From an early age Marieke enjoyed physical activities as a way to express herself, playing outside and practicing handstands in the grass being her favourite pastime. Out of curiosity, she started taking Iyengar Yoga classes in her early twenties while studying in Amsterdam. She immediately noticed the positive effects on both body and mind but it wasn’t until she discovered Astanga in 2013 that she truly fell in love with the practice. This dynamic system took her back to that feeling of innocence and freedom she experienced during her childhood,that state without limitations where the seemingly impossible is, in fact, possible. Daily practice became a journey inward, a way to stay connected and true to herself, both on and off the mat.

In the years that followed, she attended several workshops and retreats with internationally respected teachers such as David Swenson, Eddie Stern, Kino MacGregor and Petri Räisänen. In 2018 she decided to join the Basic Teacher Training (200 hrs) under the guidance of her main teachers Claudia Pradella and Eva Ugolini to deepen her knowledge. Later on, she got introduced to Lino Miele and his team in Italy where she immediately felt at home and with whom she will hopefully continue to practice in the future.

Marieke loves to share her passion for the Astanga yoga system. Her classes are traditional yet accessible for all. She likes to focus on synchronising breath with movement in order to bring the attention inwards and create a moving meditation.

Keep in mind that, when you practice yoga, you're not practicing to improve yourself. You are perfect. The practice is there to help you know that. - Maty Ezraty