In this episode, I sit down with my friend and yoga instructor, Christopher Wilkes—aka The Yoga Doctor—at his studio, The Art of Yoga in Columbus, Georgia. Christopher shares his incredible journey from martial arts and Qigong to becoming a full-time yoga teacher and studio owner. We talk about how yoga isn't just about flexibility and movement—it's a deeply transformative tool for physical, mental, and emotional healing.

Christopher breaks down why yoga is more than just poses. We dive into breath work, meditation, and how the mind-body connection can be a total game changer for athletes, military service members, and anyone navigating stress or seeking personal growth. If you’ve ever wondered how yoga can help you recover faster, sleep better, or just feel more grounded—this conversation is for you.

Episode Highlights:

[0:04] Meet Christopher—his yoga journey, Bruce Lee inspiration, and starting The Art of Yoga.
[1:45] How breakups and back pain led both of us to yoga for inner healing.
[3:36] Why I included yoga in my book and how it transformed more than just my flexibility.
[6:22] The full-spectrum benefits of yoga: movement, breath work, meditation, and mindset.
[9:15] How to start meditating even when your thoughts won’t slow down.
[12:01] Why every athlete should integrate yoga into their recovery and training.
[14:20] Yoga in the military—breaking stereotypes and building resilience.
[15:33] The science behind breath work and calming your nervous system.
[17:13] A step-by-step breathwork practice you can do anytime, anywhere.
[21:17] What is Kundalini yoga? Understanding energy and intention in your practice.
[23:26] Everyone’s favorite pose: why Shavasana is the ultimate let-go moment.
[25:27] What to search for when looking for a holistic and integrative yoga class.

Links & Resources:

• Christopher Wilkes on Instagram: @theyogadoctor
• The Art of Yoga Columbus, GA: @artofyogacolumbusga

Thanks for listening! If this episode brought you value, don’t forget to rate, follow, share, and leave a review. Your support helps keep these powerful conversations going. See you next time—on and off the mat!

To learn more about Dr. Megan Jimenez, check out her website: doctorjiujitsu.com