Michelle Merrifield

Michelle Merrifield is the founder and operator of popular Essence of Living Yoga & Pilates studio and International Teacher Training Academy on the Gold Coast. After first discovering Yoga and Pilates at the young age of 16, Michelle knew with every cell of her body this was her calling and she wanted to share both the spiritual and physical benefits of the practice with others.

After completing a Business Degree and an Advanced Diploma in Recreational Fitness, Michelle went on to further her training with an International Advanced ‘Stott Pilates’ Mat course specialising in Stability Ball, Fitness Circle, Flex Band and Foam Roller instruction together with Reformer Apparatus Training. Later she expanded her knowledge and completed the internationally recognised ‘Body Control Pilates’ Mat Course.

She then went on to deepen her understanding of Yoga by completing a ‘Yoga Arts’ 200hr intensive Teacher Training in Ubud, Bali, ‘Brahmani Yoga’ 500hr intensive Ashtanga Teacher Training in Goa India, ‘Jivamukti Yoga’ 300hr intensive Teacher Training, plus a 500hr apprenticeship in New York and then on to complete a 3 month intensive ‘International Thai Massage’ Teacher Training in Chiang Mai Thailand.

With the constant evolution of the industry Michelle has kept her finger on the pulse with the latest trends and went back to New York for an intensive training program where she studied the Barre from the Lotte Berk lineage. Training at the worlds most exclusive clubs learning new techniques and methods bringing a whole new style of Barre back to Australia. Barre is a fusion of Yoga, Pilates and Ballet.

“I live and breathe my vocation as it resonates with every cell of my body. I truly love what I do and do what I love. I want to share my passion with the world around me and hope to create a happier, healthier world with those willing to change and grow with me.” –