2025 Yoga: bending, stretching, and finding inner peace (or else)

It’s official: 2025 is the year I dive headfirst into yoga. Sure, I’ve dabbled before, but this time I’m committing. No more half-hearted stretches or excuses about why I can’t namaste like a pro.

Why now? Because my 45-year-old body has been sending increasingly urgent memos titled “Stretch or Else.” Add to that the chaos in my mind, which is proving to me that I could use a little less clutter and a lot more calm.

Why yoga?

Quite simply: I want to feel stronger, more flexible, and – dare I say it – a little zen. Right now, my flexibility is less flowing tree and more ceramic tile. My core strength? It’s been on an extended holiday. And as for finding  inner peace? My idea of mindfulness currently involves scrolling memes while eating chips.

Yoga promises to help me tackle all of this. And I need all the help I can get. Plus, there’s the added bonus of being able to say things like, “I’m working on my crow pose” (even if no one at the party asks, because why would they?).

My yoga goals

Let me manage expectations from the outset: I don’t plan to transform into a serene, limber goddess by December. (Though, how fabulous would that be?) My goals are far more realistic.

1. Improve flexibility – Touching my toes without hearing my hamstrings scream, “Help, we’re dying!” would be a win.
2. Strengthen my core – Because a strong core is the unsung hero of everything from good posture to not toppling over when I sneeze.
3. Boost mental clarity – Aka, fewer What did I do with my keys? moments.
4. Find balance – Both physically (hello, tree pose!) and metaphorically (less chaos, more calm).
5. Sit cross-legged comfortably – No more knee protests or hip spasms. Just me, my mat, and the seated serenity of someone who no longer groans while getting up.

Each goal is about progress, not perfection (because perfection isn’t happening with these hamstrings). Whether it’s achieving better posture or just sitting cross-legged without feeling like a tangled pretzel, I’m here for the journey.

The plan of action

Here’s how I’m tackling this year-long yoga journey:

Weekly progress on Instagram

I’ll post updates with photos or videos of my yoga progress. Expect honest captions, real talk, and the occasional blooper. Spoiler: I won’t look like a serene yogi in a Lululemon ad.

Monthly blog updates

The first Monday of every month will be Yoga Update Day. I’ll share detailed recaps on the blog about what’s working, what isn’t, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

At-home practice

I’ll be following beginner-friendly YouTube classes (Yoga With Adriene, I’m coming for you!). I’ll start with the  gentlest offerings and work my way up. No downward dog left unattempted.

Tracking progress

To kick things off (is there kicking in yoga?), I’ve taken some photos of my first attempts. Think of these as “before” pictures, but with less body shame and more grimaces. This way, we can all marvel at how far I come – whether it’s touching my toes or just mastering the art of Savasana (a.k.a. lying down like a champ).

Challenges I’m bracing for

Let’s be honest: This isn’t going to be all zen moments and perfectly aligned chakras. I’m fully expecting:

• Tight hamstrings: Downward dog might feel more like downward ouch for a while.
• Laughable poses: Crow pose? Headstand? I’m about to discover just how heavy my head actually is.
• Yoga jargon confusion: Is “Chaturanga” a yoga pose or a fancy cocktail? I’ll find out.
• Accidental nap times: If Savasana (aka corpse pose) doesn’t end with me lightly snoring, it’ll be a miracle.

Join me on this yoga journey

If you’ve been flirting with the idea of yoga but haven’t fully committed, consider this your sign. Whether you want to become a human pretzel or just touch your toes without swearing, let’s tackle this together.

• Follow the progress on Instagram for weekly updates, laugh at my bloopers, and cheer me on (please!) in the comments.
• Check back here for monthly recaps where I’ll share the highs, lows, and occasional epiphanies from this journey.

Yoga pros say it’s all about the journey, not the destination. But let’s be honest: if my destination involves stronger abs, a calmer mind, and the ability to sit cross-legged without my knees protesting, I’m all in.

Here’s to a year of downward dogs, warrior poses, and maybe – just maybe – finally touching my toes.

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