Leslie Lim
November 1, 2024
Industry
Could you start by giving us a short introduction about yourself?
I’m Yessica Melendez, a yoga, pilates and barre instructor based in Amsterdam for almost eight years and I’m moving to South-Africa to start a new chapter of my life. I’ve been passionate about movement since I was 17 and I also work in marketing, so I blend wellness with a business background. I’m energetic, love music, food and meeting new people.
What was your first experience with yoga and how did it influence your approach to both practicing and teaching?
I’ve been active my whole life but only started yoga while working in Southeast Asia. I had a stressful corporate job and felt restricted, unable to go out or to the gym. A friend suggested I try yoga at home. At first I was skeptical, thinking it was too slow for me, but over time I found a more active style that resonated. To the point where I started to actually feel better, not only physically but mentally. I realized that others might feel the same way at work and may be looking for ways to channel their energy differently, ultimately to feel better and cope with their challenges. That realization inspired me to complete my teacher training in Bali and eventually quit my corporate job to teach full-time. Teaching allows me to keep learning from my students, which deepens my own practice.
What motivated or inspired you to start teaching pilates and how would you describe your style of coaching on your students?
After the yoga teacher training, I wanted to expand my skills with pilates, though it’s quite different from yoga. Yoga focuses on mental flexibility and spiritual elements, while pilates emphasizes physical strength and body control. Funny enough, both disciplines were founded by men, but are now mostly practiced by women. I’m personally very flexible and adaptable and my style of teaching is that as well. I love challenging students but emphasize fundamentals, like safe alignment and anatomy. In group classes, I focus on vinyasa style and postures, especially if I’m unfamiliar with the students. In 1:1 sessions, I focus on each client’s goals and intention, whether it’s overcoming limitations or building confidence.
In what way do you feel yoga is different in other countries where you have been teaching and did you have to adapt in any way to this?
Yes, each place is different. In the U.S., for example I’ve experienced that yoga leans toward fitness, which aligns with my style. In Amsterdam, there’s a mix, some prefer the spiritual side, which isn’t purely my focus. In Haarlem for example, classes tend to be slower with more matured clientele who seek a different pace, while in Amsterdam in my opinion people seek more intensity, novelty and a wholesome experience. However, I always strive to balance challenge with calmness because I want my students to feel physically strong and mentally calm after class.
What I’ve also learned is that in Amsterdam we have very high standards and that people are very vocal to review and suggest as there are not only many teachers, but abundant studios to benchmark from. I feel like people here like to be challenged, they like innovation an they enjoy nice smells, props, the whole setting matters. So if you stick to your one flow, people won’t come to your class. Because they have such a high standard in fitness overall and are demanding.
How do you structure your training routine to improve both your physical endurance and your effectiveness as a teacher?
I train daily, whether it’s yoga, pilates or running and aim to work out six days a week. I also keep up with the latest trends, like the growing popularity of pilates reformer training and regularly attend trainings to stay current. I feel like an athlete because I train every day, nurture my body accordingly and take my recovery seriously. All this is to sustain my teaching and be/do what I preach.
What do you consider the most important aspect of a lesson for your clients?
That they leave with a good feeling afterwards.
What do you eat and drink to maintain your fitness and overall health as a yoga teacher?
I aim for a balanced diet without strict restrictions. I monitor how my body feels, using tools like a smartwatch and tracking my diet’s effects on heart rate and energy. For example, I limit lactose, stick to sourdough and am picky about olive oil. I also incorporate Ayurvedic principles where possible.
How do you think that yoga helps on a mental and physical level?
Yoga is more than a physical practice; it’s a lifestyle. It helps to open up and to let go of ego. On the mat, you see a reflection of who you are off the mat in your daily life, so it’s about letting go of identity and simply “being.” That’s yoga for me.
What do you say to people who say that yoga is not for them (e.g. because they are not flexible)?
I often ask if they mean physically or mentally flexible. Physical flexibility often mirrors mental flexibility.
What is the best tip or advice you would give to anyone who is:
Try different styles and teachers before deciding if it’s for you. Experiment with various classes, videos and teachers until you find what resonates. Don’t give up by the first attempt.
The more you will expose yourself out there as a teacher, the more you will learn. Don’t be afraid to admit if you don’t know something; vulnerability is key. Attend other teachers’ classes and embrace continual learning.
