Wellbeing in 2025: Humane Yoga’s Guide to What’s In and What’s Out

While we wouldn’t quite call ourselves trend-setters, our teachers at Humane have spent years immersed in mindful movement, health, and wellness. With all that experience, we think we’ve got a pretty solid sense of what’s truly IN and OUT (or at least what we think should be). So, here’s what we see coming in and what we’re happily letting go of for a beautifully balanced 2025!

IN: 

Functional, sustainable movement 

Think yoga, Pilates, Qi Gong, and movement that can support you through the many seasons of life. 

Balance

Wellbeing thrives on balance. By weaving rest, strength-building, and mindfulness into your routine, you create a foundation for long-term vitality. 

Listening to your body

Getting to know your own body and mind is essential for sustainable health. This year is all about tuning into what works for you, rather than chasing a fleeting trend. 

Nourishing, whole foods
Mindful eating is the ultimate form of self-care. We’re filling our plates with the colours of the rainbow and prioritising whole, nutrient-rich foods that invite joy, satisfaction, and energy. 

Minimalism

Less is more. Paring down clutter, turning down the volume in this busy world, and focusing on simple, enriching experiences over things is helping us make space for more clarity and contentment - and to remember what truly matters. 

Outdoor exercise

We’ll be spending more time walking, bike riding, and taking our mindful movement outside to ground and connect body and mind. 

Community connection

We’re thinking book clubs, farmer’s markets, yoga classes, and anything that invites nourishing, wholesome connections and interactions with like-minded friends. 

OUT:

Going hard at the gym

While there may be a time and place for smashing fitness goals - for many of us that time has passed by the time we reach our thirties. That’s not to say we can’t explore and evolve - but we should focus on movements that will support us throughout our entire lives, and not just our youth. 

Pushing your body to extremes

It’s just not sustainable. Instead, let’s focus on moving with intention and joy, rather than depleting ourselves with practices that will leave us feeling unbalanced. 

Following trends

From superfoods to magic supplements and the latest ‘must-try’ wellness accessories, following trends rarely delivers the miracles promised. Been there, done that. This year, we’re saying goodbye to the noise and letting our intuition be the guide. 

Fad diets

From veganism to carnivore - we’ve tried it all. And what we’re learning is that there really is no one-size-fits-all approach. This year, we’re paying attention to what works for our own unique makeup and ditching restrictive eating plans that treat us like robots. 

Consumerism

Though we cherish our fancy leggings, we’re well aware that accumulating more doesn’t equate to happiness. This year, we’re checking the fridge and cupboards before we go grocery shopping and being brutally honest about whether or not we really need another cute Pilates top.

Luxury exercise spaces

The latest luxe fitness studio might look beautiful, but true wellbeing is about health and connection - not the latest interior design trends. 

Socialising for the sake of it

Instead of saying yes to everything, we’re prioritising tending to the friendships and connections that allow us to slow down and relax. 

Here’s to an aligned, intentional, and balanced 2025 - at Humane Yoga and beyond. 

5 simple yoga practices to get you through the silly season

As the festive season ramps up, it’s easy to feel like your calm and clarity are in short supply. Maybe your to-do list is growing, family drama is rife, or you’re feeling a bit lonely. To add insult to injury your local yoga studio is probably taking a well-deserved break when you need us most! Please don’t worry, yogis - we’ve got you sorted with some easy ways to bring yoga into your daily life.

These five simple practices only take a couple of minutes and will help you stay grounded, even if the world around you feels a bit out of control. 

Uttarabodhi Mudra (gesture of ultimate enlightenment)

Mudras are symbolic hand gestures used in yoga to direct the flow of prana through the energetic body. 

Don’t be put off by the complex name - anyone can master this mudra in moments. Uttarabodhi is used to promote empowerment and mental clarity - perfect for when you’re feeling a bit flustered. 

Simply interlace your fingers, keeping your index fingers extended and pointing up while moving your thumbs towards the ground to create a diamond shape. Hold the mudra in front of your heart space and take a few slow, smoothe breaths. 

