Working In vs. Working Out
Welcome to Fuel for Thought, PureFire’s space for stories, reflections, and ideas that inspire us both on and off the mat. Midway through our 21-in-31-day challenge, we’ve got a bonus post to inspire you to the finish line. PureFire Yoga teacher and author Andrea Jarrell interviews fellow teacher Christina Hong about what we mean by “Yoga is a work in, not a work out.” Christina has advanced certifications in multiple yoga traditions, sound healing, breathwork, and grounding practices.
AJ: I’ve often heard "Yoga is not a work-out, it is a work-in," but I didn't know it was attributed to Bishnu Ghosh until you posted it on the PFY white board. How do you interpret the meaning of his words? And why did you want to call this to the PFY community's attention?
CH: To me, it’s a reminder that yoga in the West is often reduced to asana and fitness- driven marketing, when it goes so much deeper. Patanjali’s eight limbs, for example, show that postures are only one facet of yogic philosophy, alongside pranayama (breath), yamas and niyamas (ethics and disciplines) and more. Over the years, my teachers have reminded me of the historical purpose of asana: to prepare the body to sit in meditation. In a world of hustle and constant overwhelm, many of us are drawn to PureFire Yoga as an hour-long antidote to daily stress. It’s a place where we can practice more than physical fitness, yoga beyond asana. That’s why I wanted to share Ghosh’s words with the community, as a reminder of the deeper layers of what brings us together.
AJ: You noted that this concept might be especially important during PFY's October challenge. Why?
CH: A 31-day challenge can easily turn into a checklist of classes, streaks, and numbers leading to burnout. Ghosh’s words are a reminder that this isn’t the point. It’s not about competition, output, or winning. The challenge can be an invitation to practice sharper discipline, focus, and self-reflection, which are the “work-in” parts of yoga.
Earning 21 stars over 31 days leaves room to listen to yourself. Some days you’ll feel strong and energized, and others you’ll need rest, and both are part of the practice. Showing up with intention is a practice of tapas (discipline) and svadhyaya (self-study). Over the month, we get to notice what comes up on the mat and how we respond to it,and to see which parts of the practice are nourishing us. We’re building a relationship
with ourselves and others rather than chasing a finish line.
AJ: Are there ways you work this concept into your classes either in your words or the way you structure classes?
CH: Yes, in both. In my words, I try to bring the practice back to the breath and to what’s happening inside, not just the shape of the pose. I’ll offer cues like “notice how this feels” in place of “go harder,” and I invite students to choose the version of a pose that serves them in that moment, on that day. This keeps the focus on awareness instead of performance.
In the structure, I like to begin with a grounding moment to settle, often with breath or a short centering, and to close with a full Savasana so the work has time to land. I also weave in pranayama and moments of stillness, so the class isn’t only movement. The aim is for students to leave more connected to themselves, not just more tired, with a closed exercise ring on the watch.
Off the mat, Pure Fire teacher Andrea Jarrell is an author and communications strategist for nonprofits, cultural institutions, colleges, and universities.
