Welcome back to another feature in our "Inside the Gym" series, where we delve into Albuquerque's rich fitness scene. Today, we're visiting Let It Be Yoga, a tranquil oasis on the Westside of the city, and chatting with its dedicated owner, Melora Lager.

From Pregnancy to Lifelong Passion
Melora Lager's journey into the world of yoga began 30 years ago when she was pregnant. With limited fitness options available, yoga came highly recommended. It helped Melora so much during her pregnancy that she's continued her practice throughout the years, exploring power hot yoga and gentle yoga alike. For Melora, yoga isn't just a fitness regimen; it's an integral part of her life.

The Inspiration Behind Let It Be Yoga
Motivated by her personal experiences with yoga's multifaceted benefits, Melora felt compelled to share its transformative potential with her community. When she noticed a lack of yoga studios on Albuquerque's Westside nine years ago, she decided to fill the gap, offering wellness to an underserved area.

A Philosophy of Balance
At the heart of Melora's fitness philosophy is a sense of balance. This guiding principle encourages students to challenge themselves without forcing or straining. As Melora likes to say, "feel your way, don't force your way." This mindful approach informs every class at Let It Be Yoga, cultivating patience, awareness, and respect for one's limits.

Triumph Through Yoga
Among the many success stories at Let It Be Yoga, one that stands out involves a gentleman who had been in a car accident. Despite undergoing physical therapy, he continued to struggle with back pain. After just four months of mindful breathing exercises and stretching, he achieved his goal: he was able to dance with his wife again. It's stories like these that underscore the healing power of yoga.

Shattering Yoga Stereotypes
One of the key challenges that Let It Be Yoga has faced is the misconception that yoga requires extreme flexibility. Melora stresses that the only flexibility needed for yoga is mental: an open mind ready to breathe and stretch. The studio's ambient, mirror-free environment encourages students to tune out external distractions and focus on their internal experience, fostering mindfulness and centeredness.

Adapting to the Future of Fitness
In response to shifting fitness trends, Let It Be Yoga has embraced online classes, ensuring accessibility in the digital age. Moreover, the studio caters to the growing demand for private yoga sessions, offering personalized experiences like birthday yoga parties and partner yoga sessions.

Embarking on the Fitness Journey
For those considering starting their fitness journey, Melora's advice is to listen to themselves and just try it. If something doesn't feel right, there are always other options to explore. The key is to understand the benefits of movement, stretching, and mindful breathing, and prioritize self-care.

At Let It Be Yoga, Melora Lager and her team of dedicated instructors create an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement, where everyone can explore the benefits of yoga at their own pace. Whether you're new to yoga or looking to deepen your practice, consider joining the welcoming community at Let It Be Yoga. Start your wellness journey today by signing up for a class, either in person or online.