Laia Yañez is an Ashtanga Yoga teacher authorized Level 2 by Sharath Jois, KPJAYI (Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute). Originally from Barcelona, she studied Human Resources and spent over 10 years working in personnel departments in both public and private companies. However, her life took a transformative turn when she began collaborating with NGOs in Peru and Nepal. This experience led her to leave everything behind in her hometown and move to Kathmandu.

Over the next 5 years, Laia lived between India and Nepal, where she immersed herself in various spiritual practices, including Buddhist teachings, meditation, energy healing, and, above all, the study and practice of Ashtanga Yoga. It was in Kathmandu that she first encountered Ashtanga Yoga, and from the very first breath, she knew this would be her life’s path.

For 15 years, Laia traveled annually to Mysore, India, to study with her teacher Sharath Jois, at Sharath Yoga Centre (formerly Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute). There, she received her Level 2 authorization to teach and has had the honor of assisting Sharathji in the largest Mysore-style program in the world. She has also studied with Saraswathi Jois, the first woman admitted to the Sanskrit College of Mysore.

In addition to her studies in Mysore, Laia has deepened her practice with renowned teachers like Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor, during their month-long teachers’ intensive in Boulder, Colorado (2019), as well as Rolf. These experiences have profoundly shaped how Laia practices, teaches, and understands the path of Ashtanga Yoga.

While studying Buddhist dharma at Nagarjuna Barcelona (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition), Laia also had the opportunity to live and practice at the O Sel Ling Buddhist monastery in Soportújar (Granada), where she worked as a karma yogi.

Laia is the founder and teacher of Mysore Barcelona Ashtanga Yoga, has taught studios and Mysore programs worldwide and has led the monsoon Mysore program at Purple Valley. In addition she collaborates with companies, offering Yoga as a tool to improve well-being in the workplace.

Currently, Laia is studying Osteopathy, expanding her knowledge of human anatomy and healing. She continues to share her love for yoga as a path of spiritual growth and human development, offering Mysore programs, private classes, and mentorships both in person and online.

She is deeply grateful to all the practitioners and teachers who have walked this path with her.