This month, in light of Men’s Mental Health Month, we’re spotlighting Tim, a London-based yoga and Pilates instructor redefining what movement means for men. With a background in professional dance, Tim brings a refreshing perspective to the world of mindful fitness, one that celebrates strength, balance and emotional well-being in equal measure.
Tell us a bit about yourself – how did your journey into yoga begin?
My first encounter with Yoga was way back in Sixth Form. I found it incredibly challenging and did not take to it at all, but endured it for the school term. Then there was an absence for years until I picked it up again when I was dancing professionally and I’ve not turned back since.
What drew you to make movement such a big part of your life and career?
Movement to me is therapy, medicine and joy all wrapped into one. My previous career in dance solidified that idea and there is no doubt in my mind that I have made the right choice for myself to continue with a different path that still involves movement.
How would you describe your approach or philosophy to teaching?
Keeping it relevant, accessible and enjoyable. I teach movement the way I would enjoy doing it myself and hope that the passion of that comes across.
What does your own practice look like day to day?
A complete blend of everything. I don’t necessarily set what I would do ahead of time. I assess how my body feels that day and what it needs or craves. So throughout the week, I mix in strength work, flowy stretches and ample rest as required. Everything from Yoga, reformer Pilates, weight training to Olympic Weightlifting.
How important do you think yoga and Pilates are in men’s fitness, and why should more men embrace them?
Extremely! We all know there’s been a slow but definite shift towards more male inclusivity and representation in Yoga and Pilates in the past decade, which is great. It comes down to education and awareness. More men are starting to understand that slow and light doesn’t mean easy or unimportant. Which also means not everything has to be super tough in order to be efficient. Don’t get me wrong, strong resistance training is absolutely crucial for our long term health too, but the more refined movements, mobility and deeper muscle groups need to be prioritised as well.
What are your go-to Amp products, and how do they support your practice or classes?
The Amp Flow Yoga mat (love the curved edge), the ankle weights, the Pilates bars (handweights) and the absolutely stunning wooden glider. The finish on all the products are exquisite. It just makes working out and moving with them all that much more satisfying.
How do you keep movement and self-care consistent when life gets busy?
By doing a mix of everything (from meditation to high intensity) and as previously mentioned by doing all modalities, it makes it a little easier to adapt the type of movement into what is convenient and achievable from a schedule and energy level standpoint.
What’s one misconception about yoga or Pilates you’d love to clear up?
That it’s slow, easy and boring. Slow doesn’t always mean easy, and definitely not boring if you do it with the right focus and if you’re lead by a good instructor/teacher.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out or returning to movement?
Remember that results (if you have any goals set) are not always instant. There are of course immediate outcomes like the post savasana bliss and the rush after a heavy lift. But the long term benefits require patience and consistency. Take it one step, one class, one week at a time. Eventually, movement will be part of your very existence.
Quick-fire: Morning or evening workouts? Go-to song? One word to describe your workout vibe?
- Morning.
- It Feels So Good - Sonique.
- Joyful
Where can we find you?
You can find me on Instagram: @timcyoga
I currently have weekly classes at Embody Wellness in Vauxhall, STRONG Islington and Hot Yoga Brixton.