About Emanuela and Minimum Yoga

I started practising Hatha yoga and meditation in 2005 through classes offered by the University of Leeds, UK, where I was pursuing an MA in Cultural Studies. I completed a one-year Yoga Teacher Training programme in London in 2013, graduating in early 2014. I created Minimum Yoga to provide yoga and meditation classes focused around the value of consistent practice. In 2019, I added Thai massage to my skillset and I now offer this to clients, too. I am committed to teaching practitioners of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, creating a safe environment that encourages curiosity, exploration and ultimately self-discovery.

I have taught in many yoga studios and fitness centres across London, including Yogaloom, Fitness First, Yogahome, Virgin Active, Gymbox, Yoganest, Light Centre, as well as health clubs, offices, and many individual clients, which is my favourite teaching format. Every year I teach a retreat in Greece.

In addition to my work on the mat, I mentor university graduates, promote research and education in the life sciences on behalf of a London university, I engage in creative arts, and further my studies in contemplative practices.

Professional yoga training and continuous development

I completed my initial teacher training in 2014, followed by extensive continuous education. Over the years, I have participated in many courses and completed hundreds of training hours, both in London and other locations around the world. I have had the privilege of learning from, and practising with, wonderful senior teachers who have been active in this field for decades, including some of the pioneering Western ashtanga teachers such as David Swenson and Maty Ezraty.

I believe that a solid understanding of anatomy and human functional movement is essential to effective yoga (asana) instruction, beyond the practice itself. While it isn't necessary to share this more technical knowledge with the practitioners in the room, it has given me tools to support them in their own self-exploration.

I continue to find inspiration in the rich history of yoga, as well as from different fields of science and the arts, drawing from both Eastern and Western traditions.

The power of the minimal: change through practice

Practice is central to the Minimum Yoga journey. As a physical practice, yoga builds a healthier and stronger body, it increases our strength and flexibility, stimulates the circulatory and immune systems and opens up knots and areas of tension. At the same time, and without fail, it steadies our minds, enhances our focus, and pacifies our emotional states providing us with insights to enrich our everyday life. My personal asana practice is rooted in the Ashtanga Vinyasa framework, with its focus on continuity of practice, and the tools of 'Tristana' (breath, drishti, bandhas). I have found this to be the most conducive approach to meditation practice.

I am passionate about human movement in its many forms and I explore this in as many ways I can and through a wide range of approaches.

For a detailed CV listing all my training qualifications please reach out to emanuelayoga@gmail.com.