about

my mission is to
be a catalyst for good.

elena consoli

certifications

200 hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training, San Diego, CA 2013

Restorative Healing and Yin Yoga Level 1, La Jolla, CA 2014

100 hour Blissology Yoga Immersion, Bali, Indonesia 2015

Pregnancy & Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training, London, UK 2019

About

bio

The first time I tried yoga, I hated it! I didn't understand the words, I was constantly questioning whether or not I was ‘doing it right’. All I did know was it felt uncomfortable and exclusive and like I was an outsider.

Years later, I was lucky enough to get a second chance with yoga. This time I felt welcomed, encouraged and as if what was going on was being explained and taught to me. Feeling included and encouraged left me wanting more and more. I quickly knew that someday I'd be teaching yoga to share that feeling with others.

I began my teaching in studios and on the beach in San Diego, California. When I moved to London, teaching in gyms and offices allowed me to reach more students who would massively benefit from yoga but may not seek it out for themselves at a studio. Since 2020 I’ve really fallen in love with teaching online and the ability to reach students regardless of location. Now I teach online from my flat in Edinburgh, Scotland, and in person on my rest-focused retreats.

As a teacher, my aim is to make my yoga classes as accessible, welcoming and inclusive as possible. I know that yoga has the potential to help everyone feel stronger & more open in their bodies and calmer in their minds. I strive to provide helpful cues so each student can find the feeling of the pose in their own bodies-- while of course reminding them to have some fun! None of those intimidating, exclusive vibes here!

I truly believe that each and every one of us has the power to make positive ripples in the world and yoga is an ideal starting point for that.

If you are looking for a friendly, welcoming yoga community for you to connect with yourself and wonderful people while learning more about what yoga is then this is your place, welcome!

faqs

i'm not flexible. should i try yoga?

YES! If you don’t feel flexible, then yoga is the best thing you can do! You can even let me know in the form when signing up for class and I’ll be sure to offer you some extra tips to help you increase flexibility.

what should i wear?

Any comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. Bare feet are recommended for better grip. If it’s cold, you may want to wear socks for the start of class while seated and again at the end when lying down.

i've got an ache or injury, should i attend class?

If you’ve got tight shoulders, lower back pain or tight hamstrings, then welcome to the club! Yoga is exactly the thing for you.

If you have a new acute injury, rest may be best. When you feel ready to practise safely please be sure to let me know what your injury is before class. This is so important for two reasons, 1) it allows me to plan a class that will work for you 2) we can go over a few modifications at the start of class specific to your needs.

i'm pregnant, should i tell you?

YES! If you want to keep it a secret, I will honour that! Pregnancy has a massive impact on the body, even in the first trimester. In order for me to provide you with a safe class, I definitely need to know that you are pregnant. If there's a demand for it I will also offer a prenatal class tailored specifically to the needs of pregnancy.

can i eat right before class?

The Italian in me is hungry all the time and I’m a big supporter of us getting plenty of food. That being said, our bodies need a bit of time to digest before flowing from up dog to down dog. So, if you are about to join me for a flow class, you’ll probably feel much more comfortable if you haven’t eaten for one to two hours before. You know your own body best, so experiment and decide what timing works for you.

do i need a special camera set up?

As the teacher, I use a wide angle webcam to ensure you have a full view of me. As a student it’s entirely up to you! If you’ve got the space to give me a full view of you I’ll love to see your smiling face and will be better able to offer you verbal adjustments and alignment cues. Whatever set up makes you the most comfortable and allows you to clearly see and hear me is best.

i don't own yoga props, can I still join in?

Absolutely! When it comes to yoga at home, there’s no need for fancy props. See below for at home alternatives to yoga props.

is there still a sense of community in online classes?

I can't speak for all online yoga classes but I will say here at tlc there really is! International friendships have been made in these classes! Whether it's bonding over pet dramas before class, cheering each other on after tricky poses or actually having amazing full conversations in Yoga School there is definitely so much community here.

are there any benefits to doing yoga online rather than in person?

There are many, here's a few of my favs:

Convenience Cutting out the commute time increases our living time. You know that blissed-out, post-savasana feeling after a lovely class? When you feel all floaty and glowing… then you have to leave the studio, face the weather, get through a stressful commute and… that bliss is gone. Well, now, when you’re blissed-out, your bed is just a short walk away.
Comfort At studios we may feel self-conscious about how we look, what we wear, or where in the room we are standing. Online, there's no pressure at all! You can even switch off the camera if you don't want to be seen. Wear those favourite clothes with holes in them- no one will ever know! Online you get to curate your space for your practice.
Connection In-person classes mean we can only practise with those in our commutable vicinity. With Online yoga we can practise with our friends and family all across the globe. Online classes allow us the opportunity to stay connected with our people, wherever we are.

i've never tried yoga, can I come on retreat with you?

Definitely! I truly love introducing yoga to people who are new to it, and what better way than to begin while in a magical venue with two daily classes?!

i want to come but i'll be coming on my own, will it still be a good experience for me?

I certainly hope so! Depending on the retreat venue there's typically options to have a whole room to yourself, to share with friends or to come on your own and be buddied up with other solo retreaters. It's always a treat seeing people make new friends and connect with people they'd have never met otherwise. To help retreaters connect there are the group chats for each retreat on the tlc app as well as a zoom call 4-6 weeks ahead of the retreat to introduce people so they can get to know each other and ask me any last minute questions.

what's included on the retreat?

Depending on which retreat you are joining me on there may be slight differences but all tlc retreats ALWAYS include your accommodation, two yoga classes a day, welcome gifts and tons of tlc from me. Most if not all meals are included too!

do I have to organise my own travel?

The short answer is "Yes". While I don't book your flights, trains or taxis, I do have travel counsellors that I highly recommend and can pass their details to you if you'd like help with your travel planning. There is also the group chat for all retreats where you can connect with other retreaters to organise sharing a taxi to/from the retreat venues.

what do i need to bring with me?

This varies depending on the retreat but double check the included/ not included section of the retreat page and look at your welcome pdf which always includes a suggested packing list. If you've checked both and you are still not sure just drop me a message and I'll answer any questions.

the lovely catalyst