Hi, I’m Jesal. Nice to meet you.
I’m a yoga teacher, movement educator, podcaster, author, and disrupter working on creative solutions for equity in yoga. I’m one of the Co-Hosts of the Yoga is Dead podcast and I’m the Co-Director of Yoga Teachers of Color. My mission is to uplift those of us who are feeling isolated and marginalized by the yoga industry. You can get a quick snapshot of all my latest work by going here. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
My Story
I have never been an athlete. When I first started yoga, I didn't have strength or flexibility. I couldn't hold a plank or touch my toes. And I certainly couldn’t sit still and meditate. Instead, I experienced low back pain from my marketing desk job, stress from a fast-paced, NYC lifestyle, psoriasis and unhealthy family relationships. Yoga gave me that foot in the door. It helped me connect all those dots and provided me with a toolbox to begin addressing things like my:
physical, mental and emotional needs
low back pain
psoriasis
fear of the treadmill
ability to meditate
ability to set healthy boundaries in my relationships
What I Offer
After years of training in areas like anatomy, biomechanics, meditation, prenatal yoga, FRC, social justice and more, I bring you something truly unique: an accessible and body positive practice that combines ancient wisdom and cutting-edge research in a way that makes sense for your modern life. Whether you’re looking to touch your toes, address pain or injury, feel more at home in your body, or learn to clear your head so you can sleep better, I’ll give you the tools to create a LASTING change.
No acrobatics. No bullshit. Just useful, practical stuff.
If you’re a yoga teacher and want to learn more about how to do this for your students, too, head on over here.
My Activism Work
As an Indian-American yoga teacher who’s experienced my fair share of racism and discrimination in the yoga industry, I’m passionate about disrupting the current oppressive systems in yoga to make way for new paradigms and for diverse leadership in the industry.
As a Co-Host of the Yoga is Dead podcast, I work to jumpstart critical conversations about power, privilege, fair pay, harassment, race, cultural appropriation and capitalism in the yoga and wellness worlds. On this podcast, we’re unearthing all the monsters lurking under the yoga mat
I’m also the Co-Director of Yoga Teachers of Color, a grassroots movement that celebrates the diversity of the BIPOC community and advocates for more inclusivity, equity, and representation within the wellness industry. Currently, we do this by spotlighting BIPOC leaders in the industry through an annual, sharable social media campaign: aka a list of recognition. We are growing this initiative into a community directory.
What People are Saying About Me…
““Jesal is an incredible teacher. She really hones in on people’s problem areas and targets your session to focus on those areas. There is a lot of variety in her practice so she keeps you engaged. She is also very responsive and organized. I highly recommend her.””
“Working with Jesal has been a life-changer for me. I suffer from chronic migraines and decided on Yogawalla as a healing resource. Jesal is compassionate, intuitive and knowledgable. Her expertise in anatomy and her insight into the mind and the mental obstacles we put up both educates and inspires me - all while having fun and feeling better. She has a contagious laugh, a positive energy and it’s been a comprehensively positive experience.”
- Jules S.
"I am 28 years old and have sciatica in my right leg and such a bad back that I had to start seeing a chiropractor. Once I started my private lessons, I didn’t even know I had sciatica or back problems. Jesal quickly became not only my yoga teacher, but my friend. She is not only FANTASTIC at what she teaches, but she is an amazing individual! ANYONE who has the pleasure of having her as a yoga instructor is very fortunate. I highly recommend Jesal’s classes!"
- Lena E.
“I’ve worked with Jesal several times and I always leave class feeling open and calm. Her knowledge of anatomy and genuine care for each student is apparent from the start. Jesal is playful in her approach and really allows her students to explore poses and work through areas of struggle. She has a way of being present in the moment and modifying her plan to fit the needs of her students, no matter their level. I also appreciate the way she makes meditation accessible. If you’re looking for a teacher that will work with what your body is willing to do on a given day, I recommend Jesal all the way!”
- Juliet M.
““I can confidently say that Jesal is one of the best instructors I have ever had. Deeply rooted in her own practice and training in addition to anatomy courses, Jesal’s teaching style is confident, hands-on, and soothing while simultaneously challenging. ”
"Jesal is by far one of the best yoga teachers that I have ever had! Every week she presents us with new challenges so we are not working on the same poses all of the time. That being said, she also provides us with opportunities to continue working on poses that we have already learned. It is the perfect combination of learning new poses and being granted opportunities to continue building upon previously learned techniques! She is patient and makes sure everyone is doing their best with a pose before moving on to the next. She offers modification options for those of us that are newer to yoga. She is accommodating of all skill levels and encourages everyone to be OK with whatever level they are at, while still challenging us to try to keep pushing ourselves. She is very friendly and approachable and happy to speak after class about any questions or concerns we had with the poses. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to practice with her each week!”
- Liza R.
“I had always been an active person until I became ill with Lyme disease. This disease had a long treatment and recovery time. After two years, I decided to try yoga because my muscles were getting weaker and my joints more painful due to arthritis. Jesal made me feel comfortable. She is very knowledgeable and asked pertinent health questions that made me realize I was in good, capable hands. I also have had various issues, i.e. an old rotator cuff injury and ankle injury as well as other injuries, that she has helped me to address comfortably and to find a way to balance doing yoga and allowing old injuries to strengthen and heal. Thanks to her help, I am flexible and comfortable, but more importantly, I do not wake up in the morning with all my joints hurting. I have recommended my patients to Jesal because of her knowledge and skill, but I also appreciate her warm and uplifting personality. She has made a lifelong believer of me.”
- Lisa C.
“I had such a wonderful experience working with Jesal on Friday! We had to turn the session itself into a Video call, and she was so accommodating with the changes that afternoon. She guided me through poses and breathing exercises to release any pain and open up areas that previously felt restricted. She guided me to use props like pillows and blankets so I felt comfortable. I especially loved the Yoga Nidra at the end, her voice was so soothing and calm, that I instantly felt connected to the visual guidance and imagery she set up. Overall, my body felt a lot more relaxed and open after our session- I definitely plan on using her services again! Thank you Jesal!”
- Asha S.
"Jesal is a terrific yoga instructor. I came to her with absolutely no knowledge of Yoga. She explained all the different techniques, theories, and benefits of yoga. Afterwards she asked me what I wanted to gain from Yoga and we worked together to develop a plan to reach my goals. Within a few weeks I already noticed a stark difference. My strength and flexibility increased and I was even able to work on my own. I definitely recommend Jesal to any beginners or experts. She doesn’t buy into the commercialized yoga that’s so common now, she focuses on real yoga.”
- Jared K.
“Jesal is a fantastic instructor! She took the time to understand my needs, objectives, and weaknesses, not only through our discussions but also by observing my performance, and tailored each pose or activity to ensure I got the most out of each session. She also took the time to explain the philosophy or benefits behind each exercise which has made me much more aware of my body and its capabilities. I thoroughly enjoyed my classes with Jesal. I always left feeling challenged, accomplished, and invigorated. I would absolutely recommend Jesal to anyone looking for a private instructor.”
- Julee N.
“Jesal, the Yoga Walla, impartially examined my body, like a tailor constructing a fine garment, and tailored each session to my needs. Jesal continually checked in with me, meeting me where I was at with modifications, and challenging me to visualize my strength and realize my abilities. As a result of my sessions with Jesal I more easily access my athletic energy in my day-to-day; group yoga classes, swimming, bike commuting, or just climbing the subway stairs. Jesal Parikh’s nurturing and holistic yoga lessons inspire me to practice greater self-care. She is divine and will be vulnerable with you in your practice and her instruction.”