Hayley Winter 

Founder of The Institute of Yoga Sports Science® & Co-founder of The School of Yoga Sequencing

Over the years, I have often been asked, "Do you teach yoga classes?" My answer has always been "Not right now"—but that changes today! 

My yoga classes are for everyone. Whether you’re a yoga teacher, an athlete, or someone looking to move with ease, feel youthful, and build strength, my classes are designed for you.

I’m a yoga teacher with over 30 years of experience, and my career has been rooted in exploring the connection between yoga and athletic performance. In 2000, I began developing a hypothesis: that yoga could be a powerful tool for enhancing athletic potential. Determined to test this theory, I collaborated with the English Institute of Sport, followed by work with the English Football Association, British Olympic Performance Directors, and athletes from a wide range of disciplines.

Through these experiences, I developed a sport-specific yoga methodology, rigorously applying and refining it with every athlete I worked with. This body of work led to the creation of the Institute of Yoga Sports Science® (YSS). Drawing on my MSc in Sports and Exercise Biomechanics, I designed a vocational Yoga Sports Coaching™️ course to help yoga teachers, physiotherapists, and exercise professionals bridge the gap between yoga and sport—equipping them with both the knowledge and professional advantage needed to work confidently in the field.

In 2009, following the global financial crash, I became one of the first yoga educators to pioneer teaching yoga online. This shift created opportunities for students worldwide to train with me. In 2010, YSS forged a partnership with its student body, launching a seven-year case-study research program to collect data on the correlation between yoga and improved athletic performance, including injury prevention. Today, YSS holds the largest case-study research database in the world demonstrating the efficacy of yoga in sport.

In addition to my ongoing work with YSS, I have co-founded The School of Yoga Sequencing with my colleague Annelize Ferreira, a consultant physiotherapist for YSS. Together, we have written The Yoga Sequencing Playbook and developed continuing education courses for yoga teachers seeking structured, evidence-based solutions for designing safe and effective yoga sequences.

This is a milestone year for me—not only am I turning 60, but The Institute of Yoga Sports Science® (YSS) is launching in India, a development I am incredibly proud of. And, on a personal note, I've just welcomed my first grandchild into the world!