Gemma Vassallo – teacher feature

We caught up with Gemma Vassallo, EkhartYoga's newest addition to the teaching team, who loves helping her students transform. Here’s what she had to say.

Gemma Vassallo in Paris

Where are you from?
Sydney, Australia.

How did yoga come into your life?
I had a back injury and a personal trainer suggested I try yoga to help with the pain. Funnily, that class I went to ended up being the studio where I did my first yoga teacher training and then taught, in Sydney Australia.

What is yoga to you, right now?
Yoga is my entire world! Whilst I do have other interests, to keep me balanced, yoga is at the centre of my life and has a special place in my heart.

Why do you practice?
Because I feel like much less of a crazy person afterwards!

Why do you teach?
Because I love helping people and seeing them transform.

What do you offer to your community, through yoga?
Group classes, private classes, workshops, teacher trainings and yoga retreats.

Favourite yoga pose?
Do I have to just choose one?! It’s impossible!

Advice to new yogis?
You don’t need to be able to touch your toes to do yoga. Just start, find a teacher you love, and practice often. It will literally change your life.

Recommended reading (yoga or not)?
The Spark in the Machine, by Daniel Keown.

Favourite meal?
Potatoes. Does that count as a meal?

What do you do for fun?
Spend time playing with my daughter, visiting friends and family, circus flexibility and arm balance trainin – and Crossfit!

Stranded on an island — what 3 things would you bring?
A large bucket to catch water when it rains/store fish.
A lighter or matches.
A notebook and pen to help me process my thoughts and to not go too crazy!
Can I also bring a knife? That would be really useful!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A fairy, so I could sprinkle magical dust and help people’s dreams come true.

Surprising or little known fact about you?
I was a wedding DJ, for a brief period of time as a young adult.

Current projects?
I offer a Yin Yoga Teacher Training Level 1, a Hands-On Assisting Course, and a Yin Yoga Teacher Training Level 2. Flexibility Training Courses are currently being created!

Closing words?
We are all unique individuals, and there is a yoga and a teacher out there for everyone. Let’s make the world a better place by encouraging as many people as possible to get on their mat and do yoga (and not just asana!). This is why I’m proud to teach on EkhartYoga, because you help make yoga accessible to so many people. Namaste and see you soon!

p.s. Look out for Gemma’s first class on EkhartYoga, coming on Monday 9th January – part of our 30-day Feel-Good Yoga Challenge.

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EkhartYoga Written by one of the EkhartYoga staff or guest writers. A dedicated team of yoga teachers, yoga students, anatomy geeks, and recipe creators.