Gerhard Gessner

ततः प्रत्यक्चेतनाधिगमोऽप्यन्तरायाभवश्च ॥२९॥

Through this practice, the immutable self is
revealed and all obstacles are removed.
- Patanjali, Yoga Sutras 1.29

A student and teacher of yoga for nearly three decades, Gerhard Gessner is trained in many different styles of Hatha yoga, including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Ananda and Contact (Partner or Acro) Yoga. His non-dogmatic and unique Vinyasa Flow style combines a wide variety of influences and is tailored to meet the needs of his students. Gerhard's trademark "All Level Vinyasa Flow" class is challenging and upbeat, yet deeply nurturing and filled with humor - attracting students from all walks of life.

In 2001, Gerhard and his wife Alex founded Prana Yoga Center in pursuit of a life richly filled with yoga, meditation and the healing of the body and mind. He spearheads Prana's reputable 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program and is an instructor and mentor in the Advanced 300-Hour Teacher Training offered in cooperation with Yogaworks.

A teacher and bodyworker at heart, Gerhard’s background is versatile and blends roots in the study of the human body and mind. He holds a MA in Education and Counseling Psychology and a BA in Mechanical Engineering. In addition to teaching community classes, Gerhard works privately with clients to help heal them from emotional trauma through rebirthing. He is a Certified Massage Therapist, a Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) 500 with Yoga Alliance. He also studied dance and movement therapy at the Tamalpa Institute in San Francisco. 

Gerhard serves on the faculty at the University of San Diego (since 1989) and UCSD (since 2004) in the MFA programs in the Theatre and Dance departments. 

In order to create the perfect synchronicity within the class, he encourages his students to be completely focused and present. If we are absorbed in the moment of our activity, we can consequently slow down the "chatter" (vritti) of our minds - this state is also known as flow.

Gerhard has a powerful ability to inspire his students to look for their potential, while challenging and nurturing the process in a fun and safe environment. He challenges his students to find their edge while using the breath as an inner indicator to reach and stay within their limits. Being mindful and attentive during practice to feel one with our actions is also of great importance to him. Gerhard teaches with the aim of guiding his students in their own process, so over time, they can develop a finer sensitivity to the more subtle movements in their bodies and minds. In his view, the teacher becomes the conductor and each student is a note… ideally coming all together in a beautiful symphony. 

A quintessential 'teacher's teacher,' he has trained many teachers around San Diego, the United States and internationally. He also leads workshops, retreats and Teacher Trainings around the US and abroad. Since 2004, Gerhard has led his signature 200-hour Teacher Training program, accredited by Yoga Alliance, out of his home studio, Prana Yoga Center located in beautiful La Jolla, California.

For booking inquiries or to contact Gerhard personally, please email: INFO@PRANA-YOGA.COM