Tommy Larkin

About Tommy Larkin

Yogi | Movement Optimizer | Kid at Heart
E-RYT 500 | YACEP
NASM - CPT/CES/PES/WLS

The purpose of yoga and fitness is to enact a change...be that in the way we think, act, or live. But more so it is to evolve. A teacher is here to be a guide and help you navigate this evolution. To walk with you down your own path to a greater Self.

I came to the full experience of yoga after many years in the business world creating visual art, playing sports, performing music, studying philosophy, and earning an Art degree from Belmont University. After my first teacher, John Charping, convinced me to enroll in the Southern Institute for Yoga Instructors' 1000-hour 13 month long teacher training program, I realized I had been doing many various aspects of yoga for most of my life in some form or fashion.

This really made me think and then laugh.

As a result of all this, I came to my second teacher, Shiva Rea. I am so grateful for all that she taught me and guiding me to new levels of personal change. I spent over 12 years studying with her and look back with a happy heart and fond memories of assisting her around the world.

This path of growth evolved into Sanctuary for Yoga, Body & Spirit in Nashville, Tennessee, which I co-founded with my former wife, Daphne Larkin, to further expand the creative vision we were developing. Over the last 17 years, we have grown Sanctuary into one of the leading studios in Nashville and we are sought after for the level and quality of our teaching in classes, workshops, and our teacher training programs.

But with all things, change comes and I am loving my new path of evolution. This includes Beth, the love of my life, two incredible stepsons, and Torston, an amazing son of our own. In addition, the universe introduced me to Maty Ezraty, who instilled in me new levels of communicating, integrating and presenting movement modalities. This new format grew into Optimal Movement Fitness and Yoga (OMFaY).

When I'm not at the studio, optimizing movement ideas, or on a yoga mat, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, swimming, hiking, snow skiing and learning more about yoga’s deep roots. All of this helps me remember to Be Happy, Love All Things, and Give Gratitude with each Breath.

Jai Shambo : Dwell in Joy

What Our Clients Are Saying!

Ellen Ross

"Tom's class is a revelation. He helped me to make subtle adjustments in postures that I had been doing incorrectly for years, producing major results in my overall practice. His teaching style is both focused and relaxed and his class is really fun! I'm new to Nashville and I'm so happy to have found this class. Thank you Tom."

Robert Mohon

“Tom's Vinyasa Level 1 class makes exercise enjoyable for me. I've lost weight as a result and I enjoy the calm and relaxation after a session."

Anonymous

If you step into one of Tom Larkin’s classes, you can expect to not only get an amazing workout, but laugh and be entertained. One word to describe Tom is “hilarious,” but another word is “caring.” Tom can somehow focus on each one of his students in a 20-person class. He manages to make everyone feel welcome – but don’t worry, he will catch you if you are “cheating” in a hard pose. Oh, yeah, and Tom is an incredible yogi who can jump into challenging poses without even warming up.

Anya G, Portland, OR

They bring an amazing combination of strength and compassion to their team teaching and their energies compliment each other beautifully. Their transmission is a perfect combination of their current teacher and the variety of other styles and practices that that have influenced them. As a teacher and studio owner myself it was inspiring to see how they infused their class with a life of its own and how they were able to create such a noticeably collective experience. I truly believe that they have inspired a new movement of yoga here in the North West and I hope to have the opportunity to welcome them again to the growing community that they helped create.