The Magic of Yoga: A Journey for Every Stage of Life

Yoga practice meets you where you’re at and nurtures whatever it is you’re looking for—whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Jiwoo Ro, a yoga instructor at Gym 1801, shares her perspective on the transformative power of yoga and how it has shaped her journey both on and off the mat.

The amazing yogi Denny Paradise once said, “Yoga is where the ordinary world meets the extraordinary world.” Through breath, movement, and a deep sense of connection, we’re transported beyond space and time. We enter our inner world.

Everyone’s experience with yoga is deeply personal, and if you’ve practiced before, you might agree—there’s something about yoga that calls you back to the mat time and again. Here’s my take on yoga and why I think it’s so magical:

When I rediscovered yoga, I was two months postpartum. My body felt out of place, and I had to return to work amidst the daily challenges of life. I needed a practice that would realign me and bring back my sense of normal—both physically and emotionally.

At first, my yoga was purely physical. I would even rush out, skipping Savasana, thinking it was a waste of time (without guilt!). Like many, I was drawn to the physical aspect of yoga and kept coming back—week after week, month after month. Eventually, I started feeling like myself again in my body and fell in love with the physical challenges of asana practice. This led me to teacher training, where I delved deeper. There, I discovered early morning practice, chanting, breathwork, alignment, community, and a deeper sense of connection to myself and those around me. There was something more about the practice that kept calling me—day after day, week after week.

Now, ten years into a consistent practice, yoga feels much different than when I first started. It has matured as I have grown. My practice still often begins with the need to feel better—whether it’s back pain, stiffness, or sluggishness. I start with a few sun salutations and move my spine in different directions. Sometimes, I flow to build strength—holding plank and boat pose longer, doing more vinyasas, arm balances, etc. Other days, I opt for a long, stretchy flow to recover from a hard workout. And sometimes, just a few seated poses and a long Savasana are exactly what I need to reset my nervous system.

I love that I can adapt my practice to serve my needs on any given day. I often tell students to feel free to tone it up or down depending on their intention for the day. Yoga always gives you what you need. This is its magic.

At Gym 1801, we cultivate this magic together. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, find mental clarity, or simply move your body, there’s a place for you on the mat. I’d love to share this practice with you—join me for your first class, on me!