My teaching has evolved from focusing solely on physical postures to embracing yoga as a holistic practice that nurtures both body and mind.
Anjali sharma
Fitness Expert
Yoga Instructor
New Delhi
Can you tell us about your journey into yoga instruction, and what inspired you to pursue this path?
My journey began in my student years, initially as a way to stay fit. But I quickly realized yoga’s transformative potential—it wasn’t just reshaping my body but clearing my mind and deepening my emotional awareness. That profound connection inspired me to make yoga more than a personal practice. It became a mission to share this healing journey with others, which led me to pursue it full-time.
With over 7 years of teaching experience, how has your approach to yoga instruction evolved, and what makes your teaching style unique?
My teaching has evolved from focusing solely on physical postures to embracing yoga as a holistic practice that nurtures both body and mind. What makes my style unique is how I adapt it to each individual. I blend the ancient wisdom of yoga with modern wellness practices, allowing each student to cultivate strength, flexibility, and mental clarity at their own pace.
How do you convey the holistic benefits of yoga to your students, and what role do you believe yoga plays in overall well-being?
I emphasize that yoga is a way of life, not just a workout. It’s about aligning the body, mind, and breath to create harmony. Yoga offers physical strength and flexibility, but its deeper gift is mental resilience and emotional balance. I guide my students to experience this balance by integrating breathwork, mindfulness, and physical practice into their daily lives.
What are some of the most significant challenges you have faced as a yoga instructor, and how have you overcome them?
A major challenge has been breaking the stereotype that yoga is only for physical fitness or flexibility. Overcoming this required consistent education—showing my students that yoga also heals emotional wounds, reduces stress, and improves focus. I use personalized sessions to demonstrate these benefits in real-time, helping people experience a complete transformation.
Can you share a particularly inspiring success story of a student who has benefited from your teaching?
One of my students came to me suffering from both chronic back pain and severe anxiety. Through a dedicated practice that focused on breathwork, mindfulness, and gentle movement, they not only overcame their physical pain but also found emotional peace. Watching their personal growth was a reminder of yoga’s profound ability to heal both body and mind.
How do you incorporate mindfulness and mental well-being practices into your yoga sessions?
Mindfulness is at the core of every session I conduct. I integrate techniques such as breath awareness, body scanning, and guided meditation to ground students in the present moment. This allows them to build mental clarity and resilience, helping them better manage stress and emotional challenges both on and off the mat.
What advice would you give to individuals struggling with stress or anxiety who are interested in exploring yoga as a solution?
Begin by focusing on your breath—it’s the gateway to calming the mind. You don’t need to be flexible or strong; you just need a willingness to show up for yourself. Simple breathing exercises, combined with gentle movements, can create a powerful shift in how you feel mentally. Consistency, more than intensity, is the key to reducing stress and anxiety through yoga.
What are your long-term career goals as a yoga instructor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the yoga community?
I envision expanding my work through workshops, retreats, and online platforms to reach a broader audience. My long-term goal is to inspire a deeper connection to yoga as a tool for lifelong well-being. I also want to create spaces that foster community, where people can learn to integrate mindfulness and yoga into their everyday lives in meaningful ways.
Can you elaborate on your yoga teacher training experience at Jus Yoga, Rishikesh, and how it has influenced your teaching?
My time at Jus Yoga in Rishikesh was a deep immersion into the true essence of yoga. It grounded me in traditional practices, particularly the mental and spiritual aspects that are often overlooked in modern yoga. This experience shaped my teaching to be more than just physical postures—it’s about cultivating inner peace, self-awareness, and a deep sense of presence.
Are there any upcoming projects, workshops, or collaborations you are excited about, and how can our audience stay updated on your work?
I am excited about upcoming collaborations with wellness brands, where we are working on combining traditional yoga with modern health practices. I am also planning some mindfulness retreats focused on mental clarity and emotional resilience. To stay updated, you can follow my journey on Instagram and LinkedIn, where I regularly post about my work and insights on wellness.
What role do you think yoga can play in promoting community health and wellness?
Yoga has the power to unify communities by promoting both individual well-being and collective harmony. It encourages physical health, but its deeper impact lies in fostering mindfulness, emotional balance, and compassion—qualities that create stronger, more connected communities. Yoga, when practiced together, becomes a shared journey towards a healthier and more mindful world.
