No excuses: that's the motto of Anna Posch, the stylish yoga instructor who regularly makes Viennese yogis sweat. On her Instagram account (@poschstyle), the charismatic influencer gives insights into her everyday life (spoiler alert: it includes a lot of yoga) and her enviable closet. Anyone who finds Anna's dynamic yoga style and steely body intimidating is mistaken at first glance: the likeable Viennese motivates her followers with a lot of honesty and a healthy dose of Schmäh. "My classes are suitable for all levels, even beginners. If it gets too strenuous, you can just take a short break. The important thing is to keep at it constantly, not to be perfect," says the yoga teacher, who is hosting her next retreat in June. In an interview with Falstaff Travel, she reveals what yogis can expect from her classes, where she would like to travel herself, and how to bring her sessions home.

Yoga retreats are a great way to get away from everything for a few days and focus on your yoga practice. What does a retreat involve and what makes a good one in your opinion?

A good yoga retreat always has a certain theme, such as "Dynamic Yoga", "Yoga HIIT" etc.. So you can already orient yourself as a yogi and reflect on what appeals to you and what does not. A good retreat must be well planned and professionally organized. The yogi should be able to see what program awaits him and which teachers will be there. There are already so many offers, everyone will find a suitable retreat, whether combined with a long-distance trip or close by, to take a break from everyday life or to improve their yoga skills.

Yoga retreats are becoming increasingly popular in this country as well. What can you expect from a yoga retreat? How do you assess this trend and in which direction do you think it will develop?

A yoga retreat should be led by yoga teachers who have at least 200 hours of yoga teacher training. In principle, you should not expect much, but rather choose a retreat according to teacher and yoga style. Then just get involved and enjoy. Taking time out should not be a trend, but something you treat yourself to in order to revitalize body and mind.

How do you design your retreats?

Depending on the theme, I create a suitable plan. The additional program always depends on the location, but I like to leave my yogis a lot of free time so that they can also relax.

What do you look for when choosing hotels?

Communication and planning must work smoothly. A nice space for the daily sessions is also important. And the food plays a big role, of course, because those who move a lot need good and healthy meals. A sufficient breakfast and a delicious dinner are always on the plan.

"Taking time off shouldn't be a trend, but something you treat yourself to in order to revitalize your body and mind."
-Anna Posch

Are yoga retreats suitable for beginners? What advice would you give to people booking a retreat for the first time?

Retreats are of course also something for beginners. As an absolute beginner, however, I would definitely visit a few yoga classes beforehand and clarify which program is offered or which style is taught.

Do you also participate in yoga retreats yourself?

Now and then, when time permits. I like to try out new things, get involved and learn from other teachers.

Which hotel for yoga or spa stays do you remember best?

The Hotel Neusacherhof directly on the shores of Lake Weissensee particularly appealed to me with its great ambience. The Kundalini retreat I attended was led by Melissa Domenig, a real yoga icon. That was just the right thing for me at the time. I generally put more emphasis on the teachers than on the hotel. My first yoga retreat had such an impact on me that I found my yoga style through it. So I also decided to do my 200 hours Yoga Teacher Training with Briohny Smyth and Dice Ida-Klein in Thailand. Next on the schedule is the 300 hour training with Dylan Werner, which I am already very excited about. He's an absolute yoga luminary, and I'm the only Austrian to get a spot. Really really cool...

What's on your travel bucket list? Where else do you really want to go?

A lot, in fact. Australia, Mexico, Portugal, Mauritius and the Maldives spring to mind. I love traveling incredibly much and, as you can see, I still have a lot planned (laughs).

Where and when can you do the next yoga retreat with Poschstyle?

In June I will be hosting a 5-day Retreat at Hotel Post Bezauwhich I am already very much looking forward to. I have developed an extensive and versatile yoga HIIT program with Stephanie Rist, which is very challenging but also very enriching.

Can your units be done from home?

Yes, with my online platform The Poschstyle Studio the living room becomes a yoga studio. Here I regularly provide new content, that motivates my community to show up on the mat every day, do their best, and experience the power of yoga.

The Poschstyle Studio

Web: akiron.tv
Price: from €13,40/month
Trial version: 7 days free of charge

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