I Live Yoga

AVC community member Matt Myers has launched a Kickstarter project to fund his I Live Yoga project.

I contributed yesterday for several reasons; I love yoga, I think building tools for yoga instructors is a great idea, and I really appreciate Matt’s contributions to this community over the years.

Here is the video describing the project:

And here’s a link to the project’s Kickstarter page. I hope you’ll join me in supporting Matt’s project.

#crowdfunding

Comments (Archived):

  1. awaldstein

    You have my vote and my dollars Matt!The world could use an alternative to MindBodyOnline that is built from the community side up.

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Thank you Arnold, deeply. You’ve been an inspiration for me over the years, with how fluent and fluid with thought you are – something for me to strive towards being. Your analysis and thought and feeling into things is always feels right on the heart beat, and some things you say I wish I understood better but my current experiences fail to allow them to resonate with me. At a future time I hope to re-read what I have read of yours, and read what I haven’t yet, and hope that it even more deeply resonates with me.

      1. awaldstein

        Just go make this happen Matt!

    2. ShanaC

      I hate MindBody with a passion.

      1. awaldstein

        Everyone uses them except large org like SoulCycle that build their own.Api is not as flexible as it should be. Worth looking at as a differentiator.HUGE market. Wellness is a $2T a year market on its own. Yoga in the low billions on its own.

        1. Matt A. Myers

          Double-digit billions on its own. :)Edit: And growing at 30% every 4 years for more than a decade.

          1. awaldstein

            I think the number is $19B including apparel.Well & Good BTW s the NY startup that is exploding covering the women’s wellness world. Just went national and for women and wellness, the best there is.Check them out.

          2. chrispa

            long time AVC lurker here. I launched a simple competitor to Mindbody last year called Punchpass ( http://punchpass.net) No question from the feedback I’ve received that there is a huge desire in the market for a simple, clean alternative. Love the community aspect of I Live Yoga!

          3. awaldstein

            Thanks for that.I am not in that biz but have an investment in a green biz grounded in the wellness sector and a growing number of yoga, cycling, pilates studios are becoming partners so backing into it.You have customers in NYC?

          4. chrispa

            Actually no (though I’m sure that will change.) Still very early, but customers in various cities across US, couple in the UK, and a few in Australia. Our focus is actually on independent instructors (Zumba or Yoga), or VERY small studios, so not a lot of overlap with Mindbody. NYC definitely seems to be a MB type of place.

          5. awaldstein

            Presuming you handle transactions as well.Actually NY has all layers from the Soul Cycles to hundreds of instructors working out of lofts, pop ups, in the parks as well.Good luck with this.

          6. chrispa

            Thanks! And you’re right about NYC – that was why I said we’ll be there eventually. Just found seed in other ground and are sprouting their first.To clarify – the NYC comment was also that space is at a premium, so class reservations becomes a requirement. That’s when a full featured product like MB becomes necessary. Not true in many other markets.

          7. awaldstein

            oh so true.space is the most dear currency there is.

          8. ShanaC

            they’re a publisher. Do you have a good relationship with them (and I love that site…)

          9. awaldstein

            W & G?They completely rock and really guide the market. Two of the smartest wellness entrepreneurs out there.

  2. jason wright

    what *is* yoga?

    1. Matt A. Myers

      I define yoga as a framework for self-exploration, leading self-awareness, which leads to better decision making and then a happier and more productive life.

    2. Matt A. Myers

      Michael Stone defines yoga as intimacy, learned intimacy with oneself, which leads to a deeper intimacy with others.I’m interested, how do you currently define or see yoga?

      1. jason wright

        i’ve never tried it, and i sense that it’s not something one simply ‘tries’. it seems more akin to a ‘calling’, a spiritual journey, and a religion. I’ve read Fred write about the physical benefits, but i’ve always associated it with brain and mind ‘exercise’. i find cycling to work for my head, where my brain and mind disengage from each other in a rather pleasing way. it’s like pressing a ‘reset’ button, and everything returns to its natural state…until the environment and influences of the modern world disrupt it again.if the brain is a machine and it’s flow, of electricity and wavelength frequency et.c., are disrupted by externalities, then for me cycling helps to restore those values to their norms.

