Hotpod Yoga
Pretoria I Lynnwood

Michelle Minnaar

My journey started as a physiology student. I found that the approach to healing I studied was very condensed and that i craved a deeper, more expansive, understanding of our bodily abilities. Shortly after, I found meditation and yoga where I embraced a routinely practice. I love guiding others through various yogic poses, breath control techniques, and meditation. The main aim is to help people find harmony between body, mind, and soul. Yoga is an ancient practice I have welcomed into my life and teaching others the balance of our being through movement is a beautiful way of strengthening the human spirit.

Matt Hoal

Rodney

Rodney was propelled onto his pranayama breathwork journey during 2019, during Covid and he actually discovered pranayama before he ever even attended a yoga class.
He attended his first yoga class towards to end of 2022 during which he felt a strong connection between what he was already practicing as pranayama breathwork and the body spirit connection of yoga through the practice of asana, suddenly the interconnectivity of these practices became experiential to him in a very profound and unforgettable way.
He recently completed a 40 hour breathwork instructor course and he am signed up to do my 200 hour yoga teacher training from the beginning of 2024.
Yoga in all its forms has changed his life in the most remarkable way and It is his sincere calling now to impart and explore in my own practice with and through others.
He hopes to share and continue learning in this wonderful journey of ultimate surrender to the higher self through the powerful transformational power of pranayama and yoga with like minded individuals in the tranquil environment that a yoga studio provides.
Union not only with the higher self but also with the collective creative consciousness that embodies us all.

Gary Thomas

Nastassja

It happened on an idle Tuesday at 16:30 (which is how the biggest shifts usually occur) I attended my first Hotpod class and the heat ignited my internal heart fire and desire to learn, practice and experience more. I did my YTT in 2017, initially for my own practice, but noticed how teaching friends and family in practical hours really meant so much to them, opened us all up and allowed my joy to go beyond my own heart. I’ve taught many different styles ever since and I’m always stirred to serve and learn more.

I enjoy observing, dissecting and exploring alignment and posture as a way to cultivate curiosity, inquiry and honesty through the poses (physical) to be used off the mat (mental and emotional).

I am honoured and humbled at how Yoga offers us all an opportunity to arrive more fully in every present moment (on and off the mat) and I’m amped to share it with like minded people.

Franco Enrico

I discovered ballet at seventeen and felt an immediate, profound connection to its slow, controlled movements. Ballet became my guiding star, and I danced professionally for a decade. However, I never learned to truly listen to my body, treating it more as a tool than a partner.

After leaving ballet to study architecture, I neglected my body until severe pain forced me to reconsider. This led me to explore yoga, initially seeking to regain flexibility and strength but soon realizing I needed to approach my body with greater care.

Through various styles of yoga, I found Yoga Synergy, a practice that blends easeful, strengthening movements with a meditative quality. It brings harmony to my practice, integrating asana, vinyasa, and pranayama into a fluid, present experience of body and spirit.

Kyla Goncalves

Hey,

I’m Kyla,

Linguist and Yogi, born & bred Pretorian who’s been many places and come straight back home. I started my practice is 2010 after attending a yoga class with some friends at a sleep over, it was love at 1st yoga 😅.

I’m a diagnosed but never medicated ADHDer who found my Ritalin in Yoga, from that 1st class, it brought me to myself like nothing had ever before and I’ve been exploring myself and the deep ocean of practice ever since. I did my 300hr Vinyasa YTT with Living yoga in 2020 and in 2024, my 300hr Yoga Therapy with Shakti YA. I’m also a kids & teens teacher and love to be adventurous and playful in my classes. I love teaching Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin.

I look forward to seeing you on the mat and exploring, flowing & sweating together.

Steve Newman & Nish Pillay

Steve Newman, a virtuoso guitarist with an illustrious career, takes center stage, bringing to life the magic of his renowned bands, including, internationally acclaimed – Tananas, All in One, In the Clouds, and more. From enchanting audiences worldwide with Tananas’ mesmerizing performances in countries like Australia, Japan, France, to his global collaboration with Tony Cox as the Road Warriors, Steve’s musical odyssey has left an indelible mark on the international and South African music scene and is regarded as a national treasure and legend.

