health. The benefits of personal yoga training are obvious: With the right yoga instructor at your side, you'll reach your goals faster and avoid beginner mistakes. You'll receive a customized workout, stay motivated, and develop a healthy routine.
What are you waiting for? Take the first step now and find your yoga teacher—whether for relaxing evening sessions or a powerful morning workout. Start your yoga journey now and experience for yourself the positive impact yoga has on your life. Your body and mind will thank you! 🙏
Get started and experience for yourself how yoga can positively change your life!
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