Rakesh Saini guides people toward better physical health and mental balance through disciplined yogic practice. With formal education in yoga and years of teaching experience, he promotes natural healing, therapeutic yoga, and holistic fitness to help individuals overcome lifestyle-related health problems.

A Fitness and Yoga Trainer, Rakesh Saini is the Founder of Raksham Yogshala in Kota. He is dedicated to helping people improve their physical health and mental well-being through regular practice of yoga.

Rakesh Saini built his expertise in yoga through formal yoga education, beginning with a certificate course in the subject from Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU) in Kota, Rajasthan. His growing interest led him to complete a one-year Diploma in Yoga, followed by a Master’s Degree in the same field, eventually becoming a Certified Yoga Trainer and establishing his own yoga center.

He founded Raksham Yogshala on 15 February 2017 in Kota, where he moved with his family from Dataramgarh village in the Sikar district of Rajasthan. Established as a professional yoga studio, Raksham Yogshala focuses on spreading awareness about the benefits of yoga and guiding people toward a healthier lifestyle.

Before entering the field of yoga, Rakesh Saini was working in a completely different profession. He was employed as a 3D artist in Jaipur, where his work involved creating architectural visualizations for buildings such as townships, hotels, malls, restaurants, and multi-storey residential structures.

These visualizations helped people understand how a building would look once completed, including both interior and exterior designs. Saini worked for a Norway-based company that handled architectural projects for European countries, producing detailed 3D models of their buildings and homes. His professional work in Digital Architecture provided him with technical skills and creative exposure during that period.

However, in 2013, the company where Saini was working closed down, which led him to return to Kota and begin searching for new opportunities. During this transitional period, he explored various local work options while also reflecting on his long-standing interest in yoga, which had existed since his school days. Around that time, he came across a Certificate Course in Yoga offered by Vardhman Mahaveer Open University. Seeing it as an opportunity to pursue something meaningful, Saini enrolled in the course and successfully completed it. As his understanding of yoga deepened, his interest grew stronger, and he decided to continue his education by enrolling in a one-year Diploma Program in Yoga from the same university.

While he was completing his diploma program, a turning point came unexpectedly. After finishing his final examination and returning home, Rakesh Saini met a friend who informed him about a vacancy for a yoga teacher in a coaching institute in Kota. Curious about the opportunity, he went home and submitted an application for the position. About a month later, he received a call for an interview. Rakesh Saini attended the interview and shortly afterward received confirmation that he had been selected for the role. This marked the beginning of his professional work as a yoga teacher.

Rakesh Saini started teaching yoga to students at the coaching institute during a time when Kota was witnessing increasing pressure on students preparing for competitive examinations. Around 2016, there were rising concerns about student stress and suicide cases in the city. In such an environment, yoga sessions were introduced as a way to help students manage stress, improve concentration, and maintain emotional stability. Through his role, Rakesh Saini began actively guiding students toward mental balance and healthier daily routines, which further strengthened his commitment to the practice of yoga and its positive impact on people’s lives.

After Saini began teaching yoga to students, gradually the results started becoming visible among them. In the beginning, many students were skeptical and did not fully believe that yoga could actually bring noticeable changes in their health or studies. However, when Rakesh Saini encouraged them to practice yoga regularly, several students decided to try it.

Over time, they began sharing the benefits they experienced. Many students were facing common health problems due to long hours of sitting and studying, such as back pain, neck pain, difficulty in memorizing lessons, and weak concentration.

With regular yoga practice under the guidance of Rakesh Saini, these issues began to improve significantly. Students were able to sit comfortably for longer periods while studying, their concentration levels increased, and they found it easier to remember what they studied. Minor physical problems such as digestion issues and body discomfort also started reducing. As these positive changes became visible, the students’ trust in yoga grew stronger. Gradually, more students joined the sessions and actively practiced yoga. Rakesh Saini continued teaching at the coaching institute for a long period, working with students consistently until the time of the COVID pandemic.

