Patrick Franco

Lead teacher at YogaRenew

Patrick Franco is a visionary yoga teacher and the lead instructor at YogaRenew, known for his innovative approach to blending ancient yoga traditions with modern digital education. His journey into yoga began during his college years, where his search for life’s deeper meanings led him through Zen Buddhism and martial arts before discovering the practice that would become his life’s work. Patrick’s first yoga class was a turning point. The combination of physical movement, spiritual depth, and a like-minded community resonated deeply with him. Under the guidance of his first teacher, Liz, he immersed himself fully in the practice, attending classes five times a week and devouring books on yoga philosophy. Liz recognized his dedication early on and encouraged him to pursue teacher training, igniting a path that would shape his entire career.

Finding his voice through Vinyasa

Over the last 18 years, Patrick has grown into a respected full-time yoga teacher. His teaching style, rooted in vinyasa yoga, emphasizes the connection between breath and movement. He describes vinyasa as a “moving meditation” and loves the dynamic, creative flow it offers. For Patrick, yoga is far more than physical postures; it is a holistic practice that unites mind, body, and spirit, bringing students back to their authentic selves. Before committing fully to yoga, Patrick worked as a city planner while teaching part-time. With the support of his wife, he eventually left his steady job, taking a leap of faith to teach yoga full-time—a decision made just as they welcomed their first child. This bold move led to the opening of his first yoga studio in Hoboken, New Jersey, and later to leading teacher trainings and retreats worldwide.

Teaching philosophy

Patrick’s teaching philosophy reflects his calm and approachable personality. He believes yoga should feel welcoming and accessible to all, regardless of experience level. While his classes are light-hearted, he also emphasizes the discipline and effort behind the practice, echoing the yoga sutras’ message that the true essence of yoga lies in consistent work rather than results.

The birth of YogaRenew

A pivotal moment in his career came when he met Kate Lombardo, who trained under his alignment-focused vinyasa style. Their shared passion for community and teaching led to a partnership that would transform yoga education. Together, they expanded their studios and eventually co-founded YogaRenew, shifting from physical locations to a global online platform. Today, Patrick is at the forefront of digital yoga education. Under his leadership, YogaRenew’s 200-hour and 300-hour teacher training programs have reached students across the globe, combining pre-recorded lessons with live Zoom sessions to create an engaging and accessible learning experience. With over 1,000 filmed classes and a team of highly qualified instructors, YogaRenew has become a hub for aspiring teachers and yoga enthusiasts alike.

Mission and legacy

Patrick’s mission is simple yet profound: to make high-quality yoga education available to everyone, everywhere. He honors the 5,000-year-old tradition of yoga while embracing technology to reach students in remote locations who might never have access otherwise. For Patrick, yoga remains a journey of self-discovery and growth. His work continues to inspire thousands to step onto the mat, explore their inner world, and carry yoga’s transformative power into their daily lives.