These are the two yogis doing crazy poses on ads around town
There’s nothing like a crazy yoga pose to catch the eye.
Since last Monday, the giant images of two local yogis holding poses in business attire have been flashing around town by way of a billboard on I-77, art on the LYNX Blue Line, banners at the Charlotte Transportation Center and a bus wrap at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
If you practice yoga in Charlotte, you’ve probably seen these teachers around: Jen Eddins, instructor at Y2 Yoga and fitness blogger under the name Peanut Butter Runner, and yoga instructor Rodolfo Tandazo, who teaches at VIBE5, Life Time, The Cornwell Center and Om Yoga.
The eight-week campaign they were photographed for is promoting a new, flexible MBA at the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte, targeting men and women ages 26-35. The flexible MBA program can be customized to balance a student’s schedule and priorities, from offering classes on campus or online (or a blend of both), to completing the classes at a customized pace.
The two yogis were selected to promote the program because they fit the age demographic, said Lisa Noakes, director of communication for Queens.
They also happen to be able to hit the harder yoga postures.
Eddins can be seen on the ads holding postures like forearm balance and revolved side angle — in high heels.
Meanwhile, Tandazo is found in the Queens ads holding eight-angle pose and the splits — in his dress slacks.
Both instructors shared tips for finding their own sense of flexibility on the mat and in their lives outside the yoga studio, advertising photo shoots and all.
In her yoga practice, Eddins said patience is the key to finding flexibility.
“Yoga has taught me that progress requires hard work but with that hard work there must be consistency and accountability,” she said. “Consistency in taking care of my body and asking it to stretch and strengthen in kind and gentle ways. Accountability in both showing up and also learning to recognize the times that I’m not treating my body well and making necessary shifts to feel more at home, and more flexible, in it.”
As for finding flexibility off the mat, she said, “Yoga has taught me to expand my mind and heart beyond previously perceived limitations/guidelines/stop signs.”
In his yoga practice, Tandazo works to push himself out of his comfort zone to deepen flexibility.
“Many yoga poses run parallel to my dance background,” he said. “So I like to push myself in areas where I am not as comfortable, to become the best well-rounded yogi that I can be.”
He creates a sense of flexibility in his life, he said, by choosing to spend time with certain people.
“I surround myself with friends of all ages and backgrounds and enjoy experiencing how they help me grow as a person,” he said. “And I hope they feel that they learn a thing or two from me.”
Looking for more inspiration? Follow Eddins on Instagram here, and follow Tandazo here.
Photos: Wanda Koch Photography
This story was originally published December 10, 2017 at 9:08 PM with the headline "These are the two yogis doing crazy poses on ads around town."