On the Hot Mat: Listening to our bodies with Anisha Yoga

What stops you from exercising? Not having enough time, the cost, or that annoying voice in your head telling you not to bother? There are numerous reasons for why many of us feel unmotivated to work out, and it can seriously taint your potential and dominate your mental health.

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According to PureGym’s 2024/25 Fitness Report, 20% of people felt the biggest barrier to exercising is the fact that they simply don’t enjoy it- whether that’s working out, playing sports, and going for a walk. To top it off, 13% said the reason is straightforward: it’s boring.

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But rest assured, you’re not alone. Even fully qualified Yoga and Pilates instructors like Anisha have felt this way. ‘‘Growing up I always went to various [fitness] classes, but I never got enjoyment out of it’’, she told me. Now trained in Barre, Vinyasa, Rocket, and Hatha Yoga styles, Anisha discovered her passion after taking a Pilates class that truly resonated with her. That single experience later inspired her to join a Yoga teacher training course and led to the creation of her own brand, Anisha Yoga. However, it all started with some trial and error.

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Finding what’s best for you

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She is refreshingly honest about her personal journey, stating, ‘‘After many attempts at the gym and fast paced classes, I quickly realised, that type of exercise was not suited to my body.’’ Of course, this perspective varies from person to person, as I am an avid gym-goer myself, although there is more to fitness than just the physical aspect. In fact, PureGym’s report recorded that 34% of their members exercise to improve their mental health, making is the second most common reason for why people work out. So why stick to something if it doesn’t give you that exciting dopamine rush? That’s exactly what Anisha realised after listening to what her mind and body were telling her. ‘It took me a few classes to find the right ones for me, it’s just preference, but do everything in moderation.’ She described her moment of epiphany as ‘‘feeling so light and energised and better in my body’’ and that she’s ‘‘never come out of a class feeling so good’’.

 

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The Mental benefits

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To find what your body needs, start to think about the goals you want to prioritise and try new things related to that list. ‘‘Genetically I have quite a slim body, and that’s why I found I needed something that stretched and toned my muscles’’, Anisha told me, ‘‘I’ve never looked at this like- ‘I need to lose weight’’’. Alongside the physical benefits, she also found significant mental benefits that stood out. ‘‘Mentally I am more in tune with my body- I’m conscious of breath retention and control’’, she said, ‘‘It hasn’t taken away all of my anxiety or anything, but I have definitely calmed down’’.

Mixing up your fitness routine is a good way to avoid falling into the trap of the Hedonic Treadmill, the idea that people quickly return to their baseline level of happiness once something becomes routine. Alternating between the gym and other activities, like fitness classes or outdoor workouts, keeps both your body and mind engaged. It’s similar to taking a different route home now and then, there’s just enough novelty to break the autopilot mode.

 

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Diet and Snacking

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Another major pillar of fitness is diet, and, just like exercise, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. “You have to see what works for you,” Anisha explained. “For example, I’m a vegetarian. I try to consume a lot of healthy fats, and I focus on warming foods.” Her Indian heritage plays a big role in her food choices, but she’s made mindful adjustments to traditional recipes. “I will never not eat Indian food, I just won’t douse it in oil. I use ghee,” she shared. Rather than eliminating beloved dishes, she opts for balance: “I’ll have my roti, naan, everything. I just make sure I add a salad on the side.”

Diet struggles are common, and according to PureGym’s report, 57% of people say snacking too much is their biggest hurdle. But snacking in itself isn’t the enemy, it’s about what you snack on. “I’m a massive snacker,” Anisha admitted, “so I’d never say, ‘don’t snack’.” Snacks can help maintain energy levels and even prevent overeating at mealtimes. Healthy options recommended by sources like Healthline include mixed nuts, Greek yogurt with fruit and honey, and a personal favourite of mine, apple slices with peanut butter.

 

As you explore options that work best for your mind and your body, remember Anisha’s advice: ‘‘Try every single class possible- there’s different classes, studios and instructors- try everything before you shut it down.’’ If you’re looking to get started right away, check out one of Anisha’s yoga sessions on her website and Instagram page for more insight. Her message is clear: ‘‘I try to remind people, leave your ego, get on the mat and have fun. Embrace the wobbles and embrace the falls, we all have good days and bad days with balance.’’

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