Yoga is for Every Body (Yes, Even Yours)

Let me start with something I hear almost weekly: "I can't do yoga because I'm not flexible enough." And every time, my heart breaks a little. Because here's the thing – saying you can't do yoga because you're not flexible is like saying you can't take a shower because you're not clean yet.

The beautiful truth is that yoga isn't about what your body can do. It's about being present with the body you have, right now, exactly as it is.

The Myth of the "Yoga Body"

Somewhere along the way, yoga got tangled up with images of impossibly bendy people in expensive leggings, twisted into pretzel-like poses on mountaintops. But that's not yoga – that's marketing. Real yoga is the woman in our Thursday morning class who modifies every pose and leaves feeling more grounded than she has all week. It's the dad who can barely touch his knees but shows up anyway because these twenty minutes are his sanctuary. It's the person managing chronic pain who finds relief in gentle movement and breath.

Your body – with its limitations, its history, its scars and stories – is exactly the right body for yoga.

What "Every Body" Really Means

When we say yoga is for every body, we mean it literally:

Bodies that hurt. Yoga can be gentle medicine for chronic pain, offering modified movements that work with your limitations, not against them.

Bodies that are tired. Sometimes the most powerful yoga practice is lying still and breathing. Rest is not the absence of practice – it is practice.

Bodies that are different. Whether you're neurodiverse, managing disability, or simply built differently than the person next to you, yoga adapts to you. You don't adapt to yoga.

Bodies that are new to movement. Never done yoga before? Perfect. We love beginners because they haven't learned what they "should" be able to do yet.

Bodies that are aging. Your fifties, sixties, seventies and beyond can be some of your most powerful yoga years. Wisdom in the body is a beautiful thing.

Bodies that are recovering. From surgery, from trauma, from life. Yoga meets you wherever you are in your healing journey.

The Real Purpose of Props (Hint: They're Not Cheating)

Here's something revolutionary: using props isn't modifying yoga – it's doing yoga intelligently. Blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets aren't training wheels you graduate from. They're tools that help you find the shape that serves your body best.

Can't touch your toes? Put a block under your hands and bring the ground closer to you. Sitting cross-legged uncomfortable? Sit on a cushion or in a chair. Shoulder pain in certain poses? Skip them entirely or find a variation that feels good.

Every time you choose what feels right for your body over what looks "right," you're practicing the deepest lesson yoga has to teach: self-compassion.

Your Practice, Your Rules

In our classes, you might see someone take a child's pose in the middle of a flow. You might see someone swap out a challenging pose for something gentler. You might see someone crying, laughing, or simply breathing deeply. All of this is yoga.

Here's your permission slip: You can modify any pose. You can rest whenever you need to. You can skip poses that don't serve you. You can focus on breath instead of movement. You can close your eyes, open them, or stare at the ceiling. You can be exactly who you are, feeling exactly what you're feeling.

The only wrong way to do yoga is to force your body into shapes that cause pain or to judge yourself for honoring your limitations.

What Really Happens on the Mat

When you strip away the Instagram poses and the flexibility circus acts, yoga becomes something much more powerful: a practice of coming home to yourself.

It's noticing your breath when life feels chaotic. It's finding strength you didn't know you had – not in your muscles, but in your ability to show up for yourself. It's learning that rest is productive, that listening to your body is wisdom, and that being gentle with yourself isn't weakness.

Some days your practice will look like flowing through poses. Other days it will look like lying still and remembering how to breathe. Both are exactly what you need.

The Invitation

Your body has carried you through every moment of your life. It's weathered storms, celebrated joys, and kept going even when things felt impossible. That body – your body – deserves a practice that honors it, not one that demands it be different.

So here's what I want you to know: you don't need to be more flexible, stronger, calmer, or different in any way to start yoga. You just need to be willing to show up as you are.

Because yoga isn't about becoming someone else. It's about remembering who you've always been underneath all the noise – worthy, whole, and enough, exactly as you are.

