Hey Yoginis,
Let me tell you a little secret that took me 20 years of teaching yoga, multiple trainings, 75 retreats, a few pulled hamstrings, and a highly questionable juice cleanse to finally embrace: you don’t need 90-minute yoga classes five times a week to feel amazing or be ‘good’ at yoga (that was a trick - there is no such thing as being good at yoga).
What you actually need? Twenty minutes. Three times a week. That’s it. Seriously.
I know, I know. It sounds almost too good to be true. But let’s break down why this tiny commitment can make a huge difference.
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Consistency is Queen (or King, or Royal Being of Your Choice)
We’ve all had that phase where we went to yoga every day for a week and then ghosted our mat for three months. The problem isn’t motivation, it’s sustainability. Carving out 20 minutes, three times a week, is doable. You can squeeze it in between Zoom calls, after the kids go to bed, or even during lunch. Consistency beats intensity every time.
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Your Nervous System Says Thank You
Regular short practices help regulate your nervous system. They calm your frazzled brain, lower your cortisol, and gently pull you out of fight-or-flight mode. After 20 minutes, you’re not just more limber, you’re also less likely to snap at your partner because they chew too loudly or breathed.
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You Actually Learn More
You can keep it simple and focus on the details. Alignment, breath, bhandas, subtle shifts—these little things start to click. You build a stronger, smarter foundation. Think quality over quantity.
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No Special Equipment Required
At home, 20 minutes means you don’t need to factor in travel time, parking, or trying to squeeze in a last minute trip to get eggs (just kidding those are for billionaires now). Pyjamas? Totally acceptable. Kids crawling on you? Bonus core workout.
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The Compound Effect is Real
Small, regular efforts add up. A few sun salutations here, some pranayama there (now called breathwork by podcasters), a touch of meditation sprinkled in—next thing you know, you’re stronger, calmer, and more balanced. And you didn’t have to leave the house.
In short: you deserve something that feels good, fits into your life, and doesn’t leave you feeling guilty when you miss a day. That’s the sweet spot where 20 minutes, three times a week, shines.
So unroll your mat (or towel, or bathmat), hit play on that yoga video, or freestyle your own flow. Your body and mind will thank you.
Namaste and high fives,
Patty Perlman
