Emily Mergaert

4Beat, Yin + Inversions

I moved to London from Canada in 2009, and discovered my love for yoga while working as a makeup artist in the fashion industry. My curiosity in the practice led me to a 200hr Ashtanga Vinyasa & Rocket teacher training in Goa with The Yoga People in 2015 and then to Mandala Vinyasa, Rocket & other advanced trainings with teachers such as David Kyle and Ambra Vallo.

 

In line with this I am continually learning more and more about the nuance of hand balance and functional anatomy in inversions, guided by world class hand balancers such as Sammy Dineen. I love using this knowledge in my regular 4Beat yoga classes as well as my specialist inversions and handstand classes at Mission.

 

My love for electronic music brought me to completing the Ableton Music software course designed by Marcus Veda, Flaminia Agrimi and Hannah Whittingham over lockdown so that I could curate and have creative freedom in the beats that I use in my 4Beat classes. As a result of this, as well as my regular 4-Beat yoga classes,  I also now leads a class with a live DJ, “The Beat Boutique”, (co-created with my partner 3MOD3 who has produced artists such as Jocelyn Brown and Kosheen), at Mission every week

 

To balance out all the yang I have also studied yin and functional anatomy extensively, first with Jamie Clarke, and then with Paul Grilley and Bernie Clark (who Emily continues to learn under). With this inspiration and focus, I now host a number of highly successful Yin Teacher Trainings in London.

 

My teaching style draws inspiration from the lineages of rocket, ashtanga, hand-balance and yin as well as other modalities, focusing on skilful, creative sequencing bringing variety, enquiry and functionality to each class. My sequences and teaching are playful, often spontaneous, and full of energy. Not to be taken too seriously, I bring a sense of joy and mischief to each and every class. Expect strength, creativity and awareness of the breath!

 

Qualifications:

  • 200 HR Ashtanga Vinyasa/Rocket TT – The Yoga People
  • 100 HR Yin Yoga – Jamie Clarke
  • 100 HR Mandala Vinysa Yoga – The Yoga People
  • 100 HR Rocket TT Level 1 + 2 – David Kyle
  • 50 HR Rocket – David Kyle
  • 50 HR Advanced with Ambra Vallo
  • 50 HR Yin and the Chakras – Jamie Clark, Lois Pimental
  • 50 HR Yin Teacher Training – Bernie Clark
  • 8 HR Your Spine, Your Yoga – Bernie Clark, Stuart McGill
  • Teacher on TT For Goodlife Yoga School Inversion Training with Nicki Ratcliffe
  • Teacher of YIN TT for Whole self Yoga with Julie Montagu

Class Descriptions

4Beat

Emily teaches an energising, dynamic vinyasa sequence originating from Rocket Yoga and the late Larry Schultz, using the 4Beat methodology of syncing breath to beat with an immersive soundtrack. The 4Beat vinyasa practice as developed by Marcus Veda involves breathing to a metronomic beat throughout the practice to maintain the victorious breath and the meditation.

 

Emily mixes chosen tracks that reflect her style and interpretation of the 4Beat movement. The classes are dynamic, uplifting and always changing according to the audience and theme of the class. You’ll see a lot of postures you may recognise from Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, with a consistent sprinkling of inversions to keep the creativity going throughout.

 

Expect sun salutations, a variety of standing postures and seated including your favourite backbends, forward fold, hip openers and arm balances.

 

Poses come and go, breath and beat are here to stay. The 4Beat movement has begun.

 

All levels welcome from the curious yogis to the seasoned 4Beat movers. 

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Yin

A balancing and complimentary practise to the more dynamic styles such as 4beat, Rocket and Inversions, Emily’s Yin yoga will offer something to all practitioners with a focus on ‘stillness’ and a meditative experience.

 

This class focuses on long held postures, targeting different physical areas of the body, connective tissue, as well as targeting meridian channels in the body while observing a deeper layer of the mind. This practise connects us to the feeling and awareness of Chi, and allows us to go deeper into introspection and self study.

 

Emily curates unique and ambient playlists, which are vital to deepen your yin journey as it is the atmosphere to reveal experience.

 

Arrive, tune in and drop out.

 

All levels welcome

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Yoga Inversions

Every wondered what it’s like journeying through the Upside Down?

 

These days when entering a yoga room in London, there are more times than not a group of super human yogis rocking a handstand for minutes. No joke, minutes.

 

Carefully curated drills inspired from different disciplines; from gymnastics to circus, and back to yoga are broken down in this class, to give the practitioner the knowledge and courage to fly with confidence.

 

There are different level classes to cater to individual aspirations. From baby crow and headstand to the quest for the press we got you covered. Open the gate to the Upside Down.

Testimonials

D Livingston

“I discovered Emily’s classes in 2019 and instantly fell in love with the rocket practice and her teaching style. I have continued to practice with Emily on a weekly basis, drawn to her energy, creativity and killer soundtracks.”

Student

“I was reluctant to try Yin, being addicted to a more dynamic and fast paced practice, but after trying Yin with Emily I am a convert. Her Yin classes are interesting and powerful. She will help release your muscles and fascia and leave you feeling relaxed and restored. Emily is knowledgable and approachable – such a great teacher!”

Student

“Emily is one of the best Rocket teachers! I love her classes; she is encouraging and friendly. Her sequencing is carefully planned and varied. The classes are dynamic and more importantly, lots of fun. Such a great energy!”

Student

“Emily’s Rocket practice is tough but fun, with different areas of focus in each class and set to a 4-beat track for smooth, even breathing.  Emily guides you with prescient skill, extraordinarily elegant demos, expert assists and infectious motivation, helping expand your boundaries to find your edge and progress through your amazing yoga life. Optional inversions feature prominently, but at the end, as you descend into the stillness of shavasana, you will discover a renewed inner awareness and find yourself in a little island of peace amongst the cacophony of London.”