What Is 3 Yoga?
Yoga has been a transformative practice for centuries, bringing together physical movement, breath, and mindfulness to help individuals achieve balance, strength, and inner peace. Yet, despite the vast range of yoga styles available, many practitioners still find themselves longing for a practice that uniquely speaks to their needs and goals. This is where 3 Yoga comes in.
Created by Stacey Smith, 3 Yoga is a holistic and adaptable yoga method designed to meet the diverse needs of every practitioner. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting your yoga journey, 3 Yoga offers a well-rounded approach that emphasizes three core principles: creating space in the body, boosting confidence, and building strength. These three pillars work in harmony to offer a transformative practice that goes beyond just physical postures, providing a holistic experience that nurtures both the body and the mind.
In this blog post, we'll explore the core principles of 3 Yoga, how they differentiate the method from other yoga styles, and the numerous benefits of integrating them into your life.
The Birth of 3 Yoga
The journey to creating 3 Yoga began when Stacey Smith, a passionate yoga teacher, discovered that many traditional yoga styles felt incomplete for her own practice and teaching. While she admired various aspects of different yoga traditions, she often felt that none of them fully encompassed the holistic approach she sought—a practice that nourished both body and mind without requiring extreme flexibility or contorted postures. This realization led Stacey to create 3 Yoga, a method that combines her love for yoga with her understanding of the physical, emotional, and mental benefits yoga offers.
3 Yoga was designed to be inclusive and adaptable, making it accessible for everyone—whether you are a beginner, someone recovering from injury, or a seasoned yogi looking for a fresh perspective. The key difference lies in its focus on three main goals, or pillars, which shape the foundation of every session:
- Creating Space in the Body
- Boosting Confidence
- Building Strength
Now, let’s explore each of these principles in greater detail.
Creating Space in the Body
Creating space in the body is the first key pillar of 3 Yoga. The physical practice of yoga often focuses on flexibility, deep stretching, and the release of tension. In 3 Yoga, however, the emphasis is on cultivating openness and space in the body—on a physical and energetic level.
In our daily lives, we often sit for long periods, slouch, or hold stress in specific areas of our bodies, particularly in the shoulders, hips, and lower back. These habitual patterns lead to tightness, discomfort, and even pain. Creating space in the body through specific asanas (yoga poses) helps to release this tension, allowing the body to move freely and efficiently.
3 Yoga uses carefully chosen asanas that gently open the hips, stretch the spine, and release the shoulders. This series of poses encourages fluidity of movement, improved posture, and a sense of lightness. The practice is designed to improve circulation, bring fresh oxygen into the body, and promote relaxation, making it an excellent choice for those who experience stress or tension.
Unlike styles that prioritize extreme flexibility or advanced postures, 3 Yoga aims to make the body feel free and unburdened. This sense of openness helps to promote better alignment and reduces the risk of injury. As you progress through the practice, you may notice that your body feels more spacious and light, making everyday movements more effortless and enjoyable.
Boosting Confidence
The second pillar of 3 Yoga focuses on boosting confidence. Yoga is not only about physical strength and flexibility—it is also about the connection between the mind and body. Confidence is an essential aspect of self-care and personal growth, and it plays a significant role in how we show up in the world.
In 3 Yoga, each class is designed to help you feel empowered and confident in your own body. Whether you're learning to master a new pose or simply embracing where you are in your practice, 3 Yoga encourages self-acceptance and self-love. The practice encourages students to focus on their internal experience rather than comparing themselves to others. This fosters an environment of trust and compassion where you can truly connect with your body and mind, without judgment.
3 Yoga incorporates a variety of techniques aimed at boosting confidence. For instance, specific poses are designed to open the heart and chest, creating a sense of openness and courage. Additionally, guided affirmations and breathwork exercises help to shift limiting beliefs and promote a positive mindset. As you practice, you'll notice that you feel stronger, both physically and emotionally, allowing you to carry that newfound confidence into all areas of your life.
The strength of this pillar lies in its ability to encourage individuals to cultivate a positive self-image, both on and off the mat. When you feel confident in your practice, it translates into other aspects of your life—whether it's your work, relationships, or personal growth. Confidence is the key to unlocking your fullest potential, and 3 Yoga empowers you to step into that power.