        1. Matt A. Myers

          I personally would call yoga more a lifestyle than a religion – it’s definitely a journey, perhaps some are called towards it – go to a class and then the movement in their body or the guided meditation they do or other quotes or readings resonate with them. The idea is if you incorporate a physical practice, along with breathe work – which is a branch of yoga on its own – then all areas improve. Cycling definitely can move into a meditative practice, a lot of runners get the same. And yup, can definitely bring you back to your baseline or lower – in a good way. 🙂

          1. awaldstein

            w/o a doubt agree.

          2. jason wright

            have you actioned the one name thing?

          3. ShanaC

            Its complicated. One of my very close friends in college comes from a Hindu Family. His mother practices yoga – and it is very different from what yoga I practice since for her it is a very serious religious thing

  3. Ajastra Media Pvt. Ltd.

    Good

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Good comment. 🙂

  4. JimHirshfield

    Congrats @mattamyers:disqus and good luck with the campaign!

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Thank you Jim. 🙂

  5. Tom Labus

    Congrats, hope it flies!I’ve gone to yoga with my wife and it’s a bloody good work out and hard

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Thanks Tom.Eventually your body and mind will be able to sustain any practice if that’s what’s good for you – your practice evolves of course, and there are ebbs and flows, all of which is important to be aware of. You could always try a different style or practice level to start off with if it’s something you wanted to do more regularly? :)There are lots of styles of yoga. Gentle to vigorous. One of the lessons that hopefully comes sooner than later is relating to ahimsa (sanskrit word for non-violence or non-harming), which includes non-violence towards yourself. If you push yourself then it actually slows down how quickly you’ll benefit and can keep you locked in unhealthy patterns and behaviours, re-enforcing being locked up instead of open and relaxed. There’s a lot of learning that happens with a regular yoga practice. The number one rule though is related to discipline. If you’re not disciplined then you won’t gain the benefit. There are nuances to learn within this too. :)We treat ourselves off the mat how we treat ourselves on the mat. If you push through things that don’t feel right or maybe even hurt, you probably are doing that in your day-to-day as well. It can be scary, or exposes fear, if we stop pushing ourselves. Pushing myself is how I got a lot of things done for a long time. Now I’m learning how to navigate by doing what I am compelled to do – though fear still gets in the way sometimes, often actually – noticing that though is the first important step.

    2. pointsnfigures

      and my body hurts for days after…

      1. Matt A. Myers

        Perhaps start off with restorative or yin classes – much different pace. You’ll want to use lots of bolsters / props to support your body. It’ll help stretch out and open up your body first. Also look into your diet of what you’re eating and drinking before and afterward. Sometimes people aren’t eating enough protein or consuming enough electrolytes. :)Or do my favourite, find a studio that has a core flow class and then a restorative or yin class afterward; Restorative and yin do have different purposes to them, so I’d suggest trying them both to see what they do for you.Also, that soreness slowly shifts as your body heals, improves, alignment corrects, as the fascia layer stretches slowly and then your muscles compensate, etc..

