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Today it is our privilege to bring you an interview with Yoga Teacher, Marcel Clementi. We discuss how Marcel’s passion for Yoga began, his advice on getting started in sport/ fitness, the priorities he has towards approaching each day, plus much more…

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How did your passion for Yoga begin and develop?

I used to work in the shop of my parents beside school since I was 14. When I finished business college, I started traveling with the plans to take over the business of my family. But when I worked 50 – 60 hours per week in a job I did not really enjoy that much I knew I needed something to calm down. So, I started meditation.

3 years ago, I did a world trip and did a Muay Thai training in Thailand. I injured my foot and could not walk so I visited a yoga class instead. That was the day when I fell in love with yoga.

How have you transformed your passion for health and fitness into a successful business/career?

I think the facts that helped me to become successful in what I am doing is that I try to continuously improve and to gain new knowledge. Another important thing is to never give up. There are always ups and downs but if you really love what you do and you put all your heart and time into it will work – no matter what other people say or think.

What advice would you give to someone who is demotivated or doesn’t know where to start with getting into sport and fitness?

Make it part a habit. Doing sports or any kind of movement should not be something you have to think about. It should be part of your life. Being healthy, being in shape and feeling well is not something that happens overnight. Stick to a routine. Start with short workouts like 1o min every day. Once you feel a change in your life and a huge happiness shift you will get addicted to movement anyway.

In your opinion, what is the relationship between meditation and yoga?

Meditation can exist without yoga. But yoga can’t exist without meditation/mindfulness – otherwise it would be just stretching.

They go hand in hand – supporting each other. You can start with meditation and might struggle in the beginning to stay in the moment. Yoga (yoga is a huge word but what I mean is the asana practice) helps you to become more present. The different movements will help you to calm down your mind and to prepare your body for the meditation practice. This was actually the reason why they created asanas – to prepare the body & mind to sit in meditation.

What are the priorities that you have towards the way you approach your life?

I am my biggest priority. My physical and mental health is something I work on every day with different yoga routines, fitness workouts, cardio, my nutrition, the books I am reading, classes I am taking to learn new things. If I am not in good health and motivated to do my work how should other’s benefit from working with me? You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Are there any people, books, or experiences that you would be willing to share with us, that have really helped shape your mentality?

I met many people who influenced my life in a positive way so it would be an endless list starting from my parents who always supported me from the beginning. Maybe also a good timing to thank my ex-girlfriend Julia for believing in me to make a change in my life and to become self-employed.

The first book that ever changed my point of view was “The Why Cafè” (by John Streleky) as well as “The Secret” (by Rhonda Byrne). These two books I highly recommend! I also really like Osho’s books or appreciate Robin Sharma as an author and podcast host. There are so many inspiring people out there.

What advice would you give to someone who is trying to take their passion for health and fitness, or anything else, and turn it into a successful business/ career?

The best thing you can do is get a mentor. You don’t need to “reinvent the wheel” if you can say that. There are so many successful people in every area of business. Why not asking them for advice? You will not save a lot of time and failure but also money – sometimes small tips can lead to great results and big changes. Another tip is to never stop learning. If you improve every day just a little bit, it will be a big difference after a longer period of time. And never give up.

What are you goals and plans for the future?

My goal from the very beginning when I started my business as an international yoga teacher was and always be to become one of the best yoga teachers in the world. I want to have the freedom to travel the world following my passion of teaching yoga, mindfulness and how to live a healthier & happier life. I just love to connect with people from all around the world.

Instagram: @marcelclementiyoga

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Interviewer: @tudge_
(Instagram)