Katharina ( @kathazuna ) is a certified yoga teacher, personal trainer, health coach, and co-founder of fit-perform. In an interview, this warm-hearted and energetic woman revealed why she emigrated to Mallorca and what unique yoga retreats she offers on this picturesque and diverse island.

What fascinates you most about yoga and how do you practice it in everyday life?

Yoga is for all of us. It's not just about movement, meditation, or breathing, but about being present. It's about connecting with yourself, stepping off the mental hamster wheel, returning to your heart, to gratitude, to yourself. And of course, it makes us more supple, flexible, fitter, and gives us more strength and energy! Yoga has helped me to be more serene, to listen to my body, to be more in touch with myself, to accept myself as I am. For me, yoga also means letting life flow, accepting everything as it is (not always easy). My daily yoga practice definitely includes meditation and journaling, positive affirmations, and gratitude for life. For everything. Warmth and serenity in my interactions with others, mindfulness in what I do.

How did you get started with yoga?

I started Pilates in 2010, practicing daily, and that's when I first came into contact with yoga. For many years, my relationship with yoga was kind of "on/off," as I initially focused mainly on the physical aspect and constantly wanted to go higher, faster, and further. Only later did I discover the holistic approach to yoga and then begin teaching it.

What does your perfect yoga class look like?

For my own yoga practice, I love listening to loud music (e.g., by East Forest) and simply letting my body and energy flow. This allows me to be completely present and helps me relax and expand my energy. When I teach yoga, for example, on the beach, music isn't necessary. Nature, the sound of the waves, the sun, birdsong... all the elements combined, simply fantastic. And I confess: I usually create my classes spontaneously (that's just how I'm wired—spontaneous, intuitive, and creative). Through flowing sequences, I gradually increase the intensity, and after a powerful, energizing Vinyasa flow, my students have time for a well-deserved final relaxation. Afterward, I consciously use hands-on adjustments on the shoulders to help my yogis let go. For this, I use natural oils or some Siddhalepa (Ayurvedic balm).

Has yoga changed your outlook on life and your well-being?

Absolutely: YES!!! Yoga brings us back home and connects us with our hearts. With inner peace, happiness, and humility. Through yoga, I've learned to love myself as I am. Acceptance. Self-worth. Balance. I've always been a positive person with a big, open heart, but I would say that yoga makes me feel even more connected. To myself and to everyone else.

Why do you think yoga is so popular right now?

We're so busy searching "out there" for what we supposedly lack... complete sensory overload, hectic pace, expectations, performance pressure, always faster and faster... that many people feel a need for peace, quiet, and relaxation – a return to themselves. I have the feeling that a kind of shift is taking place right now, and people are becoming more interested in alternative healing methods, the body's self-healing powers, and meditation. How wonderful! :)

What was the reason for your decision to move to Mallorca?

My partner Steve and I have been coming to the island for many years; for him, Mallorca has been his second home for almost 30 years. I always knew that I wanted to live by the sea someday, and Mallorca simply has a very special magic and attraction for me.

What exactly is the PALMA Yoga Flow?

PALMA: Passion. Awareness. Love. Movement. Art. "Palma" naturally refers to the island of Mallorca, with Palma as its capital. However, it also means uniting passion, awareness, love, movement, and creativity in my yoga classes – in flow.

What can one expect from your retreats in Mallorca?

Basically, it's all about having lots of fun, time for yourself, connecting with others, movement, and new experiences. And of course, everyone is warmly welcome in my classes and retreats :-))) My next yoga retreat in April is all about (spring) "awakening." It's about coming back to ourselves, reconnecting with our hearts, and recharging our energy through conscious movement, meditation, and breathing techniques. It's about letting go of the old, accepting ourselves, and realigning. We'll be journaling daily, reflecting, reprogramming, practicing yoga, meditating, laughing, enjoying good food, and of course, there will be plenty of time to relax, read, hike... whatever makes your heart happy! You can find more information and prices about the retreat and my other activities via the links below:

https://www.bikini-hotels.com/de/experiences/yoga-retreats/spring-awakening/

www.yogalifemallorca.com

www.fit-perform.com

Is there a motto that guides you in life?

Breathe in, breathe out. Let it go, let it flow. :)

What do you wish for in the next 10 years?

I wish for greater awareness in the world, for people to treat themselves and their environment with more care. I wish for us all "more heart and less head, less ego." For my own path, I wish to continue helping people find themselves, heal themselves, make peace with themselves, be content and happy, and grow beyond their perceived limitations. We have far more potential than we realize!

My tip for beginners and those interested: That's why I recommend you start with yoga too…

...because it simply gives you a very special feeling! You're exhausted, happy, balanced, relaxed, and yet ready to move mountains! Try it!

Which are your favorite LUVIYO mat designs?

If I had to choose,... my absolute favorites are Blue Marble, Black Marble, Pineapple and Purple Leaves :))