About Désirée Isabelle Di Santo
Des, alias #hockeyyogi, has been a ground breaker in yoga for athletes for over 10 years. The former pro hockey player followed her passion of playing ice hockey to North America at age 18. Yoga was first introduced to her as part of cross training for hockey, while playing on an international level.
As a student of yoga, she has learnt that the best advice comes from your body’s inner wisdom, despite having spent the greater part of her athletic career following the advice of others in terms of training for competition. A pattern she finds in many pro athletes she has been working with to this day.
She believes that reaching your full potential as an athlete requires a balanced approach to training. An approach that pushes and nurtures your body and your mind.
Des uses her extensive background in elite athletics and movement to guide athletes out of pain and into their own bodies.
“Yoga is important for developing mobility. Although being flexible is important, it is more important as a hockey player to be mobile and strong in vulnerable positions. Once you can control your movement and breath in awkward positions during yoga, it will translate to the ice and in the gym. This will prevent injuries from happening and make you stronger. I have experienced first hand the benefits from working with Des, and her yoga program has helped me deal with injuries and prevent new ones.”
– Matthew Peca, St. Louis Blues/Springfield Thunderbirds
“Before I started doing yoga with desire in balance, I was constantly overthinking what would happen if I fail. What will my teammates think? What will the media write? Désirée helped me to overcome my fear through yoga. My game has increased tremendously thanks to her support and guidance.“
– Reto Berra, HC Fribourg-Gottéron (National League, Switzerland)
Yoga for Players
What you’ll learn:
- Expanding your Ribs
- Ujjayi Breath
- Ankle & Leg Mobility
and Much More!