There’s nothing like keeping your body in movement while reducing stress, strengthening your full body, and cultivating a new level of mindfulness. While you might think you have to find five different exercises to experience all of these benefits, yoga is a practice that can provide these and more.
Yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, to promote overall well-being through movement. There are countless benefits to practicing yoga that extend to the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of our health and well-being such as improved flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. While some may think of yoga as a one-size-fits-all practice, one might be surprised to learn that there are different forms of yoga that can meet your needs.
Through a range of positions and postures, breathwork, and the utilization of blocks and props, there’s a style of yoga that’s sure to suit your specific needs and goals, and today we’re here to guide you to the one that’s just right for you.
Hatha Yoga:
Hatha yoga is a traditional form of physical yoga practice that focuses on harmonizing the body and mind through various postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation techniques. The term "hatha" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "ha," which means sun, and "tha," which means moon. It symbolizes the balance and integration of opposing forces within oneself.
Hatha yoga aims to create a state of balance and unity between the physical body, energy channels (nadis), and the mind. It involves holding asanas (postures) to improve strength, flexibility, and balance while promoting the flow of energy throughout the body. These postures are often combined with conscious breathing techniques to deepen the experience and help calm the mind.
You should try this if:
You’re a beginner looking to create balance between strength and flexibility and understand the fundamentals of yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga:
Vinyasa yoga is a popular style of yoga that emphasizes the synchronization of breath with movement. The term "vinyasa" refers to “a flow” and in Vinyasa yoga, practitioners flow through a series of poses in a smooth, continuous manner, connecting each movement with a breath.
Unlike some other styles of yoga that have a fixed sequence of poses, Vinyasa yoga offers more flexibility and creativity in structuring a class.
While there are foundational poses and sequences that are commonly used, Vinyasa classes often vary in terms of the specific poses, pace, and sequences employed by different teachers.
You should try this if:
You like a more dynamic style of movement that will result in increased strength, stamina, toning, and endurance.
Ashtanga Yoga:
Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and physically demanding style of yoga that refers to the “eight limbs" in Sanskrit. This style is made up of a specific sequence of postures (asanas) that are practiced in sequential order. This sequence is designed to purify and strengthen the body, improve flexibility, and cultivate mental focus and discipline.
You should try this if:
You’re looking for a challenge as it is physically demanding and recommended for more advanced individuals in the practice.
Hot Yoga:
Hot yoga consists of a series of 26 postures practiced in a heated room. The high temperature helps to warm and stretch muscles, enhance flexibility, and promote detoxification. The sequence of postures is designed to provide a full-body workout and improve strength while building endurance and mental clarity.
You should try this if:
You’re looking to turn up the heat on your yoga practice, relax, and give your body a good detox.
Yin Yoga:
Yin yoga is a gentle, slow-paced practice that targets connective tissues, joints, and deep fascial networks in the body. It is a meditative practice that focuses on holding poses for an extended period aiming to improve flexibility, increase circulation, and cultivate relaxation.
You should try this if:
You’re looking for a calming yoga experience. This style is perfect for beginners who are looking to cultivate mindfulness and inner stillness.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Tisha Campbell Shares Why She Got A Mommy Makeover & And We’re Here For The Transparency
Tisha Campbell is still here. Here. Here. Here. (If you know, you know.) The 56-year-old actress and singer is living her life loudly and without apology, all while keeping it real about the work she's had done.
While gracing the 2025 BET Awards red carpet last week, the My Wife & Kids alum let it be known that she has nothing to hide as she revealed to Entertainment Tonight that she recently had a mommy makeover. "I had extra skin from the baby and a little bit of droppage here and a little bit of droppage there," she shared with the outlet as an exclusive. "They tighten me together."
The mother of two shared that changing her body wasn't about anyone else; it was first and foremost about pleasing herself. "I'm a single mom, not ready for dating," she added. "But I just wanted to feel good for me."
Why Tisha Campbell Chose to Share About Her Plastic Surgery
Tisha isn't new to keeping it a buck and has always been transparent about subjects that others might shy away from, whether it's about her decision to walk away from the show that put her on the map as an actor or her decision to walk away from a 22-year marriage to ex-husband Duane Martin. Cosmetic surgery is simply another topic for the Tisha to be open about.
Even in a post-BBL era, cosmetic procedures are something that is still taboo to talk about, especially among women in Hollywood who have spent decades in the public eye, like Tisha. The self-proclaimed "open book" shared her why behind disclosing her surgery:
"I just think it's more important for people to know why one does it. If you wanna feel good about you. And I just wanted to be honest about it," she told ET. "I think it's more important, to be honest, to know that you know I didn't all this by myself. It's nice to be a little bit more snatched around that area."
Tisha Campbell is serving confidence and honesty about her mommy makeover 👶✨ #BETAwards #tishacampbell #kyliejenner #mommymakeover
So, What Is a Mommy Makeover?
For those who are unfamiliar, a "mommy makeover" refers to a combination of cosmetic procedures and can differ for every woman depending on her personal goals. While the overarching intention of a mommy makeover is often to "restore" their bodies to their "pre-baby" status, the procedures are customizable and ultimately based on what feels good to her personally.
This might look like a tummy tuck or liposuction, a breast lift, reduction, or augmentation, a labiaplasty, or any other nips and tucks that support how they feel in their bodies after giving birth.
What stood out in Tisha's clip wasn't just her transparency in action, but also the intention behind her decision to have surgery. She waited until her sons Xen, 23, and Ezekiel,15, were older to have her procedure and made it clear that she centered herself in her choice. In her new season life, this is how she is honoring herself.
"For me. It's not for everybody, it's for me."
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