I was 20 years old when I stepped on my first yoga mat, not knowing what to expect. I was living in LA and all I could hear people talk about was almond milk and yoga, so obviously, I had to try both. And I have to say, it’s been 15+ years and surprisingly, we’re going strong (both the almond milk and the yoga). It’s actually the only ‘exercise’ or practice that I always come back to time after time. So naturally, it’s the only one I dare to recommend.
Through all these years, I’ve tried many types of yoga, and dare I say, I have liked them all. I have have also tried boxing, running, jumping, aerobics, etc etc etc etc, and none of those have lasted. In the last few years specially, I have tried the online versions of yoga classes, because of … hmm.. you guessed it, the pandemic.
So here are my favorites that have helped me keep my peace and my body moving. Specially for the brides-to-be, this practice will keep your mind, body & soul in tune, and we all know how much of that is needed while planning a wedding!
1. Melissa Wood Health
Founded by Melissa Wood Tepperberg
I love Melissa’s theory because she de-bunks the myth that you need to spend hours working out to see results. She really embodies and respects the mind/body connection. Her short workouts are yoga and pilates based and remove all the exercise guilt from the process. I love her approach to exercise, it works for me, and that is what we should look for, what works for you. MWH just expanded and know offers meditations, dance classes and many more.
Try the 7 day free trial!
Instagram: @melissawoodhealth
Love her personal instagram as well: @melissawoodtepperberg
https://melissawoodhealth.com/
2. Down Dog
This is my (almost) every-day go to. You can choose which type of yoga you want to do: restorative, hatha, yin, ashtanga among others. Choose the time you want to spend on your class and also, how many minutes of shavasana you want (my favorite lol). This is a very practical app that will give you exactly what you need, very customizable, and for a very reasonable price. They have also recently added HIIT, meditation, barre and other activities. I have been using this app ever since… 2020! Highly recommended.
Find it in your app store: Down Dog
3. Boho Beautiful Yoga
I love her classes. This one I also discovered in 2020. Soulful classes in beautiful settings that really do the trick when I’m also looking for the spiritual connection during my practice. I do her classes via her YouTube channel, they have tons of free ones. They recently just launched an app as well. The classes are also divided by the type you want to do and the time, which is really helpful depending on your goals for the day. I really enjoy their beautiful settings and the peaceful feeling at the end of each class.
Instagram: @bohobeautiful
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@bohobeautiful
4. I Belong
Last but not least, my favorite local yoga teacher turned global. Annie Ferro, founder of I Belong Wellness Studio in Bogota, Colombia. She is from my hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia. A yoga teacher, coach and recently added to her resume, podcaster. Annie has lived all over the globe, but every time I have had the chance, I take her in-person classes in Barranquilla, and they are top on my list. Her poise, strength and spirituality are transmitted in every class, you feel like a new person ready to take over the world. Now everyone can enjoy classes since she offers an online membership for all levels, with different class options and a great value for your money. If you have the opportunity, don’t hesitate to listen to Annie’s soothing voice guide you through your meditations and yoga practices.
Instagram: @ibelongstudio
Her personal: @annieferro
https://ibelongstudio.com/