Yoga for a Beach Body

I see posts like it All THE TIME on Facebook, pinterest, instagram, etc.- Yoga for a Perky Booty, 8 Yoga poses for sexy Abs, Yoga exercise to do NOW for a Beach Body, yoga poses that BLAST cellulite.

OMG! In the midst of a yoga teacher training I just want to scream back "THAT'S NOT HOW THIS WORKS! THATS NOT HOW ANY OF THIS WORKS!I think that yoga is so much more than a pose or work out to tone a certain body part. Sure some yogis look "in shape" and have muscle tone and a slimmer build but that is a secondary result of yoga. Yoga works your mind, body, and soul. If you are doing yoga to get a toned butt then you are doing it for all the wrong reasons and need to reevaluate your priorities.

OR SO I THOUGHT!

I think that the message of benefits of yoga will come to those who practice yoga regardless of what got them in the studio door. You may have came in for the butt but you will leave with a lighter spirit and calmer mind. Yoga is sneaky like that! By working your body and feeling sensations in your body you are brought into the present moment because your body is the only thing that is and will only be in the here and now. By calling attention to sensations in your body you are called into the present moment and become aware that you are ALIVE!

Even if a yoga student started their yoga journey with the initial intention of getting a smokin' beach body they will take what they need from a yoga practice and the yoga practice will give them what they need. Maybe they are in a really bad place with their body image and self-esteem. While a side effect of a rigorous yoga practice may be a toned body (in same cases, please see this post again), the real result will be body awareness, intention of movement and self acceptance. And that is what will ultimately help you be at peace with your "beach body".