Have you ever wondered what yoga and climbing have in common? Or what benefits you can expect from your yoga practice? In this interview , @yoga.anay gives us an insight into her active lifestyle.

Dear Jana, how long have you been doing yoga and how did you get into it?

I first came into contact with yoga in 2017. A friend had taken me to a yoga class at the university sports center. I thought it would be a great complement to my previous sport, climbing. Up until that day, I thought yoga was simply a way to stretch and stay flexible. What this extraordinary "lifestyle" truly encompassed, and how yoga would change and influence me and my life, was something I couldn't have imagined at the time. So there I was, sitting in the small, dark room of the university building with this somewhat eccentric yoga teacher, waiting for it to finally begin. The class was described as Power Yoga. My thoughts at the time were: "I already do sports, it can't be that difficult."

After an hour and a half of One Breath, One Movement Flow, I was exhausted but overjoyed. This yoga class completely blew me away. I was fully present in the moment and able to exert myself completely. It was a moving meditation that I experienced that day. Or at least, that's how it felt as I happily left the room.

From then on, I wanted to delve deeper into the subject of yoga. I attended yoga classes and continued my education through books and online videos until I finally fulfilled my dream and completed a yoga teacher training course. I can now call myself a certified Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga teacher and have already started another Yin Yoga training. Because even as a yoga teacher, continuous learning never stops: "Yoga teacher – but forever a yoga student!"

What forms of yoga do you practice or have you tried?

I've already tried Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Yin Yoga. My current practice is a mix of all these styles. I try not to stick to one form but rather practice the style my body needs at any given time. I love pushing myself to the limit in the Ashtanga Primary Series or trying out powerful, dynamic, and creative Vinyasa flows. Since Yin Yoga is the perfect complement to the more dynamic and active Ashtanga and Vinyasa practices, I practice it to give my muscles a break and allow them to recover.

What fascinates you about yoga?

Yoga is so multifaceted. At first, I thought yoga consisted only of the asanas. But when I broadened my horizons, I learned so many important things that have enriched me and my life considerably.

Do you have any other passions besides yoga? Do you practice any other sports or have any other hobbies?

As I am a very active person, I am enthusiastic about many sports. I love being in the mountains and enjoy ski touring and mountaineering. I am also passionate about climbing and bouldering.

You told us you enjoy climbing. Where do you like to climb most? Have you also noticed any benefits in climbing from your yoga practice?

I climb both indoors and outdoors. My favorite climbing area is Saxon Switzerland. This part of Germany is a fascinating place that has captured my heart. The beautiful sandstone peaks are incredibly impressive, and the tranquility of nature in the deep forest of the national park is simply overwhelming.

Through my regular yoga practice, I've become much more flexible and can integrate this active flexibility into my climbing skills. Climbing and yoga are also very similar in terms of mental state. When climbing a route, you're also in the moment; nothing else matters, and you calm your mind. This state is difficult to describe, which brings me to the answer to the next question!

What advice would you give to a yoga beginner, or why would you recommend someone start yoga, and perhaps also how?

Give it a try! You have nothing to lose!

Do you have a Mom Yoga Lifestyle Hack for us?

It's not always easy to juggle everything: child, family, work, yoga, and other activities. I often reach my limits, and unfortunately, there's no magic formula – being able to multitask is definitely an advantage. Generally, in today's fast-paced world, I try to stay calm and enjoy life, especially the moments with my wonderful family.

Is there a motto you live by that you'd like to share with us?

Simple but meaningful: “Don't worry, be happy” – Meher Baba