YOUR GUIDE TO YOGA: PATRICK BEACH
A new study shows that 66 percent of Americans vow to get in better shape every New Year. Unfortunately, the same study shows that 1 in 3 ditch their resolutions before the end of January. We don’t know what the numbers are for the rest of the world, but we don’t think they’re much better. This year – don’t be a statistic. If you’re already close to giving up your resolution for a healthier 2016, we’ve got the fix that will keep you going.
The ancient art of yoga has been practiced in Asia for thousands of years, but it didn’t get its global breakthrough until a few decades ago. As its practice grew in popularity, it didn’t take long for it to spread like a (spiritual) pandemic – leaving men and women in its wake with mats like organic yoga mat under their arms and spandex on their bottoms. Most of the movement’s followers (the yogis) have achieved a higher level of spiritual insight – and way more bendable bodies – than the rest of us. One person who’s pure proof of this is Patrick Beach.
With inspiring films and images, he will make your downward facing dog, cobra and eagle poses reach new heights. But before letting Patrick Beach help us sort out our mind–body bond and get on the road to a stronger, more flexible body, we need to get to know him and his routine better.
GUIDE US THROUGH A REGULAR DAY IN YOUR LIFE!
“I usually wake up and spend some time in a simple yoga practice that makes my body feel ready for the day. Most days I also do a regular workout midday, I have a regular workout – typically running or bodyweight exercises. In the evening I go for a full yoga asana practice that usually lasts one or two hours.”
THAT’S A LOT OF YOGA.
“Yeah, it’s a daily practice I enjoy having as a large part of my life.”
WHAT MADE YOU START?
“I started ten years ago when I was so stiff from years of playing basketball that I wasn’t able to sit down on the kitchen floor. My mom had been practicing yoga for years and taught me a few simple poses to help with my tight hips. It’s been a daily practice for me ever since.”
“There might be a zombie apocalypse and I want to be able to run away from it.”
PATRICK BEACH
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOGA?
“Quite a bit. More than anything, I’ve learned how to be kind to myself and appreciate every moment for what it is. Yoga gave me the tools to open up to the idea of understanding. It has allowed me to see beyond my own tiny little world and understand the larger world around me. Yoga shows you how we all fit together.”
WHAT’S THE EASIEST AND QUICKEST WAY TO GET INTO SHAPE?
“Many people see going to the gym or working out as a task or chore they have to get done. There are so many ways to move your body – you just need to find a way to make hard work fun. If you’re struggling to figure out how to get fitness into your life, try as many classes at the gym and as many sports as you can and I promise you’ll find one that fits you.”
WHAT CAN I DO TO FIND MOTIVATION?
“It’s good to workout together with a friend or partner, especially if you’re on the same level. One of my main motivations is that I want to be able to move for my entire life. Also, there might be a zombie apocalypse and I want to be able to run away from it.”
WHAT WILL THE BIG HEALTH AND FITNESS TREND FOR 2016 BE?
“I see it going towards more dynamic bodyweight movement! Handstand walking, fluid rolling, animal-related movements, pull-ups in different forms and parkour are a few exercises that have always been around but will continue to gain following. There seems to be a lot of interest around developing the same high levels of strength as bodybuilders have, but in a much more functional way.”
LET’S TALK FOOD. WHAT HAVE YOU EATEN TODAY?
“My diet is the ‘a lot’ diet. I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables and try to eat as organic and locally produced food as possible. I like to prepare my own food because, for me, it’s important to understand what I’m putting into my body.”
WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY FOOD PLEASURE?
“Chocolate all day. I love it. I’m lactose intolerant, so I’m typically stocking up on good dark chocolates and alternative nut milk options like coconut milk chocolate.”
WHAT THREE THINGS DO YOU ALWAYS KEEP IN YOUR KITCHEN?
“Bananas, spinach, pumpkin seeds. I usually have coconut water and chocolate in some shape or form, too.”
WHAT WOULD YOU NEVER EAT?
“Soda, no way, no how.”
