How to Pick the Right Yoga Class and Start Safely (Even If You’re Not Flexible) | Rachel Lundberg

Healing Horizons

In this episode of Healing Horizons, host Avik sits down with Rachel Lundberg—founder of Yoga University and creator of the Alignment-Based Yoga Specialist Certification. Together, they explore how to choose the right yoga class, avoid common injuries, and why inflexibility is actually one of the best reasons to start yoga.

Rachel shares how yoga can be tailored for beginners, aging bodies, or those returning from injury, and explains why props, proper instruction, and mindful movement matter more than keeping up with a fast-paced flow. This conversation challenges the myths around flexibility and shows how yoga can be a deeply personal, safe, and empowering practice that strengthens both body and mind.

About the Guest

Rachel Lundberg is the founder of Yoga University and Thrive Yoga OC. A former classical ballet dancer and chronic illness survivor, Rachel has over 30 years of movement expertise. She integrates brain, body, and heart through her Embodied Wise Yoga approach—helping students, teachers, and healthcare providers create safe, sustainable, and healing practices.

Key Takeaways

• Choosing the right class starts with knowing your body—look for beginner, foundations, or alignment-based sessions.

• Red flags include teachers who don’t observe the room, discourage props, or move too quickly without clear instruction.

• Inflexibility isn’t a barrier—it’s one of the best reasons to start yoga, offering both protection from injury and rapid gains in mobility.

• Older adults (50s–70s) can thrive in yoga; strength and flexibility improvements can happen quickly, even for beginners.

• Fast-paced vinyasa classes can increase risk of shoulder, knee, and back injuries—start slow, build foundations, then progress.

• Students should advocate for themselves, ask questions before class, and remember their body is the ultimate authority.

• Yoga is more than physical poses—it’s a path of alignment, stress regulation, and reconnecting to your inner wisdom.

• Practicing at home or in person both work—what matters most is consistency and finding a supportive teacher.

Connect with the Guest

• Visit her online university: Yoga Oak University

• Join her live or livestream classes: https://www.thriveyogaoc.com

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Disclaimer

This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

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