Nadi Shoadhana (alternate nostril breath)

When emotions run high, breathwork can help restore balance. This pranayama practice can calm the nervous system, clear the mind, and invite a sense of cool (perfect for our sticky summers!).

To practice Nadi Shoadhana:

• Find a comfortable seat. 

• Using your right hand, place your peace fingers in between the eyebrows then rest your thumb on the right nostril and ring finger on the left. 

• Gently close the left nostril and take a breath in through the right. Open the left, close the right and exhale through the left. Inhale left, open right, close left and exhale right. This completes one round. 

• Continue for a couple of minutes, resting your right elbow in your left hand if you need some support. 

• To complete, exhale through the right nostril and spend a few moments sitting quietly. 

Reclined Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Lie on your back, using support under your head if needed. If you’d like to enjoy a gentle opening for the heart at the same time, you could lie back on a rolled up blanket (place the short side of the blanket at the base of your spine and lie over the snake-like shape to invite opening through the chest and shoulders) or bolster if you have one. Bring the soles of your feet together and let your knees fall out to the sides. Stay for a few breaths or a few minutes and enjoy the relaxing benefits.

Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani)

There’s nothing quite like a little legs-up-the-wall at the end of a long day! Sitting on the floor, slide your right hip up against the wall then bring your legs to vertical (or in that general direction!). The closer you are to the wall, the more of a stretch you will feel. Support the head with a pillow if you like. This is a beautiful pose for relieving tension, improving circulation, reducing swelling and improving sleep. 

Candle Gazing Meditation (Trataka)

Why not take advantage of the decorative candles around, using them as an anchor for your meditation practice? Find a comfortable seat and place a candle at eye level if possible. Gazing softly at the flame, keep your eyes steady and your breath slow. Keep your eyes open for as long as you comfortably can, then close your eyes. With eyes closed observe any sights, sensations, thoughts and feelings. You may like to repeat a few times, switching between open and closed eyes. 

Enjoy these easy, quick practices from wherever you are to take a little slice of Humane Yoga peace with you before you rejoin us in the studio in 2025!

A few of our favourite things: A list of yoga loves for Christmas (and beyond)

It’s that time of year again, yogis - when we’re thinking of Christmas gifts for loved ones, jotting down wish lists for the holiday sales, and dreaming about who we want to be in the year ahead. 

What do we want to wear? What do we want to read? And most importantly, who do we want to become?

Good news: we’ve got you covered. We love a good old-fashioned “love list,” and we’re so stoked to share some of our favourite yogi things—from clothes to music and everything in between. Consider this your guide to inspiration, both on and off the mat, for the holiday season and beyond.

If you're interested in purchasing an item from us, look for those marked with an asterisk (*). Feel free to contact us for more details on how to make a purchase!

Yoga clothes

Dharma Bums

Beautiful, flowing, buttery-soft threads that offer true slow fashion designed to stand the test of time.

Indigo Luna

Nature-inspired, luxurious hippie attire that’ll leave you feeling like the most fashionable yogi in town.

Bodypeace Bamboo

Affordable bamboo beauties that are so comfortable and natural, you’ll want to wear them all day long.

Lululemon

Of course, we can’t go past the classic Lulus. Every yoga teacher owns at least one pair of Lululemon leggings—and they’re probably still rocking the same ones they bought five to ten years ago. ;)

Pointe Studio grip socks

The cutest grip socks for class! These will save you from slipping and sliding while keeping your feet cozy.

Temple of the sun jewellery 

Not technically clothing, but these stunning modern jewels, inspired by history, art, and nature, are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your yoga practice—or any special occasion.

Ripple Yogawear

The best and most comfortable jumpsuits, ever! They are durable and last forever. We’re still living in the same ones bought during covid and they haven’t missed a beat.

Yoga Props

Divine Goddess bolsters

With classic yoga prints and a variety of sizes, Divine Goddess bolsters are an essential for serious yogis.

Yogi Peace Club mats

With a plethora of gorgeous designs, shapes, and textures, these mats will make you feel like you’re floating on a magic carpet during practice.

Iyoga Props*

Your one-stop shop for all the yoga essentials—blocks, mats, blankets, bolsters, eye pillows, and more.

