{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F000679ae-be15-4ff0-9338-60dd7c0b8e25","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"How to Pick the Right Yoga Class and Start Safely (Even If You\u2019re Not Flexible) | Rachel Lundberg","description":"In this episode of Healing Horizons, host Avik sits down with Rachel Lundberg\u2014founder of Yoga University and creator of the Alignment-Based Yoga Specialist Certification. Together, they explore how to choose the right yoga class, avoid common injuries, and why inflexibility is actually one of the best reasons to start yoga.\nRachel shares how yoga can be tailored for beginners, aging bodies, or those returning from injury, and explains why props, proper instruction, and mindful movement matter more than keeping up with a fast-paced flow. This conversation challenges the myths around flexibility and shows how yoga can be a deeply personal, safe, and empowering practice that strengthens both body and mind.\nAbout the Guest\u00a0\u00a0\nRachel Lundberg is the founder of Yoga University and Thrive Yoga OC. A former classical ballet dancer and chronic illness survivor, Rachel has over 30 years of movement expertise. She integrates brain, body, and heart through her Embodied Wise Yoga approach\u2014helping students, teachers, and healthcare providers create safe, sustainable, and healing practices.\nKey Takeaways\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\nChoosing the right class starts with knowing your body\u2014look for beginner, foundations, or alignment-based sessions.\n\n\nRed flags include teachers who don\u2019t observe the room, discourage props, or move too quickly without clear instruction.\n\n\nInflexibility isn\u2019t a barrier\u2014it\u2019s one of the best reasons to start yoga, offering both protection from injury and rapid gains in mobility.\n\n\nOlder adults (50s\u201370s) can thrive in yoga; strength and flexibility improvements can happen quickly, even for beginners.\n\n\nFast-paced vinyasa classes can increase risk of shoulder, knee, and back injuries\u2014start slow, build foundations, then progress.\n\n\nStudents should advocate for themselves, ask questions before class, and remember their body is the ultimate authority.\n\n\nYoga is more than physical poses\u2014it\u2019s a path of alignment, stress regulation, and reconnecting to your inner wisdom.\n\n\nPracticing at home or in person both work\u2014what matters most is consistency and finding a supportive teacher.\n\n\nConnect with the Guest\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\nVisit her online university: Yoga Oak University\n\n\nJoin her live or livestream classes: https://www.thriveyogaoc.com\n\n\n\u00a0\nWant to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life?\u00a0\u00a0\nDM on PM \u2013 Send me a message on PodMatch\n\n\nDM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik\n\n\nDisclaimer\u00a0\u00a0\nThis video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.\n\u00a0\nHealthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ufe0f is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it\u2019s become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty\u2014storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate\u2014this channel shares powerful podcasts and soul-nurturing conversations on:\n\u2022 Mental Health & Emotional Well-being\u2022 Mindfulness & Spiritual Growth\u2022 Holistic Healing & Conscious Living\u2022 Trauma Recovery & Self-Empowerment\nWith over 4,400+ episodes and 168.4K+ global listeners, join us as we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.\n\ud83d\udc49 Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.\nContact\ud83d\udcbc Brand: Healthy Mind By Avik\u2122\ud83d\udce7 Email: join@healthymindbyavik.com | podcast@healthymindbyavik.com\ud83c\udf10 Website: www.healthymindbyavik.com\ud83d\udccd Based in: India & USA\n\ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Open to collaborations, guest appearances, coaching, and strategic partnerships. Let's connect to create a ripple effect of positivity.\nCHECK PODCAST SHOWS & BE A GUEST:\ud83c\udfa7 Listen our 17 Podcast Shows Here: https:","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/ea739b07-c0de-4eec-805f-6e266f2967bc/mzhhzs5qcgc.jpg"}