In a world where juggling work, family, and personal goals feels like a never-ending balancing act, sometimes you need something that helps ground you.
For The Fitness CPA team member, Jennifer, that something was yoga.
What started as a passing interest grew into a transformative journey, changing not only her physical health but also her mindset.
But it wasn’t always easy—between a back injury and the challenges of fitting training into her busy life, it took time before she could commit fully.
This is the story of how yoga became an integral part of her life—and how the lessons she learned on the mat have found their way into her work at The Fitness CPA.
We all have those moments when something just calls to us, right? For me, that “something” was yoga.
Before 2020, I’d always been interested in the philosophy behind it. While out and about in a nearby town one day, I noticed a sign outside a building with the words “Center for CALM Living, Creating Awareness, Living Mindfully”. Upon further research, I discovered it was a therapist’s office and yoga studio – blending both psychology, yoga, and mindfulness. What I also found is that they offered teacher training and mindfulness studies. But, like so many things in life, the timing for such an endeavor wasn’t right just then.
Fast-forward through COVID, a back injury, and countless times checking the studio’s website, I waited for their training program to open again.
Finally, when the registration opened, I knew it was time to take the leap—almost missed it, but sometimes life just has a way of pulling you in.
The Program: More Than Just Poses and Postures
This yoga training was different from most 200-hour teacher training programs out there. While a broad overview of anatomy and the basic technical necessities to cue classes were included in the training, it was more about learning to bring yoga into your life every day, beyond the mat.
Instead of solely focusing on the physical poses, this training incorporated mindfulness, acceptance, and the art of living your yoga. I’d never practiced yoga seriously before this, just dabbled on and off, but this felt like the right place and the right people. The studio’s community, also called a “Sangha“, was so welcoming, filled with people of all ages—even some in their 70s, each person moving at their own pace.
It was such a comfort to see everyone embracing yoga in their own way, especially since I was still a bit cautious about my back injury. There was this beautiful diversity of experience, and everyone respected each other’s journeys, strengths, and limitations. That’s when I knew: I was in the right place.
Embracing the Uncomfortable
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d say this pushed me out of my comfort zone at about a solid 7. Walking into a room where I knew no one, with people who had been practicing for years, even decades, was intimidating! Many had even trained together multiple times with the same teachers, forming close friendships along the way. But I went in with the goal to lean into that discomfort. Why? Because sometimes, the best growth happens when we challenge ourselves to be a little uncomfortable.
The hardest part? Being vulnerable with others, like during “Diads” (exercises we did with a partner) and getting up in front of the class to teach. That first time, I was so nervous. The feedback and support from others in the room made the experience easier. Over time, I found my rhythm, and it started feeling less like performance and more like just being present.
What Yoga Has Given Me
If I had to pick my favorite takeaway, it’s that yoga isn’t just about the physical; it’s about building a mindset that you can bring into every part of your life. Establishing a regular asana practice (even with just a few minutes of movement each day) has helped me tremendously with my back injury. The mobility it’s given me is life-changing. But yoga’s gifts go beyond the physical. I’ve started using what I’ve learned as a mom, a wife, and even here at work.
In the mornings, before I sit down at my desk, I have a little ritual now—meditation, movement, and a moment of quiet. This habit has made me more grounded and present, even on days that get a little crazy. And when things don’t go as planned, I remind myself of a little mantra I learned in training: “In this moment, it’s like this.” It sounds simple, but it’s a powerful reminder to accept things as they are without letting them consume me.
How This Journey Has Shifted My Perspective at Work
Working at The Fitness CPA, I see a lot of business owners navigating some tough situations—rising costs, unpredictable client attendance, and tighter margins in the fitness world. Knowing that some things are beyond our control, like a franchisor changing their business model or the seasonal ebb and flow of memberships, has helped me empathize with our clients.
Through yoga, I’ve learned that acceptance doesn’t mean resignation. It’s about understanding that we can only control certain parts of our experience, whether it’s managing expenses or finding ways to adapt to new challenges. I see this resilience in our clients too—how they continue to show up, whether their gym is packed or they’re trying to fill classes.
Their motivation to change lives reminds me of what yoga has given me: the courage to keep going, even when things get uncomfortable.
A Final Thought: The Real Journey Is Inside
If you’re reading this and thinking about a journey of your own, whether it’s yoga, starting a business, or simply trying something new, I encourage you to embrace it, even if it feels challenging at first.
Sometimes, the best things in life come from those moments when we’re willing to step into the unknown.
For me, yoga has been more than a practice—it’s become a part of how I show up in the world. And in our work at The Fitness CPA, I hope to bring this grounded perspective to the clients we serve, because, like yoga, running a business is a journey of resilience, growth, and yes, a little bit of discomfort along the way.
You can learn more about Jennifer’s yoga immersion course here, and her role at The Fitness CPA here.
This post is based on an interview with our team member Jennifer, sharing her journey with yoga and the lessons she’s taken from it. We’re grateful she let us share her story with you!
Fitness is such a big part of who I am. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating well (mostly paleo), hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, practicing yoga and Crossfit are all important cornerstones of life. But I love ice cream and cookies too much to say no!
I love helping owners make sense of their business and finding ways to grow it. It’s an honor to help you see situations, scenarios and opportunities from all sides so you can make informed decisions.
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