--- title: "The Real Work: Honest Yoga Classes for Real Bodies in Mumbai" description: "Looking for yoga classes that focus on healing, not performance? My yoga philosophy is about functional movement for real bodies. Join me in Mumbai for honest practice that helps your back and mind." canonical: https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/advanced-yoga-workshops/my-philosophy-the-real-work-the-real-me last_updated: 2025-09-21 --- # The Real Work: My Philosophy on Yoga Tribe Verified · Honest practice for real Mumbai bodies. By [Charu](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass) · Online sessions and in-person at studio in Powai, Mumbai · ₹1,200 per person per session (estimate) Part of [Advanced Yoga Workshops](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/advanced-yoga-workshops). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/advanced-yoga-workshops/gallery) I don't teach Instagram-perfect poses. I teach movement that respects your limits, heals your aches, and helps you show up for yourself every single day. ## Photos and videos - ![A text post explaining my personal journey with disc bulges, sciatica, and Snapping Hip Syndrome. It’s about how I use strengthening to recover and manage my pain.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1efd2310-7460-47f3-97cc-56828cb93dbd) - ![A raw post about my body changing and dealing with chronic pain. It's about accepting what is, facing it with courage, and not being defined by your limitations.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/836ac8d7-f63f-4437-9ef8-acdee392d213) - ![A moment of celebrating my own strength. I share my progress in lifting weights, from starting at 1kg to now lifting 15kg plates. I'm freaking proud of myself. I kick ass.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/91e2eb62-f0b8-4cf0-9e7f-bcd3e198333c) - ![My thoughts on what yoga really means. It's not about bloody shapes, but about being fluid, non-judgmental, and grateful for your own strengths.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/94c9777a-fb91-49ea-a819-1fa3cee84864) - ![A reflection on being a teacher with physical limitations. My definition of a teacher isn't about doing fancy things, but about teaching what I've learnt about healing and acceptance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9a19b6b0-fb90-40b0-8643-96b66f7d2d63) - ![A post about a moment of pure gratitude after a tough practice. Forgetting my injuries and shortcomings and just feeling proud and happy. The universe has been kind.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/38fc4028-4993-4a94-a42a-bd691e6719b1) - [Video: A video listing my 10 signs of a good yoga teacher. It’s about finding someone who listens, gives you the "why," and encourages you on your unique path.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/17ccc8e8-fea0-47f8-b281-74e1d17bc571) - ![A candid moment from a class with a friend. My face says it all when we're "negotiating" how intense the session will be. It's about having fun with the practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/62d85410-d12e-454c-84c5-0414c105ea7c) - ![More laughter during the "negotiation." Yoga should have moments of lightness and joy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f011308a-6724-4c04-8bea-35daa8a4f970) - ![A thoughtful moment before class begins. Even when it's with a friend, I take the practice seriously.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a636e09a-f1fc-4077-a642-ebc863a179df) - ![Rolling out the mat with a smile. The beginning of every practice is an opportunity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6703b00a-c49c-4b9b-8520-56492f68df1b) - ![Another candid shot showing the fun and relaxed atmosphere of my classes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b0cc6998-359b-4cc8-9662-61c5cc744e0f) - ![A graphic illustrating my yoga journey through the phases of the moon, from a seed of curiosity to a deeper practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/83787ded-98d0-4e1a-87b5-d5f830dde873) - ![The cover image for my "moon cycle" story, asking the question: Can yoga really change your life? My story is my answer.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/71fd0ceb-0de1-455e-8b8c-edbf55d0906d) - ![The conclusion of the moon phase story. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of yoga, and I invite you to start your own.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bef91867-f9c3-461d-9ac7-b477c7887085) - ![The second part of the moon phase graphic, detailing my transformation and mission to share the light of yoga with others.