Ryan Leier is well–versed in the power of a consistent yoga practice. The Saskatoon–based Lululemon ambassador has spent the last 15 years translating the ancient practice for youth, yoga fanatics and celebs alike. When he’s not growing his empire of One Yoga studios, which now includes satellite locations in Iceland and Trinidad and Tobago, or reaching more than 4,000 kids with his non–profit Vinyasa Yoga for Youth, Leier’s on the road leading retreats around the world (up next: Maui).
enRoute What got you into yoga in the first place?
Ryan Leier Back when I was playing semi–pro basketball in Iceland, I hurt my shoulder pretty badly and turned to yoga to rehab it. As I started practicing, I found it was not only healing my body, but it also dealt with my mind, so I started doing it every day. That off–season, I decided I was going to move home to be closer to my daughter and take up yoga full–time. It’s been 15 years since I first practiced and committed to studying. Yoga has been such a gift to bring me to incredible people in different areas of life.
ER Tell us about the vibe at your One Yoga studios.
RL I’m trying to take the pretension out of yoga – I want it to be accessible and real. My goal is to make it so that you don’t have to be wealthy or white to practice. Our studio in Vancouver is donation–based, and at the Saskatoon location, I’m hiring as many Indigenous teachers as I can. I’m also exploring classes for people with Parkinson’s and chair yoga.
By Jillian Vieira
Photos by Grant Harder
December 20, 2019