In the following interview, Larissa revealed what prompted her to start yoga after seven years of fitness training and why she realized after the first lesson that yoga would change her life.

Dear Larissa, how did you get into yoga?

I've been doing yoga for almost two years now, so I started when I turned 23. Before that, I went to the gym and was into fitness for almost seven years. Since I was in Milan a lot this year, I was looking for an alternative to the gym and ended up in a cute little yoga studio tucked away in a courtyard in the middle of the city. The very first class marked a turning point for me. Even though I didn't understand half of what the yoga teacher was saying in Italian, I realized that this practice was doing something to me—to my body and my mind. It was like having a date with myself after a very long time. I knew I simply had to continue with this practice—I was incredibly curious to see where it would take me, but somehow I knew it would change my life.

What forms of yoga have you tried?

I've already tried styles like Vinyasa, Hatha, and Yin. My current practice is mostly a mix of Vinyasa and Yin, as I really enjoy the flowing and powerful movements of Vinyasa, but also the more static asanas and the depth of Yin Yoga. That's why I like to call my practice Yinyasa – the best of both worlds!

Do you participate in any other sports or hobbies?

I still go to the gym a few times a week. I also do yoga there, but I mix it with a bodyweight workout or sometimes train with light weights to maintain and build overall strength. Besides sports, I'm very interested in all things creative. I love to paint, cook, bake, and try out new recipes. These are all activities that are somehow connected to my yoga practice. Fulfilling my passions allows me to live fully in the present moment, and that, in turn, is a key component of a conscious and mindful lifestyle. The practice doesn't just happen on the mat, but everywhere.

How often do you practice yoga? In which moments does it feel particularly good to you and why?

I try to get on my mat every day – sometimes it's ten minutes, sometimes two hours of practice. There are days when I'm eager to jump on the mat, and other times I really struggle with a lack of motivation. Often, though, those are the days when I need it the most, and I'm always grateful and happy in the end that I stepped onto my mat. Nevertheless, my body needs rest days, and I really enjoy them. I think it's super important not to feel guilty about taking a break; otherwise, you won't recover the way you should.

What fascinates you about yoga?

Yoga isn't just another way to stay fit; it's so much more. Practicing yoga is a great way to get stronger, work on flexibility and mobility, and gain control over your entire body—but that's only part of the story. For me, a key aspect of my practice is also gaining control over my mind, which can be a huge challenge in our busy lives. Yoga encourages quieting the mind and letting the soul speak, bringing body, mind, and spirit into harmony. That's what inspires me most—that yoga connects the training of the body and mind and allows you to connect with your inner self.

Has yoga changed your outlook on life?

My practice has definitely changed my outlook on life over time. Consistent practice has helped me listen to my body more and recognize its needs better than before. Through yoga, I've created a safe space I can retreat to whenever I feel out of balance. It also encouraged me to explore related topics like meditation, spirituality, and mindfulness. I began to educate myself further in these areas and change the way I see and observe things. This allowed me to perceive life from a completely different perspective and shift my attitude. I've made many changes during this time—from the inside out—and also started eating a plant-based diet.

How long have you been vegan and what inspired you to do so?

I've been vegan for a little over a year now. I used to be a big meat eater and consumed dairy products daily, so going vegan was a huge adjustment for me. Before, "I could never go vegan" was my daily excuse, even though it didn't really feel right, because I knew pretty well that it wasn't the best thing for the environment, my health, and certainly not for the animals. As I began to realize that everything in nature is interconnected, I started to feel more and more empathy for other living beings. This, along with some documentaries about veganism, opened my eyes and inspired me to make the switch. Luckily, I didn't have to do it alone, because my boyfriend accompanied me on this journey.