Veronica Speaks

Why I stopped practicing yoga when I became Christian

The physical exercise of yoga did wonders for my body! Unfortunately, the spiritual practice of yoga is rooted in Ancient Eastern Spiritualisms that don’t quite align with Christianity.

I can’t lie, I LOVED practicing yoga before securing my relationship in Christ. Additionally, I was well on the road to becoming a certified yogi. In my Udemy course archive, I purchased a course titled “Internationally Accredited Diploma in Yoga Training.”

Without a doubt, I believed in becoming a yoga instructor. I wanted to ignite my kundalini spirit, achieve enlightenment, and become the creator of my universe. By that same token, I didn’t practice yoga solely for the physical benefits, I practiced for the spiritual benefits too.

While practicing this spiritual activity, I thought of myself as a goddess – a feminine god.

Contrary to what other Christians may say, I don’t believe that yoga is demonic. For me, spiritually practicing yoga is a source of self-idolization which is in direct conflict with our first commandment.

“You shall have no other gods before me.”

Exodus 20:3

Physical exercise is critical to overall health

My new favorite form of physical exercise is Pilates. I heard about Pilates in a couple songs, most notably when Future says “I like it better when my girl do her Pilates” in his verse of Jhene Aiko’s Happiness Over Everything (H.O.E).

Recently, I stumbled upon a group Pilates class at my gym. While Pilates looks similar to yoga, the strength it requires to complete an hour class is unmatched.

According to The Pilates Foundation, this form of exercise originated in Germany and travelled to America in the early 1920s through its creator, Joe Pilate.

In 1926, Joe and his wife, Clara, opened a “body-conditioning gym” in New York where the taught the then-called “Contrology.” They taught this method up until their death; specifically, after Joe died, Contrology bore the name Pilates.

I am so grateful for Joe and Clara! Pilates is a life-changer.

Take a Pilates class! It is a challenge.

If you want to build strength and endurance, then take a Pilates class. Joe Pilates said “Above all, learn how to breathe correctly.” Remember this advice when exercising and you can make it through an hour!

Joe Pilate based his method in three principles: Breath, whole-body health and whole-body commitment; with the whole-body encompassing mind, body and spirit (Pilatesfoundation.com, last accessed October 25, 2023).

Consider Pilates as your new favorite form of exercise. It might just change your life.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

1 Corinthians 6:19

When you take care of the Holy Spirit, you take care of yourself.