Accessories

Project Pargo drink bottle

Stay hydrated with these insulated drink bottles that give back. They keep things hot and cold so you can even sneak a cheeky coffee into class. 

Rainbow Sounds bowls*

Beautiful crystal quartz bowls tuned to each chakra frequency. Find your own way to healing and health with these magical bowls.

Tasty Treats

Loco Love

Find us a yogi who doesn’t love this chocolate, and we’ll gift you a free class! These mouth-watering, consciousness-altering (hehe) choccies are a staple for gifting and treating yourself.

Body products

No Pong deodorant

All-natural, effective, and available in fun fragrances—once you try this, you’ll never go back.

Inbluem

A luxurious skincare line blending nature and indulgence, with authentically Australian, all-natural ingredients.

Apps

Insight Timer

This free app offers guided meditations, yoga nidras, sleep sounds, and inspiration galore. A must-have for your digital toolkit.

Moon Sun Fire

Explore tantra-inspired philosophy, guided yoga asana practices, and more with this free or premium app.

TimePassages Pro

For all our moon circle lovers out there. One of the best apps showing you what’s happening in your world according to the astrology of the time.

Music/Playlists

Kirtan

If you’re new to yoga, you have to explore the magic of kirtan. Search it on YouTube or Spotify for devotional chants that will elevate your yoga and meditation practice.

Cacao Ceremony tunes

Perfect for sipping ceremonial cacao or gathering in a ritualistic circle, this playlist keeps our Humane Yoga fam grooving.

We hope this list brings some inspiration, a little joy, and maybe even a touch of magic to your holiday season. Here’s to flowing into the new year with love, gratitude, and a few new favourite things.

Building Balance: How Different Exercises Complement Your Yoga Practice (and vice versa)

As yogis, it's easy to get so captivated by the practice that we forget to explore other forms of movement. We get it—yoga is amazing! But as mindful, evolving humans, it’s worth acknowledging that a well-rounded routine benefits from a variety of exercises. Different movements can greatly support you in exploring and evolving in your yoga practice. And of course, yoga can enhance other forms of movement in similar ways.

Over time, we've seen our students make incredible strides in their yoga practice by blending it with other activities. Strength training, Pilates, cardio workouts, and mobility exercises all contribute to creating a more balanced, resilient body. Yoga isn’t just about mastering poses or gaining flexibility—it’s about nurturing stability, balance, and mindfulness in every aspect of your life.

At Humane Yoga, our Sculpt classes are designed to strengthen your body in ways that support both your yoga practice and your daily movements. Sculpt helps target areas like the core, shoulders, and hips—key muscle groups for many yoga poses. But Sculpt is just one of the many ways to complement your practice.

Pilates, for example, hones core strength and posture, which are vital for maintaining stability in balancing poses. Cardio activities like swimming or running build endurance and can improve breath control for more intense yoga sequences. Mobility work keeps your joints flexible and ready for dynamic, yang-style yoga. And practices like Qi Gong promote mindfulness and fluidity, mirroring the philosophies of yoga.

In turn, yoga supports other exercises by increasing flexibility, improving balance, and aiding in recovery. Breathwork in yoga enhances focus during strength training or high-intensity workouts, and the emphasis on body awareness helps prevent injuries in other types of exercise.

By incorporating different types of movement into your life, you’re not only building strength and resilience – you’re creating a holistic program that supports every aspect of your body and mind. Whether you’re lifting weights, enjoying a strong Sculpt class, or flowing through a gentle Qi Gong sequence, each movement becomes an invitation to enjoy a more mindful, balanced way of being.

To see our latest smorgasbord of mindful movement practices, see the timetable here.

The magic of Qi Gong

With Qi Gong making its debut on the Humane Yoga timetable soon, we wanted to share with our yoga community exactly what all the fuss is about. From its origins to what makes this practice a little bit magic, we’re excited to introduce you to the wonderful world of Qi Gong. 

Qi Gong vs Yoga: The origins

Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese practice, is often described as the art of cultivating energy, or ‘qi,’ through mindful movement, breath control, and meditation.

