Students Feedback

More than a teacher, Zoya is a healer of mind, body and spirit. She brings awareness of, and opens the pathways between them. Zoya taught me how to discover who I am and who I want to be, to find calm and seek fulfillment.

Peter Scott, UK

In the last few months yoga has strengthened me on so many levels: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Zoya, thank you for your guidance. I appreciate YOU and your classes so much. And thank you for giving me the tools to practice on my own. I haven't been able to continue with your classes, but I value everything you have taught me. I continue to practice at home, and my lessons with you were invaluable.  You will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything.

Alyssa, USA

I wanted to thank you for providing me with the highlight of my week for the past couple of months! I never thought I was the "yoga" type (excuse the classification... ;)) as my normal forms of exercise would be brisk walking, jogging or spinning, however, I like trying new things and thought why not? After these 10 classes I can definitely say that I will continue with yoga for many years to come....
My job is highly stressful and takes up a lot of my time, energy and mind and I can honestly say that your yoga class made me forget about the outside world and helped me to completely dedicate one hour a week to me, myself and I. I have found the exercises very beneficial to my overall well-being during the pregnancy and am sure that I would have had many more aches and pains without these sessions - I have used a couple of the exercises during sleepless nights and when e.g. my back will be sore from sitting at my computer for long etc and have really found them to help! I have already recommended you to a number of my friends and will definitely be back for more myself!

Gabby Grech Larsson

I have found the prenatal yoga classes to be therapeutic on a physical level - after each class my back pain miraculously disappears. They also have a comforting feel to them as you are in a group of women who are going through the same emotions and inhibitions as you. It is a good playing field to make friends with future mum's-to-be!

Christine Bonavia

Last Thursday I gave birth to a lovely baby boy. I had a completely natural birth with practically no painkillers. Tried various postures to give birth such as all fours, squatting and others. Yoga definitely helped during birth. The breathing techniques and the various postures I learned through yoga and practiced while pregnant helped me during delivery.

Josieanne

Yoga has always helped me get in touch with my inner self and during my pregnancy, it helped me all the more. I found the exercises very useful and very practical to carry out not necessarily during a yoga class but also at home. The breathing exercises together with the concentration exercises were and are very helpful. The stretches performed to strengthen the muscles used mostly during pregnancy could be performed any time during the day especially when one feels some of the discomforts that result from the weight gained during pregnancy. The classes also help you to build stamina, needed during the contractions whilst toning the parts of your body that will play an important part during labour, like the pelvic floor muscles.
I highly recommend prenatal yoga to all mothers to-be to help them throughout the 9 months, on the delivery day and for a fast recovery afterwards.

Maria G.S.

I am very happy to inform you that I have found several of the exercises we used during the yoga classes very useful during my delivery. Between one contraction and another I was resting in child pose and I also had the opportunity to use the cat swing and all the breathing exercises. Thanks for everything Zoya. The classes were especially helpful for me during the pregnancy - they were a great relaxation and I was always looking forward to them. They also helped me to focus my attention towards my baby in the womb. Thanks for everything. I will surely recommend it to any pregnant woman.

Natalie

Since I started Yoga I have learned how to relax and be more peaceful with myself. I am always looking forward to my next class as there is always new information to learn from. I am also more flexible and feel my aches and pains less.
I want to thank you for everything. Keep up the good work.

Pauline, age 58

I am a 52 year old, separated man. I have been practising yoga on and off ever since I was 16 year old. I always believed that one can benefit a lot from the practice of yoga and whenever I was under severe stress and pressure, whether emotional or work related, I always turned to yoga and meditation to ease things up.  Unfortunately however, although I always benefited from yoga the way I practised it, I always believed that I can gain much more if I can attend a yoga course that can offer professional guidance. One area that I specifically needed guidance was breathing while doing the asanas. So I searched on Facebook and came across Zoya Lu, whom incidentally I knew before from TV programmes. I first attended an open session at Ghajn Tuffieha and was impressed. Then I decided to join the next available Hatha Yoga course. I can say that Zoya guided me through a number of asanas and taught me how to breath while practising these asanas...thus maximising the benefits that one can reap from the practice of yoga. I'm really glad to have achieved this. Big thanks to Zoya.

