What do you do? I run a studio called Stretch Zone! Clients of all fitness and mobility levels come in and receive gentle, personalized stretch sessions. The main focus is nervous system relaxation, not stretching people to their end range. When we safely stretch people, not only do they feel more flexible, but clients report feeling lighter, less stressed, and better sleep! I’m also a yoga teacher, I am a certified athletic trainer and my Masters degree is in kinesiology. I guess you could say I went on a mission to try and wear athletic gear every single day. 😊
Where do YOU find your motivation? What is your WHY? I love to empower people through movement! That lightbulb moment when people learn more about how their bodies work motivates me to work hard and bring my A game every day. There are more stressors and demands on us than ever, and people come to Stretch Zone stressed out and in need of some TLC. Showing people how their nervous system works and what we can do to help them feel better is my “why”. I have seen so many success stories from people who found relief with us, it is amazing being able to make someone’s daily life pain-free.
With it being a new year, what is one piece of advice you’d give to everyone to help them stick to their goals In this age of the self care revolution, I encourage readers to make a positive goal instead of a negative one. Shift the way you view this goal- instead of “I want to lose weight”, consider what adjustments you can make to feel your very best this year. One step further- don’t be afraid to make adjustments. Do your best every single day, that is all you have anyways. (Took a cue from the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz- if you haven’t read it yet, I’m adding it to your NY goals list 😊 )
What are YOUR 2019 intentions? My intention this year is to stay in my lane. To me, this means doing what I do best- stretching people- getting the word out to the masses- and not sweating the small stuff on the way.
How did you first get into fitness? My parents are both active, we did Pilates and spin classes together at the Y when I was in high school. I’ll always remember how fun that was! I didn’t take my first yoga class until I was in college, and I realized that is where I fit best. One time I heard lululemon use the term “sweaty generalist”, that is definitely what I would consider myself these days. I enjoy popping in for classes taught by people who support Stretch Zone, and as that list continues to grow, so does the variety of my workouts. A win-win 😊
What’s the best health/wellness advice you’ve ever received that has actually helped? Going back to my intentions for 2019, the best advice I ever received was to just stay in my own lane. Everyone’s bodies and individual needs are so different, so as far as diet, exercise and self care go- do you! Meditate on it, go with what feels light to you, go with your own feeling instead of the opinions of others. This goes for fitness too- some need a high level of activity- some may be better off with a little less. Stay in your lane. The good news is, the Dallas fitness community has so many different options, there is definitely something for everyone. The magic comes when you find your own jam. Don’t let anyone else tell you what that is, either. You know you best 😊
What’s your favorite workout to do when you’re not teaching? It changes all the time, currently I’m on a Pilates kick.
What’s the last song you listened to on Spotify (or iTunes, Pandora, etc.)? “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen- I grew up listening to Queen- my mom made sure of that- but since Bohemian Rhapsody won a Golden Globe I’ve had them on repeat. 😊
Best thing in your fridge right now? My sister’s cooking is my favorite food- we have vegan chili in the fridge currently- the absolute best.
Go-to pre or post-workout snack? Cashew Cookie Larabar pre workout, Wundershauzen from Juiceland for after 😊
Go-to morning beverage(s)? Black coffee with almond milk whipped cream- so extra 😊
Favorite splurge meal/dessert? Oreos 😊
Where do you get your health/wellness information? Ayurvedic experts (they are huge proponents of people having individual needs- doshas, etc), plant based living blogs, my essential oil groups (I’m a hippie okay?) 😊
If this wasn’t your job, what would be your job? If it weren’t for Stretch Zone I’d be on the marketing side of things for a fitness or wellness brand.
Favorite way to unwind after a long day/week? Watching tv in bed with my cat. Favorites include stuff I’ve seen a million times already- Parks & Rec, The Office, 30 Rock, Scrubs.