Zhou Yuya (Rachel):
Rachel Zhou began her study of traditional yoga in 2002. In October 2004 she participated in a 2-month Bikram Hot Yoga Teacher Training, after which she began teaching at the first professional hot yoga studio in Beijing. Rachel then began to study Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, and participated in the teacher training program co-sponsored by Beijing's OM Training Centre and Omkarananda Patanjala of India. Ultimately, she came into contact with Vinyasa Flow Yoga at Yoga Yard, and found a deep enjoyment of this type of yoga.

In 2006, Rachel participated in Chase Bossart's 'Breath of Yoga' and Max Strom's 'Yoga...An Act of Remembrance,' workshops hosted by Yoga Yard. In May 2007 she participated in Matthew Cohen's Vinyasa Flow Yoga Teacher Training. Her experiences in the above trainings, in addition to her time practicing and studying at Yoga Yard, as well as her own regular practice and study, has deeply enriched her teaching. Rachel views Yoga asanas and breathing practices as tools to transform and rebuild ourselves. She believes that without proper breathing to guide one's movements, the practice of yoga is not complete. Her classes emphasize use of core strengthening exercises, to cultivate the body's intelligence and improve strength, while preventing potential injury.

Rachel Zhou Yuya began teaching at Yoga Yard in August 2006. She teaches in both English and Chinese.