Alan Torres was studying business at Cleveland State University in Ohio in 2014 when he says moving in with his uncle changed his life.
Alan’s uncle talked about his days in the U.S. Army, and it inspired Alan to “be all that he could be” by enlisting, as well.
“I always cared about people and I wanted to serve,” says Alan, “and I wanted to max out my own potential and give myself a challenge.”
The Army gave Alan the opportunity to do just that. He served in field artillery with the Army from 2014-18.
Alan was based out of Fort Bragg, NC, and was deployed for nine months to northern Syria.
“It was the biggest experience of my life,” he says. But, he decided one deployment was enough for him, so he left the Army when his contract ended.
Alan says that time in his life, after his service, was difficult. He didn’t have any direction, started gaining weight, didn’t want to leave the house and noticed changes in the way he was handling himself. He says he had a lot of fear and aggression and began boiling over at simple things.
He realized that he was navigating the difficult experiences he had while deployed, and he wanted to change.
“When I came back to yoga, it was a last resort trying to manage myself,” he says. “It gave me the ability to manage my emotions and thoughts, and space to heal.”
Alan had been introduced to yoga back in his college days, and when he needed it most, he says yoga helped him learn to turn his reactions into response.
Three years ago, he moved to Fort Myers, FL, to live near his mom, then decided to continue his studies at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Communication in 2021.
“I had no plans at all post-graduation,” he says, “but somehow, it all lined up.”
He realized his passion for yoga could help others like himself who wanted to be more mindful.
He began taking classes and eventually was certified with a 200-hour yoga instructor certificate from My Vinyasa Practice in Austin, TX. He also earned a certification in Pranayama, which is an ancient Indian practice that focuses on breathing techniques.
Alan also earned a personal training diploma and certification from the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) in Tampa in 2022.
The yoga and personal training certifications, along with his communication degree, made his next step feel natural.
He launched an insured mobile business offering one-on-one and group yoga instruction, mobility training, traditional personal training sessions and workout programs.
Why Is It Called ‘O.M.?’
Alan says his business is named “O.M.” Yoga & Training for multiple reasons. One is the military term, “Oscar Mike.” When used as a call sign, “Oscar Mike” is interpreted as code for “On the Move.”
“Being that we are a mobile and veteran-owned company that promotes holistic wellness through intentional body movement, staying ‘On the Move’ is a vital part of our mission,” says Alan. “Addition- ally, O.M. also pays tribute to the roots and history of yoga. In the yoga realm, ‘om’ is recognized as the highest vibration and purest energy that connects all things in existence. ‘Om’ symbolizes the positive experiences and meaningful connections we aim to cultivate.”
He brings his classes to you, whether you want to practice in your home, office, or a nearby park.
“I bring everything you need,” he says. “If you don’t have a mat, I bring the mat. I bring props, bolsters, straps, a speaker, my playlist, even aromatherapy. I bring a full yoga studio to your location.”
He says this is especially helpful for people like him, who don’t feel they fit in at the typical yoga studio.
“I want to help people who want to gain confidence and build the fundamentals,” he says, “then they can do their own thing, if they want.”
Besides the mindfulness that yogis learn, the practice of yoga offers other benefits, as well. Alan says his instruction also focuses on stress reduction and the need to decompress through everyday life. Every class opens and closes with meditation, which helps yoga practitioners come into the present moment, leaving behind the chaos of work or traffic or whatever their lives have just thrown at them.
He says yoga also helps with mobility. He teaches people to have better movement quality so they set themselves up to age more gracefully. He is careful to teach the correct alignment for every yoga pose so his clients don’t risk being injured.
Alan says he typically first works with people once or twice to be sure he’s a good fit, then offers packages of eight classes.
Most people prefer classes once or twice a week. After they’ve finished their packages with Alan, they might feel more comfortable going to a local studio or practicing yoga on their own.
He also offers group lessons for anyone who has a group of friends or family members who want to learn together, but emphasizes that individual lessons go much deeper.
“I pride myself on connecting,” Alan says, “especially when it’s one-on-one. It’s amazing to watch people change.
Sometimes when I first meet them, they’re down, they’re quiet, but, in a month or two, there’s a big change. That’s so rewarding.”
He says his prices are based on how far he has to travel from his home, so while he travels as far as Sarasota, clients in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area will find his fees more affordable.
Although O.M. Yoga & Training is a fairly new company that doesn’t have many Google reviews yet, every single review Alan has received is five out of five stars.
For example, Jessica Washington says, “Alan can change your life, whether it be in gaining strength, learning to breathe and release tension, setting intentions or simply learning mobility through his well thought out yoga classes.”
Aaron Baca’s review says Alan is a “phenomenal teacher. (His) explanations during each session (are) second to none. Five stars each time he comes out and gives a class!”
It’s incredibly meaningful for this Army veteran to connect with people who benefit from learning yoga.
“I’m very passionate about what I do,” says Alan. “I’ve learned how to manage my- self and I want to share that with people.”
For more information about O.M. Yoga & Training, visit OMYogaandTraining.com or email AlanatOscarMikeYT@gmail.com.
You also can call or text him (813) 334-6336.