  6. Matt A. Myers

    I’m stunned. I’m definitely having trouble putting words out. Thank you Fred.I’m wanting to write something long and profound, though it’s not coming to me. I have put my everything into I Live Yoga so far these past few years. I haven’t really had the time to reflect to see how far I’ve come in just the last 6 months, for where I was, where I am at, and where I am aiming for. The where I am aiming for, it feels far though obtainable.And thank you to anyone who contributes. It’s going to be tough to reach the minimum goal, though it’s keeping me on my toes with reaching out. What I’m most afraid of might sound strange, maybe others feel the same with their ventures, is not being able to work on the project – of having to get a regular job – because a regular job means a distraction away from what I’m passionate about for an escalade of reasons.Thank you to the AVC community too. I’ve greatly appreciated the conversation on here – some I usually always agree with, others who I disagree with I try my best to be kind in my responses. Sometimes coming here as a distraction, sometimes a place to come for friendly discourse, usually a place to learn and see who has what to say about whatever Fred posts that day – whether aligned or contrary to my own thoughts – perspective and contrast is how you learn, though can be challenging to engage with.So I suppose I should mention yoga eh?Yoga has been a growing part of my life for the past 7 years. It’s definitely allowed me to handle more stress than I have ever imagined, given me the tools and self-awareness to know what I need to do or what I have the energy for. I still like to challenge myself and push my boundaries in regards to overwhelming myself, though with a regular yoga practice – not just asana, but meditation, yoga nidra, etc. is also important; Physical movement is just one of eight branches of a yoga practice, each practice you take the discipline of compound and amplify oneanother.Yoga Nidra: https://soundcloud.com/iliv… – Here is a free download example track from one of the two albums available at a certain pledge level. This is a shorter track. My preference are for the longer 30+ minute ones. Guided meditation, like guided learning, allows you to reach deeper into thought and feeling, meaning releasing more thought patterns because you’re not actively having to seek out and control what you’re focusing on – and thus leading to relaxation occurring, and if kept in a regular practice you lower your baseline stress level; If you’re not able to relax when laying to listen to such a recording, perhaps notice if you feel safe with passively listening (trusting) someone’s guidance. Lowering your mental stress and your body’s stress by reducing the pain and tension in it are in a cyclical loop, due to biofeedback – a stressed mind makes the muscles be tight, tight muscles tell your mind you are stressed and so stressful thoughts will exist and be primed.Okay, I’ve probably lost most readers by now, so I’ll try to hang around and reply to comments in between reaching out to as many yoga instructors and studios as possible via Twitter and other means as possible in the next 27 days.Thanks again everyone for your contributions in my life. Hope you pledge even just a $1! 🙂

    1. JimHirshfield

      Yoga-na make us all proud!

    2. JLM

      .Good luck and Godspeed. Sincere wishes for a great success.JLM (pledger).

      1. Matt A. Myers

        Thank you kindly.

    3. Elia Freedman

      I can completely relate, Matt, about your biggest fear. Good luck with the Kickstarter!

      1. Matt A. Myers

        Good to know it’s not just me. 🙂 And thank you. 🙂

    4. Andrew Kennedy

      congrats! seems like a great idea. everyone raves about yoga, but I am still an outsider although hope to convert soon.

      1. Matt A. Myers

        Thank you! Yoga’s certainly gaining momentum. “You doing yoga is good for me” is a pretty real statement if you look at how it helps people take care of themselves, better manage themselves, etc.. I hope you start a regular practice too. 🙂 If you have any questions on how to best get into it, feel free to reach out to me.

    5. Donna Brewington White

      Happy and proud. The first Congratulations of many, Matt! Of course I will be contributing.

      1. Matt A. Myers

        Thanks so much Donna. You should have seen my face light up when I saw you contributing. 🙂

    6. bsoist

      Congrats, Matt. I’m in.

      1. Matt A. Myers

        Awesome. Thank you. 🙂

  7. JimHirshfield

    You heard the one about the Buddhist at the hot dog cart? He said:”Make me one with everything”#zenmoment

    1. Mac

      Jim, you’re on a roll this morning. Must have had your disqus adjusted.

    2. JLM

      .Funny. As. Hell.Well played.The fact the DL — he and I are very close — did not get it makes it even funnier.JLM.

  8. Laurent Boncenne

    Congrats @mattamyers:disqus! Good luck!

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Thanks Laurent. 🙂

  9. Mac

    All the best, Matt.

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Thank you Mac

      1. Mac

        You’re welcome. With compliments.

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Thanks for sharing this. Missed the first bit.

    2. Twain Twain

      Fred has a tie on! Is this going to set a trend for other VCs to move from open-collar shirts, chinos and loafers to suit and tie???

  10. takingpitches

    Go get ’em Matt! It sounds like this fills a real need.

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Thanks for the motivational words. I see the need, and the people in the community who I’ve talked to see the value of what I’m doing. It’s an interesting juggle of exposing and educating people of a better way, especially hard when the vision and value offering isn’t complete.