Jimmy Buhagiar, Balzan, Admin Manager

By practicing Hatha Yoga I have increased flexibility and strength. I feel also much better mentally, so much clearer and less stressed out. I have learned how to breathe properly, relax and pay more attention to what my body is telling me. I think :) sense of peace helps your mind work more efficiently when needed. Yoga is a mental challenge for me. I really enjoyed this course. It has opened my mind in new directions. I find Yoga as a healthy, natural way to relax and improve overall health. It is something we can all learn to appreciate. I would like to thank Zoya for being professional and friendly at all time.

Izabela, age 34, receptionist

Before I began Yoga with you, Zoya, I felt in pretty good shape for my age as I run, swim and golf on a regular basis and had an exercise routine I followed perhaps three times a week. After starting Yoga I realized not only how inflexible I had really become but also that even though I was strong in some areas the "inner strength" that we all naturally possess was not easy to call upon - in some early sessions even some basic exercises would find out those muscles that we don't use day to day and test my capabilities! Now, having only just completed the Foundation course I find my flexibility returning, less complaints from those previously inactive muscles and even my dodgy knee is improving (although I have to amend some of the asanas to accommodate it)! I have also begun to realise how yoga can open up my mind and help me relax and get to know my inner self (body and soul) and the relaxation part of the sessions is as beneficial and important to me as the more physical parts. One more thing, I have adapted my golf swing to incorporate the Ujjaye pranayama breathing and it really works well for me! Can't thank you enough and cant wait for the next classes to begin.

Mike Bennett, age 62, Bahar ic Caghaq

I have learned more about proper breathing during asanas, which makes going into and coming out much easier and less risk of injury. Although I have done yoga for 3 years now, when I completed Hatha Yoga Foundation Course, I think I finally learned how to do the asanas as they should be and also I get a much better feeling of achievement and peace of mind. Zoya, you do a great job. Keep on promoting yourself because a lot of people could benefit from your knowledge and instruction. Please do not give up!

Nathalie Attard, age 55, Swieqi

Here is what yoga has done for me:
1. Confidence in an exercise class. I was able to join the Pilates class at Gaiafest. I am very self conscious when it comes to exercising in public ! :)
2. Improvements in my posture through awareness of various muscle groups
3. An increased awareness of my limited flexibility which has motivated me to continue practicing.
4. Introduced me to controlled breathing which I believe will benefit my general health esp in the future
5. Improvements in my coordination esp through the sun salutation sequence
6. Improved my ability to commit myself to an exercise program at least by attending every class
I am sure there are other benefits I'm not recognizing now but will show up later! Thanks so much for everything!

Angela Charles, age 41, St.Julians, teacher

I don't think I can express how grateful I am for the knowledge you have passed on to me. It has been both challenging and beneficial in my quest of being a better and calmer person. You have been a very positive influence over my daily life and I thank you for your continued patience. It has been a great pleasure and inspiration to meet you. May our paths meet again.

Olivia

I started yoga a couple of months ago in order to improve my stamina and flexibility. Being a person who sits at a desk for the majority of the day, I needed something that would improve my posture and make me more flexible for training purposes. Through yoga, I learnt how to challenge both my body and my mind and now I am slowly discovering my true potential. I am already starting to see improvements in my posture and am feeling more flexible than ever before. There is still a long way to go but at least I am doing something for my well-being! A few minutes a day of yoga can work wonders - you feel less stressed, healthier, happier. A session of yoga is definitely what is needed in order to cut off from the hectic world we live in. I now regularly perform yoga after training sessions at the gym in order to release my body from the strain and in order to unwind after a full day's work.

