For far too long, the Body Mass Index (BMI) has been treated as the gold standard for measuring health. But what if true wellbeing—especially for people in all types of bodies—can’t be captured by a number? Read on, as Susan explores what BMI is, how it came about and its limitations in the current environment. ​

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses height and weight to estimate body fat. It's a simple calculation, but it's a widely used tool for assessing weight status and potential health risks. Developed two centuries ago by a mathematician it was never designed to assess individual health. Yet, it’s still a standardised tool that shapes health policies and personal health advice. 
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There’s a growing movement, both within and beyond the yoga world, challenging the dominance of BMI in health narratives. This movement is about creating space for diverse bodies, normalising and celebrating all kinds of bodies and experiences.

​Yoga is an antidote to the narrow focus of BMI. Yoga doesn’t define health by a number on a scale or conformity to a mainstream definition of health. Yoga is about cultivating awareness, connecting with our bodies, and embracing our bodies as they are—diverse, dynamic, and constantly changing. A sustainable approach to health begins with valuing diversity—not just as an idea, but as a practice. Yoga empowers us to define wellbeing on our own terms.

In the yoga room, diverse bodies are celebrated! We believe in an aspirational, inclusive approach to health—one defined not by systems or numbers, but by you. Whether its hot yoga, yin yoga, flow, whatever your preferred yoga style, Yoga is for everybody—and every body.

As a naturopath, my focus is on holistic, sustainable weight release and healing metabolic ill-health that is the root of so many other ailments. Over the years, my clinical practice has deepened, to address not only the body, but mind, heart, and soul. Recently  my yoga practice has also deepened. While I’ve explored various forms of yoga, my 10 months at Kāpiti Hot Yoga have been the most transformative, both physically and personally.

In my profession, I hold personal growth and wisdom close. I strive to embody these values and guide others toward a balanced, joyful life. Weight release is not merely shedding physical weight; it’s a journey into self-discovery, revealing who we truly are beneath layers of stress, imbalance, and protective barriers. It’s about stepping into our authentic selves, grounded in community and spirit.

Sustainable weight release requires a connection to the body, heart, and mind. This practice has been life-changing for me—not only in building physical strength and flexibility but also on a much deeper level. In the quiet moments within the 26+2 postures, I’ve felt a connection to something larger—a peaceful presence within. I’ve discovered inner strength and flexibility through the challenge of the heat and the constant striving for improvement in the poses, mirroring my body’s flexibility and transformation.

For anyone embarking on their weight release journey, I wholeheartedly recommend integrating hot yoga. The benefits go beyond the physical—they touch the essence of who we are, helping us release not just weight but also helping us step into alignment with ourselves, which ultimately prevents the yoyo pattern that is common in many peoples experience of weight loss 
Kāpiti Hot Yoga has been a cherished part of my journey, and I’m deeply grateful for the synergy between my hot yoga practice and the guidance I offer as a naturopath.