Your mat is waiting. Your body is ready. And we're here to remind you that you belong, just as you are.

Ready to experience yoga that truly meets you where you are? Join us at Nurture Studios for classes designed around bodies, not the other way around.

Two Years of Growth: Celebrating Nurture's Journey

Yesterday marked a milestone that fills our hearts with incredible joy and gratitude. Two years ago, we opened the doors of Nurture with a simple vision: to create a space where community, wellness, and personal growth could flourish together. Yesterday, Friday, July 11th, we celebrated this journey with yoga classes all day, and what a beautiful celebration it was.

A Day of Connection and Discovery

Our anniversary celebration was everything we hoped it would be and more. Throughout the day, we opened our doors wide, inviting everyone to drop in and sample classes at whatever time worked best for them. Whether someone could squeeze in a quick 30-minute session between errands or had the afternoon free to try multiple classes, they could experience the diverse range of offerings that make Nurture special. From gentle restorative flows to energizing vinyasa sessions, each class was an invitation to experience the beauty of yoga on their own schedule.

The energy in the studio was a beautiful mixture of calm and excitement. Some members tried new classes they hadn't before and loved them! Others were new to the studio entirely and left with smiles on their faces, already planning their return.

Reflecting on Our Journey

As we look back on these two years, we're amazed by how much we've grown together. We've weathered challenges, celebrated victories, and continuously evolved to better serve our community. We've seen students develop not just their physical practice, but their inner strength, their capacity for self-compassion, and their ability to show up authentically in the world.

The diversity of our offerings has expanded organically, shaped by the needs and interests of our community. We've added more classes, special events, and workshops. Each addition has been a response to the beautiful, complex needs of the humans who call Nurture home.

A Celebration of Every Journey

Friday's celebration reminded us that every person who steps onto their mat is on a unique journey. Some come seeking physical strength and flexibility. Others arrive hoping to find peace in the midst of life's storms. Many discover that yoga offers something they didn't even know they were looking for – a sense of belonging, a tool for self-discovery, or simply a sacred hour in their week where they can just be.

Watching our community come together, we were reminded that this is exactly what we set out to create: a nurturing environment where every person can explore their own path to wellness, supported by a community that truly cares.

Looking Forward with Gratitude

As we step into our third year, our hearts are full of gratitude and anticipation for the next chapter. Gratitude for our incredible teachers who pour their hearts into every class. Gratitude for our students who trust us with their practice and their stories. Gratitude for the opportunity to be part of so many meaningful journeys.

We're excited about what the future holds. We have dreams of expanding our offerings, deepening our community connections, and continuing to evolve as a space that truly serves the needs of every person who walks through our doors. In fact, we're currently in contract with an incredible human who will help us install safe supports for aerial yoga! We're also planning new workshops, special events, and perhaps even some surprises that we can't wait to share.

But most of all, we're grateful for the opportunity to continue growing together. Every class, every conversation, every moment of connection is a reminder of why we do this work. We are not only teaching yoga poses, we are creating a space of self-discovery, belonging, and connection to others.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Whether you've been with us from day one or joined us just yesterday, you are the heart of what makes Nurture special. Here's to many more years of growth, connection, and discovery together.

With deep gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead,
The Nurture Team

Ready to be part of our growing community? Join us on the mat – your journey of self-discovery is waiting.

Your First Yoga Class: What to Actually Expect

If you're thinking about trying yoga for the first time, your mind might be racing with questions. Will I be able to keep up? What if I can't touch my toes? Will everyone be staring at me?

Here's the truth: those worries are completely natural, and they're exactly why we need to talk about what your first yoga class will actually be like - not the Instagram version, but the real, messy, beautiful version where you might wobble and that's perfectly okay.

Walking Through Those Doors

The hardest part is just showing up. When you walk into Nurture Studios, you'll find a warm space that feels more like someone's living room than a gym. Picture an 1890s building with soft lighting, natural wood floors accompanied with indoor plants, and an invitation to unroll your mat and just be.

