Mariya Semianchova
Yoga and Face Yoga instructor
Get to know Mariya
I started practising yoga in my teens. I think I was mostly attracted to the challenge and excitement of difficult poses at that time. As my practice grew, I came to appreciate a simpler and softer approach to the physical side of yoga, and the feeling of connection to self it brought into my busy life. In 2017 I embarked on my first yoga teacher training course, intending to teach only myself, but I discovered a passion for guiding others along the way. I prefer to say “guide” rather than “teach”, as yoga is a very personal journey and my job is mostly to step aside and let you enjoy the experience.
My main training is in the Yoga Synergy method, developed by physiotherapists. It is energising but gentle on the spine. I am also certified in Face Yoga, after many years of self-practice. Face Yoga seems very popular now (at least on Instagram!) but when I started it was quite an unusual hobby. For me it became a necessity, as I had to rebuild my facial muscles after they were damaged in an accident. Of course Face Yoga tightens and brightens faces, but it is also wonderfully relaxing. There is a magic in paying loving attention to your own face, and I hope you will discover it for yourself. The Flow and Glow classes combine Synergy Flow and Face Yoga to give you an all-round nourishing experience.
Certifications
- 300 hour YTT certificate from Yoga Synergy
- Face Yoga teacher certificate from Danielle Collins
- Studying for a Mindfulness Meditation teacher qualification
A few questions for Mariya
- What is your favourite yoga pose and why?
- Fish pose. I love how undefended the heart is in this one.
- What is your favourite yoga myth?
- "Doing more advanced poses means you are better at yoga!" Of course it can be fun, but if fancy shapes are all we strive for, we risk missing the joy and wellbeing yoga can bring to our lives, on or off the mat.
- What music will I hear in your class?
- An eclectic mix of new age tunes.
- What do you like to do when you are not on the mat or teaching?
- Long walks in the summer and long baths in the winter, listening to audiobooks in both cases.
- If you were stranded on a remote island, what three things would you take with you?
- A notepad for journalling, a coffee maker, and my two cats (I guess that's four things?!).
- What is a fun fact about you?
- I smile a lot, probably 90% of my waking time!
Looking for a class with Mariya?
The timetable shows who is teaching each class.
