Magdalena Nowaczyk

She’s a teacher. A sound healer. A mother. A dreamer. And honestly? A total boss. Magdalena Nowaczyk is the founder of Surya Yoga in Łazarz and one of the OGs of Ashtanga Yoga in Poland. She’s been personally authorized by Manju Jois—yes, the Manju Jois, son of the legendary Pattabhi Jois—so when she leads a class, you’re not just stretching, you’re walking in the footsteps of a yogi dynasty.

We dropped in on Magdalena for a chat to find out how a yoga journey that began with sore arms and Berlin street cafés ended up becoming one of the most respected yoga hubs in the city.

The Interview

Poznań Daily: Hey! Pleasure to meet again. When did the yoga bug first bite?

Magdalena: Around 2002. I was studying in Berlin and yoga was just one of the PE options at uni. But right after that first class, I knew—I’m in this for life.

PD: What do you remember from that first session?

Magdalena: Pain. So much pain. I could barely walk the next day, and my arms? Forget washing my hair. I wasn’t in the best shape, hahaha.

PD: And your first studio?

Magdalena: That was back in 2005, right here in Poznań on Kalowa street. But my very first classes were in Berlin—teaching a group of ex-drug addicts in a café.

PD: Whoa. How was that?

Magdalena: Surprisingly amazing. Mostly men. Really into it. It wasn’t just yoga—it was rehab, recovery, and human connection. Double rewarding.

PD: Was yoga already a thing in Poland back then?

Magdalena: Not really. When I came back to Poznań, it was still catching up. I was probably the first in the city—and second in Poland—to offer Ashtanga Yoga. Back then, it was mostly Iyengar everywhere.

PD: And now?

Magdalena: Poland has definitely caught up. Though Iyengar still rules in popularity, Ashtanga has carved out its niche.

For the clueless, what’s the difference?

Magdalena: Iyengar is focused on alignment—think precision, props, and holding poses. Ashtanga is more dynamic and flowing—it’s a set sequence of poses combined with specific breathing (ujjayi breath) and movement (vinyasa). It’s sweaty, intense, and transformative.

What’s that massive metal disc hanging in the studio? It looks like something off a spaceship.
Haha, that’s a gong We use it for sound healing. It sends out powerful vibrations that help relax your nervous system, clear stuck energy, and deepen the meditative state. You don’t just hear it — you feel it in your bones. It’s like a full-body sonic massage.

PD: When did Surya Yoga move to Grotgera 3?

Magdalena: Just before COVID hit. I had this huge opening planned… and boom. Pandemic. So, soft launch it was.

PD: If someone could only attend one class at Surya, what should it be?

Magdalena: Ashtanga Mysore, no doubt. It’s nothing like the typical led class. Everyone practices at their own pace with teacher support. It’s very personal and builds self-practice skills. Think of it as yoga open mic.

PD: Can you show me any pose?

Magdalena: Of course. Here is the Utthita Parsvakonasana.

Can yoga make me a better lover?

Magdalena: Hahaha, ask my husband! But seriously… more body awareness, better breath control, improved flexibility—draw your own conclusions 😏

PD: What’s this “Savasana” everyone ends classes with?

Magdalena: It’s the final resting pose—lying on your back, total relaxation. It helps integrate the practice, calms your nervous system, and resets the body. Most underrated part of the class, honestly.

PD: How many yoga poses will it take to stop my body making weird noises when I stand up?

Magdalena: Haha! You might wanna see an orthopedic doc first. Yoga can help, but there are limits to miracles 😅

PD: I’ve got a bad back—what pose should I start with?

Magdalena: There’s no one-size-fits-all, but Cat-Cow is a gentle, effective place to start. Mobilizes the spine, eases stiffness.

Morning or evening yoga?

Magdalena: Mornings. 100%. Best way to start the day.

PD: Who is Manju Jois to you?

Magdalena: My Ashtanga father. Teacher. Friend. Not a “guru”—he doesn’t like that word. He sees himself more as a messenger, passing the tradition on.

PD: Is yoga different in India compared to Europe?

Magdalena: Yes. In India, it’s part of daily life. More breath, more spiritual, less about the “perfect pose.” In Poland and Europe, it’s often seen as exercise. But that’s changing too.

Indian or Polish food?

Magdalena: Indian, hands down. I eat dal almost every day.

PD: If you could teach a superstar, who would it be?

Magdalena: Hahaha, Ozzy Osbourne. I like a challenge.

PD: It’s been a vibe, Magdalena. How can people reach out?

Magdalena: Messenger or Instagram is best

PD: Final question. I’m 178 cm, 105 kilos, haven’t trained in 30 years. Can you teach me the Utthita Parsvakonasana in 30 seconds?

Magdalena: Hahaha. Challenge accepted. Let’s go!

Wanna check it out yourself?

Catch Magdalena at Surya Yoga, Grotgera 3, Łazarz. Whether you’re a total newbie, a low-key Ozzy Osbourne type, or just want your spine to stop sounding like popcorn, this might just be your spot.
Follow her vibe on Insta: @surya.yoga.poznan
Or drop a message on FB: facebook.com/surya.yoga.poznan

Let us know if you make it to a class. We’ll be back soon with our own downward dog journey.