  11. Conrad Ross Schulman

    excited for my rewards 🙂

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Thanks for supporting. 🙂

  12. William Mougayar

    I’m in. It’s great to see AVC community members come out with projects.Curious why/how you chose the level you did?

    1. Matt A. Myers

      That’s a blog post-length question. :)Don’t quite have time to fully answer that, though I will slowly work on it when thoughts come up.

  13. Salt Shaker

    My girlfriend takes yoga classes 5x a week. She’s been trying to get me to join her ad nausea but to date I’ve been reluctant to attend. She swears it will help relax me and reduce my stress levels, a claim I’ve heard from many other enthusiasts. It does appear that yoga has a calming almost cult like impact on those that do indulge, and I don’t mean that in a pejorative way.I’ll gladly contribute a few Kroners to your k-starter campaign primarily cause I feel/hear your passion and enthusiasm for the cause. As a non-yoga convert I’m not in a position to judge the merits of your biz, though the yoga community certainly is large and vibrant and likely could benefit from some org structure.Best of luck in achieving your goals, Matt!

  14. ShanaC

    🙂 Good for you for pushing this forward Matt (I know how long this took you to do)

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Thank you Shana! 🙂

  15. panterosa,

    Right on @mattamyers:disqus! My mum did yoga when I was a kid and got me into it early. I reversed an eye condition which was muscular thru training.I’m going to pass this on to several friends who started teaching who will definitely be able to take advantage of the platform as well as promote it in their networks.

  16. Guest

    Great talk @fredwilson:disqus at Techcrunch Disrupt NYMichael Arrington Gets Fred Wilson’s 5-Year Prediction | Disrupt NY 2014https://www.youtube.com/wat…

  17. Kirsten Lambertsen

    Cheers, Matt!

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Cheers! 😀

  18. kirklove

    Good luck Matt. All the best and much success. Happy to support you.

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Many thank yous Kirk! 🙂

  19. LE

    Matt, really nice video and the project looks great. Just gave at the 55 CAD level and hope to see you succeed with this.

    1. Matt A. Myers

      Thanks so much. I really appreciate it.

  20. btrautsc

    Fred, this is very cool of you.My wife just completed her yoga instructor training this winter and just began teaching her first regular class about 4 weeks ago – with hopes to do a few more around her current work schedule.This is an awesome project and covers some real pain points for up and coming instructors. Big congrats to Matt and thanks to Fred for sharing.

    1. Matt A. Myers

      +100Thanks Brian, and please let your wife to feel free to reach out to me, [email protected] or through Twitter @iliveyoga or my main handle @mattamyers 🙂

  21. Dale Allyn

    I’m late to the party this morning, but I’m in, Matt! Congratulations and good luck!!@fredwilson:disqus This is one of the reasons I love this community and you. Thanks for doing this. It’s a wonderful gesture and a testament to your sincere and giving character.

  22. Robert Thuston

    Matt, looks like a good product, well thought out… Easy as a user to get you bearings on who the teacher is, how often they reach, and when… I’m not a yoga-er, but seems like there is a need for something like this

  23. marioyang

    Pledged.I’ve been practicing yoga consistently for about two years now – and I’m sure many yoga practitioners have heard this refrain or experienced it personally – but it started as only a physical practice meant to improve my flexibility and mitigate injuries. Today, it is a regular part of my day and integral part of my life. The impact yoga has had on me extends way beyond the mat and the physiological. I’d encourage everyone who has never tried it to do so.Wish you the best.

  24. Twain Twain

    Congrats, Matt, and best of luck!

  25. Donna Brewington White

    Heartwarming to see you post this, Fred. It is no accident that this community has become what it is. You set the tone.

  26. RichardF

    Congratulations Matt, good luck. I like the name alot.

  27. Sun flower

    All over the world Yoga is warmly loved.,beacause it really do the magic towards our health.mind ,soul .We shuold do it on regular basis and enjoy the life fully…Plan Yoga Retreats