Hotpod Elephant & Castle owner, Charl, sat down with us to talk about the importance of men’s health and his experience of running his very own yoga studio. This November, we’re highlighting the benefits of yoga for men and why it’s important to slow down and take a deep breath.
What inspired you to bring Hotpod Yoga to your community?
London, specifically zone 1, deserves more Hotpod Yoga Studios. I noticed an opportunity to bring the pod goodness (how I summarise the studio experience) to more hot yogis living or working in Central London.
What moment are you most proud of since opening your pod?
Last week a longstanding student asked whether she could bring her mother, who is deaf, to my class. I was a little nervous, but I adapted the sequence that day and ensured I was by the mother’s side throughout class. When she exited the pod, she signed to her daughter that she loved it so much and definitely wants to return. They were back two days later. This was one of the most touching experiences as a teacher.
What does “wellbeing” look like for you day to day?
It is about balance and silence for me. My mind and body need exposure to different environments and given the opportunity to take a break. This can be in the form of a workout (gym, run or fast-paced walk through my nearest park) or taking a few minutes to lose myself in my book. I also really value opportunities to sit in silence, alone with my own thoughts.
What’s one misconception about yoga or wellbeing you’d love more men to understand?
Perhaps men think yoga is not challenging enough, which is of course not the case. I am reminded of a recent studio take-over I hosted, it was for a calisthenics workout group and the feedback from the organiser, a PT of many years, said he was humbled by how challenging it was for his body but also his focus throughout the session.
What’s one change you’d love to see in how men talk about mental health and wellbeing?
Much progress has been made in recent years with men feeling comfortable to discuss what is on their mind and how they feel about things. In our deadline-driven world I do wonder how many of us ever just sit still without stimulation, to allow our thoughts to surface, for us to engage with these.
Three words that sum up how the pod makes you feel?
Full of beans.
What kind of culture do you try to build within your studio?
One where people feel comfortable to be completely themselves, even if that means showing their vulnerable side. Customers to my studio see the real Charl, sometimes happy, smiley and full of life, sometimes struggling to keep it together. I feel it is important to be okay with that. When we are, it might be easier to empathise with and show care for others.