You are an internationally active yoga teacher - why do you think yoga is becoming more and more trendy in our regiona as well as internationally?
I think it's because we live in very fast-paced times and are often very stressed. A full schedule has become a status symbol. But more and more people understand that stress is not good for us in the long run and moreover can be the cause of illnesses and ailments. Yoga is a great way to find balance, and it's easy to do from the comfort of your own home, without the need for expensive memberships or equipment; it's a way to relieve stress, so to speak, and improve your well-being - both physically and mentally. Social media, such as Instagram, makes yoga even more "sexy", which makes this Asian tradition even more interesting for Europeans.

As you just mentioned, yoga is very much on the rise in and via social media - do you have a YouTube channel or Instagram account?
Yes, absolutely! Instagram is actually the only advertising I use besides recommendations. There I share almost daily inspiration about yoga, travel, delicious recipes and tips for a healthier and happier life. Especially in the yoga scene Instagram has become very popular. I've been able to secure great partners this way. On Youtube, I just recently started. Here I have over 60 free yoga videos, from slow sessions for beginners to more athletic flows - for men too, by the way! (laughs) Just type in my name and you'll find the channel.

Can you give us an insight into other projects?
Normally I teach private classes and courses during the week - on the weekends I organize different yoga events, yoga teacher trainings or am on the road at retreats, festivals or workshops in Europe. But currently my biggest new project is actually free yoga on Youtube to allow my yogis to continue practicing yoga during this difficult time.

You also hold yoga classes on the mountain. What makes yoga in this location so special?
The special thing about "Yoga am Berg" is definitely the combination with the sunrise. When you arrive there, everything is still dark, cool and quiet. Then slowly the first yogis arrive and suddenly 100 people are standing in front of me. The music starts, we begin the flow, slowly the spectacle begins with the sunrise. You feel the first rays of the sun on your skin, you have a breathtaking view and a unique energy. The first time it rained - unfortunately not quite as I just described (laughs) - but everyone still came, and afterwards we had a delicious breakfast.

Are there any other exciting locations where you hold yoga classes? If so, which ones?
My favorite places are certainly the mountains in the context of various events, but lakes are of course also very suitable. This year I'm also organizing a retreat in collaboration with a hotel in Zell am See, where we practice yoga on a ferry in the middle of the lake. The most beautiful setting, however, was in Rimini at sunset on an old bridge. The sea gives yoga a certain je ne sais quoi.

Speaker
Marcel Clementi also gives lectures. His goal is to inspire people to lead a happier and healthier life. He talks about topics such as mindfulness and balance.

Instagram: @marcelclementiyoga
Youtube: Marcel Clementi
marcelclementiyoga.com