Alongside teaching at the institute, Rakesh Saini also began offering home visits for individuals who wanted personal yoga guidance. People appreciated the results they were experiencing through his sessions, and many more individuals expressed interest in joining. However, home visits were relatively expensive and not everyone could afford them. Since many people wanted to learn yoga from him, Rakesh Saini decided to create a more accessible platform where larger groups could participate together.

This led to the establishment of Raksham Yogshala in 2017. When the yoga studio was started in Kota, it was among the first professionally managed yoga studios in the city. People gradually began to place their trust in the training approach of Rakesh Saini, and more participants started joining the sessions. As a result, the work at Raksham Yogshala began growing steadily, marking the beginning of a dedicated space for yoga practice in Kota.

In the initial phase, Rakesh Saini started with fitness batches at Raksham Yogshala, focusing on improving the physical health and flexibility of participants. As people began experiencing positive results, many individuals approached him with specific health concerns such as knee pain, back pain, and other physical problems. In response, Rakesh Saini gradually introduced therapeutic yoga sessions to help address these issues.

The primary objective behind starting Raksham Yogshala, according to Rakesh Saini, was to help people improve their fitness through yoga while also providing natural solutions for various health challenges.

In today’s lifestyle, many individuals depend heavily on medicines to manage health problems, even though most people prefer to avoid long-term medication if possible. Through yoga, Rakesh Saini aims to offer a natural and holistic approach that helps individuals regain health and balance without unnecessary dependence on medicines.

Saini gradually expanded the scope of work at Raksham Yogshala by introducing therapeutic yoga programs when he observed that many people were approaching him with specific health problems. In the beginning, he realized that relying on a single form of therapy was not producing the kind of results people expected.

To understand this better, Rakesh Saini carefully studied the work of practitioners who were already working in similar areas. Through this observation and study, he analyzed why certain therapies were not giving consistent outcomes and then began experimenting with a more integrated approach.

When therapy programs were formally introduced at Raksham Yogshala, Rakesh Saini ensured that the foundation remained rooted in yoga itself. Traditional yogic practices such as yogasanas and pranayama were always central to the sessions. However, to strengthen the therapeutic impact, he began combining additional techniques with yoga therapy.

One of the major additions was therapeutic practices promoted by Iyengar, which included Rope Therapy, Belt Therapy, and the use of various supportive props. These tools helped individuals perform movements more safely and effectively, especially those who were dealing with physical limitations.

Along with this, Rakesh Saini integrated Acupressure techniques into the therapy sessions to stimulate pressure points that influence different parts of the body. He also introduced Cupping Therapy as an additional supportive method. By combining yoga therapy, Iyengar techniques, acupressure, and cupping therapy, Rakesh Saini developed a comprehensive therapy model that produced noticeable improvements for many individuals. This integrated approach allowed him to address a wide range of physical problems more effectively than using a single therapy method alone.

Through this protocol, Rakesh Saini began focusing particularly on three major health issues that he frequently observed among people—knee pain, back pain, and cervical problems. These conditions had become increasingly common, especially among women and individuals who had sedentary lifestyles or demanding work routines. Many people who came to Raksham Yogshala had been struggling with these problems for several years and had almost stopped performing normal physical movements due to pain and stiffness.

Rakesh Saini recalls working with individuals who had not been able to sit on the floor for five, nine, or even ten years because of severe knee problems. Step by step, he began guiding them through gentle movements and carefully structured therapy sessions. Through consistent practice, acupressure techniques, and cupping therapy support, their joint mobility gradually improved.

Over time, individuals who had completely stopped sitting on the floor slowly regained their ability to do so. Family members and relatives who witnessed these improvements were often surprised to see such changes in people who had been dependent on chairs for many years because sitting on the ground had become impossible for them.

Similarly, Rakesh Saini achieved encouraging results in cases related to back pain and spinal issues. In Kota, many teachers working in coaching institutes spend long hours standing while teaching, which often leads to shoulder pain, knee strain, and chronic back problems. Conditions such as sciatica, frozen shoulder, and slip disc were frequently reported among such individuals. Through carefully guided yoga therapy practices, Rakesh Saini helped many of them gradually regain mobility and reduce pain levels.

