If you haven’t met Heather Kitchen yet, you’re in for a treat. Trust me, you’ll thank me later for introducing you! And if you’re already a fan of her classes and content, you’re probably just as excited as I am to learn more about her.
I first discovered Heather on Instagram, where I’m always on the lookout for yogis practicing in Malaika Padma shorts. Her energy and creativity instantly reminded me of an early Carrie Owerko, and I knew I had to check out her classes. After signing up for her online sessions, I’ve found so much inspiration—not just for my own practice but also for the classes I teach.
When I started brainstorming for this blog, Heather was one of the first yogis who came to mind—someone I knew I had to feature and share with the Malaika Padma community. And when Heather graciously agreed to contribute both an article and a video, I couldn’t have been more thrilled!
Without further ado, here’s Heather Kitchen, certified Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher Level 3, in her own words. Sharing her unique perspective on yoga, creativity, and the joy of teaching.
In March 1995, around my 23rd birthday, I attended my first yoga class. I was curious. I had no idea what yoga was about other than perhaps ‘stretching’ but I had an instinctive sense it could help with my feelings of depression and anxiety… little did I know that it would draw me in and change my life forever! I was hooked from the very first class.
I was enthused by the rigours of the physical practice along with the richness of the yoga philosophy and esoteric teachings. My first teacher was able to bring the philosophy to life within her physically demanding classes. She was influenced by Iyengar Yoga (yet not certified Iyengar) and under her wing I began teaching yoga in 1997. Very quickly I realized I needed more training and a deeper understanding of how to teach beginners and how to use the props effectively, so I went down the path of Iyengar Yoga teacher training and certification.
Heather Kitchen in the color "Walk on the Beach"
"I had no idea what yoga was about other than perhaps ‘stretching’ but I had an instinctive sense it could help with my feelings of depression and anxiety…"
Over the years I have cultivated not only my practice, but also the way I teach. I have learned, and continue to learn so much along the way. I endeavor to remain a student and remain humble. There’s always more to learn. One of the aspects I bring into both my practice and my classes is the nuance in all things; there’s no “right or wrong”, no “black and white”. Why limit ourselves to that way of thinking? We all have different body types, different constitutional types, different nervous systems, different genetics, different life stages and many of us experience injuries or medical conditions at various stages of our lives that we need to consider, and we need to adapt our approach to our practice as we continue over the years, particularly if we want our practice to have longevity.
Iyengar Yoga has provided me with a structure, a method in which to apply myself to a practice. It provides me with focus, clarity and vigour. The application of technique, repetition, sequencing and timings all serve to heighten my awareness of not only my body but the mechanisms of mind. I really appreciate the variety of approaches I can take within a practice depending upon my needs on any given day and I am grateful for the challenge and nourishment that maintaining a personal practice offers.
Heather Kitchen in the color "Cocktail"
"One of the aspects I bring into both my practice and my classes is the nuance in all things; there’s no “right or wrong”, no “black and white”. Why limit ourselves to that way of thinking?"
My motivation to teach is to share the joy and freedom, of body, mind and spirit that I have experienced through the practice of yoga. I wish to encourage students to challenge their habits of limitation, both physically and mentally whilst sharing humor, joy and compassion about our humanness.
Heather gracefully provided a free class for Malaika Padma Blog Readers.
Click on the image below to view the class
*You will be redirected to Heather's website
Heather Kitchen has an extensive Video Library that houses over 400 full length classes with a new class added every week. She is based on the Sunshine Coast in Australia.
You can also find Heather on social media:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IyengarYogawithHeather
Instagram: @yoga.with.heather
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherkitchenyoga
Heather Kitchen is a Level 3 certified Iyengar Yoga teacher with over 25 years of teaching experience. Starting her yoga journey in 1995 under renowned Melbourne teacher Eugenie Knox, she quickly developed a passion for the practice. By 1997, Heather was teaching at "The Dance of Life" studio, and she went on to co-found the Yarraville Yoga Centre (YYC), one of Australia’s most respected Iyengar Yoga schools. In addition to her studio work, Heather has led numerous retreats and now runs "Heather Kitchen Yoga" from her home in Coolum Beach, offering in-person classes and a growing online video library. Through her teaching, Heather aims to share the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits of yoga with her students.