For more than 20 years,
I’ve studied and practiced yoga, yoga therapy, breathwork, somatics, Ayurveda, mindfulness, and meditation with some of the greatest living masters. Alongside this, I bring extensive experience and understanding of the human body, psychology, and Western somatic psychotherapy principles. This foundation has shaped an integrative, nervous system–based approach to coaching and yoga that fosters calm, resilience, and joy-without cathartic intensity, and with deep respect for your pace and where you are right now.
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My journey
to this work was shaped by personal challenges and years of trial and error. Despite outward success as a high-performance athlete, researcher, and socially active professional, I often felt stuck in a relentless cycle of stress and perfectionism. It wasn’t until I reached a breaking point that I realized the key to true, lasting change lies in addressing the root cause of stress and disconnection: a dysregulated nervous system.
My work
is dedicated to helping you find clarity, resilience, and balance so you can reconnect with yourself and create a more easeful, fulfilling life. You don't have to waste time on ineffective fads or fleeting solutions. Healing doesn't require yet more overdoing or a reliance on willpower; It can be about ease. Let’s begin your journey together!
Hi, I'm Maxi
I'm a mom, somatic and nervous-system informed coach, yoga and breath regulation teacher, Ayurveda Counselor and PhD. Since 2009, I’ve also built and led a thriving yoga community at Bhumi Yoga, my local school in Groningen.
For as long as I can remember, I was fascinated with the human body, mind and the concept of rhythm
Since 2009
experience teaching yoga daily at my yoga school, both group classes and one-on-one, Bhumi Yoga, and in companies and workshops internationally. And two decades of my own yoga practice.
Since 2010
providing yoga coaching to people of all ages, physical needs and backgrounds.
3000+ hours
comprehensive yoga teacher, yoga therapy and pranayama training with leaders in the field. My main teachers have been the late Sharath Jois, Matthew Sweeney, Bo Forbes, Ronald Steiner, David Garrigues and the late Nancy Gilgoff, while I return to practice with Kia Naddermier and Sharmila Desai
Since 2010
training as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor with Hale Pule (ongoing) and EISRA (completed)
Ongoing
Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner Training – a body-based approach to resolving trauma and supporting nervous system regulation.
More
Alongside my work in yoga, Ayurveda, and coaching, I have a strong foundation in integrative health science integrating physiology, kinesiology, exercise science and psychology. Moreover, I spent 4 years researching the effects of yoga on emotional well-being (published research, University of Groningen). My further training includes the foundations of Ayurvedic Practitioner studies at EISRA (2011) and Foundations of Chinese Medicine at Shenzhou, Amsterdam (2015). Further, I’ve conducted biomedical research on cardioprotection (University Hospital Groningen), Lab of Experimental Cardiology and University of Texas, Lab of Kinesiology), studied the effects of exercise on intestinal and liver metabolism (University Hospital Groningen, Lab of Pediatrics), and investigated CO₂ rebreathing to measure cardiac function (Exercise Science Laboratory, The Ohio State University). I hold university degrees in psychology, exercise science and human nutrition. I also worked as an Exercise Physiologist in both in- and outpatient Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation at The Ohio State Hospitals.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
From the very first Ayurveda Health Consultation, something shifted. The insights Maxi offered and the way she held space made me feel truly seen for the first time. With her guidance and the practices in the Reset Yourself program, I began releasing patterns that had held me stuck for years. What’s changed? I no longer feel like life is happening to me. I now know how to support myself - physically, emotionally, energetically. I have simple, effective tools that keep me grounded, present, and steady. This process has given me the clarity and confidence to be in the driver’s seat of my life and I feel empowered in a way I never expected.
Ilona
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
I used to see Ashtanga Yoga as all-or-nothing and for the elite, which made me avoid it. But through Maxi's skilful guidance on how to modify for your needs and gentle reminders to enjoy what is and do what we can really helped me embrace my practice. I also loved learning about the nervous system and nadis - but every topic of the intensive was fascinating.
Anita Berendsen
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Before working with Maxi, I was constantly running on empty - overwhelmed, stressed, and snapping at loved ones. Balancing a demanding career and family felt impossible. Through this journey, I learned to manage my energy and emotions in new ways. I found balance, joy, and better control over my time and stress. My physical and emotional digestion improved, helping me process challenges more easily. Most importantly, I gained deep self-acceptance and compassion. Life feels fuller, and I finally feel like I can breathe again.
Marie
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WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Before working with Maxi, I was stuck on a treadmill of stress—juggling work and home while feeling resentful and overwhelmed. After trying many approaches with no lasting relief, Maxi’s coaching shifted everything. I regained calm and balance I hadn’t felt in years. Maxi helped me release deep-seated beliefs that kept me stuck. Now, I have a simple, enjoyable routine that keeps me connected and grounded. I’ve rediscovered joy and truly feel present again.
Anika
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Maxi is one of a kind. With kindness and compassion she not only makes Ashtanga Yoga accessible to every-body, but she helps you to build a sustainable yoga practice that is really your own and uniquely fitted to your needs. She is a wise and gentle soul with a vast knowledge of yoga philosophy, Ayurveda and somatics who has created a loving and welcoming community at Bhumi Yoga.
Lotte van Velzen
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
With a demanding job, constant travel, and family stress, I turned to Ashtanga Yoga to ease stiffness and build core strength. Maxi’s guidance helped me commit to a practice I can take anywhere. Over time, I’ve become more flexible, visit the chiropractor far less, and feel mentally steadier. Yoga has taught me discipline, self-understanding, and how to stay calm amidst life’s demands.
Nick
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
The amount of personal guidance you get here is incredible. Maxi helps you and teaches you to shape your yoga practice in such a way that it is really what you need. The atmosphere in the yoga school is open and relaxed, the opposite of the idea of "performance and complicated poses" that Astangha Yoga sometimes has.
Jorien Zevenberg
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Practicing with Maxi over the past seven years has been a gift, and her recent Intermediate Series workshop was no exception. Maxi’s light, approachable style and deep knowledge create a space where learning feels natural and supportive. The workshop struck a beautiful balance between challenge and care, offering insights not just into the practice, but into my own journey. I left feeling deeply inspired and grateful.
Natalia de Jong
How we can work together
Nourishing practices that create real, integrated lasting shifts
Whether through my Ashtanga Yoga Program or in private sessions, my work centers around helping you build a personal and sustainable practice—your own toolbox that supports your nervous system, strengthens your inner resources, and helps reestablish the beneficial rhythms that sustain balance and well-being throughout life.
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