With over 4.5 million YouTube subscribers and almost 360 million video views since joining the YouTube community in 2012, Adriene Mishler, of Yoga with Adriene, has certainly done something right when it comes to sharing her yoga practice online through her 400+ tutorial videos. Appealing to all levels, bodies, and genders Adriene has a global reach, helping people to discover a yoga practice that suits them best and “find what feels good”.

We caught up with the YouTube and wellness superstar to talk about her love of yoga, finding the balance and her new activewear collection in collaboration with Teespring.

What is different about your yoga practice and way of teaching?

I don’t know exactly what is different, because to me, yoga is yoga, and 9 times out of 10 I can see someone guiding and operating from a good place. This is the good thing about yoga. The intention is usually to help, to connect and to serve. However, it seems people often don’t think too far beyond their own experience of yoga, both with the asana and the philosophy. Which is why when you sometimes look at yoga communities, you see a lot of the same type of person, same style, same background, more or less. A lot of similarities and not a lot of differences. Which again, isn’t all bad, because you want to teach from your experience and share from a real place. I guess I am getting really curious as to how we can unite people who wouldn’t normally practice together. I try to be considerate of the fact that just because I feel this way about something doesn’t mean everyone watching or participating will. Then, I try to go a step further and empower the practitioner to own their experience and even celebrate its uniqueness. It’s more than offering modifications, it’s a disciplined thoughtfulness for all types, all moods and all walks of life.

Why do you think your way of teaching has been so successful and popular online?

Well, for one, I give a lot away for free! The mission of Yoga With Adriene has always been the same, and that is to provide high-quality yoga to as many people as possible, for free. I like this because yoga should not just be available for those who can afford it. And who can really afford it these days? I bought a class for a friend recently and it was $30 for a single session. I am honoured and happy to be a reliable person and place that people can turn to when they need support, a workout, a mood boost, a reminder – that they are worthy of their own time for self-care, healing, self-love and more.

How has yoga changed your life?

Without the tools of yoga, I would find it very hard, if not impossible, to live in this modern-day world. I know that sounds dramatic, but it is true. With the climate and pace of the current world, it’s important that we equip ourselves with the tools we need to stay present, energetic, conscious, calm, confident, and of service.

What is your most popular video and why do you think this is?

Stat wise, the most popular video is Day 1 “ Ease Into It” from my first 30 Days of Yoga.

The reason why? A lot of people want to try yoga! Dedicating time and space to sticking to an at-home practice is a whole other ball game, but we are working to change that. One day at a time!

Which of your video tutorials would you recommend to someone who has never practised yoga before?

For beginners, I suggest “Yoga For Complete Beginners” which is an older video, but a good one! For swifter beginner-friendly flows, I suggest “Yoga Wash – Detox Flow” or the “Movement Medicine” series.

If there was just one pose that everyone should incorporate into every flow, what would this be?

Mountain Pose. A quiet place to breathe, to find exquisite stillness, ground yourself and listen while on the wild ride.

What “feels good” to you?

Being at peace with myself and spending time with Benji, my furry buddy, feels pretty good. I also feel good when I feel like everyone is taken care of and heard.

How do you find your balance in life?

It’s a practice for sure! I am learning to find joy, take time for me. But I am also pushing my own boundaries, making sure I am expanding my own capacity for learning and making sure I am doing good by the Earth. It’s a practice of listening and learning, every day.

Do you follow a specific diet?

I eat 99% vegan these days. I’ve been a vegetarian my whole adult life. I prefer to lay off dairy and fish. Mainly, whole unprocessed foods and plant-based recipes work for me and are better for mama Earth. So I do that. I tend to like savoury over sweet, home-cooked meals over eating out and I am from Austin, so yes, we can have tacos for every single meal.

Tell us something that no one knows about you.

Hmm. A lot of people don’t know that I am Mexican! I am half Mexican and currently learning Spanish and working on some collaborations in Mexico City.

What has the expansion of Teespring into Europe meant for you and your fans?

Because we are such an international community, the collaboration with Teespring has been great, because we can serve a wider range of people with some of the fun things. The merchandise came as a response to requests for tanks and shirts. It is nice to finally have a way to do some of the fun stuff and make it available for all.

What is your favourite piece from the collection?

The first design we brought in was actually the first t-shirt I ever made. It’s the original “Find What Feels Good” logo design, that is now making a come back for a wider reach. Back when I first made it, I never in a million years thought it would become something people all around the world would wear. But I like it. It’s positive. It’s become our mantra. Our cheer, our protective talisman.