Yoga Day 2025: How My First Class at CultFit Changed My Perspective on Yoga
⏱ 7 min read
Every year on June 21st, people across the globe roll out their mats to celebrate International Yoga Day – a day that honors one of India’s most ancient and profound wellness practices: yoga. While social media fills up with serene poses and quotes like “Yoga Se Hi Hoga,” my mind always goes back to my first ever yoga class at CultFit. I walked in thinking it would be a breeze – some light stretching, a bit of breathing, and done. I couldn’t have been more wrong. That class became the starting point of my weight loss journey, and introduced me to a world where yoga poses test your strength, flexibility, and focus all at once. More than just movement, yoga taught me the power of breathwork, the depth of mindfulness, and how a consistent practice brings lifelong yoga benefits that go far beyond the mat.
This blog is my personal take on Yoga Day, the journey I’ve had with yoga so far, and why I believe this practice deserves far more respect than it often gets.
My First Yoga Class: A Reality Check
A few years ago, I signed up for a yoga class at CultFit. I was incredibly curious to try yoga, but also nervous – what if I couldn’t do any of the poses? I still remember walking into the studio with a confident smile, wearing a loose T-shirt and expecting a relaxing hour. But within the first 15 minutes, I realized yoga was anything but easy. My arms trembled in downward dog, my breath was all over the place, and I couldn’t hold the chair pose for even 10 seconds without wobbling. Don’t even get me started on the boat pose—I was sinking from the start!
Ironically, the only part of the session I truly enjoyed at first was the final few minutes. They turned off all the lights, and we just lay on our backs in silence. That moment of stillness felt incredibly soothing—almost like a reward for everything my body had just endured.
But despite the struggle, something clicked. The instructor wasn’t pushing anyone to “do more.” Instead, she encouraged us to listen to our bodies, hold where we could, and most importantly-breathe. That one session left me drenched in sweat, a little embarrassed, but strangely, also peaceful. I knew I’d come back.
Why Yoga Isn’t “Easy” – And That’s a Good Thing
There’s a misconception that yoga is easy because it doesn’t look as intense as weightlifting or cardio. But what most people don’t realize is that yoga challenges you from the inside out. It tests your:
- Flexibility (you’ll discover muscles you didn’t know existed)
- Balance (mental and physical)
- Breath control (pranayama isn’t just breathing—it’s regulation)
- Focus and presence (you can’t think about work while holding a crow pose)
Yoga doesn’t just work your body; it trains your mind. And in that lies its power.
Yoga Day: More Than Just a Date
Yoga Day, initiated by the United Nations in 2015, is more than a global event. It’s a reminder of the timeless wisdom India has contributed to the world. The date -June 21 – was chosen because it marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Symbolically, it represents light, energy, and new beginnings – all qualities that yoga brings into our lives.
Types of Yoga You Might Want to Try
If you’re new to the practice (or just want to shake things up this Yoga Day), here’s a quick rundown of popular yoga styles:
1. Hatha Yoga
A gentle introduction to basic poses. Ideal for beginners. My first class was a Hatha yoga session, which I think was the best way to start with.
2. Vinyasa Yoga
More dynamic and fast-paced, where movements flow with breath.
3. Ashtanga Yoga
Physically demanding and structured. Great for strength and discipline.
4. Yin Yoga
Slow-paced with deep stretches held for longer. Super calming.
5. Power Yoga
I tried Power yoga, and I truly enjoyed it. It felt like the perfect combination of bodyweight training and traditional yoga – challenging, dynamic, yet still deeply grounding. Fitness-focused and high intensity. Think strength + yoga.
6. Restorative Yoga
Uses props and focuses on relaxation. Perfect for stressed minds.
Physical Benefits of Practicing Yoga
After I became more consistent (even if it was once a week), I began noticing changes:
- Better posture (especially helpful since I work on a laptop a lot)
- Improved digestion
- Less bloating and body stiffness
- Deeper sleep
- More core strength and flexibility
It’s not about becoming a pretzel. It’s about connecting with your body in a way gym workouts often overlook.
Mental and Emotional Benefits of Yoga
We often chase peace through distractions, but yoga teaches you how to sit with yourself. That can be uncomfortable—but it’s also freeing.
Here’s what yoga helped me with mentally:
- Lower anxiety levels
- More emotional awareness
- Improved focus
- Less reactive responses
- More self-compassion
No matter what workout I’m doing—be it kickboxing, dance, or strength training—I always dedicate the last 10–15 minutes to calming poses like child’s pose, cobra pose, and deep breathing. It’s my way of grounding myself and ending the session with a sense of calm.
How to Celebrate Yoga Day in Your Own Way
Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who used to practice and wants to return, here are simple ways you can honor Yoga Day:
1. Attend a local class or free online session
Many platforms offer free Yoga Day sessions. Check CultFit, Sarva Yoga, YouTube, or even local community centers.
2. Create a mini home ritual
Light a candle, roll out a mat, play calming music, and spend 20 minutes with your breath.
3. Document your journey
Share a pic or story on Instagram. Not for likes—but to inspire someone else to start.
Building a Life Around Movement: My Vision
I’ll be honest—I don’t actively practice yoga anymore. I used to, back when I regularly went to CultFit, and those sessions truly helped me reconnect with my body. But like many of us, life took over. This year, I started learning kickboxing and run my first marathon, which was such an empowering experience—but that too came to a pause thanks to travel, work, and just… everything.
Still, deep down, I know how important movement is. Not just for physical health, but for mental clarity, emotional balance, and self-confidence. That’s why I’m now trying to build a routine—something simple yet intentional. And if you’re reading this, I want to gently remind you: take care of even 1% of your body every day. It gives back in ways far beyond what we often realize.
Here’s the kind of weekly routine I now dream of creating—where each day includes a different form of mindful movement like dancing, yoga, kickboxing, strength training, or even Pilates (which is on my list!). Some days, it could simply be playing a sport with friends.
The idea isn’t perfection—it’s variety. It’s about showing up in small, enjoyable ways. One thing I’ve come to believe is that a routine doesn’t have to be rigid—it just has to feel like home. Something you look forward to. Something that supports you, not the other way around.
