ODDlight Teacher Feature: Audrey Guedelekian

For a strong and balanced start to the year from wherever you are – in your journey or in the world – join Audrey Guedelekian for weekly sessions of ONLINE STRENGTH, FIT, or YIN. A particular favorite for the ODD community is Audrey's Monday evening double header – strengthen and tone while maintaining flexibility and balance with ONLINE STRENGTH at 7:30pm then deeply nourish your body and enhance muscle recovery with ONLINE YIN right afterward at 8:45pm. And don't miss Audrey's Acroyoga Workshop, HEAD OVER HEELS, on Saturday, February 22 at 1:30pm in Echo Park.

Come for the conscientious combo, stay for Audrey's unique and unparalleled multidisciplinary approach to movement; with a 200hr teacher training in Yoga Therapy and Ayurveda, 300hr in Vinyasa Flow, and certifications in Yoga Tune-Up, Yin Yoga, Kids Yoga and as a Sculptworks teacher, Spinning Instructor and AcroYogaFit trainer, this Renaissance woman provides you with an inspirational approach to fitness, fun, and daily chocolate.

Next November, Audrey will join Cindy Godell in a Costa Rican paradise for a transformative retreat designed to empower, embody, and embolden participants to embrace their inner power and let it guide a more meaningful experience. Expect daily flows, rejuvenating yin, and community-building acroyoga while enjoying pristine beaches, eco-conscious luxury accommodations, and local amenities and excursions at "Empower the Spirit in Costa Rica!"

What are your "Big 3?" 

Scorpio Sun Leo Moon  Gemini Rising

Five words to describe yourself?

Playful, supportive, honest, strong, empathetic

What's an ODD fact about you?

I was hired right when Jess, the founder, was about to go on maternity leave to help cover the popular SWEAT classes. I was on such a high the day of my audition, as I was leaving, I got into a little fender bender in the parking lot of the original Silverlake studio.

One thing you're working on in your practice right now?

Physically going along with the flow of the winter season. Taking things easy, moving but not pushing too hard. Taking rests fully and unapologetically. Consciously, becoming more aware of when I turn to my phone to check out and limiting opportunities for that to happen. Emotionally, she's feeling them all as they come and loving it.

Where are you when you're not on the mat?

These days my mat is the gym. When I train I'm in my body and with my breath and I equate that to my practice rooted from many years of yoga as we traditionally understand it. When I'm not being physically active I'm training clients, teaching online classes, or with my loved ones - mom, dad, and fiancé. Or I'm curled up in bed watching reality TV.

What's your fave food or restaurant?

Oh My Gawd Fries from Best Shawarma - It's like Carne Asada fries but with beef shawarma meat and in n out secret sauce on top - otherwise I'm always eating cookies. Preferably soft baked.

Something or someone that inspires you?

I draw inspiration from tons of people. Ones close to me and ones I've never met before.

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

It was during a phase of my life between completing my bachelors in fine art, a devastating breakup I was completely invested in, and figuring out what I had to offer the world. I signed up to a yoga teacher training with no yoga practice and wasn't aware that wasn't the normal route people take. That training I took changed the trajectory of my life, not because it was a particularly good training. I was just ready for change and didn't compare myself to other teachers. I wasn't exposed to that many at the time. I just began teaching, then continued on to more certifications and workshops and then my 300hr and Yin yoga and Acroyoga and so on. The learning doesn't stop, the industry is still growing and changing which keeps me interested, and helping people is what gives me purpose.

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

The play must be everywhere at all times. Otherwise you run the risk of taking things too seriously. Between sets, throughout your workout, in the warm up, through the music, and with whoever you are with. In Acroyoga they say there are two rules. Rule 1: Have fun. Rule 2: Refer back to rule 1

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

Going back to the previous question it would be to make sure you're enjoying your process, weaving joy throughout your practice, keep track of your progress and always celebrate your little wins.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

We just got back from a destination wedding in Cabo and loved the music at one of the restaurants there. Here's a playlist I found on Spotify that's similar. Otherwise Rufus Du Sol never misses.

One affirmation you always come back to?

"You know I'm not an affirmation person but I realized I've been living by The Four Agreements before I knew the book existed
1 - Be impeccable with your word. Which is why my friends describe me as honest and sometimes maybe blunt
2 - Don't take anything personally. Cause its not about you and to think so is a selfish thought
3 - Don't make assumptions. You have no idea what people are going through and chances are whatever you assume you're projecting
4 - Always do your best. If you move with that in mind you'll always love your practice"

How are you feeling good these days?

I make sure I move in some way every day. Movement always makes me happy. Lifting weights makes me happy. Then I enjoy two pieces of See's chocolate every day. For now.

As a yogi, how do you approach New Year goals and ambitions?

I believe every moment is an opportunity for a fresh start—whether it’s a Monday, a new morning, a new quarter, or even a new hour. You don’t need to wait for the new year to make progress or set something exciting into motion. Personally, I don't put a lot of emphasis on New Year's resolutions. Instead, I focus on continuity. My goals don’t reset with the year; they evolve. I just keep building on them, setting new ones as I near completion of the old. I think the idea of New Year's goal-setting can be helpful for some, but I prefer to maintain steady momentum throughout the year

Get to know Audrey more by finding her on the class schedule!