Eight years ago, if you had told me our little Western Sydney studio would be running multiple teacher trainings each year, I would have laughed in disbelief.

Yoga began over 5,000 years ago in ancient India as a spiritual practice to calm the fluctuations of the mind and connect body, mind and spirit. Somehow, through a leap of faith, a one-way ticket to India, a few more trainings, and a whole lot of community building, that ancient lineage has found a home here in the West.

What started in a local neighbourhood centre quickly outgrew its walls and became our St Marys studio — now celebrating its 8th birthday — and eventually evolved into what we now call Kaya Academy.

“There are many elements of living a good life, but the first and most foundational is to love yourself and enjoy spending time with yourself.”

When I read this quote from James Clear, I immediately thought of yoga.

Every time you step onto your mat, you’re practising being with yourself — your breath, your body, your thoughts. Over time, that quiet self-reflection turns into comfort. Ease. A sense of feeling at home within your own skin. And when you feel at ease within, every other space somehow feels bigger and brighter too.

When I enrolled in my first 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Goa back in 2016, I couldn’t even touch my toes.

I’d only taken four yoga classes. I wasn’t “spiritual.” I felt lost. But something in my gut said yes.

That one decision changed everything.

Teacher training isn’t about being the most flexible or waking up at 4:30am to meditate. It’s about curiosity, courage, and a willingness to meet yourself honestly. Years later, after returning to learn again and again, we’re now bringing that same opportunity to Western Sydney — with 200-hour Reformer Pilates, 200-hour Vinyasa Yoga, and 50-hour Yin & Meditation trainings.

You don’t need to be ready.
You just need to be open.

Libraries were my childhood sanctuary — peaceful, quiet spaces humming with unspoken community.

That same feeling has inspired our new Aerial Reading Lounge at Nin Yoga St Marys.

For two blissful hours, the studio transforms into a silent haven where you can curl up in an aerial sling or build a cosy bolster nest on the floor, tea in hand, book (or audiobook) ready. It’s the perfect blend of solitude and shared space — together, yet on your own private adventure.

Dragons optional. Relaxation guaranteed.

“The person who learns the most in any classroom is the teacher.” — James Clear

This is exactly what we witness in every teacher training.

It’s not just about learning exercises or sequencing. It’s about embodying the work, practising it, and stepping into the role of the teacher — because that’s where the deepest growth happens.

If you’ve been craving the next level in your Pilates journey, our 150-hour Reformer Pilates Teacher Training begins October 25, 2026. Study with our experienced faculty, work through a 500+ page manual, and immerse yourself in a truly transformational experience.

Early bird pricing ends this weekend — and it’s only available to our newsletter community.

“Votes are in for our August book club pick and I'm delighted to let you know we're reading "The Book of Delights" by Ross Gay.

 This will be our third book club meet up, and a recurring theme has started to emerge in the books we've been drawn to.

We keep coming back to JOY.”

“My childhood cat, Ishtar, was still thriving at the time. She was a wild little thing as a kitten with an untameable spirit. But by the time I returned home, she had mellowed out into a regal indoor queen who preferred soft blankets and easy meals.”