A Cup of Chai With Adele Conti From Australian Yoga Academy
What is your definition of Yoga? How can Yoga transform people's lives?
To me, yoga means connection. It's a way that we get to connect our community through mind, body & spirit.We get to help people put their lives back together when they have faced trauma, tragedy & illness. Not only do we offer students a physical practice, but we offer them a safe space to work through anything that they need to work through.
How were you introduced to Yoga? Is there any specific reason behind it?
I was introduced to yoga many years ago when a work colleague took me to a local hall that a yoga teacher hired to take classes. My interest peaked. I began going to another local teacher and was hooked! I remember I was a gym junkie and going to a slow hatha yoga class and thinking it was one of the hardest things I had ever done. Friends of mine, Anthony Salerno & Dominique Santana Salerno owned the Australian Yoga Academy and asked me if I would be interested in doing their teacher training so I could maybe work for them one day.
What can be called the turning point in your life?
Doing my teacher training was definitely the turning point. This led to me becoming a co-owner of the Australian Yoga Academy which gives me an opportunity to live my truth every day.
The words you live by?
Love what you do and do what you love!
What are the questions that we wish people ask more and why?
Ask what sparks joy in your life and then find it.
What inspires you?
Seeing students grow in their physical practice and change their lives to align with who they truly are and who they truly want to be with the help of their practice.
What are your suggestions for a new student of Yoga?
Don't push yourself too hard too fast, and never let your ego show up on the yoga mat as it's the quickest way to a physical injury.
Tell us your favourite way to enjoy Prana Chai!
When I was pregnant with my second child I went completely off all hot drinks except Prana Chai. I enjoy it best with Bonsoy and like to cook it up in a medium-size pot, as one serve is never enough for me!
Where can we find you?
You can find me at
Australian Yoga Academy
42 Clifton Street, Prahran, VIC
