The Instagram account @RobotDewd posts daily videos and photos of a mesmerizing mix of elegant yoga poses and extreme pole dancing.
But the man behind the graceful arcs is one of LSU’s own.
This Instagram athlete is actually French senior Joseph Ables. He started posting videos of his yoga in early 2013 after recovering from body image struggles. He’s steadily grown a fan base that finds his videos breathtaking and inspiring.
“I don’t feel like a lot of LSU people follow me but I am flattered that people are starting to recognize me for my yoga,” Ables said.
His account has more followers from all over the world but he only started achieving local fame in the last few months. Ables attributes a lot of his passion to his physicaly active childhood.
“Growing up in Louisiana in the early ‘90s, we didn’t have a lot of technology,” he said. “I would always be outside, playing in the woods. I guess I’ve always been drawn to that.”
A lifetime love of the outdoors isn’t the only reason Ables dedicates himself to his yoga. He said his health plays a large part in his motivation.
“I’m a recovered anorexic,” Ables said. “I’ve suffered from an eating disorder for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t start losing weight until 2012 and I have been recovered for a year now.”
With cardio exercise hurting rather than helping his recovery, he needed to search for an alternative.
Ables said he found beauty in the various yoga poses he observed. He started practicing different techniques and built up his skill over time.
He has been practicing “yoga pole” since July, developing it toward perfection.
Ables said he views his yoga as more than just a way to relax and stay healthy. This is something he wants to pursue and teach to others. After graduation, his dream is to go to India and complete his RYT 200. This certification requirines him to complete 200 hours of training and will allow him to professionally teach yoga.
“They have an amazing facility in India where I would live and eat and do yoga from 9 a.m. til 6 p.m,” Joseph said.
Yoga has changed Ables’ life for the better, and it’s his hope that he will be able to help people undergo the same kind of experience, he said.
Ables’ created a GoFundMe page to help with the travel costs.
LSU alumna Christina Hebert, describes herself as Ables’ “biggest supporter.” The two are roommates, and Ables said he considers Hebert his best friend and soulmate.
Hebert said she doesn’t doubt her roommate will achieve his dreams.
“I think he is going to make it,” she said. “He is really talented and a lot of people are going to help him accomplish his dream. He is the type of person that will be able to do whatever he sets his mind to.”

Gallery • 16 Photos

Javier Fernández

French studies, senior Joseph Albes practices a routine on the pole Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 in his apartment.