Philosophitness with Tina Tang

Meet Tina Tang - Jewelry Designer, Trainer, Instructor, Business Woman, Problem Solver, Friend. This woman can kick your butt in the gym and then design you some fabulous jewelry to commemorate the occasion. She is a woman of many talents and so much wisdom. I am happy that our paths crossed in New York and that we have become good friends.

I have personally worked with Tina as a trainer, taken her group fitness class AND done her remote training challenge. All of which have helped me achieve different goals at different times in my life. I appreciate her coaching, her knowledge and her life wisdom.

Lucky for everyone, she is sharing a bit of that wisdom and life experience in this interview. Enjoy!

• What is your philosophy around health and wellness? 

  No extremes.  As overly used as it sounds, I believe in moderation and "do-ability".  If you can't do it forever, it won't work.

• How has your workout routine evolved over the years?

  I was a treadmill and elliptical junkie.  I would spend an hour on the dreadmill in my 20's thinking that was the way to stay healthy.  It was also the only way I knew because I never had any education in how to use dumbbells, kettlebells nor even any of the machines in the gym.  When I was married, I turned to my husband, whom I figured just knew more than me.  He made me a routine that I printed out and did every day at the gym.  This included 30 minutes on the elliptical, 30 reps on the various nautilus machines; overhead press, chest press, thigh master, lat pull down.  I did that same routine for likely 3 years.

  When I started taking gym classes is when I started asking questions about what and why.  Only after taking a personal training course, simply for personal development, did I learn about the ranges of movement, how to use tools and why we use them. 

• I love your athleisure style! You used to train me in the best outfits - tennis skirts + adidas track tops, etc. Have you always had a strong sense of style? Where does it spring from?

  My sense of style comes my eccentric momma.  To give you a sense, her favorite store for years, was Forever 21.  She was shopping there in her 70's. Of course she wasn't wearing the hoochie momma crop tops, but she layers pieces that no one ever thinks of.  The pieces are always full body so no one would even imagine it came from Forever 21.

• I’m always interested in the relationship between culture and health. How has your upbringing influenced your perspective and habits around health?

  Chinese food is very balanced.  There are always vegetables and meat.  There is always fruit for dessert.  The way I was brought up was that a little of everything was ok.  In terms of exercise, I think the activity is very American.  Other cultures have exercise as fun or as a means to get somewhere.  It's only in the US where we "exercise" for the sake of exercise.  My mom swims and does tai chi.  She turns to those for health to keep her body moving.  She would never approach it the way we do at a HIIT or CrossFit gym. 

• Do you think your parents would understand you better if they worked out with you? 

  This is unimagineable!  I cannot see my Chinese parents working out with me!  HAHA!  It's two circles that will never overlap in a venn diagram.

• Outside of fitness, what other things do you do to manage stress?

  Fitness isn't so much an outlet for me for stress as it is a health necessity like brushing my teeth.  My partner is my stress manager simply for the fact that he is the opposite temperament.  I am high strung - no one would ever mistake me for a pothead.  He is so laid back that if I told you he was a pot-head you would nod and say "of course he is".  His comments when I stress out, puts things in perspective.  Such as, "nothing you do will matter once you're dead." Haha, he is quite blunt.

• What are your wellness essentials? 

  Recently, since reading the book, Why We sleep, I've been prioritizing sleep.  I used to think I could catch up or that it would be merely a day of tiredness.  When reading this book that scientifically explains the life long physical effects of lack of sleep, I have re-adjusted my prioritization of sleep.  I'm going to be 50 next year and I don't want to create more opportunity for Alzheimer's.  Lack of sleep effects on the brain is a common factor found in Alzheimer's patients.  Get sleep kids!

Instagram: @ironstrongfit

Website: https://www.ironstrongfitness.net

Philosophitness with Novi Brown

Meet Novi Brown - Actress, Model, Hair Goddess, Creator, Dreamer, Doer. I actually can not remember the exact moment I met this vibrant beauty. It was probably waiting at a packed casting at One on One or Aqua Studios in New York City … While I don’t remember the exact moment we met, she is impossible to forget.

If you just tap into her social media you will see she is a determined force of positive thinking. Also, very exciting, her career is taking off in new ways. She recently landed a starring role in Tyler Perry’s new show on BET, Sistas.

Her glow up is real. I hope you enjoy this interview.

1. What is your philosophy around health and wellness? 

   Listen to your body. LISTEN TO YOUR MIND, YOUR SOUL! Health and wellness is an ever-expanding practice with many different ways to execute. Just be mindful and see what there is to learn.

2. How has this philosophy evolved over the years? Are there things you do now that would surprise your younger self?

   I've freed myself even more. I allow myself to feel all of my emotions and honor them. That is a gift. Being fully immersed in my own life and not looking to fill in any one else's, is a great way to live. My philosophy is a constant evolution of breaking down and away limitations. 

