Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Minday.
Joseph, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Having spent years in the corporate world, I witnessed firsthand the widespread disconnection from both body and mind caused by workplace stress, manifesting as physical pain, limited mobility, and impaired mental well-being, which is why my instruction focuses on fostering mind-body connection and enhancing both physical mobility and mental health. As a passionate and experienced instructor, my focus is on mobility and mental health stemming from the impacts of demanding professional environments. I offer a diverse and holistic approach to wellbeing through yoga and also bring invigorating HIIT and mat Pilates instruction directly to the convenience of condominium and hotel settings. My offerings also include SUP yoga – a fantastic way to reconnect with Florida’s stunning subtropical nature and escape the air-conditioned office world, with tours around scenic canals and in various outdoor parks, sometimes paired with rewarding beach cleanup events, and, uniquely in Miami, bringing the experience to condominium and hotel pools with my setup of up to 17 paddle boards held securely in place. Drawing from my own experiences navigating corporate stress, I share valuable insights to cultivate sustainable physical practices and promote inner peace through self-inquiry, ultimately aiming to build functional movement and strength, improve mental well-being through meditation, and enhance overall life quality, with the unique option of experiencing yoga on the water. My comprehensive certifications include 200hrs Yoga Alliance, SUP Yoga, NASM Personal Trainer, Animal Flow, Budokon Yoga, Move Pat, Meditation & Mindfulness, and Reiki.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The transition from the predictable rhythm of the corporate world to the fluid, nature-connected path I now embrace wasn’t without its poignant challenges. At times, the insidious whisper of imposter syndrome would surface, questioning my capabilities and the validity of this new direction. There were moments when familiar faces from my past, entrenched in the security of corporate structures, struggled to understand or believe in this shift, their well-intentioned skepticism casting shadows of doubt.
The world around me, often valuing conventional stability above all else, sometimes perceived my choice as a precarious leap, lacking the perceived safety net of a steady paycheck and traditional benefits. Building trust and a solid portfolio in this new landscape required time, dedication, and a resilience that was tested by the occasional uncertainty.
Yet, through these struggles, the unwavering flame of passion burned brightly, fueled by the profound joy I find in sharing movement and connection. And it was the precious few – those steadfast supporters who saw the vision and believed in the value of this path – who provided the unwavering encouragement that propelled me forward, transforming potential anxieties into the quiet confidence I carry today. It is in this blend of passion and support that the courage to navigate the uncharted waters of a different kind of success truly blossoms.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
That’s a wonderful question, and it touches on the heart of what I’ve built. My work centers around fostering a deeper connection – to our bodies, our minds, and the natural world. I specialize in a holistic approach to wellbeing, weaving together yoga, mobility, soft calisthenics, HIIT, mat Pilates, and, most notably, SUP yoga.
What I’m truly known for, and what I’m incredibly proud of, is the SUP yoga experience I’ve cultivated. It’s more than just yoga on a board; it’s a unique immersion in Florida’s stunning aquatic environments. I’ve poured my own vision into this by designing my own branded paddle boards, ensuring they are perfectly suited for the practice.
What truly sets me apart in the SUP yoga realm is my mobile approach. Instead of expecting people to come to a specific location, I bring the entire experience directly to them. I’ve invested in a setup that allows me to transform the pools of condominiums and hotels into serene floating studios, accommodating up to 17 participants at once with boards held securely in place. This eliminates the barrier of travel and makes this incredible connection to nature accessible right outside their door.
On a personal level, what I believe also distinguishes me is my genuine enjoyment of people. For me, teaching isn’t a transaction; it’s about authentic communication and building real connections. I truly value the interactions with my students and find immense joy in sharing these practices in a way that feels personal and supportive.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
That’s a fun question! Something surprising that most people who know my yoga work might not realize is that I actually didn’t discover this path until I moved to Miami and the US about 11 years ago. Back in France, where I’m from, yoga wasn’t really on my radar. To be honest, I kind of had this stereotypical image of it being a “hippy thing.”
It wasn’t until shortly after arriving in Miami, where yoga culture is much more prevalent, that a friend invited me to my very first class. I fell in love with it immediately! Interestingly, even though yoga was new to me, I’d always had a strong connection to my body through years of dancing and practicing capoeira for many years before moving to Miami. So, while the practice of yoga was a new chapter that began here, the underlying awareness of movement, physicality and expressivity was already a part of my life. Miami is truly where my yoga journey took flight.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yosep-yogi.com/
- Instagram: @yosep.yogi // @suptropicalyoga
