Heyya, I'm Ashley
Long time yoga teacher and forever student - I grew up in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada and am an outdoorsy country girl at heart. I came to London wanting to pursue big dreams of becoming a full time yoga teacher. I've done that now...and am turning my attention to keep building on my passions in other ways. One of the great things about living in a creative global city is exposure to people who are also creating their own big dreams, I've been lucky enough to have met many amazingly inspiring boss women. They push me to do more and show me that anything is possible if I do the work - I have been shown what IS possible if I set my mind to it. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to where I am. You know who you are!
What is my favourite thing about being a yoga teacher?
→ meeting people that I would have otherwise never met; seeing students have big 'aha' moments in their practice and seeing them overcome things they thought were impossible prior. This practice can be absolute magic.
What is the best bit of advice I've received?
→ don't set limits on yourself or ceilings on what you believe you can achieve. Your mindset is everything I have proven this to myself over and over. This applies to breakthroughs in my physical practice, which I've found are mostly fear based thoughts in the mind, and career goals - if you told me a decade ago where I'd be right now there is no way I'd believe you (I even built this website and become a bit tech-ey - who knew that would happen?!). I have to remind myself of this fact every once in a while because I can still get trapped in that thinking of 'I'm not doing enough!'
My favourite practice and yoga asana:
→ My favourites are Ashtanga, Rocket, Dharma & Sattva, BUT Ashtanga always wins because I believe its the most grounding and purposeful practice for me, at this point in my life. I get to have some play time and fun in the other practices though - trying to keep my practice dedicated but not so serious these days. My fave asana is Pincha Mayurasana (forearm stand) because it took me SO LONG to be able to do, and now I can hang out there all day. Its a reminder of how far I've come in my practice & personal life over the last decade.
What else do I do?
→ I am self employed so I wear a lot of hats in order to maintain a sustainable business/career. I run yoga retreats, I organise & host events around yoga/health & wellness, I am a Nutritional Therapist, I teach public & private yoga classes every week, I host corporate yoga events & speak about mindfulness/breathing, I have an online Members Area with a load of yoga classes/workshops, I mentor yoga teachers, I write creatively about yoga topics related to the practice & teaching, & nutrition for stress/anxiety/burnout prevention...and I teach courses too!
How else to connect with me?
→ Check out my IG @ashleyahrens
Hey there, it's Melinda
I grew up in a little village in Hungary called Sajószöged (another lovely word to try to say after my last name)... before setting out to travel the world as a model at the young age of 16. I found my base in London after years of working and now I call the ever-changing, fast-paced & glorious city my home for more than 10 years. Its a place filled with all the yoga and that's where I started practicing, teaching, and where our podcast come into the picture. After completing my first Teacher Training in 2015 I was faced with a competitive environment and the realities of being a yoga teacher in a big city. I will be your fast talking host (I promise I always try to slow down) trying to share all our insights of have to tackle everyday struggles through yoga, and just a chat.
What is my favourite thing about being a yoga teacher?
→ The community, the people I meet along the way. I always preferred small intimate classes where I can connect with my students.
What is the best bit of advice I've received?
→ It's your body, your practice. I don't believe in one posture fits all, or one approach suits everyone. We all have to find our own path whether in your practice or in your life, you just need to show up and do your practice however it feels on the day.
My favourite practice and yoga asana?
→ For me it would be a mandala flow: flowing with the elements and the energy of the day, creating mandala's with our bodies. I am a rocketeer in heart as its where I started and I love teaching it. But when it comes to my practice I love flowing and finding fluidity in my movements. If I have to think about a posture I could practice anytime it would be Upavistha Konasana aka Dragonfly (YIN name). I love wide legged forward folds, nothing fancy just you and the lovely stretch.
What else do I do?
→ Other than teaching classes in London, I host retreats, workshops and events as I am always keen creating community and to get people moving. I teach yoga for kids which was the biggest challenge in my life, but it is the most fulfilling too. It's amazing how children are so receptive and inquisitive when it comes to yoga, I love seeing them evolve.
How else to connect with me?
→ Check out my Instagram: @melindaszepesi
Here are some of our previous workshops, events, courses & retreats for you to peruse - we don't just podcast btw :) We will be updating this section with new events as they are created!
Level Up! Adjusting & Assists for Yoga Teachers - with Lauren Munday
A course for yoga teachers to learn how to confidently ask for consent and offer verbal / hands on yoga adjustments and assists. You'll be learning from two Senior Yoga Teachers who have a combined 25 years of experience to share with you.
When? TBC October 2024
Price: TBC
London Yoga Escape: A Day of Connection & Community
For those of you who have been curious about our longer retreats but haven’t been able to make one, we will be cultivating the same calming & mindful energy
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in a rejuvenating day retreat in the heart of London.
Join us for a blissful yoga experience that blends harmonious movement, mindful meditation and deep relaxation to nourish your body and soul
When? Saturday October 21st, 2023 @ 10am-4pm
Price: £95
Norfolk City Escape Yoga Retreat
Melinda Szepesi & Ashley Ahrens are your teachers and retreat hosts next Spring! We are going back to the lovely Fishley Hall, a beautiful country manor house out by the Norfolk Broads. This is where we hosted our first retreat together and it is a special place in our hearts that we love to return to each year. Details can be found on our webpage below.
When? April 18-21st, 2024
Price: from £590pp
