Bredemeijer & Maximilian Kert about Tea and Yoga

Tea and yoga: the perfect combination! In a world where the daily hustle and bustle overwhelms us, tea and yoga come together as partners in crime for inner peace and relaxation of body and mind. We talked with Maximilian Kert, Vinyasa yoga teacher and author of the book 'Power meets balance', to discuss what tea and yoga mean to him. 

What are the similarities between Yoga for you? 

Max: Yoga and tea are similar in many ways. In my yoga practice, I want to find my way into a moving meditation through dynamic movements and postures in order to connect body, mind and soul. This moving meditation is similar to the preparation and enjoyment of tea. For me, preparing each cup of tea is a ceremony in which I can slow down and calm my thoughts. Tea ceremonies offer a path to mindfulness and meditation through deliberate ritual and serene ambiance. In my tea rituals, I find calmth and tranquility through the rhythmic motions and mindful consumption of tea, which promotes inner peace. 

How do you integrate tea into your daily routine? 

Max: Tea plays an important role in my life and is an integral part of my daily routine. As a passionate green tea lover, I like to start the day with a cup of Sencha or Gyokuro to find centering and inner peace. It makes me feel more focused and efficient. Cast-iron Asian teapots, known as tetsubin, are perfect for this. Not only do they look classy, they are also perfect for green tea as they can retain heat for longer than conventional glass teapots, allowing you to enjoy several infusions. A cast iron teapot is also extremely durable and therefore more sustainable than other teapots. In Japan, such teapots are sometimes used for several generations. My favorite teapot of Bredemeijer is Linhai because of its beautiful azure blue color and aesthetic shape. I also love to keep my tea in Bredemeijer tea boxes because they are easy to handle and I can take them with me when I am traveling or visiting friends. 

Watch Max's daily tea ritual here. 

 
Before a strenuous yoga practice, however, I prefer energizing matcha teas, which give me the strength I need. In the afternoon or after my yoga practice, I occasionally drink a black tea such as Earl Grey's or Darjeeling. In the evening, I prefer to drink herbal teas as they contain lots of natural substances and no caffeine. 

What are Benefits of Tea and yoga

Max: I think that the centering and calming effect of different types of green tea particularly enrich gentle yoga classes such as yin yoga or meditation. Whereas energizing varieties such as Matcha are more recommended before a dynamic yoga practice. The specific effect of each type of tea can enhance certain attributes of the practice, enabling an intense perception and experience. 

Tea is healthy and delicious. Tea rituals can be calming and satisfying. Green tea has been associated with various health benefits due to its rich antioxidant content and other bioactive compounds.  

5 Benefits of green tea: 

1. Antioxidant Properties 
2. Heart & Brain & Dental Health  
3. Weight Management 
4. Cancer Prevention 
5. Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes 

Maximilian Kert is a certified Vinyasa yoga teacher and author of the book "Power meets Balance - Yoga für Fortgeschrittene". He found yoga during the pandemic and has completed over 500 hours of training in various yoga styles. Max has specialized in the practice of arm balances. Today he trains yoga teachers himself and leads training courses, workshops and events. Max teaches gentle Yin and Gentle Flow Yoga as well as powerful Vinyasa Yoga. He inspires the yoga community on Instagram via his account (@maxi.yoga), where he also shows his love for tea.