About Me
Namaste, I’m Archana — a registered Yoga teacher with the Yoga Certification Board (Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India), Ayurveda practitioner, and lifelong advocate for holistic wellbeing.
With over 1200 hours of formal training, my roots lie in the classical traditions of yoga. I’ve trained in traditional Hatha Yoga at one of the world’s oldest yoga schools in Mumbai, deepened my practice in Ashtanga Vinyasa at its very source in Mysore, and studied Iyengar-style Yoga with Props in Goa, learning to integrate alignment, breath, and the intelligent use of props.
My teaching has been further enriched through advanced studies with Jo Phee—a globally renowned teacher and senior student of Paul Grilley, the pioneer of Yin Yoga. Alongside Yin Yoga, I have completed specialised training in Shoulder & Spine Anatomy, Myofascial Release, and fascia-informed movement, deepening my understanding of the body's connective tissues, biomechanics, and the relationship between movement, mobility, pain, and nervous system regulation.
My journey is further complemented by studies in Ayurveda and Therapeutic Yoga, allowing me to integrate traditional yogic wisdom with contemporary movement principles and evidence-informed anatomy.
This evolving approach enables me to create practices that are safe, accessible, and deeply supportive for a wide range of bodies and abilities.
As a lifelong practitioner, my practice and teaching are guided by these core principles:
* Safe, aligned, and intelligent movement form the foundation of a strong physical practice.
* Breath, body, and mind move as one—in rhythm and awareness.
* Real yoga unfolds beyond the mat—in how we live, feel, and show up each day.
My mission is simple: to help people feel balanced, strong, and centred—in body and in spirit.
I teach group and private classes, workshops, and holistic wellness programmes from my Shala in Pinner, London. I also offer online sessions and collaborate with charities, community groups, and organisations to make yoga more accessible.
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Beyond the mat, I’m a curious soul — always learning, often reading (philosophy or thrillers!), running with a podcast in my ears, trekking through hills, and savouring masala chai or a warm croissant — sometimes both, together! After two decades in a dynamic corporate media career, I’ve found true fulfilment in practising and sharing the teachings of yoga.
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🌿 Why the name “Atha”?
“Atha Yoga Anushasanam” — “Now, the practice and self-discipline of yoga begins.”
This first aphorism of Guru Patanjali’s 2000-year-old guidebook 'Yoga Sutra' beautifully encapsulates the spirit of presence and new beginnings.
Atha Yoga Shala is born from this timeless wisdom. Atha invites us to begin — right here, right now — with awareness, humility, and openness.
Shala, meaning home or sacred space, reflects the intention behind this offering: a welcoming space to practise, grow, and simply be.
I welcome you to this journey of self-discovery and inner transformation.
Come not as customers, but as sincere students walking your own path with awareness.
See you on the mat!
|| Lokah Samashta Sukhino Bhavantu ||
(May All Beings Everywhere Be Happy and Free)
||OM||