As more people experienced relief, trust in the therapeutic programs at Raksham Yogshala began to grow. Initially, many individuals were doubtful about whether these methods would truly work. However, when they personally practiced the therapy sessions and noticed improvements even through small movements, their confidence increased.

In many cases, people reported feeling better within just a few days, as stiffness reduced and joint movements improved. Gradually, word spread among families and social circles, and those who had experienced benefits began recommending Raksham Yogshala to relatives and friends who were facing similar problems. This steady growth of trust helped establish yoga therapy practices in Kota through the work of Rakesh Saini and his yoga studio.

In addition to therapy sessions, Rakesh Saini also began preparing students for yoga sports competitions. At Raksham Yogshala, training is provided not only to adults but also to children and young participants who wish to compete in yoga tournaments. Competitive yoga requires performing more complex postures than regular fitness yoga.

While a general practitioner performs asanas within a comfortable range for fitness, competitive yoga involves advanced techniques such as deep back bending, front bending, twisting, leg balancing, and hand balancing postures.

To help students achieve this level of skill, Rakesh Saini provides structured and disciplined training programs that focus on flexibility, strength, balance, and correct posture alignment. Participants are also trained according to the rules and regulations required in competitive yoga events.

Through this systematic preparation, many students trained at Raksham Yogshala have been able to participate in competitions and to progress to state and national level events. According to Rakesh Saini, Raksham Yogshala was among the first institutions in Kota to introduce such structured training for yoga sports competitions, providing a new platform for students interested in advancing their skills in the field of yoga.

Rakesh Saini recalls he had remained connected with fitness since his school days, particularly from the time he was in the ninth class. Regular exercise and maintaining physical fitness had always been a part of his routine. However, while observing people around him, he noticed something that often concerned him. Even many young individuals were facing serious health issues.

Some people were struggling with knee pain, others were experiencing heart-related problems, and many were dealing with various lifestyle-related health complications. Being someone who had always valued fitness, Rakesh frequently wondered why these problems were becoming so common among people of different age groups.

Gradually, he realized that one of the main reasons behind these growing health issues was the lack of time people were giving to their own bodies. Students were completely absorbed in their studies, spending long hours preparing for exams. Those involved in jobs or businesses were dedicating all their time and energy to their professional responsibilities. Although everyone has twenty-four hours in a day, very few people consciously set aside time specifically for physical well-being.

While individuals often pay attention to food and diet, the body also requires physical movement to remain healthy. According to Rakesh Saini, the human body is naturally designed for movement. When the body is given excessive rest and very little physical activity, it gradually begins to develop various health problems.

Through these observations, Rakesh Saini also noticed that even many financially well-off individuals who had access to every comfort were still facing health challenges. Despite having all kinds of facilities and conveniences, they were not physically healthy. In his understanding, the reason behind this was simple: their bodies were not receiving the movement and exercise they needed. Without regular physical activity, even the most comfortable lifestyle could not guarantee good health.

These realizations became a strong source of motivation for Rakesh Saini. He felt that many people wanted to improve their health but lacked the right platform or guidance to begin. This inspired him to create a space where individuals could reconnect with their physical well-being in a natural way. Raksham Yogshala was established with the intention of providing that platform. One of the key principles followed by Rakesh Saini was to avoid dependency on machines or heavy equipment. Instead, he focused entirely on natural practices that work directly with the body itself.

The approach at Raksham Yogshala is based on traditional yogic practices, which have been part of India’s heritage for thousands of years. Rakesh Saini strongly believes that long before modern fitness machines and gyms existed, people remained healthy by practicing yoga and maintaining active lifestyles. Inspired by this ancient wisdom, he built the foundation of Raksham Yogshala on pure yogic principles and natural methods. Through consistent practice, disciplined training, and dedication to traditional techniques, Rakesh Saini and his team have been able to achieve encouraging results in helping people regain their health and physical balance.

Yoga Trainer Rakesh Saini spent his early childhood in his native village Dataramgarh, located in the Sikar district of Rajasthan. The village lies about 30–40 kilometers ahead of the well-known pilgrimage centre Khatu Shyam Ji. Rakesh Saini comes from a Mali community family whose traditional occupation had always been agriculture. Farming had been the primary livelihood for generations, and like many rural families, his early years were closely connected with village life and agricultural activities.

