"Don't give up and try to adapt to yoga style - yoga adapts to you."

Dear Lisbeth, since when have you been doing yoga and how did you get into it?

I came to yoga about 6 years ago through my sister and through my training as a physical therapist. I often used to sneer at yoga, but when I realized that strength sports like Crossfit often come with a risk of injury and that I need more balance or grounding, I came to appreciate yoga. I try to do yoga every day, even if just briefly in the morning or after a run. To be honest, I often don't make it before work starts as my work day starts very early and sleep is needed after all... But generally I would say 3 times a week a long yoga session of 60 to 90 minutes. I love yoga in those moments when I realize that ambition or illusions of the future rule my everyday life and I am no longer in the now. When I am jittery and unbalanced, that is exactly when I need yoga. In summary, when I want to feel myself, get to know my body and be at home.

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

I have tried several types of yoga from Yin Yoga, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Ashtanga and Hatha to Embodied Flow, where I did my training. I wish very soon to be able to be present again with different teachers not only virtually.

What fascinates you about yoga?

On the one hand, the philosophy and wisdom that have been passed down for thousands of years, which are also great and relevant from a medical point of view. On the other hand, this being with yourself, learning something new every time, whether about an asana, about your own body or your own mind. Also, getting to know yourself better through movement. And then to take the yoga vibe into everyday life away from the mat.

What tip would you give a yoga newbie or why would you advise someone to start with yoga?

Don't give up and try not to adapt to the yoga style - yoga adapts to you. There are good days and bad days. For me too - I practice some poses for weeks, months if not years. So many people think yoga is only for super flexible people, but it's not! It's about strength and stability and with that comes mobility.

What were and are your biggest challenges in your yoga practice?

Right now, ( I'm laughing right now ) I'm still on my way to the inversion, forarmstand headstand. But honestly, I'm still too much of a chicken for handstand, but I see progress. :). 

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

I love yoga because you only need you and your body and ideally a beautiful environment - that would be the highlight. But besides yoga, I'm a passionate runner, mountain climber and I'm currently learning to climb and that's a lot of fun. When I'm not outside moving, I love to cook, read and travel.

Tell us about your career path, would you choose the same again?

I came to physiotherapy in a roundabout way via a political science/sociology degree, to a medical entrance exam which I failed. When I was finally done with physio, the question came medicine admission or yoga teacher training in Bali. I chose yoga and don't regret that decision for a second and would do it again just the same. Otherwise I would not have met the most important people in my life and never got to know myself.

Can you explain to us what a yoga treatment with neurological patients looks like? And what are the benefits of such a treatment?

Of course, the yoga class in rehab is not as strenuous as a normal yoga class. For me, it is especially the pranayama and body awareness that are important, as well as simple exercises in which the patients can feel themselves again. Not to forget the breathing, which is very important for the regeneration of our nervous system and with it we can achieve enormous influence on sensitivity and perception. It is always a reminder for me that not every pose has to be perfect, but that the goal is for everyone to be themselves and feel comfortable in their own skin.

You like to be in nature, do you have a favorite spot or some tips for us where to practice yoga especially well?

At the lake, on the mountain, everywhere where you feel good yourself. Austria has many beautiful places, but it's more about where you feel most comfortable.

You have super beautiful pictures, how did you get into using Instagram more actively and what motivates you to actively use the account?

Hm right now I'm a bit Instagram tired, it's always just a picture and not reality. In the pictures I'm the happy yogi, but behind it there is a lot of work and stress that I don't want to have right now and that doesn't correspond to Yoga Vice. That's why I decided to only work with companies that accept me as I am and I produce and post content as I feel like it.

Is there a life motto that accompanies you and you would like to tell us?

SO HAM - I am that- I am that. I am me when I am happy.

What do you wish for the future?

To be able to travel again, teach live yoga and communicate with people not just virtually. In 10 years I would like to be self-employed as a physiotherapist and as a yoga teacher. But the most important thing: to be happy and healthy.

Which is your favorite LUVIYO yoga mat design? Or what do you like about LUVIYO?

Actually I can't decide at all. I love the All-in-One yoga mat with the Terra Arts design but I think the Marble Rose is my absolute favorite. And that when buying a yoga mat the big gray darlings are helped, I find the nicest.