About

Alex Nathanson has played competitive sport his whole life. His cousin introduced him to yoga whilst preparing for a swimming race in Italy.

He was fascinated to discover a vigorous physical activity that didn’t involve competition and didn’t leave his body beaten up.

As he explored yoga in his local gym one teacher there (Tracey Mansell) helped him discover the power of synchronising breath and movement and how breath control (pranayama) could positively influence one’s mental state. This set him on a yoga journey exploring the myriad options available in London. Initially drawn to a dynamic Ashtanga based practice, he has subsequently come to see all forms of good Yoga as paths leading to the same place: a healthier body and a happier, quieter mind.

Alex is wary of any strict orthodoxy. Everyone’s journey will be different and full of various guiding lights that help along the way. He hopes to help those seeking happier and healthier lives to question and explore joyfully.

Most physical culture embraces a mantra of seeking pain to achieve gain.  Yoga turns this mantra on its head and reveals the beauty of taking the instruction literally: no violence or harming, (ahimsa), no gain (aparigraha).

In 2017 Alex took his teacher training with The Power Yoga Company and is very grateful to Mona Godfrey, Pete Cherry, Caroline Pegna, Sophie Dear, John Collins and Cal Wansbrough who have all shared their knowledge and experience so honestly and generously. 

Although his classes are rooted in the Ashtanga practice of linking victorious breath to flowing movement, they are certainly not orthodox. There will often be music: an eclectic playlist that might go a little rogue. There will always be a strong emphasis on breathing mindfully, being in the moment, enjoying our ability to move (however much it may be that day) and when the time is right embracing the opportunity to surrender and be still.

Alex’s other job (the one that paid the mortgage) was as a local estate agent, helping people navigate one of the most stressful moments of their life: moving house. Alex has a first class honours degree in Classics with Study in Continental Europe from the University of Bristol where he played 1st XI football. He is a keen open-water swimmer who has escaped Alcatraz, swam from Asia to Europe across the Bosphorus, and from Britain to America (in the Virgin Islands).