During that time, the region had fertile land and good farming practices. However, over the years water availability in the area gradually declined, which led many families to move to different cities for better opportunities. Some of his relatives still live in the village, but many of the younger members of the family have moved away for employment or government jobs.

In 1986, Rakesh Saini moved to Kota, which later became the place where he completed most of his education and built his professional life. His schooling was completed in Kota, and he later pursued higher education from the Government College in Kota itself, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts. After finishing his graduation, Rakesh Saini developed an interest in computer-related skills and completed several computer courses.

Those technical skills eventually led him to Jaipur, where he worked professionally as a 3D artist. In that role, he was involved in creating architectural visualizations for buildings and development projects. Later in life, when he entered the field of yoga, Rakesh Saini further strengthened his academic background by completing a Master’s Degree in Yoga and continued to work actively in the field of yoga education and therapy.

Speaking about role models and ideals, Saini says he believes that an ideal person is someone who inspires others and encourages them to move forward in life with determination. According to him, India has never lacked such inspiring personalities who can be followed as examples of courage, discipline, and dedication.

Since he is deeply connected with yoga and personal development, Rakesh Saini draws inspiration from several historical and spiritual figures. Among those who influenced him greatly are Swami Vivekananda, Maharana Pratap, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Bhagat Singh, and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The values and determination displayed by these personalities motivate him to shape his own life with similar strength and purpose.

As someone working in the field of health and wellness, Rakesh Saini also follows a guiding principle that is reflected in the philosophy of Raksham Yogshala. Within the logo of the yoga center, a Sanskrit verse has been included that highlights the importance of health:

“आरोग्यं परमं भाग्यं स्वास्थ्यं सर्वार्थसाधनम्।”

The meaning of this verse is that good health is the greatest fortune, and when a person is healthy, all other goals in life become achievable. For Rakesh Saini, this thought holds deep meaning because, he believes, health forms the foundation for every aspect of life. Whether someone wants to pursue education, build a career, run a business, or maintain a fulfilling social life, all these activities depend on a healthy body and mind.

This idea continues to motivate Rakesh Saini in his work. Through Raksham Yogshala, he constantly encourages people to pursue their ambitions and responsibilities in life, but at the same time never neglect their health. According to Rakesh Saini, true success in life can only be sustained when a person gives equal importance to physical and mental well-being. This guiding belief remains at the center of his work and serves as a continuous source of motivation for him as he helps others improve their health through yoga.

Raksham Yogshala Founder Rakesh Saini explains that like every new initiative, starting Raksham Yogshala also came with several challenges. When he decided to establish the yoga studio in 2017, the first step he took was to carefully study the situation in Kota. During his research, he realized that there was hardly any professional yoga studio operating in the city at that time.

When he shared his idea with people, many reacted with doubt. Some questioned whether anyone would actually pay money to learn yoga, since yoga sessions were often conducted freely in parks. Despite these doubts, Rakesh Saini remained confident about his vision. His earlier experience in fitness and martial arts had already shaped his mindset toward discipline and physical training. Martial arts had played an important role in building his interest in structured physical practice, and this background strengthened his belief that yoga could also be practiced professionally with proper training and dedication.

At that time, Rakesh Saini had already completed his yoga education, and he no longer had the job he previously held as a 3D artist. Since his earlier employment had ended, he found himself at a stage where he had to decide his next direction. Instead of returning to his previous field, he chose to fully commit to yoga. According to Saini, he did not see any other option for himself and decided that if he had chosen this path, he would work with complete dedication and make it successful. With this determination, he started Raksham Yogshala in 2017, deciding that instead of worrying about public opinion, it would be better to demonstrate results through consistent effort.

One of the biggest practical challenges in the beginning was that the yoga studio operated from a rented space. Since the place was not owned by him, the most immediate responsibility was to ensure that the monthly rent could be managed. For anyone running a rented establishment, the first concern is always covering the rent before thinking about profits.

