Can you teach yoga at my hotel, villa, or Airbnb?

Yes! I offer private and group yoga sessions at your accommodation throughout Tuscany, including Pisa, Lucca, Versilia, and the surrounding areas. I bring all necessary equipment — yoga mats, blocks, and straps — so you just need to provide a quiet space, whether it's a terrace, garden, living room, or poolside.

What styles of yoga do you teach?

I teach four main styles: Vinyasa (flowing sequences synchronized with breath), Hatha (gentle, foundational practice with longer holds), Ashtanga (dynamic, structured sequences for those seeking challenge), and Yoga Nidra (guided deep relaxation, perfect for recovery or stress relief). I'll recommend the best style based on your experience level and what you're looking for.

Do I need yoga experience to book a session?

Not at all! I welcome complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Each session is tailored to your level, whether you've never stepped on a yoga mat or have years of practice. I'll guide you through every pose with clear instructions and modifications as needed.

What languages do you teach in?

I teach fluently in Italian, English, and Spanish. I can easily accommodate groups with mixed language preferences, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and can follow along during the practice.

How far in advance should I book?

I recommend booking at least 48-72 hours in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist season (May-October). However, I understand travel plans can be spontaneous — feel free to reach out even for last-minute requests, and I'll do my best to accommodate you.

What should I wear and bring to a yoga session?

Wear comfortable, stretchy clothing that allows you to move freely. I provide all the equipment (mats, blocks, straps), so you don't need to bring anything. Just have some water nearby and avoid eating a heavy meal 1-2 hours before practice.

What is the Yoga & Wine Experience?

It's a unique combination of a yoga session followed by a guided wine tasting. As a certified AIS sommelier and yoga instructor, I offer this special experience perfect for hen parties, milestone birthdays, or groups wanting something memorable. The yoga practice sets the mood, and then I guide you through a curated selection of Tuscan wines.

What areas in Tuscany do you serve?

I'm based in San Giuliano Terme (near Pisa) and serve the greater Pisa area, Lucca, the entire Versilia coast (including Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, and Pietrasanta), Livorno, and surrounding Tuscan countryside. For locations further afield, please contact me to discuss travel arrangements.

What is your cancellation policy?

I understand travel plans change. Cancellations made more than 24 hours before your scheduled session receive a full refund. For cancellations within 24 hours, I ask for 50% of the session fee. No-shows are charged the full amount. Rescheduling is always free when possible.

How do I pay for a session?

I accept cash (Euros), bank transfer, and major credit cards. Payment is typically made after the session. For group bookings or retreats, I may request a deposit in advance to secure your booking.

What is Ashtanga Yoga? The Eight-Limbed Path

Ashtanga yoga is one of the most structured and disciplined forms of yoga you’ll encounter. If you’re drawn to consistency, physical challenge, and a practice rooted in ancient philosophy, this might be your path.

What Does “Ashtanga” Mean?

The word comes from Sanskrit: “Ashta” means “eight” and “Anga” means “limb.”¹ Ashtanga yoga refers to the eight-limbed path outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras over 2,000 years ago.

These eight limbs are:

Yama — Ethical restraints (non-harming, truthfulness)
Niyama — Personal observances (cleanliness, contentment, discipline)
Asana — Physical postures
Pranayama — Breath control
Pratyahara — Withdrawal of the senses
Dharana — Concentration
Dhyana — Meditation
Samadhi — Absorption, enlightenment

The physical practice most people know as “Ashtanga” is just the third limb — but it’s designed as a gateway to the others.²

A Brief History

Modern Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009) in Mysore, India.¹ He studied under the legendary Tirumalai Krishnamacharya and established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in 1948.

What makes Ashtanga unique is its fixed sequences. Unlike Vinyasa, where teachers create varied flows, Ashtanga follows the same series of poses in the same order, every time. The Primary Series contains approximately 41 asanas and takes about 90 minutes to complete.³

The Series Structure

Ashtanga has six series, though most practitioners focus on the first two:

Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) — “Yoga therapy” — designed to detoxify and align the body
Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) — “Nerve cleansing” — opens energy channels
Advanced Series (A, B, C, D) — For dedicated, long-term practitioners

The Primary Series emphasizes forward bends, which are said to increase digestive fire and calm the nervous system.³

What Does the Research Say?

Studies have documented real, measurable benefits:

Improved muscular endurance and flexibility — An 8-week study found significant improvements in upper body and core strength, hamstring and trunk flexibility⁴
Better cardiovascular fitness — The dynamic nature of the practice elevates heart rate
Reduced body fat — Participants showed decreases in overall body fat percentage⁴
Bone health — An 8-month study found yoga practitioners maintained bone formation markers that declined in non-practitioners⁵
Neurological changes — Brain imaging studies show experienced practitioners have different brain metabolism patterns, particularly in areas related to focus and calm⁶

Is Ashtanga Right for You?

Ashtanga suits those who:

Thrive with structure and routine
Want a physically demanding practice
Are willing to commit long-term (it takes years to master)
Appreciate the meditative quality of repetition
Seek discipline as a path to mental clarity

It’s not typically recommended for complete beginners — most teachers suggest starting with Hatha or gentle Vinyasa first. However, “Mysore style” classes allow you to learn at your own pace with individual guidance.

Begin Your Journey

The beauty of Ashtanga is that the practice meets you where you are. You don’t need to complete the full Primary Series to benefit — even the first few Sun Salutations, done with awareness, can be transformative.

If you’re curious about Ashtanga or want to deepen an existing practice, get in touch — we can help guide your first steps on this ancient path.

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