Easy ways to improve your yoga experience that has nothing to do with "doing yoga."

There are a few tips and tricks in the yoga world that very few people talk about, but it can make your yoga journey so much more enjoyable (and maybe one of these things is the tipping point to liking and disliking yoga).

1. Get A Good Yoga Mat

   Yes, it's an investment. A good mat should last several years, so a wise investment. Look for a mat that isn't just thick, but also dense. A mat that is too "squishy" or soft can make you work harder and put strain on your joints. A good mat is dense and solid, which cushions your joints and creates stability. It should not be easy to move once it is on the floor, it should stick and grip the floor so that you aren't trying to use you muscles to control your mat, you are using them to do yoga. Yes, you can get a mat for $10 or $20, but it will feel like trying to run in a pair of flip flops, awkward, hard and a little dangerous.

   
   

2. Use Blocks and Other Props

   We use equipment in just about all movement modalities, so yoga is no different. Props are not a crutch. They aren’t a sign of weakness. They are there to enhance the practice & give you access to different ways to move. They are PART of the practice.ent in just about all movement modalities, so yoga is no different. Props are not a crutch. They aren’t a sign of weakness. They are there to enhance the practice & give you access to different ways to move. They are PART of the practice.

   
   

3. Arrive to Class 10-15 Minutes Early

   Rushing to and through anything increases cortisol levels. You are coming to yoga to take care of yourself, that starts BEFORE you get on your mat. How and when you arrive and setup will directly influence how your body responds to the yoga practice. Don’t short yourself. 

   
   

4. Don't Take Yoga (or yourself) Too Seriously

   Seriously.....

   You are making funny shapes with your body, its even a little ridiculous. When you laugh & have fun, your body responds in a more positive way. And your more likely to keep doing it. 

   
   

5. Ask Questions

   If you are not sure, ask!

   
   

   Instructors are there to lead you. To guide the practice. To educate you and yes, answer your questions. Confusion causes our body to freeze, which is a problem when movement is the purpose. Understanding what is going on s important. 

   
   

6. Check Your Devices At the Door

   Even the smart watch (yes I said it). Your watch these days are basically your phone. They are distractions. They give the outside world a way to “ping” you and pull your attention away from yourself. And documentation that you worked out DOES NOT improve your results. Your body doesn’t care movement was recorded, it just needs to move.  

   
   

   If all of these devices actually made us healthier and better at taking care of ourselves, the world would be healthier by now, but we aren’t. See what happens when you give up all the detailed tracking and just move and enjoy yourself. 

At the end of the day, enjoying yoga isn't about being flexible, wearing the right clothes, or mastering complicated poses. It's often the small things that make the biggest difference: using the right equipment, giving yourself time to settle in, asking questions, using props without guilt, and remembering that movement is supposed to feel good.

When you remove unnecessary pressure and expectations, yoga becomes more accessible, more effective, and a lot more enjoyable.

That's exactly the philosophy we bring to every class at Heart & Grit Yoga.

We believe in functional yoga for everyday people, not performance yoga for social media. Our classes are designed to help you build real-world strength, mobility, balance, and confidence in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment where questions are encouraged, props are celebrated, and perfection is never the goal.

Whether you're brand new to yoga or returning after years away, our evidence-based approach helps you move better, feel stronger, and create a practice that actually fits your life.