NICK HARRIS
(HE/HIM)

CLASS INSTRUCTOR​

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SOCIAL HANDLE

@blakk_wylde

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WHERE ARE YOU FROM? 

Originally from Northern California.  A town called, Redding, CA.  (Not much there).  I moved to Portland 100% for my band, Armed For Apocalypse.  The band was going through transition and it made more sense for me to be in PDX where our singer/guitarist lived. So I moved up.

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WHAT MAKES YOUR CLASS SO AWESOME?

Through my studying with Awakening Yoga Academy, I have fallen in love with finding a balance of strength, restorative, metaphor, challenge and ease into the practice.  I want to find a solid balance between effort and ease.  My classes give you the opportunity to meet you where you are within your practice and at the same time allow you the space to explore and grow.   

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WHAT IS YOUR TEACHING STYLE?

I prefer a strength based practice vs "Power Flow."  I feel "Power" is limiting.  Building strength can look a lot of different ways.  It's not a one size fits all.  The practice adapts to the student, the student does not adapt to the practice.  

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WHAT QUOTE IS MOST LIKELY TO COME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH DURING A CLASS?

I don't pass out awards at the end of the class.  Do what best serves you!   This is a healing practice, not a militant practice.  Take care of yourself.  

 

WHAT'S THAT EXTRA SPECIAL SAUCE YOU POUR ON ALL OF YOUR CLASSES!?

 I am a musician and music is my main passion.  My class playlists are also a reflection of who I am.  You're going to hear a wide variety of music ranging from Al Green, James Brown, and Aretha to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.  From Foo Fighters to Erykah Badu.  Fleetwood Mac, Thin Lizzy to Bob Marley, A Tribe Called Quest and a ton in between.  I also close my classes with playing guitar in savasana.  It's a wonderful way to fully take my students from the effort to the ease and allow students to find a chill place where they can find gratitude for the practice.   

IS THERE A SPECIFIC MOMENT THAT GOT YOU INTO FITNESS? GUSH ABOUT IT PLEASE!

I have been an athlete since I was a kid.  I played Div. 1 Rugby for five years and Div. 1AA football for a year at St. Mary's College of California (SMC).  Most of my life I have been working on getting stronger and staying fit.  I was introduced to yoga through my best friend's mother from SMC's.  I lived with my best friend's folks and Mrs. Froehlich taught yoga.  It took me a long time to finally accept the offer to go to her class, but when I did, I loved it.  I continued to practice with her for a few months, then I moved to Spain where I met a friend that got me to go to classes as well.  It really stuck with me when I moved to PDX.  I lived four blocks away from Forge Hot Yoga. I'd walk by everyday and there was always this really nice guy chatting people up at the front desk.  He had a rad vibe, so one day I walked in and introduced myself.  He told me he was all about building community and I loved that vibe!  He gave me 4 free passes and I was there the next day.  Fell in love with practicing and the rest is history.  A few years later I was introduced to the Awakening Yoga Academy and now I have my tribe.  The Awakening Yoga style speaks directly to my soul!  I love it!    

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WHEN YOU'RE NOT FITNESSING, WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?

Music is my main passion.   I play in two touring bands and we tour as much as we can.  I play drums in a metal band called, Armed For Apocalypse, and I play bass in a rock n roll band called, Ape Machine.  I play guitar everyday and I love to read about yoga, mindfulness, and service.  I have leadership/motivation programs and I also tour as a motivational speaker.  I have a program called InTensions, which in short, is identifying goals, establishing your why, identifying barriers to achieving your goals, and then setting intentions to achieve those goals, through reflective journaling, breathwork, yoga, and setting intentions using the, "I AM" statement.  I have a podcast called the Power Of Positivity Podcast and I am passionate about serving the houseless community.  A friend and I have developed Armed For Good where we go out and feed houseless people here in PDX and while our bands are touring.  Service is where I put my energy.  

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WHEN YOU'RE FEELING DOWN, WHAT'S ONE THING YOU SAY TO YOURSELF TO GET YOU GOING?

I listen to motivational music like Andrew W.K. and Hatebreed.  "When you're down on your luck, you gotta do it.  When you can't get enough, you gotta do it!  Never give up. NO!  You gotta do it!  You gotta do all the stuff that you love!"  Andrew W.K.

Hatebreed: "Doubt me!  Hate me!  You're the inspiration I need!"  I have listened to both of those songs thousands of times to help keep me pushing forward!  Also, a HUGE one for me!  

Additionally, this is a classic from my dad:  "A winner never quits and a quitter never wins."  

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