We'll ask how you're feeling today - and we genuinely want to know. It's our way of making sure the class meets you exactly where you are.

"Walking in that first day, not having done yoga for many years, I was nervous. But within moments, I felt very welcomed, heard, and received lots of extra guidance. It feels like coming into a home rather than a business." -Current Nurture Member

What You'll Actually Need (Spoiler: Not Much)

Come in whatever makes you comfortable - sweats, old t-shirts, leggings with holes. We love when people show up in their most comfortable clothes because it means they're prioritizing feeling good over looking a certain way.

You don't need your own mat or any special equipment. We have everything you need. Using props isn't a sign that you're "not good at yoga" - it's a sign that you're smart about taking care of your body.

The Class Itself: Permission to Be Human

Here's what might surprise you: there's no perfect way to do yoga. Each of us is unique in our own ways, including our bodies - and that is a beautiful thing. When the instructor demonstrates a pose, they're offering you a starting point, not demanding that you replicate it exactly. Maybe your forward fold looks more like a gentle bow. Maybe you need to sit down and breathe while everyone else is flowing.

All of that is not just okay - it's beautiful. It's you listening to your body and honoring what it needs.

"I was not sure how well I would be able to do poses because of my knees, but I was so grateful for options. At no point did I feel like I was not doing what I needed. Bri always says to us, 'this is your practice.’” -Penny, Current Nurture Member

You might feel emotional during class. Sometimes when we slow down and really breathe, feelings surface. If tears come, that's your body releasing what it needs to release. If you need to return to a comfortably seated position or lie down in child's pose for the rest of class, that's your choice to make.

The Things No One Tells You

Your mind will probably wander. You might find yourself thinking about your grocery list during meditation. This doesn't mean you're doing it wrong - it means you're human.

You might not feel instantly zen. Some people leave feeling amazing; others feel emotionally raw or physically tired. Both experiences are completely normal. Yoga isn't always about feeling blissful - sometimes it's about feeling real.

What Your Body Might Experience

You might be a little sore the next day, but it shouldn't be painful. You might feel surprisingly tired after class - moving your body in new ways and focusing on your breath can be more work than you expect.

You might also notice things you weren't aware of before. Maybe you realize how much tension you carry in your shoulders, or how rarely you take deep breaths. These aren't problems to fix; they're just information.

The Community Piece

One of the most beautiful parts of yoga class is realizing you're not alone in being human. The person next to you might be wobbling in tree pose. Someone behind you might be taking a comfortably seated break.

There's something powerful about sharing space with other people who are all just trying to take care of themselves. You don't have to talk to anyone if you're not ready, but you'll find that people are kind and much more focused on their own practice than on watching yours.

"From the very first class to now a year and a half later, I have never felt unwelcome or out of place. It is such a nurturing and welcoming space with nurturing and welcoming people. It took one class for me to be hooked.” - Jodi, Current Nurture Member

After Class: The Real Magic

When class ends, you might feel different than when you walked in. Maybe calmer, maybe more aware of your body, maybe just glad you showed up for yourself.

You might leave with more questions than answers, and that's perfect. Yoga isn't about getting anywhere specific; it's about spending time with yourself exactly as you are right now.

Your Invitation

If you've been thinking about trying yoga but haven't quite worked up the courage, consider this your gentle nudge. Your first class doesn't have to be perfect, and neither do you. You just need to be willing to show up and see what happens.

At Nurture Studios, we've created space for exactly this kind of beginning - messy, uncertain, and completely beautiful. Your first class is waiting for you, and we can't wait to meet you exactly where you are.

Ready to take that first step? Your first class at Nurture Studios is on us. No commitment, no pressure - just a chance to see what all the (gentle) fuss is about. Because everyone deserves a place where they can come as they are. Redeem your free class here.

