Wellness
Tips From Fitness Instructors on How to Stay Grounded
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It seems like we are always welcoming a new month of busy. Holidays. Ski trips. Summer vacation. Can you constantly feel the change in the air? And no, I am not talking about the different seasons.
Between working, packing, shopping, scheduling, we have to wonder where does self-care fit in? How do we find time for ourselves?
Invest your time in exploring ways to support both feet on the ground. Say "no" to frantic chaos and hello to joy in the world—our inner world. I am committed to a clear balance between family and work in my calendar. With that, I know (and understand) the space to feel and check-in with myself, whether it’s out on a hike, or with a dose of self-care—a facial, massage, or meditation in my closet (the quietest spot in the house). Committing to me first actually allows me to ground down and choose my calendar from a clear and intentional space.
So how do others find balance? We spoke with some of the most grounded instructors in the wellness business to get real-life tips:
Honor your path.
“I can lose myself in one too many espresso shots and my Instagram feed, but I do know what brings me right back to my grounded way of being. For me, it's moving back into a relationship with my breath through meditation and yoga, spending time writing in my notebook (and less time in Gmail) and filling myself up with things that feel nourishing (often it's both an oat milk latte and a grounding maca smoothie.) I do believe that grounding will look different for each of us, and it's important to honor your path. The question I ask myself is—what would bring me back home to me?”
- Mary Beth LaRue | Los Angeles
International Yoga Teacher and Mentor, Co-founder of Rock Your Bliss
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Honor your path.
“I can lose myself in one too many espresso shots and my Instagram feed, but I do know what brings me right back to my grounded way of being. For me, it's moving back into a relationship with my breath through meditation and yoga, spending time writing in my notebook (and less time in Gmail) and filling myself up with things that feel nourishing (often it's both an oat milk latte and a grounding maca smoothie.) I do believe that grounding will look different for each of us, and it's important to honor your path. The question I ask myself is—what would bring me back home to me?”
- Mary Beth LaRue | Los Angeles
International Yoga Teacher and Mentor, Co-founder of Rock Your Bliss
Gather a broader perspective.
“When I'm feeling ‘ungrounded,’ or as if the train is flying off the tracks, I close my eyes, get quiet with myself, and do a scan. I scan my physical self first—am I thirsty, hungry, or tired? Followed by my emotional self—is there a current situation that might make me feel unbalanced emotionally? And lastly, my mental self—am I overthinking? What thought can I put to rest? Often times, this scan helps me step out of the spiral that is my current state, soften the intensity, and gather a broader perspective. It aids in seeing what I can own in regards to how I ended up in this state, and also leads me to choices of action that will start to move me back to a place of grounded.”
- Jillian Keaveny | Denver
Fitness Instructor, Co-founder of Compass Fitness
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Gather a broader perspective.
“When I'm feeling ‘ungrounded,’ or as if the train is flying off the tracks, I close my eyes, get quiet with myself, and do a scan. I scan my physical self first—am I thirsty, hungry, or tired? Followed by my emotional self—is there a current situation that might make me feel unbalanced emotionally? And lastly, my mental self—am I overthinking? What thought can I put to rest? Often times, this scan helps me step out of the spiral that is my current state, soften the intensity, and gather a broader perspective. It aids in seeing what I can own in regards to how I ended up in this state, and also leads me to choices of action that will start to move me back to a place of grounded.”
- Jillian Keaveny | Denver
Fitness Instructor, Co-founder of Compass Fitness
Clear the clutter.
“Two go-to grounding rituals I regularly practice: silencing the radio in my car with windows open and taking a walk with my dog. I feel grounded when the clutter has been cleared. Clutter can be my active and self-critical mind or my over-stuffed tote bag resting against a paper stack. I rely on movement, some quiet, and re-focusing on my goals to regain balance and feel grounded.”
- Kathryn Smith | Durham, NC
Yoga Teacher and Founder of Yoga Off East
Remember, finding balance is a personal experience. Can you become more grounded to help you listen in, feel the mind and body to, in turn, create choice?
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Clear the clutter.
