Get to know our model: Ude Okoye

London-based yoga teacher, personal trainer, father and all-around lovely human being for over 28 years Ude Okoyegave back to his community. If he doesn't model our brand new model(link removed)He adds meaning to his practice and inspires men everywhere to seek wisdom and empathy no matter what day or situation they find themselves in. Ude believes that one can find peace and quiet in everyday contexts.

What motivates and inspires you every day?

"As much as I love yoga and learning and teaching and dancing and eating, I really love connecting with the simple things that I do every day. It's the relationship with all the things that I really care about: with food, with movement, even with non-movement - with my couch or with the objects we have at home. Ask yourself these questions: "Is your couch comfortable? How does it make you feel or affect your spine? Sitting you near a window? ' All of these details are important and paying attention to these details is not a waste of time. It's about taking time and making it important. My inspiration also comes from my children: playing with them, learning with them and caring for them. “

Yogamatters Eco Short Sleeve Yoga T-Shirt, £24 and Eco Drawstring Yoga Shorts, both in black, £29

Why is it important for yoga to be diverse and inclusive?

"Diverse yoga means that you bring a variety of people and ideas together and this creates movement and growth. As a teacher, I noticed how the ideals in ads or on social media actually reinforced stereotypes and division. I remember when I started as a yoga teacher, I built a website and used pictures of friends instead of me. "As a man, as a person of my size (I've always been a bit taller) and as a black person yoga teacher; I was definitely aware and worried that I wouldn't fit the bill - I just didn't think anyone would want to see pictures of me in yoga asana for commercial purposes. We as a global community definitely need to get out of our comfort zone in how we view yoga and what the person who comes to the mat looks like. Similar to yoga poses that challenge you, we need to challenge ourselves, to feel uncomfortable and discuss the important issues. Only when you are uncomfortable can you truly create change and growth. “

How do you see the yoga and fitness industry changing for boys and men of all ages? What would you say to encourage men to practice yoga?

"When I first started practicing yoga, many teachers didn't take the time to describe the movements as an exercise. It would often be treated like this kind of magical activity and I think that might distract some people from the benefits. I think this is the real opportunity for growth in yoga and fitness. Yoga practice is a practice of self-love, but so is going to the gym. As a personal trainer, Yoga teachers and body workers there are truths in the body, and the body and mind are connected. There is a connection with positive physical habits and mental health. If you think of yoga as just a way to connect with yourself, or even as a practical way to improve your posture or notice when your body needs a stretch or you need to work toward sitting taller, that's what it's all about: knowing yourself.

Yogamatters Eco Short Sleeve Yoga T-Shirt in Navy – £24; Eco Drawstring Yoga Shorts in Navy, £29 and Yogamatters Aqua Evolve Yoga Mat – £60

How do you help your clients, friends and family embrace mindfulness, mental health, movement and stretching?

"With my clients, I've tried to approach them as individuals and let their specific practice develop through trial, error and conversation. It's very dependent on the individual: their personality type and their physical type. Often asking people to be more empathetic to themselves and others helps build more connections. The other thing is finding out what motivates that person to practice. We don't all have the same goal. So I listen. I take the time to sit with them and find out what they want from their practice. I do my best to help them develop a passion for the activity of the practice, not necessarily achieving the goal. “

Golden advice for other yoga teachers? For your students?

"To my community of teachers: Be yourself, believe in yourself and educate yourself - there is so much power in investing in yourself. To my students: Find a class that you enjoy and that will keep you coming back for more."

What keeps you coming back to your mat and your yoga practice?

"I've always been a creative person and really enjoy exploring things. At the same time, my mood or happiness has always been dependent on how I'm feeling physically. This combination makes yoga a must for me. Not only is it something I can do before I go running or to the gym or exercise with my friends, it's also something I use when I'm stressed, find it difficult to concentrate or when I'm feeling overwhelmed needing to recover from an illness or injury. I see yoga as a filter that helps me clearly visualize where I'm going next. “

Yogamatters Eco Short Sleeve Yoga T-Shirt in Navy, £24; Eco Drawstring Yoga Shorts in Navy, £29 and Yogamatters Aqua Evolve Yoga Mat, £60

What details impressed you most about the collection?

“I really enjoyed the outfits I got to wear this for(link removed)Photoshoot. I've been wearing them ever since for home training and for my online client meetings. They are super comfortable to practice and fit me very well. I have very broad, square shoulders and often have trouble finding the right men's workout gear.Yogamatters Men's Eco Collectionallows me to move around my practice easily and is super comfortable - I could easily spend all day in itShe."

Yogamatters Eco Short Sleeve Yoga T-Shirt – Black, £24

Which item from the range did you love the most and why?

“The one point that surprised me the most was thisYoga wheel. After using it while shooting, I think it's a great tool for keeping me focused and interested in my posture and adding a sense of play to my practice. I sometimes like to just have one workout or posture tool that I enjoy using. This is fun and helps me move forward more than a strict routine. “

* Yoga Wheel will be available soon.

Find out more about Ude atudeokoye.co.ukand(link removed)
Consequences:@ude_okoye

– with files from Emma Jefelt and Glynnis Mapp Jacquard