Corey Loftus:

 Co-founder Corey Loftus is the heart and soul of hOM, the one who keeps the hOMies on track and close to our mission, he's a true leader. In the studio we often talk about trusting in ourselves first, but we're all human, there are days when accessing that truth is harder than others. Corey has the innate superpower to lovingly refocus our individual parts so we can thrive as a centered team.

His natural drive and ability to connect meaningfully with others permeates all areas of his life. Whether you are lucky enough to be in class with him or you're working with him in another way, he will listen, see you for all that you are and honor you as an individual.

Lululemon Ambassador, expecting father, husband to the luminous Francesca Loftus, Choir singer and big picture dreamer, Corey Loftus: hOM Chief of Service. @loftylotus

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1. Being a hOMie is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. What does it mean to you to be a hOMie?

• It’s about spreading joy and compassion, freeing up people’s bodies and minds to realize that they have the power to cause and affect great change. (ED: Please note the pun here on “affect” is intentional.) You have to start with yourself. It starts with improving your body and breath control, or muscle tone and bone organization. Once your “stuff” get better aligned, then your power to relax or control you mind develops until you realize everything is part of the journey, and it can all be fun. Then you turn that felicity, shine that light, out to others

2. How does your personality come through in your teaching?

• ​I’m aloof, self-sure, relaxed, spiritual, and value specificity and efficiency. The classes I lead tend to twist and turn you into poses you don’t often practice anywhere else; at the same time, you’ll be learning about what muscles are being targeted by that exercise, or visualizing where your bones are in space, or maybe counting your breaths… maybe all of these at once. One of my goals when I teach is to get more things done in less time -- we’re always working on many levels simultaneously.

3. We’re very aware of your affinity for Chipotle, what do you consume beyond the bowl with white rice, pinto beans, fajitas, sofritas, medium hot, lettuce, side of guac and chips? What do you like to cook at home?

• I’ve recently been moved to go back to a plant-based diet. That ends up meaning oatmeal with all kinds of toppings (spices, chia seeds, nuts, dried/fresh fruit, honey), lots of steamed/stewed/fried veggies and beans, and OF COURSE PB&J. It’s the ultimate. And Indian food.

4. Amidst a busy schedule, it can be challenging to find time to practice. What does your self-practice look like these days?

• I joke with my students about how I’m always practicing and never practicing. If you watch me riding the subway and put on your imaginary x-ray vision goggles to see my bone alignment, you’ll see that I’m always fidgeting with the position of my hips, ribs, and head to release more space. Whenever I take a step, I’m analyzing which muscles I’m using, how my alignment is. When I see someone in an out-of-the-ordinary position on instagram or FB or real life, I imagine in my body how it feels in theirs. And I’ve recently started Aerial Silks training.

5. What’s your favorite way to break a sweat?

• Dancing! Jazz, Music Theater, Tap, Partnering… Ballet because it’s good for you. ;) I don’t get to do it often any more, but it’s really the best for developing proprioception.

6. Tell us a little bit more about AcroYoga, what’s the best way for someone to get started?

• AcroYoga is a combination of three disciplines: acrobatics, yoga, and thai massage. It’s really next level stuff. Once you feel you have a good understanding of yoga poses in your own body, the way to make it new and different is to add someone else’s body to the pose. Sure, maybe it adds to the physical challenge for muscles or balance. The real gift and challenge comes in communicating -with- your partner, rather than -at- your partner. It’s going from self-focused to other-focused. Then you add in more people and it becomes team-focused. For more, check out acroyoga.org.

7. Most embarrassing teaching moment. Dish!

• First year of teaching, in a lovely studio in Astoria. It’s mid-class. Students are digging what’s going on, the bassline of the music has us in the groove, and we’re working some deep hip opening and backbending in Crescent Lunge Pose. In a fit of inspiration, I ask students to “put your fist in your butt”. Which, to me, meant the muscles -- though maybe I should have said “against” or “on”. Of course, the whole class busts with laughter. They love even more when you show your humanity.

8. What does being a lululemon Ambassador mean for you?

• Being an ambassador is a recognition from lululemon that you are elevating the world from mediocrity to greatness in your local community. That’s their mission statement. It’s a high honor, and super cool to be recognized as that. This was something I’d had on my goals sheet for years, thinking, “That’d be really cool if that happened.”
• ​Candidly? It feels like validation for all the years I’ve been hustling as a teacher here in NYC, seven days a week. Francesca’s always telling me that so many people in and around the industry who know I am, and I don’t believe it. This is social/physical proof of that.

9. We know you and Francesca are avid travelers, where’s next on your list?

• Our holiday travel always tends to be warmer places, and I’ve never been to the Bahamas or Jamaica...

10. You’re about to become a dad! What’s most exciting and most intimidating part for you?

• I’m delighted to be someone’s father. It’s exciting in every way imaginable. To be able to again experience all the wonders of the world through my own son’s eyes… it’ll be a brand new universe. Honestly, I expect he’ll be teaching me more than I will him.

11. As a man who teaches, runs a company and is currently preparing for his firstborn, what’s your advice for someone trying to find balance in NYC?

• Look inside instead of out; unless crossing the street. Allow yourself a couple (harmless) indulgences per week, especially that good coffee. Friends are more important than money. Good luck.

12. If you could do anything right this instant, what would it be?

• Soak in a lush-bath-bomb bath with a cigar, a good scotch, and a view of the ocean.

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13. Words to live by:

• Not knowing when to quit is one of the most important factors in success. - Richard Rodgers
• Love many, trust a few, do wrong to none. - Shakespeare
• Have fun, enjoy (literally to put joy into) life -- it’s later than you think. - Grandpop Loftus

14. Any other questions or points you’d like to make!

• Additional links for programs and teachers that have made me who I am:

1. Landmark Education
2. www.lululemon.com
3. bendypena – The Online Home of Isaac Pena
4. www.elon.edu

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XO
AG

Annaliese Godderz: Interviewer + Photographer
@yogaliese​​​

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