Ian

Ian
Ian is a Los Angeles-based practitioner who found his way to the mat after a life spent moving across the country, from small-town Wisconsin to the vibrant energy of Miami. Previously a competitive bodybuilder and actor, he spent years in the spotlight to overcome a natural shyness before a sobering medical diagnosis at age 53 led him to the healing power of yoga. Now focused on recovery and resilience, he uses his practice to lower his mental shields and find comfort in vulnerability. When he’s not on the mat, you can find him researching Stoic philosophy, eating Thai food, or planning his future travels to Thailand.
HOMETOWN
Madison, WI
CURRENT CITY
Los Angeles, CA
Welcome to Slow Flow Yoga for Tight Shoulders with Ian! Release the weight of the world from your upper body with this therapeutic and grounding slow flow. Designed specifically for those carrying tension in the shoulders, neck, chest, and upper back, this session moves at a deliberate pace to reach deep into the connective tissues. Whether you are counteracting a day at the desk or simply need to reset your posture, all levels are invited to follow along and create lasting space and mobility.
The practice begins with restorative floor work, using poses like Puppy Pose and Thread the Needle to open the scapula and chest. You will then move through intentional standing sequences and balancing postures like Eagle Pose to rinse out the shoulder joints before settling into heart-opening backbends. By focusing on the intersection of breath and alignment, this program invites you to soften physical restrictions and carry a sense of fluid calm into the rest of your day.
This program will help you:
Relieve Upper Body Tension: Target and release chronic tightness in the shoulders, neck, and upper back.
Improve Posture: Open the chest and front body to counteract the "hunch" from daily desk work or phone use.
Increase Range of Motion: Use intentional stretching and joint-flossing movements to improve shoulder mobility.
Decompress the Spine: Incorporate gentle twists and lengthening flows to create space between the vertebrae.
Find Mental Clarity: Use a slow, meditative pace to soothe the nervous system and reduce stress.
Namaste!
Retreat to a serene, industrial loft where the cool light of dawn washes over modern lines and sheer white curtains. Watch as Ian grounds his practice against the stark beauty of the studio, his sculpted, muscular form transitioning from a restorative slow flow for the shoulders into a foundational Vinyasa, before finally melting into deep, hip-opening Yin postures that echo the quiet, structural strength of the space around him.
From tossing corn in Wisconsin to finding perfect balance in Los Angeles! In this edition of Yogis Uncovered, we chat with Ian, a former competitive bodybuilder and actor. Discover how a startling medical diagnosis led him to naked yoga, why he embraces uncomfortable poses, and how he uses his practice to break down mental walls.
Welcome to Beginner Vinyasa Flow with Ian! Find your rhythm and build foundational strength from the ground up. This beginner-friendly Vinyasa sequence is perfect for all levels, focusing on linking mindful movement with Ujjayi breath to create a steady and grounding practice. Whether you are new to flow yoga or looking to refine your fundamentals, this class offers a beautifully balanced full-body workout.
You will start on your back with gentle core activation and supine twists before transitioning into classic Sun Salutations to warm up your entire body. Ian will guide you through a dynamic standing series featuring Warrior poses, Extended Side Angle, and Triangle pose to build heat and stability. The sequence gracefully winds down with deep hip openers like Lizard Lunge and Seated Double Pigeon, finishing with supportive Bridge pose and a deeply restorative Savasana.
*For this sequence yoga blocks are optional for added support.
This program will help you:
Build foundational strength and stability throughout the entire body.
Connect your movement with Ujjayi breath for a mindful, moving meditation.
Increase overall flexibility with dynamic flows and deep hip openers.
Warm up your core to support healthy spinal alignment.
Cultivate a steady, grounded focus to carry off the mat.
Namaste!