However, Rakesh Saini recalls that the people of Kota placed a great deal of trust in his work. The support he received from the community was so strong that he never faced a situation where he struggled to pay the rent. What initially seemed like a major challenge gradually became manageable due to the encouragement and trust shown by participants.

Another important task for Rakesh Saini was to build trust among people and convince them that the yoga training provided at Raksham Yogshala followed authentic and effective methods. While many individuals conducted yoga sessions, he observed that not everyone followed the fundamental principles that have been part of traditional yoga practices for centuries.

At Raksham Yogshala, he focused on maintaining these core principles. Special attention was given to breathing techniques, correct posture alignment, and the precise execution of each asana. Rather than rushing through exercises, he emphasized understanding the smaller details that make a posture effective and safe. When people began practicing yoga in this systematic manner, they started experiencing real improvements in their health. These results gradually strengthened public trust in the yoga studio.

Over time, more yoga centers began opening in Kota, but Rakesh Saini believes that the consistent trust of participants has remained with Raksham Yogshala because of its disciplined approach. Many people who joined earlier have continued their practice there and remain connected with the studio. As the organization grew, he also ensured that all necessary government registrations and formal procedures were completed so that the yoga center operated in a properly recognized and certified manner.

Rakesh Saini also highlights another concern within the yoga field today. He observes that many individuals start teaching yoga after learning only a few basic techniques, often without proper professional qualifications or formal training. In many cases, such instructors may not have a deep understanding of posture alignment or therapeutic methods.

At Raksham Yogshala, he chose a different approach. Before teaching others, Rakesh Saini made sure to prepare himself thoroughly by developing the required knowledge, discipline, and practice. He believes that anyone who intends to teach yoga must first be capable of performing and understanding the asanas correctly. For this reason, he continues to maintain his own daily practice while also guiding participants through structured sessions so that both the instructor and the learners grow together in their understanding of yoga.

Founder Rakesh Saini explains that one of the reasons people remain connected with Raksham Yogshala is that participants are always given the opportunity to learn new aspects of yoga. Kota is widely known as an educational city where students from different parts of the country come for coaching. Many of these students arrive from large metropolitan cities such as Delhi and other major urban centers. Some of them have already practiced yoga earlier and therefore have a basic understanding of how yoga sessions are usually conducted. However, when they join sessions at Raksham Yogshala, they often realize that even in a smaller city like Kota they are receiving training at a professional and high-quality yoga studio. This experience leaves them satisfied and reassured that they have found a reliable place to continue their practice.

At the same time, many people practice yoga for the first time after coming to Kota. In their hometowns they often remain extremely busy with work or daily responsibilities and rarely find time to focus on their health. However, when students move to Kota for studies, their parents sometimes accompany them and stay in the city for certain periods.

During that time, they have comparatively more free time available. Many such parents decide to join Raksham Yogshala and begin practicing yoga regularly. As they continue attending the sessions, they gradually start understanding the wide range of benefits yoga offers for both physical and mental well-being. Through these experiences, many individuals develop a long-term interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle through yoga practice.

When speaking to young people and others who wish to work in the field of yoga, Rakesh Saini encourages them to enter the field but emphasizes that they should do so with proper preparation and dedication. According to him, anyone choosing a particular profession must first ensure that they acquire the appropriate education and training required for that field.

Depending on their current level of education, they should pursue relevant diplomas, degrees, or certification programs that provide a solid foundation in yoga studies. However, he also stresses that education in yoga cannot remain limited to theoretical knowledge alone.

Fitness & Yoga Expert Rakesh Saini explains that yoga training involves two important aspects: theoretical understanding and practical experience. Many individuals focus only on studying theory because it is comparatively easier to read books and pass examinations. In contrast, the practical side of yoga requires continuous effort, discipline, and physical practice. Important components such as Shatkarmas (cleansing techniques), yogasanas, pranayama, and meditation demand dedication and regular training. These practices are essential for understanding the real depth of yoga, yet many learners tend to overlook them because they require sustained effort.