“Two go-to grounding rituals I regularly practice: silencing the radio in my car with windows open and taking a walk with my dog. I feel grounded when the clutter has been cleared. Clutter can be my active and self-critical mind or my over-stuffed tote bag resting against a paper stack. I rely on movement, some quiet, and re-focusing on my goals to regain balance and feel grounded.”
- Kathryn Smith | Durham, NC
Yoga Teacher and Founder of Yoga Off East
Remember, finding balance is a personal experience. Can you become more grounded to help you listen in, feel the mind and body to, in turn, create choice?
Beauty
Black-owned Beauty and Wellness Businesses to Know
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February is Black History Month—a celebration of the achievements and contributions of African Americans in society. As the beauty and wellness industry becomes a more welcoming and inclusive space for all, we are taking this opportunity to continue to shine a light on the gap of inclusivity and diversity in our industry, and take action to promote, empower, and honor the Black community that shapes and grows wellness.
While the beauty industry is making improvements—it's important to showcase and support Black businesses and the creatives in this space every day. To honor them, we're shouting out some of our favorite Black-owned beauty and wellness businesses to support.
1. Beauty Bin
Beauty Bin is a full-service day spa and dry bar located in Asheville, NC. With a focus on inclusivity for people of all backgrounds, genders, and races, their MO is to match the outer beauty of every client to their inner beauty. From eyelash extensions and hydrafacials to waxing and massage, Beauty Bin is a one-stop-shop for all the spa services.
2. KIKA Stretch Studio
The KIKA Method® is a gentle assisted stretching process that loosens up tight muscles freeing your body from pain and stress. By practicing this method, clients can experience decreased muscle tension, increased energy, enhanced flexibility, a substantial reduction in stress, improved posture and relaxation, and increased mental clarity. While its headquarters is located in Las Vegas, NV, they have multiple locations sprinkled throughout the US, including Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas—just to name a few.
3. Kimberly Coleman Salon
At Kimberly Coleman Salon, their philosophy begins with promoting healthy tresses, elegant sets, unique accouterments, perfect pampering of hands and feet, and precision cuts. Known for working with models and celebrities, they fully appreciate and celebrate the diversity of their clientele which also includes super moms and warrior dads.
4. Pressed Roots
Pressed Roots was developed with the simple concept in mind—that everyone deserves access to easy, and quality hair care. What started as a single pop-up shop in Boston, grew to a multi-city pop-up tour, and is now slated to be the largest national hair salon franchise specializing in the care and styling of highly textured hair, they launched their first flagship location in Dallas, TX.
5. SW3AT
Jersey City resident, Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez started SW3AT. The company began as a fitness apparel line in 2015 but evolved into a sanctuary catered to health and wellness now known as SW3AT Sauna Studio—the first infrared sauna studio in Jersey City. The healing power of infrared heat therapy is a phenomenal option for holistic health proven to strengthen the immune system and provide relief from joint stiffness and muscle pain. It is also supportive of any fitness program as it aids in weight loss (you can torch up to 900 calories in a 45-minute session) while also detoxifying your body from some of the most harmful toxins.
6. The TEN Nail Bar
Kelli Coleman and Anika Jackson opened The TEN Nail Bar in Detroit to address a void in their city. They saw a need for a quality, modern nail bar that could also serve as a fun social space for Detroit’s residents and professionals. They designed the TEN to provide their clients with a #Perfect10 experience—where you can relax, enjoy music, a drink, your friends, a clean and precise manicure, and a much-needed break from all your hectic days.
7. Bettye O Day Spa
Located in the beautiful downtown Hyde Park Chicago area, Bettye O Day Spa specializes in first-class treatments. They aim to nurture and relax each of their clients with individualized and innovative therapeutic techniques. From body wraps and massages to facials and hydrotherapy, this day spa promises to be a safe place for healing to occur.
Looking for more businesses to support? ClassPass has also created a list of Black-owned business to check out all year-round. While both of these lists are a great start to get you familiar with many of the Black-owned businesses either in your neighborhood or around the globe, we have only scratched the surface. We'd love to keep these lists growing.If you have any businesses you'd like to see on this list, click here to submit a Black-owned business we should be highlighting as well!
