How do you incorporate movement into your everyday life?
No matter how busy my day is I always make time for mindful, breath-centered movement. Whether this be getting off the bus or tube one stop early and walking, taking the stairs instead of the escalator or rolling my yoga mat out when I wake up, there are always opportunities. I use a chin up bar at home so that I can do a quick workout when I have a spare 30 minutes and I block out time in my diary each week to do a few yoga classes.
How did you first discover yoga and begin practicing regularly?
After meditating for a couple of years, I first discovered yoga when I was living in Sydney. I noticed a studio on my walk to work and thought I would give it a go. I quickly realised the vast benefits of the practice and I was hooked! I made sure that I went to at least 2 classes each week. When I moved to London I started practicing Ashtanga yoga and I went to self-practice about five times a week for many years.
Where and when do you prefer to practice?
I used to only ever practice in the early morning but now I love late afternoon or early evening practice. I do a lot of restorative yoga at home or go to hatha classes at triyoga in London.
Which styles do you prefer and why?
At the moment I adore both restorative yoga and yoga nidra. I come out of these classes feeling so deeply balanced and centered. Having said that I love to experiment with a more dynamic practice and have been doing a lot of arm balance training with other teachers.
Do you teach yoga? If so, what do you teach and how has your journey into teaching been so far?
I currently teach hot yoga at triyoga in London. The far infrared heat is incredible and my body responds to the heat really well. I love teaching open level classes and the challenge of making the class accessible and safe, yet challenging to the right degree for everyone. I teach a lot of restorative yoga and gentle hatha yoga during private lessons and I really love working one-to-one with students.
Who or what inspires you everyday?
Life inspires me! I try to always come from a place of genuine gratitude for everything and everyone that is in my life and this always puts me on the path that I need to be on.
How can we inspire more men to get on the mat?
A lot of men are put off trying yoga because they don’t think they’ll be good at it. My definition of being good at yoga is being aware of your limitations, staying connected to your breath and having an openness to learn. I love this quote by Judith Lasater: “Yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down.”
Interview by Movement for Modern Life.
Originally training to become a doctor, Andrew moved away from western medicine to pursue a career as a yoga teacher, massage therapist and anatomy teacher. Based in London, Andrew has been practicing yoga and meditation for 10 years and teaching since 2009. He blends his unique skills and experience to teach strong, grounding, alignment-based hatha yoga classes. www.doctoryogi.co.uk
Andrew teaches at Camden +Â Soho. For his schedule and to book a class, please click here.