Building Strength
The third and final pillar of 3 Yoga is about building strength. Many yoga styles focus primarily on flexibility and relaxation, but strength is an equally important aspect of a balanced practice. Building strength through yoga is not just about having toned muscles—it’s about developing physical resilience, mental toughness, and inner fortitude.
3 Yoga incorporates a series of dynamic asanas that focus on building both muscular and core strength. These poses engage multiple muscle groups, helping to improve posture, balance, and stability. For example, poses like plank, warrior, and boat pose challenge the body to hold steady while developing endurance. The focus is on controlled movements that activate and tone the muscles, allowing practitioners to gradually increase their strength over time.
In addition to the physical benefits, building strength in 3 Yoga also promotes mental resilience. The ability to hold a challenging pose or push through a difficult moment on the mat mirrors the challenges we face in our daily lives. Through consistent practice, we learn how to stay grounded, calm, and focused, even when life presents obstacles.
Building strength in 3 Yoga encourages a holistic approach to power. It's not just about physical strength; it's also about strengthening your mental focus and emotional fortitude. When you develop strength in both body and mind, you become more resilient in facing life’s challenges, helping you move through the world with greater confidence and inner peace.
How 3 Yoga Differs from Other Yoga Styles
While 3 Yoga shares some elements with other yoga styles, it is distinct in its holistic approach, which blends the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of the practice. Many traditional yoga styles focus on either flexibility, meditation, or strength—3 Yoga is designed to incorporate all of these elements into one cohesive practice.
Another key difference is that 3 Yoga is highly adaptable. Whether you’re looking for a more gentle practice or a more challenging one, 3 Yoga can be modified to suit your needs. The method is approachable and accessible for all levels, ensuring that no one feels left behind or overwhelmed by complicated postures.
Unlike other styles that might focus on perfection in postures or strive for advanced physical feats, 3 Yoga emphasizes self-acceptance and gradual progress. It allows practitioners to move at their own pace, cultivating a sense of trust in their body’s abilities and listening to their individual needs. This approach encourages a deeper connection with oneself, fostering a practice of mindfulness and presence.
The flexibility of 3 Yoga also extends to its benefits. While other styles may emphasize a specific area (e.g., flexibility or relaxation), 3 Yoga is designed to be balanced in all aspects—creating space, boosting confidence, and building strength. This well-rounded approach leads to an overall sense of well-being, both physically and emotionally.
The Benefits of 3 Yoga
The benefits of 3 Yoga are as varied and unique as the practice itself. By combining physical postures, breathwork, and mental focus, 3 Yoga offers a range of advantages:
- Increased Flexibility: The practice encourages fluidity and openness in the body, leading to improved flexibility and joint mobility.
- Stronger Muscles and Bones: Regular practice of strength-building poses helps tone and strengthen muscles, while also supporting bone health.
- Improved Posture: By creating space in the body and engaging the muscles, 3 Yoga promotes better posture and spinal alignment.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The breathwork and mindfulness elements of 3 Yoga help reduce stress and promote relaxation, improving mental well-being.
- Boosted Confidence: Through its empowering philosophy, 3 Yoga encourages practitioners to develop greater self-acceptance and confidence.
- Greater Resilience: The method helps build mental resilience by teaching you to face challenges with focus and determination.
Conclusion
3 Yoga offers a unique approach to the ancient practice of yoga by blending the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of yoga into a seamless experience. Through its three core principles—creating space in the body, boosting confidence, and building strength—3 Yoga provides a comprehensive practice that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit.
What sets 3 Yoga apart from other yoga styles is its emphasis on balance and adaptability. It’s a method that encourages practitioners to move at their own pace while striving for gradual, mindful progress. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced yogi, 3 Yoga offers a practice that will not only transform your body but also boost your confidence, strength, and resilience, enabling you to show up more fully in your everyday life.
If you’re looking for a yoga practice that’s as unique as you are—one that goes beyond the physical postures and truly transforms the way you feel in your body and mind—then 3 Yoga may just be the perfect fit for you.