For all things yoga, breathwork, meditation, and Ayurveda, TSE ambassador Angie Tiwari is our go-to gal. In these chatty interview, we get to know her story, her passions, and tips for folks starting out in fitness. Let's get to know Angie.
How did you get started in yoga and breathwork?
My parents taught me yoga when I was little. Later on in life, in my early 20's, I stumbled upon yoga in my local gym and began a regular love-hate relationship with my asana (poses) practice.
After about 5 years I had a breakthrough moment, something shifted and it felt quite magical, so I went to India for a teacher-training because I wanted to learn more about it. It’s been 10 years since I had those feelings of hate towards yoga and I honestly am so glad I pushed through!
How did you turn it into career?
Over the pandemic lots of friends and family started asking me about yoga and meditation. I started teaching weekly classes online which grew week on week. At one point I had about 4 people’s Mums in the class and friends of friends from all over the world!
Prior to that I’d never considered taking my teachings online, but in that time of need, I wanted to share as much as I could to try to help. It’s important to me to share my culture, and the parts of yoga that often are excluded in a westernised yoga class. I do that through educating on my courses, and via UNEARTHED which is the home of my online membership platform and where I host retreats.
Do you have a favourite: Pilates, spin, more?
When I’m not practising yoga, I love spinning, swimming, walking and weight and resistance training. So a mix, really completely depending on how I’m feeling on the day.
Who inspires you, why?
My parents. I’m inspired by all that they’ve done for me and my sister, how they moved to this country and built their life here, and their relentless determination and hard work. Also, my husband. He’s a saint, and forever inspires me to be a kinder, better person.
What are your current fitness goals?
Currently I’m working on building more strength, and I am always working on developing my yoga practice, challenging myself with new tricky poses, and testing myself with slow, restorative ones too.
What advice do you have for people who are new to fitness?
Be consistent! Even if it's 5-10 minutes of movement, it’s better than nothing. So often we go wrong by thinking we haven’t got 30-45 mins to fit in a workout.
Before we know it, weeks have gone by without any form of exercise. So focus on consistency over the duration of an exercise. And remember, a short walk is exercise! As long as you're moving your body in a way you enjoy, you’re doing great.
What's the best advice you'd ever received?
Start before you’re ready.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love a long walk listening to a podcast, a games day (card games, word games, basically invite me over for games and I am there), and spending time in Scotland hanging out with family and friends. I also love hosting people in my home in London.
What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?
It means being disciplined yet accepting where I’m at and how I’m really feeling so I can act instinctively. Being healthy is as much training as it is resting, spending time with people you feel connected to, and setting boundaries or removing the ones who you don’t.
QUICK-FIRE:
1. Favourite workout music?
Anything by Sia. ‘Unstoppable’ is the one for me at the moment.
2. My dream Sunday would be…
A slow start, yoga flow followed by coffee and a stack of homemade pancakes with maple syrup and blueberries. A long afternoon walk. A game of scrabble. In PJ’s by 7pm.
3. What's something everyone should know about you?
If you’re my friend I will be your biggest cheerleader and hype woman!
4. What's something that's always in your gym bag?
A throw on jumper or jacket (usually my Girlfriend collective one, or YMO black hoodie).
5. Favourite brand at TSE?
Such a tricky one! It’s definitely between Varley, YMO, or Wolven. Varley for the comfort and cool looks, YMO for the buttery soft activewear and Wolven for the insane print designs. I can’t choose just one.
