Pune (Maharashtra) [India], May 31: Pune, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and modern lifestyle, is also a hub for wellness and fitness enthusiasts. Yoga, a timeless practice that harmonizes the body, mind, and spirit, has found a special place in the hearts of Puneites. Whether you're a beginner looking to start your yoga journey or an advanced practitioner seeking to deepen your practice, the right guidance can be transformative. In 2024, Pune boasts a remarkable lineup of yoga coaches who are not only skilled practitioners but also passionate educators. Here are the top 8 yoga coaches from Pune you should follow:
Devyani M: Founder & CEO- Yoga Urja | Yoga Therapist |Author
Devyani M is a distinguished Yoga expert with extensive experience in yoga for fitness and therapy, addressing lifestyle disorders, corporate training, and yogic counseling. Renowned for rehabilitating chronic illnesses and mental health issues, she has earned acclaim from both Indian and international clients. As a yoga evangelist, Devyani uses various mediums to spread her message, including online and offline teachings, lectures, writings, and workshops. Her corporate wellness programs have significantly improved the lives of over 5,000 clients, including entrepreneurs, CEOs, athletes, celebrities, NRIs, and foreigners.
Devyani's contributions to leading Marathi dailies, 'Sakal' and 'Maharashtra Times,' have earned her recognition across Maharashtra. Growing up in Pune in a spiritually inclined family, she was inspired by her Sanskrit-scholar mother to explore yoga and spirituality deeply. As a certified yoga teacher from Kaivalyadham, she motivates her students with a focused yet lively approach, emphasizing that yoga transforms thoughts, actions, and perspectives at individual and societal levels.
Her book, "Live Like a Yogi," published in December 2023, helps readers integrate yogic principles into their daily lives. Through her organization, Yoga Urja, located in Pune, Devyani aims to make yoga accessible and relevant to diverse individuals, fostering physical vitality, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.
Manali Amod Deo: Founder and Director of Mind & Body Yoga Institute
Manali Amod Deo, with over 22 years of experience, is a prominent yoga instructor and the Founder and Director of Mind & Body Yoga Institute in Pune. She holds an M.Com, M.A. in Yoga, and diplomas in Naturopathy and Yoga Education. Known for her innovative styles like yoga ballet, sports yoga, and hammock yoga, she has transformed traditional perceptions of yoga.
Manali's yoga journey began in second grade, leading her to win national and international accolades, including a silver medal in yoga. She has served as the Coach for Maharashtra and the India Women’s Team for Yoga, and as a national referee. She has trained over 45,000 students, producing more than 100 national-level medalists and over 35 international-level medalists.
Her institute, located on Sinhagad Road with a branch in Chinchwad, offers diverse programs focusing on posture correction, disease therapy, and stress management. She introduced "Deep Yoga" and Artistic Yoga for children, gaining popularity for their unique approaches. The institute also offers various certificate courses, including Yoga Teacher Training, Hammock Yoga, Face Yoga, and Power Yoga.
Manali has received over 100 awards, such as the Yuva Gaurav Puraskar, Pride of India, and Yoga Queen. Her institute has won the National Level Best Institute Yoga Award three times consecutively. She has authored books like "Keep Fit," "Spardhatmak Yogasan," and "Yoga for Kiddos," and contributes to publications like Sakal newspaper. As deputy treasurer of Pune Zilla Yog Sanstha and a certified international-level yoga coach, she promotes yoga as a holistic fitness practice, embodying her mantra, "Live, Love Yoga."
Sujata Nerurkar: Founder, The Yog Circle
Sujata has integrated yoga into her life since her school days. Initially active in aerobics and badminton, she set aside yoga during her corporate career and family responsibilities. As the demands of life impacted her mental and physical health, Sujata rediscovered yoga, reconnecting with the profound sense of self-awareness it provided. This inspired her to explore the ancient science of yoga deeply and embark on her teaching journey.
Partnering with seven like-minded women from diverse professional backgrounds, she established The Yog Circle. Their unique approach emphasizes physical practices as a means to achieve self-awareness, crucial for managing stress and life challenges. The Yog Circle invites students to explore, connect, and transform through yoga, focusing on asana, pranayama, philosophy, and therapy.
Sujata's qualifications include over 800 hours of training with Yoga Alliance and certifications from the University of Pune, Kaivalyadham Yog Institute, and more. With 20 years of teaching experience and a role as lead trainer for the “Yog Module" of Chiranjeev Gurukul's leadership program, she brings extensive expertise to The Yog Circle. Located on Baner-Pashan Link Road in Pune, the center also offers global online sessions for individuals and corporate wellness programs.
Yogvaidya Pradnesh Naikwade: Founder & CEO of Swasthya Medical Yoga Institute
Driven by a deep curiosity about the mind-body-spirit connection, Pradnesh began a transformative yoga journey with his brother Dr. Sainath Naikwade. Guided by luminaries like Dr. S. V. Karandikar, they explored asanas, pranayama, and yoga's therapeutic dimensions. His relentless pursuit of yogic knowledge began at the tender age of 14, sparked by the profound pages of "Mrityunjay" by Shivaji Sawant, and nurtured further through the timeless teachings of the "Shrimad Bhagwat Gita."
Pradnesh's dedication led him to earn a Master’s degree in Yoga from Pune University, and over 15 years, he has specialized in restorative yoga therapy, integrating traditional and modern techniques to address physical, emotional, and mental ailments.