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3a90512c-71ea-4204-b4e3-dad6a84c15d4) ## About My Philosophy: The Real Work, The Real Me When you join my mat, do not expect a silent, rigid class where you just mimic poses. If you are tired, we adjust. If you are having a bad day, we talk about it. My classes are less about perfect alignment for the camera and more about negotiating with your body to find what works for you, not what looks good on a screen. I started teaching because I got tired of the 'yoga industry' narrative that said if you aren't doing a headstand, you aren't doing yoga. After struggling with disc bulges, sciatica, and chronic pain, I realized that true yoga is about healing and functionality. It is about how you feel when you get off the mat, not how high you can lift your leg. ### Why the 'Real Work' Matters Many of us treat our bodies like machines that need to be fixed or pushed harder. In my practice, we do the opposite. We learn how to move with our limitations. This means we break down big, intimidating poses into simple, manageable drills. We focus on shoulder mobility, wrist conditioning, and core stability—the unglamorous, foundational stuff that actually prevents injury and builds real strength. ### My Approach in Mumbai Whether you are joining me for an in-person workshop in Powai or a live online session, the ethos remains the same: * **No Chanting, Just Science:** We focus on biomechanics. I tell you exactly which muscle is firing and why it matters. * **The 'Spy Eyes' Method:** I watch you like a hawk. If your form is sloppy, I will call it out because your safety is my priority. * **Respecting Your Pace:** We practice falling as much as we practice floating. If you cannot do a pose today, we find a variation that respects where your body is right now. This is not a space for perfection. It is a space for consistency, for grunting through a tough hold, and for laughing when we tumble out of a balance. If you are ready to stop performing and start practicing, you are in the right place. ## About Charu I’m Charu. I built this practice after years of chronic back pain and disc issues taught me that yoga isn’t about being flexible—it’s about being functional. I’m here to show you that you can practice yoga, even with an injury, if you just listen to your body. [See all of Charu's services](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass) ## More from Advanced Yoga Workshops by Charu - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/advanced-yoga-workshops/featured) - [The Inversion Journey: Headstands & Handstands](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/advanced-yoga-workshops/the-inversion-journey-headstands-handstands) - [Finding Your Float: Arm Balances & Pincha](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/advanced-yoga-workshops/finding-your-float-arm-balances-pincha) - [Building Foundational Strength](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/advanced-yoga-workshops/building-foundational-strength) - [Join a Workshop: The Mumbai Vibe](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/advanced-yoga-workshops/join-a-workshop-the-mumbai-vibe) - [Learn With Me Online](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/advanced-yoga-workshops/learn-with-me-online) ## More services by Charu - [Mentorship for Yoga Teachers](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/mentorship-for-yoga-teachers) - [Online Yoga & Fitness Classes](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/online-yoga-fitness-classes) - [Wellness Retreats](https://mytribe.in/charusyogaclass/wellness-retreats) ## Similar work from other experts - [My Personal Yoga Practice: Asanas and Insights](https://mytribe.in/triyangayogashala/multi-style-yoga-instruction/my-personal-practice-asanas-insights) by Rakshith Setty · Multi-Style Yoga Instruction · Online, Studio in Malleshwaram & Outdoors at Cubbon Park - [My Personal Yoga Practice and Philosophy](https://mytribe.in/yoga.sanj/yoga-for-fitness-and-flexibility/my-personal-practice-inspirations) by Sanjana · Yoga for Fitness and Flexibility · Available Online & In-person across Bengaluru - [The Philosophy of Real Yoga](https://mytribe.in/manjunath.murthy_/online-yoga-training-mentorship/the-philosophy-of-real-yoga) by Manjunath Murthy · Online Yoga Training & Mentorship · Live online group sessions - [My Yoga Philosophy & Approach](https://mytribe.in/thealpanayoga/therapeutic-yoga/my-philosophy-approach) by Alpana Kumar · Therapeutic Yoga · Online classes & at studio in Sector 104, Noida - [My Philosophy: Yoga for Real Life](https://mytribe.in/ajinkyameheryogashala/specialized-workshops/my-philosophy-the-journey-on-off-the-mat) by Ajinkya Meher · Specialized Workshops · Online & at 3 studios across Andheri West and Malad West, Mumbai - [Yoga Philosophy: Why I Teach Yoga as Medicine](https://mytribe.in/rsyoga_school/therapeutic-specialized-yoga/my-yoga-philosophy-inspiration) by Ritesh · Therapeutic & Specialized Yoga · Online, at your location across Mumbai, or visit studio in Vile Parle West ## Book To book Charu, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Charu%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20page%20on%20'The%20Real%20Work'%20and%20I'm%20interested%20in%20joining%20your%20classes.%20Can%20we%20talk%20about%20what%20might%20work%20for%20my%20body%3F)