Michele Pernetta

One of Bikram’s most senior teachers, Michele Pernetta began studying with Bikram Choudhury in LA in 1990. A St Martin’s graduate, Michele was living in Los Angeles working as a successful fashion and costume designer for couture, menswear, film, television and commercials when she went to see Bikram for help with a serious knee injury. Under Bikram’s direct instruction for 4 years, he helped her heal her injured knees and thus prevented knee surgery.

On moving back to the UK in 1994 Michele found that hot yoga wasn’t available here so she began teaching Bikram Yoga from her living room and then from rented premises 3 nights a week after work (dragging the portable heaters around in her car.) She opened the first Bikram studio in the UK, Bikram North, in 1999 and now owns four across London. Several of her students have gone on to open their own successful hot yoga studios.

Michele is known for her humorous, relaxed teaching style, her no-nonsense approach to teaching and her love of working with people of all ages and body types, especially those with injuries or physical problems. She is also a mentor for new teachers offering support and coaching.

www.bikramyoga.co.uk