For yoga practitioners, Qi Gong may be thought of as a kind of ‘Chinese yoga.’ While traditional yoga originates from India and the Hindu religion, Qi Gong’s origins can be traced back to early Taoist and Buddhist traditions - which both emphasise the importance of harmonising the body and mind with the rhythms of nature. Over time, Qi Gong became an essential part of Chinese health practices, believed to promote longevity, improve vitality, and foster a deep sense of inner peace.

Like yoga, Qi Gong has been practised for thousands of years, evolving from a healing technique into a holistic discipline aimed at nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. Despite their different origins, both practices share a deep commitment to mindfulness and conscious movement. 

So, what exactly is Qi Gong practice?

We know you’re probably itching to understand what this mysterious practice actually looks like. And you may have already anticipated the answer - it has to be experienced to be truly understood!

Let us somewhat soften your curiosity here. Unlike the postures of yoga, Qi Gong’s movements may appear simple at first— imagine your hands moving slowly through space as if you’re swimming through honey. However, with consistent practice, Qi Gong will heighten your awareness and sensitivity to energy, enhancing and complementing other mindful movement and meditation practices. From a philosophical perspective, the practice is working on the subtle body (i.e. the meridians) to direct and restore energy. You might also be surprised by its ability to build physical strength and discipline through slow, deliberate movement. 

Accessible movement to heal and transform

Qi Gong’s gentle, flowing movements are accessible to every body - something we strive for at Humane. It also acts as an antidote to today’s fast-paced world, with philosophies similar to those you may have encountered in Yin yoga. Qi Gong’s focus on slowing down and being present with your body and mind can be a powerful tool for personal healing and transformation.

We are so excited to offer Qi Gong at Humane Yoga and look forward to welcoming you to a class soon. See the latest timetable with all our offerings here.

5 top tips for creating your home yoga practice

So, you’ve decided you’re keen to explore yoga practice at home! This is a beautiful step on the path of a yogi, and requires dedication and discipline. Luckily, the rewards you reap are well worth the effort, offering you a sanctuary of mindful movement and peace that travels with you wherever life leads.

Whether you’re a seasoned studio practitioner craving a deeper connection (and, sometimes, convenience) or a total beginner taking the first steps on your journey, creating the time and space for yoga at home will enrich your experience, wherever your practice unfolds. But where to begin? No worries, yogis. We’re here to share some of our tried-and-tested top tips to help you establish and maintain a fulfilling home yoga practice. 

Set the scene

First things first - carve out a little space in your home for your practice. You don’t need a separate room or a fancy studio setup; simply find a quiet corner where you can roll out your mat without distractions. Forget anywhere that offers a view of the kitchen’s dirty dishes, piles of laundry, or a computer begging you to answer emails. It might be as simple as a little nook in your bedroom that’s already set up as a space of rest. 

Make your new ritual habitual

Creating a new habit might be the biggest challenge when it comes to starting your home yoga practice. So, make it as easy as possible. Start by finding a time of day that suits you and habit-stacking. For example, practice directly after brushing your teeth in the morning or after washing the dishes in the evening. Also, minimise the steps it takes to practice—don’t hide your yoga mat away in a cupboard or set up your space out of sight. Making the daily journey to your yoga mat as easy as possible will ensure your new habit sticks.

Let nature be your guide

Look outside. What time of day is it? What is the season? What is the weather like? Adjust your practice accordingly. You might not want to move through a sweaty sequence in the middle of a hot summer’s day. Similarly, rain might leave you feeling sleepy and unmotivated. Be guided by the wisdom of nature and the seasons, both internal and external. 

Simple sequencing 

Now, the technical part (but simple, we promise!) - Understand the basics of yoga sequencing. Identify poses that warm you up, cool you down, and serve as the peak of your practice. Create a sequence based on these principles. 

Here is a general guide:

Warm up

Meditation + breathing 

Gentle seated poses

Sun salutations

Middle

Standing poses

Balances

Cool down

Hip stretches

Forward folds

Twists

Savasana

Don’t be intimidated by the number of suggestions here - if you only have five minutes you could do 2 minutes of breathing, one Sun Salute and a yummy Sleeping Swan to finish. 

