Meet The Member - Elina Patrou Yoga & Pilates
Elina Patrou Yoga & Pilates
We caught up with our member Elina to talk about her journey into the world of yoga & pilates.
we are very happy to have you as a member of We Are Albans. We would love to hear about your journey, have you always wanted to be a yoga and Pilates teacher? Did you do something different before?
It’s a lovely experience being a member – from mummy events to members’ nights, what a great idea!
Movement has always been a big part of my life. I’ve danced since I was 4 years old and I am still very involved in dance, I run a ballet academy for kids in Stanmore! My yoga and Pilates journey began as I searched for ways to strengthen and heal my body and mind from the demands of intensive dance training. Over time, these practices became so much more than just physical recovery – they became a sanctuary, a way to reconnect with myself, and a path to balance and resilience.
For our readers who don’t yet know about your business, what could they expect from one of your sessions?
In my sessions, you’ll find a space to explore movement and breath with a sense of presence and openness. So often, we demand so much of ourselves – striving, pushing, and attaching to specific outcomes. But when we soften that attachment and approach the process with curiosity and intention, something begins to shift.
Through mindful movement and dynamic flow, my classes invite you to engage deeply with your practice, not through force, but with an openness to what unfolds. It’s about moving, breathing, and being fully present, allowing things to flow toward you in their own time and way.
This isn’t about abandoning your goals – it’s about discovering a freer, more fulfilling path toward them. Each session offers the opportunity to strengthen your body, calm your mind, and explore the richness of your own experience.
How important is the mind-body connection with what you do?
The mind-body connection is at the heart of everything I do. It’s the thread that weaves movement and breath together, creating a practice that’s both grounding and transformative. When we tune into the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, we open the door to deeper self-awareness and healing.
In my sessions, this connection is nurtured through dynamic yet mindful movement, helping participants not only strengthen their bodies but also calm their minds. It’s about being fully present – noticing how your body feels, how your breath flows, and how your thoughts settle.
This connection fosters a sense of balance, resilience, and ease that extends far beyond the mat. It allows us to approach life with greater clarity and compassion, both for ourselves and for others. For me, it’s not just important – it’s essential.
Before people come for a session what is a question they usually ask?
People often ask me if they can join my classes if they haven’t exercised in a long time. My answer is always yes! My sessions are designed to be inclusive and adaptable, offering plenty of variations to meet different needs and abilities.
What’s most important to me is that participants feel empowered to make the choices that are right for their bodies in the moment. To support this, I provide clear contexts for each variation, so decisions aren’t left to guesswork or uncertainty. This approach helps create a thoughtful and informed practice, where each person can engage with their movement in a way that feels purposeful and supportive.
Whether you’re reconnecting with movement after a long break or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll find a space where you’re encouraged to move, breathe, and explore at your own pace.
What would you say is the most important thing for your customers to go away with from the session?
The most important thing I want my participants to take away from a session is a sense of connection – with themselves, their breath, and their bodies. I hope they leave feeling grounded, empowered, and more at ease, carrying renewed energy and clarity into their day.
It’s not just about what they achieve physically, but about the internal shift – the moments of presence, the realisation of their own strength and resilience, and the ability to move through life with greater intention and awareness.
Whether it’s a sense of calm, a feeling of empowerment, or even a spark of joy, my goal is for every participant to leave knowing they’ve taken a meaningful step toward their own well-being.
Is there anything that people feel particularly surprised by when it comes to Pilates and yoga?
One thing people are often surprised by is just how much Pilates and yoga go beyond the physical. While many come expecting a workout or a stretch, they often leave with a deeper sense of connection to themselves – mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually.
In yoga, people are sometimes surprised by how the breath can completely transform their experience, grounding and energizing them in ways they didn’t expect. In Pilates, they’re often amazed at how such small, precise movements can engage their bodies so deeply, building strength and awareness in ways they hadn’t imagined.
Another common surprise is how accessible these practices can be. Many assume they need to be flexible, strong, or experienced to join, but they quickly realize that yoga and Pilates meet you where you are, offering adaptations and variations to suit everybody and every journey.
Ultimately, it’s the feeling of empowerment, clarity, and balance that often catches people by surprise – and keeps them coming back.
How have you changed your approach to teaching since you started?
I’ve become more intentional about how I communicate, ensuring clarity and offering context for the choices participants can make in their practice. This empowers them to engage with movement in a way that’s both safe and meaningful, rather than simply following instructions.
Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of balancing structure with fluidity – recognizing that each person comes into the room with different energy levels, goals, and challenges. This has taught me to stay present, observe more deeply, and adapt in the moment to create a practice that feels both grounded and inspiring.
Ultimately, my teaching has become less about "doing it right" and more about helping people connect with themselves, their breath, and their bodies in a way that’s authentic and fulfilling.
Looking forward, is there anything you are particularly excited about? Are there any plans you can share with us?
I’m excited to be working on an online platform to make classes more accessible and flexible for everyone. I’m also planning to introduce mini-workshops, offering focused sessions to explore specific aspects of yoga and Pilates in more depth. Stay tuned – there’s lots to come!
When you aren’t teaching, where in St Albans do you most like to spend your time?
When I’m not teaching, I love spending time exploring St. Albans with my partner and our little girl, who’s now 3. We enjoy walking around town and grabbing lunch at George Street Canteen or The Hub on Verulam – both have such yummy food and a great vibe! I also adore browsing Raindrops on Roses and Books on the Hill – they’re such dreamy little shops. And with a new puppy joining our family soon, I’m looking forward to spending even more time walking at the Wick and Clarence Park.