when and where did you first do yoga?

I took my first yoga class 20 years ago in Argentina and I have to admit that it wasn't love at first sight. At the time I was 18 years old and the pacing of that Hatha class was simply too slow for my wondering mind and eager body. I think I fell asleep several times throughout the class and when it was over, I confused the quiet state of being with an uneventful experience. It wasn't until 8 years later, when I took my second class, that yoga really caught my attention. This time the deep sense of peace that I felt after class made me realize that I had fallen upon something really special.

where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in anything that is authentic, from people to nature to art. In a world where science and technology can reproduce anything and make it look the same, only what's original has real value to me.

who are your teachers and influences?

Life has given me great teachers to learn from. It would be impossible to name them all because I don't even know some of them, but here I go in random order: children, yoga, birds flying, piano music, devoted students, The Ramayana, ferns unfolding, books, summer nights, my literature teacher in high school, the sound of the ocean, Eckhart Tolle, dark chocolate, theatre, The Bhagavhad Gita, waterfalls, old things, Japanese Maples, sunshine, Lao Tzu, photography, lemons and spontaneous laughter. I may be forgetting a few...

your favourite and least favourite yoga pose (and why)?

My favourite pose is handstand scorpion because it encourages me to be alert yet quiet, active yet yielding and strong yet light.

My least favorite pose is any that triggers my ego to push through and makes me forget how to soften, regardless of how far I go.

what do you focus on in your classes?

In my classes I focus on my students that graced me with their presence. Teaching is usually my favourite thing in the day because I get to take a break from my needs in order to serve others. To me, yoga is a journey of undoing and I'm happy to assist my students in freeing themselves from the phantoms of yesterday and tomorrow, from should's and must's, from attachments and resistances, and stepping into the present moment.

Nico is teaching this summer at Wanderlust Whistler, Aug. 23-26, or you can practice with him at various studios around Vancouver BC.

Spin classes have a reputation of being for super athletic and highly in-shape individuals, but what I have always loved about spinning is that it truly is an all-levels workout. Everyone gets to choose their own intensity, speed and resistance. No matter what your fitness goals are, spinning is an excellent choice for a workout.

Billie's spin class about to ride to their favourite tunes!

If you ever talk with someone who loves spinning, they will tell you that it's all about the music. Do you have any idea how much time your instructor spends finding motivating music and putting together a challenging ride that every level of athlete will enjoy?

I've been taking spin classes for over seven years, and this year I decided to become a certified spin instructor. I've found that I spend a lot more time putting together my playlists and ride profiles than actually teaching the class, but I know that I need to invest that time to ensure that I’m creating a unique and engaging ride for every class.

I know I've succeeded every time I catch someone in class singing along to the chorus of "Living on a Prayer" or "Spirit in the Sky". If there is a song or style of music that you are dying to spin to, ask your instructors if they are open to suggestions. Most likely they will be grateful for your recommendation and add it to their playlist before the next class!

Time to sing along to the sweet songs in class.

My personal favorite spinning tunes right now:

"Pump It" - Black Eyed Peas
"So Fine" - Sean Paul
"Kodachrome" - Paul Simon
"Reggaeton Latino" - Don Omar
"Paper Planes" - M.I.A.
"Calabria" - Enur
"Smoke on the Water" - Deep Purple
"Bad Romance" - Lady Gaga
"Krazy" - Pitbull

Just imagine all this, baby. It’s enough to make you go krazy!

Please leave a comment with your favorite spinning song(s) so other instructors and I can incorporate them in our future rides.<-->