Whatever your space and schedule, you can make a home practice work for you - and that’s the beauty of it!

Need more guidance? Join Jess in the upcoming Master Your Asana workshop on Creating your own Home Practice. Find all the details here.

Mastering Warrior 2: Invite power into your home practice

Name: Warrior 2

Sanskrit: Virabhadrasana II

Benefits: The benefits of Warrior 2 Pose include strengthening the ankles, quads, core, and shoulders, and gently opening the hips. 

Contraindications (when not to practice): Those with any significant knee, back or hip injuries may need to avoid this pose. However, it can be practised safely for most people with some modifications. See below ‘modifications’ on finding the right variation for you. 

When to practice: Warrior 2 is often included in the middle of a class, after you have warmed up. It is a great pose for moving towards stronger, more dynamic poses, or can be an advanced asana in itself. It’s wonderful for inviting strength and stamina and is ideal to include in your morning practice. 

How to (step-by-step):

1. Start in a standing position, facing towards the long edge of your mat. 

2. Take your feet around 1 - 1 ½ leg lengths apart (or closer if modifying), face your toes directly forward (to the long edge of the mat), and bring your hands onto your hips. 

3. From here, take your right toes to face towards the front (short edge) of your mat, lining the right heel up with the back arch. Or, if it’s more comfortable, line the front heel up with the back heel. Check that your back toes are still facing the long edge of your mat. 

4. As you inhale, bring your arms up to shoulder height, reaching out through your fingertips. 

5. Exhale, bend your right knee, bringing it directly above your right ankle. Try not to let the knee move beyond the ankle, keeping your right shin straight. 

6. Keep your right knee above the ankle, trying not to let the knee fall inwards or outwards. 

7. Set your drishti (steady gaze) beyond your right fingertips. 

8. From here, scan from your foundation up. Check that your feet and knees are still in alignment as you continue to earth down into the soles of your feet. 

9. Notice your hips. Feel them opening towards the long edge of your mat if that feels comfortable, or explore the position of the hips until you feel stable in your body. 

10. Check in with your shoulders. Keep them directly above the hips, so you’re not leaning forward. 

11. Notice your hands and your fingers - keeping them alive and engaged. 

12. Reach up through the crown of your head. 

13. Hold for around 5 breaths (listen to your body). 

14. To move onto the second side, straighten your right leg then change the position of your feet so that the right toes face the long edge of your mat and the left toes now face the short end. 

15. Repeat on the second side and release. 

Modifications (when you need to take it easy): This pose is most aggravating for the knees, hips, and lower back (it’s also very strengthening for these parts of the body!). 

If you have had a recent knee or back injury, you may still comfortably practise this pose by shortening your stance. Instead of bringing the feet wide when you’re setting up, bring them closer together. Just remember to keep the knee aligned above the ankle as you move into the pose. 

If there’s discomfort through the hips, instead of externally rotating them, allow them to gently roll in. This is not something that’s easy to see from the outside - but you’ll feel it in your body. Just let your hips find the most comfortable position for you. 

If you have an injury or feel sore through the neck or shoulders, simply rest the hands on the hips instead of bringing them up to shoulder height. 

Advancements (if you’re feeling something more dynamic): This is the most advanced variation of this pose. However, if you’re feeling energetic you can hold the pose for longer or lengthen your stance a little - bringing the front quad parallel to the floor. 

To practice Warrior 2 with Jess, head to our Youtube channel for a video tutorial and discover your inner warrior! 

The nitty gritty of Gate Pose: A how-to for your home practice

Name: Gate Pose

Sanskrit: Parighasana

Benefits: The benefits of Gate Pose include lengthening and strengthening the side body, awakening the back muscles, and strengthening the ankles and feet. 

Contraindications (when not to practice): Those with major knee, hip, shoulder or spine injuries should avoid this pose until they feel comfortable. See below ‘modifications’ on how to modify this pose for your body. 

