How Calgary’s Maria Russo found her calling in yoga

Maria Russo’s path to becoming a yoga instructor was not planned. What began as an uncertain attempt to try yoga soon shaped her personal and professional life.

In the early 2000s, Russo’s friend suggested she try a class at Yoga Passage, a studio in downtown Calgary. Russo was hesitant, because she had tried a yoga class before but didn’t think it was for her.

This time, however, she had a different experience.

“I found that I fell in love with it,” says Russo. “The mindful movement, the way it pushed me to improve. But what really got me was the idea that how you react on your mat is how you react off your mat. That really intrigued me.”

Making a career change

Russo worked full-time as an assistant manager at a men’s clothing store. Despite her demanding job, she tried to attend classes regularly and fit them into her busy schedule. As her interest deepened, Russo began taking yoga instructor courses while juggling her retail job.

Deep down, she knew she wanted to make yoga her career, but struggled to take the leap. 

“I always thought to myself, ‘I want to share a little bit of what I learned on the mat with other people,’” says Russo.

Eventually, she mustered enough strength to leave the corporate world behind.

Russo didn’t stop at one training course. Over the years, she completed multiple programs, including courses in Vancouver, Costa Rica and Canmore.

“The first training I did was 250 hours, and then after that, I did 50-hour courses, other 200-hour courses—it all just built on itself,” says Russo.

Finding balance

However, her journey wasn’t just about professional development. Russo also had to balance her busy work schedule alongside raising two children.

“It’s a lot to manage,” she says. “But I can do all the things I need to do and still spend my days teaching.” 

Now, she teaches 11 classes a week.

For Russo, creating a strong sense of community in her classes is a priority.

Her co-worker Alex Law admires how Russo manages both roles.

“She takes it in stride,” says Law. “She’s always talking about her adventures with her kids and how important they are to her.”

“I talk to most of my students when they come in and when they leave,” says Russo. “I encourage them to ask questions and give feedback. I really try to know their names and learn a little bit about them. That’s how I try to create a sense of comfort.”

The personal connections she creates in her classes help students feel supported and engaged. 

Some challenges

Russo’s journey to confidence didn’t come without challenges. Early in her career, she struggled with self-doubt.

“When I got my first job at World Health, I didn’t think I was good enough,” she says. “I would always go in with a beating heart, unsure if I could do it.”

To overcome those nerves, Russo worked on self-talk and deep breathing.

“I just kept reminding myself that I was capable”.

Now, after years of practicing yoga, Russo looks back and wishes she had trusted herself to take the risk sooner.

“I put it off too long instead of just believing in myself,” she says. “I see new teachers come out of training and jump right into it. I wish I had done that.”

Her practice, like her confidence, has evolved over the years.

Now teaching six days a week, Russo has developed a mindset that helps her maintain balance. Yoga isn’t just her job—it’s an important part of her well-being.

“If I’m not having a good day, I just go onto the mat and everything feels better,” she says.

One thing about Russo has never changed.

“She’s consistent, her passion stands out in every delivery,” says Law.

Russo’s advice to anyone who doubts whether yoga is for them is simple.

“There’s an aspect of yoga for everyone—just moving your body is enough,” she says. “No one should feel intimidated.”

Russo’s path to becoming a full-time yoga instructor involved more than perfecting postures and leading sessions. It was always about embracing self-discovery, overcoming doubts and sharing the benefits of yoga with others.