When I first stepped into Life Yoga, a serene studio nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of On Nut, Bangkok, I had no idea how the room would work inside of a language school. But, I was welcomed by the homey atmosphere. As someone who wears many hats—father, husband, teacher, and more—finding time for self-care has always been a challenge. But as an autodidact, I knew the value of dedicating time to learn and grow, and yoga seemed like the perfect next step.
Month 1: Three Times a Week (The Hard Way)
In my typical all-or-nothing fashion, I decided to dive headfirst into the practice, committing to three sessions a week. The first month was nothing short of intense. Each class at Life Yoga tested my limits, both physically and mentally. The instructors, with their gentle guidance, helped me navigate through poses I never thought my body could manage.
But here’s the thing—they call it a “practice” for a reason. By the end of that first month, I was sore, exhausted, and questioning my sanity. The frequency was pushing my body beyond its recovery capabilities, and while I was gaining flexibility and strength, the fatigue was undeniable. I was forcing my body into a regimen that was, frankly, unsustainable.
Month 2: Once Every Two Weeks (Not Enough)
Feeling burnt out, I swung to the other extreme. For the second month, I scaled back to just one session every two weeks. It was a stark contrast, and while my body appreciated the break, I quickly realized it wasn’t enough to maintain the benefits I’d started to gain. My flexibility plateaued, and the mindfulness that I had begun cultivating slipped away with the infrequent practice. It was clear that this wasn’t the balance I needed either.
Months 3-5: One to Two Times a Week (The Sweet Spot)
By the third month, I found my groove. Attending classes once or twice a week was the perfect balance. It allowed me to recover between sessions while still making consistent progress. Each time I stepped into Life Yoga, I noticed subtle improvements—my downward dog felt a bit deeper, my balance in tree pose more stable. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was progress, and it felt sustainable.
One of the unexpected joys was the alignment of my mind and body. The regular, but not overwhelming, practice gave me space to connect with my breath, to listen to what my body was telling me, and to move with intention. It was as if my body and mind were slowly becoming better acquainted, each respecting the other’s pace.
The Role of Diet: 20-30 Vegetables and Smoothie Overload
Yoga isn’t just about the time on the mat. I quickly realized that what I put into my body played a significant role in how I felt during and after each session. I made a conscious effort to incorporate 20-30 different vegetables into my weekly diet. At first, it seemed daunting—how does one even find that many veggies, let alone eat them?
The answer came in the form of smoothies. Four days a week, I’d gather all the leftover fruits and vegetables from my fridge—those sad-looking carrots, the slightly wilted spinach, that half-eaten apple—and blend them into a smoothie. This became my secret weapon, turning what would have been food waste into a powerhouse of nutrients. Not only did this clear out my fridge, but it also provided my body with the fuel it needed to recover from yoga and maintain my energy levels throughout the day.
The Takeaway: A Balanced Approach
Five months into my yoga journey at Life Yoga, I’ve found that balance is key. Overcommitting left me drained, and undercommitting led to stagnation. But with a steady, manageable practice of one to two sessions a week, combined with a nutrient-rich diet, I’ve found a rhythm that supports both my physical health and mental clarity.
Yoga has become more than just a practice for me—it’s a way of life. It’s about listening to my body, making mindful choices, and understanding that progress is a journey, not a race. And as I continue this journey, I’m reminded that the path to well-being is as much about the small, consistent steps as it is about the big leaps. Life Yoga has been my sanctuary, my teacher, and my guide on this path, and I look forward to seeing where this practice will take me next.
Take a look at our classes on Facebook, IG, or Youtube!
Leave a Reply