Joining forces with Steve is the extraordinary percussionist, Nish Pillay, whose nomadic rhythm echoes through his soul-stirring tabla performances. Nish’s rhythmic prowess has graced stages alongside South African pop legends like Ard Matthews and Arno Carstens; SAMA winners Qadasi, and the Jack Mantis Band – in this project a highlight being the support act for 3 time Grammy Award winner Ben Harper, in 2019 at the Grand West Arena, Cape Town. With roots in South Africa and extensive musical journeys through India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Rwanda, Nish brings a fusion of genres that adds depth and rhythm to every composition.

Be prepared for an exceptional showcase of virtuosity and musical brilliance. This rare collaboration promises an evening filled with soulful melodies and captivating rhythms. Immerse yourself in Steve Newman’s brand new original compositions, alongside timeless favorites from his iconic bands. Nish Pillay will unveil a seamless fusion of traditional Indian grooves expressed authentically, in an African context.

Lea

I started my yoga journey in a rocky season of life, as a path to healing – mentally, physically and spiritually.
In 2020 I completed my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, and quickly discovered my love for teaching.

Being a teacher in many fields, I have a deep passion for wholesome, healthy living, and love to share this passion with others.

Melissa

I have been practicing yoga since 2017 and completed my 200hr Teacher Training with Hotpod Yoga in 2022.
I am committed to providing an extensive experience and I’m excited to share my passion with all students from beginner to advanced.
I believe that yoga is personal, totally unique to you – I honour this and I am grateful to offer space to guide you into your breath and movement to expand, accept and release.

Mieke

I attended my first yoga class in 2021 and I immediately fell in love! Completed my YTT in 2023. I am incredibly grateful for the guidance and inspiration I received from my trainers. My goal is to grow with students and to add value wherever my teaching journey may lead.

Qualified SABOD HipHop dance instructor. I have a passion for music and movement and I strongly believe that health is wealth.

Deoudoné

I started doing yoga in 2003, and immediately fell in love! What initially started as a physical fitness routine quickly evolved into a profound journey of self-discovery and well-being. Over time, as I immersed myself into the practice I started experiencing the transformative power of yoga on the mind. Wanting to learn more and go deeper, I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher’s training with Hotpod Pretoria.

I am so thankful for everything that my teacher’s have shared with me, and hope to offer students the same space in class that has enriched my life.

Lazane

Lazane initially went into yoga for the physical aspect but when she noticed the mental shift she knew she wanted to share it with others. Her love for people , connection & authenticity shines through her passion & drive. She strives to make people the best versions of themselves. Lazane did her 200 yoga teaching training in 2016 and is currently busy with her 300 hours yoga therapy.

Christa

I attended my first yoga class in 2008 and has never stopped since. As my love and passion for yoga grew and I noticed how every aspect of my life was being transformed, a deep desire to share this with people developed.

So, in 2015, after spending some time in the Sivananda Ashram in the South of India, I completed a 500hr TTC course in Integral Hatha Yoga. I became a registered teacher with the Yoga Teachers Fellowship shortly thereafter.

My aim is to present students with the tools to cope with the many challenges they face daily. To help them find inner peace amidst their stressful lives, connect with a deeper part of themselves, still their minds, and at the same time move and strengthen their bodies.

Inneke

After my first class in January of 2019, I was hooked! I started once a week with one of my close friends and within 6 months I had a daily practice. I recently completed my teacher training through a 200-hour Hotpod Yoga course and I will always be a student of the practice and am deeply grateful for the wisdom my teachers have shared.

I love the strength yoga has given me, both physically and mentally! In my classes, I love to combine creative sequencing, the strength of playfulness and a dose of inspiration to help you deepen your practice. My hope is that you step off the mat feeling refreshed, nourished and balanced.

Mischa

Mischa is proud to be one of the first representatives of Hotpod Yoga South Africa – and is leading HPY Pretoria!

She obtained her 200 hour yoga teachers training qualification in Rishikesh, India where she had the pleasure of learning under the guidance of Acharya Vinay Chaitnyaryt. Her classes are dynamic Vinyasa Flow, integrating alignment, core work, and breathing techniques with basic poses and the creative sequencing from the Hotpod Yoga UK team. She has a simple yet dynamic way of communication and believes in understanding each and every individual she teaches. She loves teaching people to move their bodies for all round physical and mental goodness. Her understanding and hands-on ability to teach deepens from having experience as a gymnast and a former Pilates instructor. She finds joy incorporating yoga into her own everyday life.