Alan was born into a family of yoga and lived with yogis in his home/ashram for 28 years. He began studying yoga at the age of 16 with his father Mani Finger and renowned swamis of the past century. Alan was initiated into yogiraj at the age of 21. Along with his father he created ISHTA Yoga. His life's work is to share these teachings, along with his wife Sarah, and the ISHTA community.

The ISHTA style integrates breath-based flow yoga with alignment, meditation and healing bodywork. Before creating a home for ISHTA, Alan co-founded Yoga Zone, Be Yoga, and Yoga Works. Alan has authored several books and travels the world to share his teachings.