I have found this yoga course not only beneficial for my body, but also as a means of relaxing the mind which I instantly felt after the first lesson. It leaves a peacefulness inside me that allows me to be more positive towards life. It has also made me more flexible physically and this gives me a feeling of well being. I am now more aware of my posture and I keep on working on it to correct it.

A big thank you to you because I really enjoyed the yoga foundation course. I think you are a terrific instructor.

Just to say how effective first two lessons of HYFC have been so far: I am sleeping better. My breathing is better. I am listening to my breathing. I really am feeling a subtle new strength developing each time I work on an asana. My flexibility is making a subtle but clear difference to my everyday lack of aches and pains. I really want to build what I have learned in your lessons into a regime that I can carry on after the lessons have finished to get the full benefit of your teaching.
After completing HYFC - benefits of the course as follows :
Physically before the course: I was suffering from a number of annoying aches and pains. This was due to lack of exercise with a 4 kilometer walk on the golf course once a week being the only outlet.
After the course: they all disappeared except one. My eczema has become better with fewer scratchy times when an area of the body surface heats up badly to become itchy. Sleep has improved. I'm getting more of it and better quality, too. There is a greater flexibility in the body now which I enjoy enormously. Each practice session is now taking 35 minutes not 20 when I started. More energy too.
Psychologically: Calmer now. Less anxious. Less self-recrimination for past, failed personal and professional decisions.
Spiritually: A greater sense of well-being especially after the practice session. More centered within myself - more in touch with my emotions.
Your website has become a valuable reference point for the different asanas that I need to make in this new individual programme, stating their positions, breathing and the health benefits for assuming each position is great too. The individual programme tailored to fit each student is a stroke of genius - and I am a marketing man who advises clients on their lack of service and product delivery all the time in Malta, quite apart from trying to build their brands in international markets. Your quality control process is much to be admired too. I only wish our clients ran their companies the way you run your courses.

Nigel, age 58, marketing development

Sandra MB, Xghajra, pharmacist

Dear Zoya
just a few words of appreciation for this wonderful, inspiring and invigorating course. Though i am physically a very active person, the postures i have learnt are helping me slowly but surely to gain flexibility and consciousness in my movements and breathing. I found you a very knowledgeable person and appreciated the detailed explanations of the effects each pose has on mind and body. However, my favorite part of the course was the last, which i looked forward to from days before! The meditation felt so relieving and I carried its benefits throughout the day. Obviously being a beginners course it simply gave me a taste of a world yet to be discovered.
Thank you for existing :)

Cinzia

I have really enojoyed your lessons. Most of all I feel that I am now aware of my posture, which you pointed out, and I try not to curve my back too much. Also, unlike other instructors, I like the fact that you repeat the breathing during every move as sometimes I tend to forget whether I should be breathing in or out. Looking forward to the next course. Thanks a lot!

Priscilla

Zoya brings yoga to her students in a very holistic way. Her website and the work that she is doing are amazing and her sharing is so generous. Besides being inspirational to us all with her physical postures of yoga, her in-depth knowledge is brought to us in every lesson and all we have to do is absorb it and practice it in our daily lives. I am so grateful to having been introduced to Zoyayoga. This year is going to be a good year I feel it and the priority is the yoga lifestyle for me which is the fulcrum of what I now come to see as my life. Thank you Zoya for being a motivation, an inspiration and above all, a loving and sharing teacher.

Clare Agius, TV Presenter and Producer

Depending on your mood and level, Zoya has something for you. You will find the time absorbing and refreshing. She is highly experienced and enthusiastic. She will find the right level for you and is very approachable. Have fun!

Thank you Zoya for being a great captain guiding me on a wonderful voyage of discovery and joy. Blissful awareness and humble experience. a truely BIG memory of good times for me to have in my 'big memory' central space.

