What is Holy Yoga? Understanding Christian Yoga Practice

• December 5, 2025
• By Brian Lettieri

What is Holy Yoga? Understanding Christian Yoga Practice

In our modern world, we often feel fragmented. We go to the gym to take care of our bodies, we go to church to tend to our spirits, and we visit therapists or read self-help books to manage our minds. While each of these is valuable, we were created as whole beings. 

God designed us with a body, soul, and spirit that are intricately connected, yet we often lack a practice that addresses all three simultaneously. This longing for wholeness is what brings so many people to the mat. They are looking for more than just a workout; they are looking for a way to quiet the noise, connect with their Creator, and steward the vessel He has given them. 

This is the heart of Holy Yoga. It is an invitation to bring your entire self – messy, weary, or hopeful – into the presence of God, using the modality of yoga to deepen your faith and strengthen your body.

But for those new to the concept, the term Christian yoga can raise questions. What does it look like? How does it differ from a standard studio class? And most importantly, how does it align with a biblical worldview?

The Essence of the Practice: More Than Just Stretching

At its core, Holy Yoga is experiential worship. It is a discipline that combines the physical benefits of yoga, strength, flexibility, and balance, with the spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, and scripture study. We often say that while the world offers a “work-out,” Holy Yoga offers a “work-in.”

It is a practice of intentionality. When we step onto the mat, we are not checking out; we are checking in. We are using our breath and our movement to facilitate a deeper connection with Christ. The postures (asanas) become a physical expression of surrender, strength, and praise. 

This holistic approach unlocks the profound benefits of Christian yoga, moving beyond simple physical fitness to impact your mental clarity and spiritual vitality. By engaging the body in worship, we often find that we can access parts of our heart that traditional study or prayer alone might not reach.

Is It Okay for Christians?

One of the most common questions we encounter comes from believers who are hesitant about the origins of yoga. They ask, is yoga biblical? It is a fair and important question. At Holy Yoga, we believe that God is the Creator of our bodies and the author of all movement. Acts 17:28 reminds us, “For in him we live and move and have our being.”

We acknowledge that while yoga postures are practiced in different traditions, a posture itself is neutral. Bending a knee or lifting hands in praise is a physical action; the intent of the heart is what gives it spiritual weight. 

In Holy Yoga, our intent is 100% Christ-centered. We strip away any philosophy that does not align with Scripture and replace it with the truth of the Bible. We are reclaiming movement for God’s glory, presenting our bodies as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1) in a practice that is fully and completely focused on Jesus.

The Distinctive Difference: Prayer and The Word

What truly sets Holy Yoga apart is the integration of the Living Word. In a secular class, you might hear suggestions to “empty your mind” or focus on “the universe.” In a Holy Yoga class, you are invited to fill your mind with the truth of Scripture.

This brings us to the concept of prayer yoga, where every inhale becomes an invitation for the Holy Spirit and every exhale becomes an act of surrender. The Bible is not an accessory to the practice; it is the foundation. We meditate on God’s Word day and night, and doing so while moving our bodies helps anchor those truths deep in our hearts.

What to Expect in a Class

If you have never stepped into a studio or unrolled a mat, the idea of starting can be intimidating. However, Holy Yoga is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or experience. The atmosphere is one of grace, not performance.

When you walk into a class, whether in a church hall, a local studio, or online via Holy Yoga TV, you will likely hear uplifting Christian yoga music playing softly. This sets the tone for worship. The instructor will guide you through a series of movements, always offering modifications so you can honor your body’s current ability.

For those looking for Christian yoga for beginners, rest assured that the goal is not to achieve a perfect pretzel shape. The goal is connection. You will be encouraged to listen to your body and to God. 

You might find yourself shedding tears during a hip opener as emotional tension releases, or feeling a surge of joy during a flow. This safe, non-judgmental environment is what allows true transformation to occur.

Techniques for the Inner Life: Meditation and Breath

The physical movement is only half of the equation. We live in a culture of high stress and anxiety. Our nervous systems are often stuck in “fight or flight” mode. Through the discipline of the mind, we can move from anxiety to peace. 

We utilize specific Christian meditation techniques to quiet the racing thoughts, allowing us to take every thought captive and focus on the nature of God. By combining this mental focus with deep, intentional breathing, we regulate our nervous system. 

This makes the practice particularly effective when using Christian yoga for stress, providing a tangible, physiological way to cast your cares upon the Lord and experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Wellness as Worship

Ultimately, what is Christian yoga if not a lifestyle? The peace and strength you cultivate on the mat are meant to follow you off the mat. The patience you learn in a difficult pose translates to patience with your children. The grace you extend to your tight hamstrings translates to grace for a coworker.

We view this practice as a pillar of Christian wellness. It is a daily reminder that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, deserving of honor, care, and stewardship. By prioritizing our health, we are ensuring that we have the energy and vitality to say yes to the Kingdom work God has called us to do.

An Invitation to Wholeness

Holy Yoga is more than a fitness trend; it is a global community of believers seeking to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Whether you are looking to heal from injury, manage stress, or simply deepen your prayer life, there is a place for you here. 

If the concept of doing yoga while integrating Christ-centered practices calls to you, you can join our online or in-person trainings here. You can also subscribe to Holy Yoga TV if you wish to have our resources always at your fingertips. In case you are interested in a specific programme or have any questions, don’t hesitate to schedule a call – our team is here to answer your questions.