SOHIT YOGI: YOGA TRANSFORMATION Q&A

1. Why is yoga considered the most effective form of exercise?

Yoga is the only form of exercise that not only strengthens the body but also calms the mind and uplifts the spirit. Unlike gym workouts, aerobics, Zumba, or running, which mainly focus on physical fitness, yoga helps in overall well-being by aligning the mind, body, and breath. It improves flexibility, builds strength, enhances lung capacity, and boosts immunity. Additionally, modern medical science confirms that many lifestyle diseases stem from poor habits, stress, and lack of movement—issues that yoga directly addresses. By correcting one's lifestyle through yoga, many chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and back pain can be prevented or even reversed.

2. Many people say they cannot do yoga. Why should they try it?

Many people hesitate to try yoga because they think it is difficult or they are not flexible enough. However, yoga is for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. It is a misconception that only flexible people can do yoga; in fact, yoga increases flexibility over time. I always encourage beginners to practice with me for just a few days—if they don't feel the benefits, they can choose to leave. But in my experience, once people start practicing yoga, they rarely quit because they begin to see positive results in their health, energy levels, and mood. Many of my students have been with me for over 20 years without missing a class!

3. Why did you choose yoga as your career?

Since childhood, I wanted to do something meaningful that could positively impact people's lives. While growing up, I observed that true success is not just about earning money but also about contributing to society. When I studied in a Gurukul, yoga was a part of our daily routine, but I never thought it could be a career. Later, when I pursued a professional degree in yoga from Patanjali University, I realized its potential. I saw that through yoga, I could help people heal from pain, prevent surgeries, and even overcome stress and anxiety. The satisfaction of seeing someone's life improve because of my guidance made me choose yoga as my life's work.

4. How did you start teaching yoga?

I started my formal yoga education at Dev Sanskriti University and later joined Patanjali University, where I was fortunate to be among the first batch of students. Swami Ramdev Ji's teachings had a great impact on me, and I learned the scientific and therapeutic aspects of yoga. My journey as a teacher began when I started taking personal yoga classes in Delhi NCR. I focused on results, ensuring that my students saw real improvements in their health. Later, my social media presence grew, and now my videos reach millions of people across 40+ countries.

5. What are the main areas you have worked on in yoga?

I have worked extensively on five major health issues through yoga:

• Obesity & Weight Loss – Many people struggle with belly fat and weight gain, which lead to heart disease and joint pain. My yoga techniques have helped thousands lose weight naturally.
• Knee Pain & Joint Issues – I have worked with many people, including those from Pakistan, where knee pain is a major issue. Many of them saw 50-60% relief within a month of following my techniques.
• Back Pain & Cervical Spondylitis – Several students who were told to undergo spinal surgery saw complete relief through yoga in just 3-6 months.
• Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis – Many women suffer from severe heel pain, and yoga has provided them great relief.
• Blood Pressure & Heart Health – I have helped people reduce their dependency on BP medications through yoga and lifestyle changes.

Every day, I receive messages from people telling me how their years-old pains and health issues disappeared through my yoga routines. That is the biggest motivation for me.

6. What makes your yoga practice different from others?

My approach is result-oriented and personalized. Many yoga teachers focus on just demonstrating postures, but I focus on solving real health issues. I don't just upload videos; I personally connect with people through WhatsApp, Instagram, and live sessions, ensuring they get their health queries answered. Additionally, I keep my yoga simple and easy to follow, so even absolute beginners can start without fear. Many of my students have been practicing yoga with me for years because they see real results.

7. Why did you move from Rishikesh, the global yoga capital, to Gujarat?

My journey to Gujarat was unexpected. Before the COVID-19 lockdown, I was working in Delhi NCR, running yoga centers. But when the lockdown happened, everything shut down. I had no work, no source of income, and even had to ask my father for financial help. Then, my friend Saurabh, who was in Gujarat, invited me to start personal yoga classes there. I had nothing to lose, so I took the opportunity. Little did I know that this decision would change my life. Today, from Gujarat, my yoga reaches people in 40+ countries, including the US, Canada, UAE, and even Pakistan.

8. Do you consider yourself a celebrity now?

Honestly, I don't see myself as a celebrity. Yes, I have millions of followers, my videos reach 3 crore+ people monthly, and I get thousands of messages every day. But I still make an effort to reply to people personally, especially on WhatsApp. To me, my followers are not just fans; they are family. If someone messages me about back pain or knee issues, it is my responsibility to respond and help them. That's why I never let fame get to my head.

9. What are the career opportunities in yoga?

Yoga is a highly rewarding profession if done correctly. Some ways to build a career in yoga include:

• Home Classes: Taking personal yoga sessions (₹10,000-₹15,000 per month per client).
• Yoga Centers: Running a yoga studio, which can generate lakhs of income.
• Corporate Yoga Sessions: Companies pay ₹20,000-₹2,00,000 per session.
• Social Media & Online Classes: Many people, including me, have built successful online yoga programs through Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

There is huge demand for trained yoga teachers in India and abroad.

10. What are the biggest challenges in the yoga field?

One major challenge is the rise of unqualified yoga teachers who have little knowledge but start teaching after short-term courses. Many of them prioritize money over health and end up giving incorrect yoga practices, leading to injuries. Proper yoga training takes years of study and experience. That's why I always emphasize learning from certified and experienced teachers.

11. What was your proudest moment as a yoga teacher?

The proudest moments are when people tell me that my yoga guidance has changed their lives. For example:

• A woman suffering from chronic knee pain for 10+ years avoided surgery after following my yoga techniques.
• A man from Pakistan lost 20 kg weight and sent me an audio message thanking me.
• Many people who had spinal issues and were advised surgery got completely cured through my methods.

Nothing is more satisfying than knowing that my yoga practice is bringing real change in people's lives.