Enormous smiles and good vibes,

Simon Nighy from New Zealand

Zoya, I would like to thank you for giving me the chance to join your intermediate classes. For me it has been a wonderful experience and I truly enjoyed every moment of the classes, mostly the asanas part. These classes have been a great opportunity of great motivation to continue in my yogic journey, whereby you managed to be of great inspiration. They have been very beneficial on a physical, mental and spiritual level. Once again I congratulate you for the way you conduct the classes. They are very structured, balanced and varied. The way you adjust students is very effective and your voice projection is excellent. You are a great and most probably the best yoga teacher in Malta.

Ray Cacciattolo, a yoga teacher

I was always one to experiment with different sports/classes etc. But about 5 years ago I started Yoga (with Zoya)  and I  have never looked back. It’s difficult to explain. One has to experience it. But it’s like, now, I don’t get angry as quickly as I used to, and when I do, a few deep breathes calm me down!  I don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future so much anymore. So I am more grateful for ‘today’.  Which wakes me up in a positive mood!:) I am less critical, so my life has become more peaceful ..for me, but especially  for those around me ! :)YES........ALL this happen with YOGA. People keep asking me if I have lost weight!! (Actually, it’s that my posture has improved so much!)  I really look forward to my weekly class, and hate it when I have to miss it! Now I am working on being more disciplined with myself. (Without being too critical of myself) One can learn so many things from Yoga! And I know I have hardly started!
I also consider myself very very lucky, that my teacher has always been Zoya.  From Day 1. So I always experienced 1st class teaching. No wonder I fell in love with Yoga! :) Your humility makes you extraordinary Zoya. :) You are the best.

Jacqueline, age 44, air hostess

I would like to thank you for all the different courses I took with you this year - hard to believe that this time last year I was in bed with a back so bad I was totally unable to move! Yoga has been a great discovery for me - and not only from the physical aspect. I look forward to more of your inspirational teaching :)

Isabella Attard

I am so glad I found Zoya as a yoga teacher. She is perfect for me as she addresses both the body & mind during her lessons. I also love her follow-up emails where she explains what we were doing. Very educational.

Pavla Borg

I was introduced to yoga out of necessity. A year ago I discovered I have a slip disc. I did check out other options and places, and I chose yoga with Zoya. Yoga has helped me to ease the pain, but mostly it has taught me to be fully aware of my whole body, both the physical and mental. Zoya is very thorough and goes in great detail during the sessions. I did not think I will last long attending these yoga classes but I have proven myself wrong, because the more I attend the more interesting and challenging it gets. Thanks Zoya.

Antoinette Micaleff, Naxxar

Thank you for all that you invested in me as your student; I learned a great deal from you and really think you're a superb teacher.

Polly H., USA

I have started yoga for over 4 years and instantly was drawn to it. I have found this inner peace within me that on my own I could never find. I also found my body responding to yoga, getting toned and feeling good about myself. Zoya is a dedicated instructor. She builds you into a yoga personality and that is the difference from others because she makes you understand what you are doing and what is it for, therefore it is easier to follow and practice yoga on your own as well. I can honestly say she changed my life into a balanced person that I truly appreciate it. Thanks a lot Zoya!

My lessons on Chakras have been fantastic!! Now I can understand my body more and apply more energy through each chakra related to the part of my body that is feeling tired. I will always carry this knowledge with me and try to apply it in my daily life to help me through any situation. ZoyaYoga has given me a new outlook to life both physically and mentally.

Zoya, yoga with you has taught me so much about life, others and myself. I will always remember you with love and happiness  as you have so much good kama wherever you go. I feel this is not goodbye as you are too connected here with all of us and we all have a special place for you in our hearts. Thanks Zoya for all that you have done for us.

Karen Sullivan

Zoya is an excellent yoga teacher and regarded as one of the best in Malta. She brings a great wisdom and practicality to her Yoga sessions. I rate her very highly.

Andrew Berger from Tigne Point, Malta