YOGI OF THE MONTH

May 2025 - Albert Pollard

What first brought you to yoga and how long have you been practicing?

I was running ultra marathons for a while and took a beginner yoga class several years ago from IOY because of the pounding my body was taking. 

What is/are your intention(s) for your yoga practice?

I’d love to say my intention is something like “finding inner peace” but it’s really more basic in terms of just taking care of my body and applying what I learn in the classroom to everyday activities. If I’m getting ready to pick up a stack of lumber that’s heavy, what form do I take? How does a stressful activity like, say, weed eating cause me to breathe differently?  If I’m shoveling a pile of gravel, what can I do to make sure I don’t twist in a damaging way?? These are basic things that help me every day. 

What is your favorite pose and why?

Downward Dog! It’s the only one that I can remember easily when Susan calls it out! (Also, I have a bad shoulder and it helps stretch it out nicely.) 

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

I’ve found the myofascial release class to be particularly helpful and actually wish I’d taken it before my beginner yoga class. 

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

Yoga has made me more aware of breath and relaxation and now I’m constantly telling myself to breathe better. Weed eating? Breathe! Crawling under a house where there might be snakes? Breathe! Cutting down a big tree? Breathe!

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?  Just like sailing, wood working, or any hobby, yoga and its specialized language can be intimidating. Don’t let that deter you, as the more experienced practitioners like to make it accessible and to teach new folks... Admitting (loudly) that you are a beginner takes a lot of the intimidation factor away. 

What is your occupation?  I own Refuel Irvington. I do all the maintenance and grass cutting myself, so my body gets a little more abuse than most. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy the practice and also the MFR. 

What activities do you enjoy?

Time on the water. Time outdoors. Building projects large and small. Time with my kids. Time with Carolyn who is my wife and best friend. 

What is your favorite thing about living in the Northern Neck or Middle Peninsula?

I couldn’t really say, I’ve never lived anywhere else. 

Is there anything you want to add?

I really can’t be called a “yogi” and I’m not even sure I qualify as a “Yoga-ette.”  I can’t touch my toes. I can’t sit cross legged.  I’ve never said “Namaste” outside of a class… But that doesn’t bother me, I just try to get a little better each day and realize that even when it’s a bad day on the mat, it’s still better than not getting on the mat at all.