Why You Don’t Do Yoga Because It’s “Yoga”

(And What You’re Actually Looking For When You Roll Out the Mat)

Let’s be real: you’re not signing up for yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Qigong, or whatever class because you have an undying devotion to the art form. You go because you want something, to achieve some kind of result.

Maybe lower back pain has been nagging at you. Maybe your under arms are starting to flap a little too much in the wind. Maybe stress and anxiety is eating you alive and you heard “yoga helps.”

So you find a class, show up, and hope the magic kicks in.

But here’s the catch: just because something is called yoga (or Pilates or Zumba), doesn’t mean it’s automatically going to give you what you need.

I’ve spent the past couple decades as both a student and a teacher of yoga, and let me tell you—I’ve tried it all. Iyengar, Kundalini, Power, Bikram (accidentally, don’t ask), Hatha, Body Balance, Vinyasa… each with their own personality, philosophy, and physiological impact.

Some left me energized. Some left me calm. Some left me even more anxious than when I came in. Some left me hurting and feeling weak. Some left me dizzy and nauseous, plotting my escape from a 105-degree room while pretending to care about my third eye.

Eventually, I realized something: I wasn’t doing yoga because it was “yoga.” I was doing it because I wanted to feel better.

Different Bodies, Different Brains, Different Needs

Yoga (or any fitness style - I’m not picking on yoga) isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, it can make things worse if the style or movements don’t match your nervous system or physical needs.

For instance:

• Power Vinyasa and Kundalini can ramp up and exacerbate anxiety for someone who already runs anxious and is feeling ungrounded.

• Iyengar might help you align your body and bones but it involves a lot of passive stretching which is a big no-no for those trying to fix pain.

• A long forward fold in a Yin yoga class might feel relaxing, or it might just stretch an already overstretched back which feels good in the moment, but makes the pain worse in the long run.

• Zumba might get your heart rate up, but if your muscles aren’t working properly, you hurt for days after.

• Hatha yoga might seem like it’s creating more strength in your body, but the research shows that the use of light weights and resistance bands in a mat Pilates class can work a lot quicker if that’s your goal.

In addition, certain positions and movements just within yoga have different effects on the body. If you are already depressed, and want to feel less lethargic, a class full of forward folds can keep you right in that heavy state.

We assume “yoga” means strength, flexibility, calm, and relief. But what kind of yoga? What movements? And more importantly—is this form (or even yoga in general) what your body and mind need right now?

So... Why Name Classes Based on Desired Results?

Because it finally hit me: you’re not coming to class because it’s “Yoga with Lore.” (Well, maybe you DO like me that much just cuz I’m a fun bird.)

You’re coming because you are getting something from my classes:

• stress / anxiety relief / calmer nervous system

• spirituality

• pain-relief

• confidence, strength, and stability in your body

• a confident, clear, and peaceful mind

• a more grounded, connected you

So instead of offering blanket “yoga classes,” I’ve started designing my classes with specific goals such as:

• Nervous System Reset to ease stress and bring you back to center

• Pain-Relief Move Strengthen & Tone to build real strength without wearing you out

• Pain-Free Yoga to gently support your body, reduce discomfort, and prevent future pain

Even when teaching a class at the gym (which we are told to make very vanilla to appeal to the masses), I bring a specific intention and design to the group: digestion, mental clarity, hip pain relief, etc. My attendees will know what the desired effect that particular class is designed to have.

Overall, my classes might include yoga-inspired movement—but also include muscle activation techniques, vagus nerve exercises, breathwork, and strength training.

Because honestly? That combo works better than 60 minutes of triangle pose and hoping for the best.

It's Not About the Label. It’s About the Outcome.

I’ve seen too many people force themselves into a practice that doesn’t serve them—because it’s what they think they “should” do or what sounds good.

Frankly, I’m more interested in what works. What helps you feel grounded, strong, calm, capable, and connected—on and off the mat regardless if it’s called yoga, Pilates, or heavy basket lifting.

So when you see a class called Nervous System Reset or Pain-Relief Move & Tone, know this:

It’s not a gimmick. It’s an invitation.

An invitation to stop trying to fit into a practice—and instead, let the practice fit you.