When to practice: This is a great pose to warm up your body for stronger poses, so can be ideal in the beginning stages of a yoga session. Practising this pose in the morning can help awaken your spine and side body, setting you up for the day. Or, if you’ve been sitting at a desk all day, this is a wonderful pose to enjoy as you wind down in the evening to clear out any cobwebs. 

How to (step-by-step):

1. Start by coming onto your hands and knees, then propping yourself up onto your knees. 

2. From here, extend your right leg straight out to the side, planting the sole of your foot onto the floor - in line with your left knee - and pointing the toes forward. 

3. Release your right hand onto your right leg. 

4. As you inhale, extend your left fingertips to the sky. 

5. Exhale, slide your right hand down your right leg as far as you comfortably can. 

6. Keep breathing as you reach your left fingertips up and over the crown of your head with the palm facing down. 

7. Earth into the right foot as you continue reaching through the left fingertips. 

8. Hold for 3-5 breaths, release, then practise on the second side. 

Modifications (when you need to take it easy): If there’s discomfort in the knees, roll up your mat or use a blanket for padding. This pose can also be practised on a chair. Simply sit on the chair and extend one leg out to the side. If there’s discomfort through the neck or shoulders you can reach your fingertips to the sky or allow the arm to relax down across your body. 

Advancements (if you’re feeling something more dynamic): Though this is the most advanced variation of this pose, it’s a great warm-up to more advanced poses like Side Plank and Wild Thing. 

To practice along with Humane Yoga’s very own Maxime, head to our YouTube channel for a video tutorial on this sweet, side-body shaping pose.

Unwind, reflect, reset: A yogi’s guide to settling into the New Year

As we settle back into the rhythm of everyday life, this is an opportune moment to pause and reflect on the year just passed and the journey ahead. Let this be your invitation to go within, gently guiding yourself towards the path you wish to tread in the coming months, and sowing the seeds for your future. 

Yoga offers us so much practical guidance in life. Here are some of its most powerful insights to consider as you settle into the new year. 

Embrace the present

It’s so easy to get caught up in dwelling on the past and anticipating the future, especially at this time of year. We get it - even we are advising you to do that! But what if, instead, you invited yourself to be fully in the moment, embracing life as it unfolds with openness and awareness? Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, can you offer yourself moments of mindfulness and gratitude in the here and now? Take time each day to pause, breathe, and connect with the present - whether through meditation, mindful movement, being in nature, or whatever allows you to find a moment of mental stillness. 

Practise self compassion

As you embark on the year ahead, remember to be gentle with yourself. In yogic philosophy, we call it ‘Ahimsa’ meaning ‘non-violence.’ Practise ahimsa towards yourself by honouring your journey, acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, and offering yourself the same kindness and compassion that you would extend to a dear friend. Forget about new year’s resolutions, and all the things you didn’t ‘achieve’ last year. Instead, embrace the natural unfolding of your unique life, and allow yourself the space to learn and grow from your experiences. 

Trust the process

Trust that you are exactly where you need to be on your journey. Embrace the twists and turns, the ups and downs, knowing that each experience is a valuable teacher guiding you towards greater wisdom and understanding. In yoga philosophy we call this ‘Ishvara Pranidhana’ and it’s all about surrendering to a higher power. Trust that the universe has a plan for you even when things may seem uncertain or challenging.

Set intentions, not resolutions

Rather than setting rigid resolutions that may feel restrictive or overwhelming, consider setting intentions that reflect your values, aspirations, and deepest desires. Intentions are like seeds planted in the fertile soil of your heart, ready to bloom and blossom in the year ahead. Reflect on what truly matters and what you hope to cultivate in the coming months, whether it’s greater love, compassion, joy - or something else that’s equally beneficial to both yourself and the world around you. 

NEW YEAR JOURNAL PROMPTS: SETTING INTENTIONS BASED ON CORE VALUES

Before diving into this list, you may consider creating a sacred little space and taking some relaxing breaths. You could write your answers down in a journal, or simply contemplate them whilst walking in nature or lying on your bed. This is not something to add to your to-do list, but an invitation for reflection and clarity - so let it feel good. 

