The Underbelly

I've been struggling to get back into a routine with yoga and meditation, but I've dealt with a lot of shame about not being able to do things the "right" way - in a studio (too expensive, too anxiety inducing, too hard to fit into my schedule) or even in my home (too hard for me to carve out time to roll out a mat and practice regularly). This app is $20/month, cheaper than one class at my local studio, and Jessamyn's approach to yoga really makes me feel like I can start practicing yoga anywhere, under the conditions that work for me (sitting in a chair? great! binge watching Netflix? laying in bed? great!) and without shame about my body, shape, lack of ability to follow a strict routine. I adore the short-form videos that help you do one or two simple postures to feel better while binge watching TV or otherwise rotting. But I will also find myself turning on a video to do a few minutes of stretching and then sticking around to do the whole 20-minute video (and sometimes even on my mat!!) because it feels really good. Can't recommend this app enough.

Do yourself a favor and sign up with The Underbelly. Jessamyn’s instruction allows me to challenge myself or make modifications if I need them for that day/pose. She also makes me laugh and she’s so relatable it further helps me relax into my practice. It seems more accessible than most to me. It’s definitely more affordable than any other subscription or membership I’ve seen. Once you’ve got the app you also have the option to load it to your tv, but having the app for travel or on the go is awesome. There are a variety of lengths and intensities of sessions. You have the option to add the classes to a favorites list so you can go right to them later. There is a search function which is helpful to find specific classes (ex: hips, neck, energy, etc.) And The Underbelly team seem super helpful. I think they may have some new things on the horizon for the app too.

I was struggling to find a yoga practice online that I liked. Everything I came across at worst was a body-hating fitness focused ultra-advanced stress hole, and at best pretty good but only catered to thin, very strong bodies. This practice is a life changer (I know, I know it’s an overused phrase, but it’s true), I have been able to meet myself where I am since starting Jessamyn’s practice. It’s something I found in some in-person classes, and I really need something breath focused that is designed to root you into your body, not fantasize about the six pack abs you’re “supposed to” be building. The classes are challenging in the right way, designed for you to learn about your body and it’s continuous changes. The classes aren’t long and there is a lot of variety to fit what you want that day, but I personally am just following each set in order. Do it. Buy this, if this review resonates with what you want, I promise you will find value in it. Side note, her books are also amazing.