Melissa McLeod is a friendly, down-to-earth yoga instructor and personal trainer based in Victoria, BC. She has worked in the health and wellness industry for over a decade. She earned her certification as a Personal Trainer in 2000 and as a yoga instructor in 2005.

Melissa teaches yoga classes through Recreation Oak Bay, MokSana Yoga Center, Hemma Yoga Studio and on her own through her company Bloom Yoga.

Recognized by her Peers

Melissa was nominated for BC Recreation and Parks Association Personal Trainer of the Year in 2005 and selected as a lululemon ambassador in 2007.

A Wealth of Teaching Experience

Melissa has taught private yoga classes for staff at:

• University of Victoria
• Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
• lululemon Althletica.

She is also a highly regarded instructor for yoga teacher training. She has taught through the MokSana Yoga Centers teacher training program, Camosun College’s Athletics and Recreation program, and Ajna Yoga’s teacher training program.

Beyond the Studio

Melissa’s had a weekly television segment on CHEK TV’s ‘Island 30’ show from January 2010 to June 2011. She designed the segment, Serenity and Strength, to give viewers an easy-to-follow exercise they can safely do at home.

In 2009, Melissa produced a DVD based on her popular Yoga4Strength® classes. Shot on location in Victoria, the Yoga4Strength® DVD includes three complete routines, and is appropriate for students of all levels.

Partnership for Pelvic Floor Health

Melissa works extensively with physiotherapist Jodi Ganton, who specializes in helping patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. Melissa and Jodi have created a series of workshops that teach participants healthy bladder habits. They have presented their “Stop Your Bladder from Running Your Life” workshops to hundreds of people a year in greater Victoria.

My Philosophy

I encourage my students to listen and respect their bodies during their yoga and fitness practices.  I gently remind them to “do what feels right,” and that “it’s your practice.” My role is to help and guide my students. I love helping people discover what they are capable of, and reminding them that exercise is fun.