Identify your core values

Consider the things that mean the most to you. You might start with 10 values. See if you can condense that list down to three or five. How have these values influenced the past year of your life? Have your actions aligned with your core values? 

Reflect on your core values 

Over the past year, in which areas of your life have your core values aligned? In what areas do you feel they could be improved? 

Incorporate your core values

What actions can you take to integrate your core values into your life more fully? What steps can you take to align your actions with your deepest values and create the life you desire? 

In Yoga, there's no Right or Wrong

MEET OUR TEACHERS: INTRODUCING MAXIME

Our darling Maxime has been with Humane Yoga since 2022.

Hailing from Belgium, she grew up in Europe and brings a wealth of experience to our sweet little studio. She has a professional background in sociology, education, counseling, gestalt therapy, yoga, and horsemanship, which she weaves seamlessly into her classes.

Maxime is passionate about helping her students to thrive from a place of empowerment - both on and off the mat. If you’ve spent time in Maxime’s classes, you’ll know she approaches the practice of yoga with great respect. With an in-depth knowledge of the body and human psychology, Maxime has a special skill for inspiring students to move, with self-kindness and compassion, towards a healthier body and mind.

You can expect to leave a practice with Maxime feeling confident, inspired, and nourished. 

We sat down for a chat with Maxime so you can get to know her better. 

How did you discover yoga? 

I discovered yoga after a couple of challenging years in my early twenties. I left my home country to come back to a balanced sense of self, and discovered yoga only four weeks after I left. I signed up for two months at a yoga community and never looked back. 

How did you become a yoga teacher?

In Australia I signed up for a Certificate IV with Byron Yoga Centre and felt inspired to specialise in yoga therapy and trauma-informed yoga.

Nowadays I integrate yoga in my own daily practice to support my own mental and physical health, but also in my mental health support sessions with students and participants.

Where did you train to teach yoga and what was your experience like?

I started with yoga in Central-America and then continued to practice with a variety of studios and teachers. I felt inspired and "at home" when I started practicing Tantric Hatha Yoga and then continued with a variety of trainings to specialise in yoga for trauma, depression, body image, and in yoga therapy for specific diagnoses and health issues. 

If you could go back and give your beginner yogi self one piece of advice, what would it be? 

I think I could learn a lot from my beginner yogi self. The first year that I practiced yoga, I had a lot of space and time to fully dedicate to my practice. The challenge these days is to practice all the teachings and wisdom yoga offers me, in day to day life, filled with distractions and challenges related to society, my personal life and professional life.

The advice that I would give to anyone in their early days of yoga practice is that there is no right or wrong when it comes to yoga. Many people enter a yoga space assuming they can be “good” or “bad” at it. But this is not the point of a yoga practice. Yoga is a state of being, and you can be in relationship with it, or you can choose not to be in a relationship with it. The fruits of yoga are experienced through regular practice, but that doesn’t mean that not practising regularly is a failure. So, I believe there is no right or wrong in yoga - there is only curiosity, enquiry, and practice. 

As a yoga teacher, what is one question or comment you frequently receive, and how do you respond? 

Mostly I receive questions about a yoga practice can support specific health issues, whether they are physical health challenges (eg. sleeping difficulties, asthma, lower back pain, etc.) or mental/emotional health issues (eg. anxiety, depression, trauma, body image issues, etc.). 

When dealing with emotional and physical challenges, I advise depending on the ailment, but I always try to remind my students that holistic health begins with awareness. An increased awareness can help us to realise that we can have thoughts, feelings and sensations - but we are not defined by them. 

How do you integrate the teachings/philosophies of yoga into your everyday life? 

By really understanding that the only constant in life is change, reminding myself that with time and practice the dark night will pass, and in those times consciously practising gratitude to really appreciate life. I believe the purpose of life is simple - we’re here to live, to support each other, and to love. Yoga isn’t a panacea for all that ails us, but I’m really glad it’s part of my toolkit and I believe it helps me not only to survive but to thrive. 

Check the timetable to see when you can Maxime on the mat - teaching Yang (Hatha), Yin, and Sculpt.