From Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion: A Better Way to Feel Strong
Somewhere along the way, we got the message that if we want to be strong, we need to be tough on ourselves.
Push harder. Do more. Never miss a workout. No excuses. No days off.
But here’s the truth: constant self-criticism doesn’t build strength. It builds burnout.
At PLAYLIST YOGA, we believe your relationship with your body matters more than how many reps you did.
We believe in showing up for yourself from a place of self-respect—not punishment. And the research backs us up.
Why Being Hard on Yourself Isn’t Working
It might get you to a few workouts. But it rarely lasts.
Studies show that shame and self-criticism actually reduce motivation over time. They increase anxiety and decrease your ability to bounce back after a setback.
The harder you are on yourself, the harder it becomes to stay consistent. And consistency—not intensity—is where real progress happens.
Self-Compassion Isn’t Soft. It’s Smart.
Self-compassion means showing yourself the same care and encouragement you’d offer a friend.
It means letting go of the idea that you have to “fix” yourself in order to be worthy of progress.
It sounds simple, but it’s powerful.
People who practice self-compassion:
Stick with fitness routines longer
Bounce back faster after missing a workout
Report higher confidence and lower stress
Are more likely to enjoy movement over the long term
In other words, being kind to yourself makes you stronger.
What Strength Looks Like at PLAYLIST
We don’t do perfection. We don’t do shame.
We do sweat, music, community, and movement that builds you up—not tears you down.
Here’s what you’ll find on the mat:
Hot Sculpt: Where strength is about showing up and challenging yourself, not shrinking yourself
Flow: Where breath and movement bring you back into your body
Flow + Rewind: Where you get to build and rest in the same space
Rewind: Where you learn that recovery is part of being strong—not the opposite of it
We encourage you to tune into your body. Take breaks when you need them. Push when it feels right. Move in ways that support—not punish—you.
Because your strength isn’t measured by how much you can take. It’s measured by how well you take care of yourself.
You Don’t Have to Be Harder on Yourself to Get Stronger
Your body isn’t the problem.
Your strength isn’t just physical.
And your progress doesn’t have to come from pressure.
The strongest people we know are the ones who show up with compassion. Who challenge themselves with love. Who rest when they’re tired and keep going because it feels good—not because they’re afraid to stop.
At PLAYLIST YOGA, we’re not here to break you down.
We’re here to help you build the kind of strength that holds up in real life.
You don’t have to earn the right to feel strong.
You already are.
We’ll see you on the mat.