The Gift of Not Knowing: Why Your Past Self Did the Best They Could

Last night, I found myself with a rare moment of quiet - no emails demanding attention, no one needing my care or guidance, no deadlines looming, no endless task list running through my mind. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or busy professional (or all three), you know how precious these uninterrupted moments are. In that stillness, I began reflecting on different aspects of my life: my work, my relationships, my personal growth, and the constant juggling act of tending to others while managing professional responsibilities.

In the quiet of that moment, a familiar thought crept in, one that visits me more often than I'd like to admit: "If only I knew then what I know now." It's that persistent voice that whispers about all the ways I could have handled that stressful project better, responded to caregiving challenges with more patience, or navigated difficult career transitions with greater wisdom.

But then something shifted. I realized this thought pattern, which I'd always accepted as normal self-reflection, was actually harmful.

The Myth of Perfect Hindsight

Introspection is a gift if used wisely. When we examine our past experiences with curiosity and compassion, we can extract valuable lessons that guide future decisions. But there's a dark side to looking backward - the trap of believing we could have or should have known better. This form of reflection assumes that our past selves had access to the same knowledge, emotional maturity, and life experience we possess today. It's like expecting a first-grader to solve calculus problems simply because they'll understand calculus if they go to college one day.

Here's what that critical inner voice conveniently forgets: growth requires making mistakes. Learning demands trial and error. Resilience is built through weathering storms, not avoiding them. Even if we had read every professional development book before starting our first job, or absorbed every piece of caregiving advice before taking on that responsibility, we would still need hands-on experience to truly understand. Knowledge becomes wisdom only when it's tested in the real world, shaped by our unique circumstances, and refined through our personal journey.

When Too Much Knowledge Becomes Paralysis

Here's the paradox we rarely talk about: sometimes seeking too much knowledge actually makes things worse. I have fallen into this before, when at first my intention of trying to learn and be a better (insert all the hats I wear, such as caregiver, professional, the list goes on!) For me, it could be asking a question with a social media post, and 100 comments later, there’s conflicting advice that leaves me more confused than when I first started. My mind is swirling with more indecision than before. Talk about Information overwhelm!? 

The quest for certainty can rob us of the confidence to trust ourselves. Sometimes the best thing we can do is step away from the books, stop polling our friends, and listen to what our own experience is telling us.

The Courage to Try Despite Fear

Fear of failure keeps so many of us from trying new things, taking risks, or stepping into growth opportunities. We become paralyzed by the possibility of making mistakes, forgetting that mistakes are not evidence of inadequacy - they're proof that we're learning.

You are more capable than you think. That voice telling you you're not ready, not experienced enough, not wise enough? It's lying. You have an inner wisdom that deserves your trust, even when - especially when - you're navigating uncharted territory.

Reconnecting with Your Inner Wisdom

As busy professionals, parents, and caregivers, we often live so much in our heads - analyzing, planning, worrying- that we lose connection with our bodies and intuitive wisdom. When caught in cycles of overthinking, our nervous system stays activated, making it harder to access that quiet inner voice. This is where gentle movement practices like restorative or slow flow yoga become invaluable - not for perfect poses, but for creating space to breathe and reconnect with yourself. Consider taking a class this week and notice how moving mindfully mirrors the self-compassion we're cultivating in our thoughts.

You're Doing Better Than You Think

As you move through your days - working, caregiving, creating, building relationships, pursuing goals, navigating challenges - remember that you don't need to have it all figured out. Stay open to feedback from people you trust and respect, but don't feel obligated to seek everyone's opinion. Sometimes the best book to read is the one written by your own experience.

Listen to your intuition, even when it whispers instead of shouts. Trust that you can handle whatever comes your way, even if you don't have a manual for it.

You are so loved, and you are doing a better job than you're giving yourself credit for. The person you were yesterday brought you to who you are today. Honor that journey, embrace the learning, and trust yourself to keep growing.

After all, the gift of not knowing everything is that it leaves room for discovery, growth, and the beautiful messiness of being human.