As a college soccer athlete at Saint Louis University, Maximus suffered a series of leg injuries that led to major leg surgeries forcing me to step away from the game he loved. Maximus began practicing yoga as a way to restore positive energy to his mind, body.  and spirit after having to find a new path. His appreciation of the yogic philosophy and the healing technique of Reiki continued to grow tremendously as he still continues to seek more knowledge. Maximus earned his Level 1 Reiki Certificate at Blue Sky Yoga in 2022 and has recently earned his Yoga Teacher Training Certificate (RYT 200) through Shades of Yoga in Bali, Indonesia. His quest for knowledge and his thirst for adventure led him to Bali where he spent months immersed in the Balinese culture while completing his training. As he explored the islands of Indonesia, he felt a sense of tranquility while living each day with the simple intent of expanding his proverbial horizons and feeling joy. And, now with a strong sense of wonder in regards to all this vast world holds, Maximus has returned to St. Louis to spend time with family and deepen his personal relationship with yoga. He is appreciative of the opportunities he’s been granted to learn and grow thus far. Through the beautiful practice of yoga, he is grateful to be able to share some of himself with others. 

After I was a college athlete at Saint Louis University, I began practicing yoga as a way to restore positive energy to my mind, body, and soul after six leg surgeries from the beautiful game of soccer caught up to me and ended my career. A consistent yoga practice became essential to my own mental healing journey from having to step away from the game. As well of course, my physical healing journey has been much smoother as I feel stronger and more agile because of my disciplined yoga training. My appreciation for the philosophy of yoga has grown tremendously as I can see the benefits through the athletes that I work with now. I  earned my Yoga Teacher Training Certificate (RYT 200) through Shades of Yoga in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. I am extremely interested in teaching your athletes yoga and ways to avoid injury, also to deal with injuries mentally and physically. If there is one thing I know well it is how painful and exhausting it can be to be injured, no matter the severity of the injury. It is a trauma that affects the performance of the athlete. The consistent yoga practice, which is a moving meditation, can help the player reach the flow state of mind during competition more often as yoga enhances lung capacity, ability to focus, mobility of joints, immune system, and longevity of the athlete. Scientifically speaking, yoga has been proven to calm the Vagus Nerve which promotes stability and calmness throughout the body. This then allows the body to recover and heal itself. I am looking forward to adding that one percent to your program to naturally reach the next level for your athletes and overall community. 

“Gentleness of mind is an attribute of a yogi, whose heart melts at all suffering. In him/her gentleness for others and firmness for themself go hand and hand, and in his presence all hostilities are given up.”