Image credit: Ben Cope
We recently spoke with Tabay Atkins, America’s youngest professional yogi and the face of Nike yoga. He’s now featured across all of their marketing materials in store and online, and is one of the youngest athletes at age 16 to partner with Nike.

In addition to being a yoga teacher, Tabay is also certified in plant-based nutrition and is a vegan chef. His popular Instagram account is filled with yoga, wellness and cooking tips for his 55K+ followers. We asked Tabay about how he got into yoga, his experiences on being a Nike athlete and much more. Check out our conversation below.

How did you get involved with yoga?

Tabay Atkins (TA): I got involved with yoga by seeing my mom practice yoga for the first time. At the time, she just beat cancer and was really weak and broken down from the treatment. My first introduction to yoga was when she started practicing. 

What was it that drew you towards yoga?

TA: I was drawn to yoga by its benefits and healing properties. When I saw the physical and emotional benefits of yoga, I became really interested in the practice. 

What’s a misconception about yoga you can share with us?

TA: Yoga is so much more than a physical practice. The physical practice of yoga is a great thing to learn in one part of your journey, but it’s also a great thing to know that it is not the end of the yoga journey. It is actually just the beginning. The physical practice of yoga is just the first step of the yoga staircase. 

What’s it like being a Nike athlete?

TA: Being a Nike athlete is awesome! I get to work with a great brand, and share my teachings through their platform. Nike has a large platform, which has really helped me grow my platform, and inspire more people. 

What is the best life advice someone has ever given you?

TA: If it won’t matter in five years from now, don’t spend more than five minutes worrying about it.

What is the best life advice you can give someone?

TA: The best piece of advice I could give someone would depend on what kind of advice that specific person needs, but in general, I would advise to stay objective in all situations of life. When answering questions, learning new things, receiving advice, etc., try to see things in an objective and aware mind. Acknowledge your own bias and remember to know what you know and know what you do not know. Also try to stay open to challenging what you may think to be true. A rigid mind is very sure but often wrong. A flexible mind is generally unsure, but often right. By staying objective and aware in and of the present moment, you will benefit from having an open mind. Being wrong isn’t fun, but it’s worse to close your mind to what is right because it challenges what you have thought to be right.

What can you tell us about your love and interest for nutrition as well?

TA: I became a yoga teacher to help people stay well. I got interested in nutrition to help increase the impact I can make to help people in their wellness journey. Nutrition is a great way to stay healthy, which is why I got trained in that field as well. 

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Follow Tabay Atkins: Instagram

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