He also observes that in recent years many people have pursued diplomas and degrees in yoga mainly with the intention of securing government jobs. Although they successfully complete the theoretical portion and pass examinations, they often neglect the practical training that is necessary for becoming a competent yoga practitioner or instructor. As a result, even basic asanas that an average individual should be able to perform properly may not be executed correctly by them.

Many such individuals lack a clear understanding of pranayama techniques or the cleansing practices that form an integral part of traditional yoga systems.

For this reason, Rakesh Saini advises aspiring yoga professionals to focus equally on both theoretical knowledge and practical mastery. If individuals prepare themselves thoroughly by practicing regularly and understanding the deeper aspects of yoga, they will develop genuine confidence in their abilities. This confidence will also inspire trust among the people they guide. According to Rakesh Saini, when a yoga instructor possesses proper knowledge, disciplined practice, and authentic experience, they can work in the field with clarity and credibility without facing unnecessary difficulties.

Rakesh Saini explains that India has traditionally been known as an agriculture-based country and is often described as a nation of villages. In earlier times, people living in villages did not need to perform separate fitness routines because their daily lifestyle itself involved continuous physical activity. Farming activities such as ploughing fields, working in agricultural lands, and performing various manual tasks naturally kept their bodies active and strong.

Their routine work ensured that every part of the body remained engaged in physical movement. However, over time, the situation has changed significantly. Mechanization has replaced many forms of manual labor, and the habit of reduced physical activity has gradually spread not only in cities but also in villages.

Rakesh Saini points out that urban lifestyles have also undergone major changes. Earlier, many daily household activities required physical effort. People used hand-operated grinders to grind flour, washed clothes manually, and walked long distances for their routine tasks. Today, most of these activities have been replaced by machines and modern conveniences. Washing machines have replaced hand washing, vehicles have replaced walking, and several household tasks that once required effort are now completed with minimal physical involvement. As a result, the amount of physical movement in daily life has drastically reduced.

Because of this shift in lifestyle, it has now become essential for every individual, regardless of where they live, to dedicate time specifically for physical activity. According to Saini, every person should consciously set aside at least one hour each day for the well-being of their body. In many foreign countries, people have already become aware of the importance of fitness and regularly engage in physical activities to maintain their health.

However, in India, this awareness is still developing. Many individuals continue to follow old dietary habits and routines without realizing that their physical activity levels have significantly decreased compared to earlier generations.

Saini emphasizes that while people still consume food according to their traditional habits, the level of physical effort required to digest that food has reduced. As a result, many lifestyle-related health issues are becoming increasingly common. One of the most frequent examples he observes is the growing number of people facing digestion problems.

People eat according to their preferences and appetite, but since they spend most of their time sitting and performing minimal physical activity, the body struggles to process food properly. Digestion, like many other bodily functions, requires energy and movement to function effectively. When the body remains inactive for long periods, these systems begin to weaken.

When such problems occur, people often visit doctors and rely on medicines to manage the symptoms. Rakesh Saini acknowledges that medicines can provide temporary relief, but he explains that medication alone cannot solve the root cause if the lifestyle remains unchanged. If a person continues to eat and remain physically inactive, the underlying problem persists. True improvement requires physical effort that stimulates the body’s natural processes.

He further explains that lack of movement also affects joints and muscles. When joints remain inactive for extended periods, stiffness gradually develops. This leads to problems such as knee pain, joint discomfort, and chronic back pain. According to Rakesh Saini, the human body is designed to move. Movement keeps the joints flexible and maintains the natural functioning of the body. Rest is beneficial when taken in moderation, but excessive rest beyond a certain limit begins to harm the body rather than benefit it.

The growing dependence on medicines, in his view, is often the result of reduced physical activity. While medicines may temporarily ease discomfort, they cannot replace the benefits of movement and exercise. For example, if a knee joint becomes stiff or immobile, no medicine can physically move it back into flexibility.

Only regular movement, exercise, and disciplined practices such as yoga can restore mobility and strength. For this reason, Rakesh Saini continuously encourages people to incorporate yoga and physical activity into their daily routines, either by practicing on their own or by learning under the guidance of a trained instructor.