At Swasthya, founded in 2009, Pradnesh embodies the Sanskrit aphorism, "॥ योग कर्मसुकौशलम् ॥" — Yoga is skill in action. Swasthya offers courses designed to alleviate pain and stress, promoting independence and confidence. The institute's holistic approach aims to prevent surgeries and facilitate natural healing for conditions like spinal disorders, joint problems, and heart issues, using props and passive stretches
With branches in Aundh, Pune, and Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Swasthya provides a sanctuary for those facing various medical challenges, from structural deformities to chronic conditions like diabetes and asthma. Here, pain fades, confidence rises, and the journey toward holistic wellbeing begins anew.
Madhuri Patil: Founder of Sungrace Yoga Studio | Yoga Wellness Instructor | Naturopathist | Dietitian
Madhuri Patil transitioned from the corporate sector to pursue her passion for health and wellness after earning a Master’s Degree in Computer Management. Her journey began with a Diploma in Naturopathy and Alternate Medicines from the International Institute of Natural Therapy, Mumbai (2003-04). A sports enthusiast dedicated to fitness, she earned a certificate in Teaching Yogasana from Pune University and Kaivalyadham, Lonavala (2008-09). She further enhanced her expertise with a Diploma in Nutrition & Health Education from Symbiosis, Pune (2010-11) and Medical Yoga Therapy from Nirmaya Yoga Pratishthan, Kothrud, Pune (2013-14).
With over 20 years of experience, Madhuri has been conducting yoga classes and diet programs, continuously updating her knowledge through various seminars and events on yoga and meditation. At Sungrace Yoga Studio in Wakad, Pune, she focuses on raising awareness about musculoskeletal deformities and disorders, demonstrating how yoga can contribute to overall fitness and well-being. Her diverse clientele includes corporate offices, schools, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals seeking stress relief, spirituality, or therapeutic benefits from yoga.
Sungrace Yoga Studio offers a variety of programs, including regular yoga sessions, yoga therapy, and specialized workshops on yoga, diet, and acupressure. The studio also provides Yoga Teachers Training courses certified by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Their clientele includes major corporations, schools, and individuals seeking comprehensive wellness solutions. The studio aims to promote its clients' physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through a holistic approach to yoga and health.
Divya Dutt: Aerial Yoga Trainer |Founder of The Yogic Studio
Divya Dutt, the Founder of The Yogic Studio, is an Aerial Yoga Trainer whose journey into fitness began as a personal passion. Driven by the mantra, "Fit and Strong are beautiful," Divya turned her enthusiasm into a profession. Certified in Aerial Yoga, Medical Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Hatha Yoga, she has dedicated herself to teaching Aerial Yoga for the past eight years.
From the very beginning, Divya has cherished every moment of this journey. The profound physical and mental transformations she experienced through Aerial Yoga inspired her to share its benefits with as many people as possible. This practice has not only enhanced her strength and flexibility but also healed her from ailments such as spondylitis and irregular menstrual cycles.
At The Yogic Studio, located at Pimple Saudagar, Pune their main focus is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can explore the transformative benefits of Aerial Yoga. The studio aims to enhance physical strength, flexibility, and overall well-being through personalized and engaging sessions. Emphasizing safety, fun, and adventure, Divya and her team strive to help each client achieve their fitness goals and experience a deeper connection with their body and mind.
The Yogic Studio welcomes individuals of all ages and fitness levels, offering personalized sessions to improve physical health and mental well-being.
Dr. Yogeshwar M. Sanap: Founder of SaarYog Yog Studio and Yog Therapy Clinic
Dr. Yogeshwar M. Sanap, the founder of SaarYog Yog Studio and Yog Therapy Clinic, embarked on his yoga journey under the influence of his cousin. Initially reluctant, he completed a six-day yoga course, seeing no immediate benefits. However, years later, when conventional treatments failed to address his health issues, he turned to yoga out of desperation. Consistent practice led to significant health improvements, sparking his passion for yoga's potential to enhance health.
Dr. Sanap pursued professional training and earned certifications from the Ayush Department and the Yoga Certification Board of the Government of India, becoming a certified Yoga Master. Since then, he has taught thousands of participants both online and offline, helping them achieve better health through yoga.
At SaarYog, mindfulness is a cornerstone. This practice of being fully present transforms yoga from a physical exercise into a profound journey of self-discovery and healing. Dr. Sanap's unique approach integrates mindfulness into every aspect of yoga, including asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), cleansing processes, and meditation. This holistic method leads to profound mental, emotional, and spiritual growth, offering benefits that extend far beyond the physical.
The studio is located in Vishal Nagar, Pimple Nilakh and Wakad, Pune. SaarYog welcomes individuals of all ages and fitness enthusiasts, offering personalized sessions to improve physical, mental and Spiritual well-being.
Varsha: YCB Certified Yoga Teacher & Evaluator, Pune
Varsha, a distinguished yoga teacher certified by YCB, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, is a beacon of holistic wellness in Pune. With a deep-rooted passion for yoga, Varsha is immensely dedicated to promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through this ancient practice.
Varsha specializes in a variety of yoga styles, including Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa, and places a strong emphasis on mindfulness and breathwork. Her approach is holistic, focusing not just on physical postures but also on the mental and emotional aspects of yoga. This comprehensive method helps her students achieve a deeper connection with their inner selves, leading to enhanced overall well-being.
Passionate about children's health and well-being, Varsha volunteers her time and expertise to FITMYKID, a Kids' Fitness startup, without any fees. FITMYKID is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles among children through engaging and fun fitness activities. Through this initiative, Varsha conducts yoga sessions designed to foster physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience in children.
Her sessions at FITMYKID are tailored to be both educational and enjoyable, incorporating playful elements to keep kids engaged while instilling the principles of yoga. Varsha’s dedication to nurturing the next generation underscores her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.