founder: Gentle Yoga Man

Matty Marshall

I first began practicing yoga as an expat / trailing spouse / stay-at-home Dad in Singapore, and completed my RYT-certified teacher training qualifications at The House of Yoga in London.

Previously, I was a sports journalist / author with The Courier-Mail (News Ltd); and a fundraising manager for Mater Smiling for Smiddy in Brisbane.

Yoga has added immense value to my key purpose in life - being the best version of a partner, parent and person I can be. But that’s not why I first rolled up to a yoga studio back in Dempsey Hill, Singapore, unsure what a ‘downward facing dog’ was, or where to look to find out.

Too old for footy and fatigued with cycling, triathlon and gym sessions… I was looking for my next fitness kick. So, ready to try something new and curious about yoga, I drew my hands to heart centre, muttered ‘namaste’ under my breath when instructed to do so, blinked my eyes open - and never looked back. I loved it.

I was immediately drawn to the physical challenge of the asanas (poses) but, beyond that, to the way yoga was able to drill down into my mental and spiritual layers as well. I felt a buzz of gratitude at the end of my first yoga class. And I’ve done so after each and every class, in the many years since. It’s hard to pinpoint why. It’s not often we sit, in stillness, to observe and reflect. Perhaps it’s as simple as that.

That perspective and positivity part - it’s massive for me. And it’s a big benefit of yoga. Dropping the ego, learning there is strength in softness and vulnerability, honesty and authenticity, that is powerful stuff. Self-awareness, emotional intelligence, cognitive thinking. Being present, having a growth mindset, observing and listening, nurturing a happy and healthy heart - it all goes into it.

But, being honest, it was physical fitness that first drew me in - nothing more or less. Likely it’s one of your key motivations for considering yoga also.

As we reach middle-age, we could all do with more yoga - for our mind, body and heart.

I’d heard of pliability as a mad sports fan and TB12 admirer, and knew yoga had a reputation for improving flexibility & strength. I can tell you - it’s a game changer in that space. There’s thousands of years of philosophical, physiological & bio-mechanical evidence behind it too - I just wasn’t across it at the time.

All bodies are different, but from a personal experience, my soft tissue injuries & ‘niggles’ ceased within months of a regular practice. I’d had a lot of knee trouble from footy and running. Not anymore. My core strength, spinal health and range of movement are all far improved. More importantly, I just feel better.

Physically, it’s a no brainer.

But why I’m such an advocate for incorporating a regular yoga practice into your life extends beyond that. It’s because it benefits you, first and foremost, in the key relationships in your life - with yourself and others. Striving to be a more authentic, confident & content version of our selves - finding perspective and positivity in our everyday lives - that’s what Gentle Yoga Man is all about.

I’m a ‘deep and meaningful’ kind of guy. That’s me. That’s real. Plenty of emotion - heart leading the head type - though yoga does help to balance the two.

So yes, yoga will increase your strength and flexibility. Physically - it’s tough - and you’ll feel the benefits. Our Warrior Workshops offer you that experience. And if that’s all your after - it’s a big tick for your physical wellbeing. But it delves well beyond that, too.

Modern Man X Ancient Practice

Thought about giving yoga a go? I invite you to see what all the fuss is about. To embrace this new opportunity. I’m confident you’ll find yoga a real win for your life.

Our beginner Warrior Workshops offer a great grounding in this ancient practice and some valuable context around how to apply this in your everyday life. It will benefit your holistic health and wellbeing. And you’ll share a collective energy from guys who, like you, have an interest in trialling yoga and/or have been convinced by their better halves to do so!

I distinctly remember this quote scribbled on a chalk sign the morning I first walked into my teacher training in London - full of the same self-doubt and anxiety we all experience when we jump out of our comfort zone. It sums up pretty well what we’re trying to achieve here with Gentle Yoga Man:

“Yoga not only changes the way we see things; it changes the person who sees.” - B.K.S. Iyengar

I encourage you to integrate a regular yoga practice into your life. You may just love it, too.

Strong mind. Flexible body. Open heart.

Namaste gentlemen.