Christian Yoga

Christian yoga is a practice that integrates traditional yoga postures (asanas) and breath work with Christian prayer, scripture meditation, and worship. It aims to create a space where individuals can deepen their relationship with God while benefiting from the physical and mental health advantages of yoga. Christian yoga is designed to honor the Christian faith and incorporate elements like Bible verses, praise music, and a focus on Christ-centered meditation.

Christian yoga sets itself apart by grounding its practice in Christian teachings and spirituality. While traditional yoga focuses on concepts like unity with the self and universal consciousness, Christian yoga centers around connecting with God through Christ, using yoga as a tool for physical health, spiritual devotion, and prayer. This practice is intended to be a way of worship and to help believers deepen their faith while caring for their bodies.

Origins of Christian Yoga

Christian yoga is a relatively modern practice that began gaining popularity in the late 20th century as yoga became more widely known in Western countries. Christian practitioners sought to integrate the physical and mental benefits of yoga with their spiritual beliefs, creating a practice that would align with their faith.

Several ministries and yoga instructors have developed Christian yoga programs, aiming to offer an alternative for those who have hesitations or reservations about yoga yet wish to practice yoga while staying true to their Christian values.

The philosophy of Christian yoga is based on the belief that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, as taught in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Practitioners view the practice as a way to glorify God through mindful movement, prayer, and meditation on scripture. Rather than focusing on traditional yogic concepts like chakras or prana, Christian yoga emphasizes spiritual disciplines such as worship, gratitude, and contemplation of God’s word.

Read: Yoga and Christianity

Christian Yoga Practice

The main principles of Christian yoga include worship through movement, Christ-centered meditation, and the integration of scripture and prayer with physical practice. Key components of the practice are:

Worship through Movement: Using asanas to express reverence and gratitude towards God, viewing the practice as an act of worship.

Christ-Centered Meditation: Meditating on Bible verses or focusing on the presence of Christ during meditation.

Prayerful Postures: Integrating prayer into the practice, such as starting or ending with a prayer or silently praying during poses.

Breath Awareness: Using breath control techniques (pranayama) to calm the mind and focus on God’s presence.

Christian Yoga Suitability

Experience Level: Beginner-Friendly, Mixed Level (Suitable for All)

Physical Demand: Gentle Movement to Balanced Activity

Mind-Body Engagement: Balanced Mind-Body to Primarily Meditative

Adaptability: Highly Adaptable

Focus Area: Spiritual Growth, Stress Relief, and Worship

Notes on Christian Yoga

Practicing Christian yoga can enhance flexibility, reduce stress, and promote relaxation while providing a space for deepening one’s relationship with God. The integration of scripture and prayer supports spiritual growth and helps practitioners connect their faith with their physical practice. This practice can be particularly helpful for those seeking to incorporate mindfulness and body awareness into their spiritual life.

Similar Styles

Contemplative Prayer, Holy Yoga, Bhakti Yoga

Equipment Needed

Required: Yoga Mat

Nice to Have: Bible, Worship Music

Optional: Meditation Cushion, Blanket

References

"Holy Yoga: Exercise for the Christian Body and Soul" by Brooke Boon 

“Meditative Movements: Christ Centered Yoga with Devotional Prayer” by Rie Frilund Skaarhoj

Holy Yoga: A global community offering Christ-centered yoga classes, workshops, and teacher training programs. Holy Yoga combines traditional yoga practices with Christian prayer and worship.

PraiseMoves: Known as “The Christian Alternative to Yoga,” this program integrates Scripture with movement and offers classes and certification courses.