ODDlight Teacher Feature: Asia Martin

If Asia's SWEAT class has kicked your butt (in the most fun way possible), then it's probably no surprise that Asia is a Scorpio who screen-tested for SNL! Even yogi bicycles and mountain climbers are somehow tolerable because of Asia's infectious positivity, humor, and encouragement. When Asia's not sharing the latest snippet from a yoga book you've never heard of or getting you to enjoy sweating, she's (unsurprisingly) doing standup, enjoying an Açaí bowl at Berry Bowl in Highland Park, finding joy and play in all the in-between-moments of life, then resetting it all with a Yoga Nidra practice. Spring into SWEAT with Asia on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in East Hollywood for a bright spot in your week!

What are your "Big 3?" 

Scorpio sun Cancer moon Cancer rising

Five words to describe yourself?

Direct, Cool, Silly, Vivacious, a yapper lol

What's an ODD fact about you?

I screentested for SNL!

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

I’m working on loving whatever body i wake up with every day and sticking beside her!

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

Doing standup!

What's your fave food or restaurant?

Berry Bowl in Highland Park!

Something or someone that inspires you?

Toni Morrison & Nikki Giovanni

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

I wanted to learn more about my body & create my own practice!

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

In the small in between moments! In traffic, while waiting in line, I am inviting play into the mundane moments!

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

Be proud of where your body is today so you can celebrate all of the ways you grow each time you come to your mat.

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

This one.

One affirmation you always come back to?

I never have to do this day again. I say this after an especially hard day knowing that tomorrow could be challenging as well but it won’t be the same challenge as today.

How are you feeling good these days?

Practicing Yoga Nidra, making time to hang with friends and looking back in time at ways my ancestors emphasized joy and rest.

What is your definition of "energy?" 

I associate energy with prana, our life force. It is what fills our body and bones with breath, life and light.