Yoga isn't for everybody. But if you listen to experts and yoga gurus, often, you'll hear them say that it's something everybody should try for themselves. But why? In this episode of The Fit Mess, Annie Appleby speaks about her own experience with yoga, how yoga changed her life, what yoga's primary purpose is, why you should definitely give it a try, and the story behind how she patented and trademarked the Yoga Force Mat.

Find out the primary purpose of yoga training in this episode of The Fit Mess with Annie Appleby!

"Yoga just isn't for me!"

When Annie first started yoga, she hated it too. Annie was so hesitant to try yoga out at first when a dear friend invited her because she thought it just wasn't going to match with her personality. Annie revealed to us that she's a solid Type-A. For her, someone who runs, does marathons, and has the personality of twenty people just wouldn't be able to find satisfaction in yoga. But despite that, her friend got her to join a session.

In class, the yoga teacher advised Annie to give it four sessions. If by the fourth session she still struggles with it and hates it, she shouldn't continue. Annie listened and gave it a chance. By the second try, she hated it. By the third, she still hated it, and she'd also talk a lot in class. Annie observed a significant shift when her yoga teacher helped her focus on her breathing and less on talking. When she started giving more attention to her breathing compared to how opposed she was to doing yoga, that's when it really started to make sense. And just like what her teacher said, the fourth try worked.

Find out how yoga influenced multiple aspects of Annie's life in this episode of The Fit Mess!

About Annie Appleby:

When Annie Appleby first became addicted to yoga in the late 80s, she was frustrated by the lack of hip, fun, comfortable clothing in which to practice it. By 1995, it seemed the only solution would be to found her own company. This entailed contacting clothing manufacturers and dye houses and handling sales, packing, and shipping, entirely out of her condo in LA.

A bit much for one person, perhaps, but from these modest beginnings, YogaForce has developed a legion of fans. In addition to yoga studios, health clubs, and spas, Annie's clothing and her patented A-Line Mat have been carried by more than 350 retailers, including Bloomingdale's; Nordstrom; Paragon Sports; The Cleveland Clinic; Sports Club/LA; Equinox; Select Four Seasons, select Ritz-Carlton Hotels and select Joie de Vivre Hotels; Oshman's Japan; Fitness Town Canada; Kitson; Fred Segal; AMAZON; HSN; and YOGAFORCE.COM.

Moreover, her brand has been featured in more than 50 top television shows, major movies, and celebrity closets.

Outline of the Episode:

[01:45] Yoga – you'll hate it at first

[03:36] It's such an incredible lesson for life outside of yoga

[06:57] What is the real target of yoga training?

[09:21] One simple way to start valuing yourself

[11:23] Annie Appleby – on her first experience trying yoga

[15:08] How did the Yoga Force Mat start?

[18:10] Boys are into yoga now too!

[21:07] If yoga is challenging, why should you try it?

[23:58] Is yoga enough?

[27:37] Where should someone interested in yoga start?

Resources:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

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97. How Yoga Can Align Your Mind and Body for Better Wellness with Annie Appleby 31:39 Share

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97. How Yoga Can Align Your Mind and Body for Better Wellness with Annie Appleby