Inspired with Leyla - formerly
Yoga Uganda
Leyla Ahmet Meredith
Leyla's appreciation for the body, strength and flexibility began at the tender age of 7 when she first put on a leotard and discovered ballet and gymnastics. She practised both for the next 10 years enjoying both power and weightlessness, turning her world upside down, flying through the air and bending herself in half.
At 23 she left her home in London and set off for India. Her feet touching Indian soil was both a curse and a blessing. Instantly in love with the smells of incense wafting through the air, the wobbly, smiling, brown faces, the colourful array of gods and goddesses adorning equally as colourful temples and the lyrical chanting flowing from Ashrams before the sun had risen.
India opened the doors to an alternative way of life. Alternative ways on living, health and wellness. The travel bug did not stop there. For the next 10 years she travelled extensively through South East Asia, Central and South America, working in Tokyo and Houston coyly experimenting with shiatsu and sweat lodges, thai massage and meditation, reiki and cranial sacral therapy
Always on a journey of self discovery and always with an appreciation and open heart for the country she was in. In 2002 she gained her level II reiki certificate and in 2003 decided to return to the UK to study shiatsu. Her love for the body and its remarkable capacity had never left her but now she wanted to use the healing power of touch for the benefit of others.
Settling into East London, UK after was a tough decision but dedication, will power and a real love for what she intuitively knew was magical kept her there. She graduated in 2006.
With completion of her diploma, with certificate in hand she flew to Ethiopia. Various travels and journeys through Africa followed before settling in Jinja, Uganda. Leyla qualified as a yoga teacher in 2008 with Africayoga and has been teacing extensively over the world since. Initially drawn to the dynamic nature of Ashtanga, its power and moving meditation qualities she has since softened preferring to teach flow Vinyasa.
Always looking for inspiration and to further her self practice and teaching in 2013 Leyla completed Shiva Reas prana flow training and in 2014 the Africa Yoga Projects 200 hour Journey into Power teacher training. In 2019 she graduated from a 300 hr multidisciplinary YTT in Costa Rica
These days you can find me public speaking on the benefits of holistic living and offering private 1:1 sessions, both online and in person, I still design and lead immersive retreats and Yoga Teacher Trainings in carefully chosen, refined locations around the world. Each experience is created with intention and integrity — spaces that invite depth, connection, and meaningful transformation.
My work bridges the physical and subtle body. I am deeply committed to supporting physical vitality while cultivating emotional resilience and inner clarity. My approach weaves together mindful movement, strength and mobility practices, breathwork, restorative techniques, affirmations, mantra and reflective inquiry. I also place strong emphasis on conscious nutrition, nervous system regulation, and sustainable lifestyle practices.
I believe true well-being arises when physiology and psychology are aligned — when we move with awareness, nourish ourselves intentionally, honour rest, and live in accordance with our values. By integrating structure with sensitivity, discipline with compassion, I support individuals in building strength not only in their bodies, but in their mindset, presence, and overall sense of balance.
Underpinning all of my work is a commitment to compassion, truth, accountability, and trust — not as concepts, but as lived practice.