This week, we’re honoring a very special milestone—10 incredible years of Claire Petretti Marti sharing her wisdom, strength, and passion with the YogaDownload community! Claire’s journey with us began a decade ago with her very first class, and since then, she has become an integral part of our family, inspiring yogis worldwide with her authentic teaching style, powerful sequences, and deep knowledge of yoga and wellness.

With 86 highly rated classes on our site and apps, Claire has guided countless students in their practice, helping them build strength, find balance, and cultivate inner peace. Beyond the digital space, she has also led unforgettable retreats across the globe, bringing her signature warmth and expertise to yogis seeking transformation both on and off the mat.

Join us this week as we celebrate Claire’s incredible contributions! Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her classes, now is the perfect time to experience why she has been a beloved part of our community for the past decade. Check out her top classes and join us in showing appreciation for her dedication and impact!💙✨

But don’t just take our word for it—hear from Claire herself! We sat down with her to reflect on her 10-year journey with YogaDownload, her personal practice, and what inspires her as a teacher. Read on for an exclusive interview where she shares her insights, memories, and what’s next in her yoga journey! ⬇️

Reflecting on 10 Years

YDL: Do you remember what it felt like to film your very first class for YogaDownload? How has your teaching evolved since then?

CM: I remember my first session where we filmed three classes! Reset & Rejuvenate Flow and Quick Energy Flow are my signature well-rounded, fun Vinyasa classes and as a breast cancer survivor, I was happy to also film Yoga for Cancer Recovery 2. 

I’ve been teaching since early 2007 and I’d say the basic elements of my teaching style are the same: clarity, authenticity, humor, and an emphasis on each student tailoring the practice to suit them. I’d like to think I’ve deepened each of those elements, and I’ve enjoyed expanding into some Yin and Slow Flow classes.

YDL: Over the years, you’ve created 86 highly rated classes! Do you have a (some) personal favorite(s), and if so, why?

CM: Wow! And I’m filming 10 new ones next week!  I do love my Yummy Yoga Series. I believe we keep returning to the yoga mat not just for the physical benefits or the mindfulness or the spirituality. Yoga gives us an intangible feeling––we simply feel better on all levels––so returning to the mat helps us feel happier. The Yummy Yoga series is all about embracing that feeling! I’ve also enjoyed creating the Yoga Pilates Fusion classes because I believe they marry the best of these two mind-body modalities.

Yoga Philosophy & Teaching Style

YDL: What do you hope students take away from your classes, whether they’re beginners or experienced yogis?

CM: I hope students feel empowered during and after my classes. To understand they have the capability to boost their moods, improve their physical strength and flexibility, to create a calmer, more balanced mindset simply by breathing and moving. I also want to emphasize that there’s no perfect pose or way your yoga practice needs to be. We are all unique souls and what works for me may not resonate with you. Take the time to find the yoga practice you love and be open to allowing it to evolve and change throughout your life. 

YDL: You’ve led YDL yoga retreats around the world—how does teaching in person compare to teaching online? Do you find one more challenging or fulfilling than the other?

CM: I love teaching all the ways! Yoga retreats represent two of my favorite things: yoga and travel. I love having the opportunity to experience a new country or return to an old favorite, practice yoga, and enjoy the culture. Connecting with students on retreats is so rewarding––sharing meals and experiences in addition to practicing together is so fun. I also love providing online classes and helping people stay consistent in their personal practices by having yoga at their fingertips 24/7. I love filming!

Personal Practice & Inspiration

YDL: Have you faced any personal challenges over the past 10 years that yoga has helped you navigate?

CM: That would be a resounding YES! I’ve had a few serious car accidents and I’m a 15-year breast cancer survivor and have encountered several residual health challenges stemming from treatment, including 4 additional surgeries and another surgery coming up next month. Yoga has helped me keep my mindset positive (mostly) and keep my body strong and flexible around these challenges. Yoga enabled me to teach for the Greece YDL Retreat 3 months after having a hip replacement! I adapted my practice to work around the various challenges. 

I also lost my father in 2021, and he was one of the biggest lights in my life. Yoga and meditation helped me cope with the grief. I can’t imagine not having yoga in my life. 

Looking Forward

YDL: After 10 years with YogaDownload, what message would you like to share with the YogaDownload community?

 CM: I love the YogaDownload community! I feel so lucky to be able to share yoga and Pilates with people from all over the world and know I’m a small part in their journey to feeling their best. I miss our FB Live classes and the connections with the same students every week. Even though we are all over the world, we’re united with our love for yoga and our desire to feel healthy and alive! Thank you so much allowing me to be a part of your day.