3. Has life changed dramatically since landing your new show? How are you approaching the balance of work, life and staying healthy?

   It has and it has not. It has because now I am beginning my career as a true working creative, which allows me to move about the world with even more purpose and intention than before. I am humbled and grateful to be aligned in my purpose. I'm excited! It has not because I am the one that does the work day in and day out. That's the best part of the purpose, it's YOURS to fulfill.   

4. You have a powerful way of communicating through social media. You positivity shines through loud and clear. How did you get to this place? How do you reset when you’re struggling with your mindset? 

   It's a daily practice to stay motivated to ignore the bullshit and noise of the world.  Egos are extremely loud.  Through many life experiences in friendships, family and love, I've learned that too many people do not honor themselves and that is where the discourse lies.  Once I leaned in more into my own voice and the way that I see the world, the more I an open to learning and with learning - well, it never ends! I am always listening to motivational, inspirational, soul-searching content to remind me that I am here for a much larger purpose than being tight because someone didn't text me back. Now, don't get me wrong, I still slip up sometimes, however, I cannot and will not let my small ego delay my purpose. Remember, quality over quantity.

5. Also, you are a hair goddess. Do you have any tips for black girls when it comes to taking care of their hair when you workout and sweat a lot?

   Protective styles are my favorite of alllllll time! If not, a sweat head band or go natural. Sweat is necessary to keep your skin glowing too!

6. What are your wellness essentials?

   Water, minding my business, sleep, walking outside, skin care line, etc. 

7. What has been your biggest revelation in the past year?

   I can and will do ANYTHING!

Instagram: @iamnovibrown

Website: https://www.novibrown.com

Philosophitness with Adama Muench

Meet Adama Muench - Runner, Writer, Entrepreneur, Beauty Enthusiast, Traveler, Role Model, Support Squad. I had the good fortune of meeting Adama several years ago through a Nike NYC project and I am so glad the swoosh team brought us together.

Adama is the co-founder and head boss woman of Runaway, an independent travel publication for avid runners. Their 3rd Issue, Portugal, is available now. I promise the cover alone will make you want to go out for a run this very minute.

Her boss-hood is is truly inspiring and so is the way she approaches life. She is incredibly thoughtful about the way she engages with the world, from the company she keeps to the workouts she does, to the products she uses regularly. She is always questioning, always exploring, always present.

I hope you enjoy this interview and check out her work at Runaway.

• What is your philosophy around health and wellness?

  Similar to the saying 'it's a marathon, not a sprint,' I'd like to be healthy and mobile for as long as possible. I apply this approach to fitness - I don't overdue any one thing - and I apply it to my hair and skin care; why use products with more ingredients than are in an Impossible Burger? I try to be smart about things I do to my body, put in my body, and put on my body. Smart doesn't equate to perfect, though :-)
  

• What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about taking care of yourself in adulthood?

  Listen to my body. I know myself better than anyone else; why second guess years of experience in my own skin? This quite literally saved my life as had I listened to those around me, I would not have taken myself to the ER and subsequently been diagnosed with life threatening blood clots.
  

• I know you are an avid runner! When did you get into running? What keeps you going?

  I was always active, but I only got into running when I signed up for a triathlon in 2010. Outside of warm up for soccer practice etc., I had never been on a run. I will never forget my first run as it was unfortunately a below freezing day in Washington, D.C. I've never looked back! As cliche as it sounds, running is a powerful metaphor for life. You just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other, ya know?
  

• What are your wellness essentials?

  I'm kind of basic when it comes to wellness essentials. The first thing that came to mind is deodorant. Does that even count? And sunscreen; all bets are on this for ensuring I age gracefully ;-) This particular pair of running shoes have been a game-changer for me. They've made the last 6 weeks of miles feel so good; I have literally fallen in love with running all over again. Aside from that...Tina Tang and Caroline Schiff. They are definitely my wellness essentials. Super grateful that you introduced me to Tina in your Project by Equinox class two years ago. In addition to being treasured friends, both Tina and Caroline are the best workout homies I could ask for.

• Give me your loves & hates about the fitness and wellness space in NYC?
  I met the bulk of my friends in New York, my delicious husband included, through fitness. Enough said. However, this city is plagued by fake and toxic energy. I stay out of that nonsense, though. Bye, Felicia!
  

• Of all the places you’ve travelled, where do you feel the most inspired?
  This question is tough. I moved around a lot growing up and pretty much always lived in big cities (in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa). A strange shift happened a few years ago when I realized that I was far more drawn to non-urban vacation destinations. This may be a consequence of living in NYC for seven years. Small, quiet towns with a gentle sea breeze, as opposed to the overwhelming smell of ass juice, have been really warming my heart lately.
  

• In this crazy world, what keeps you sane?

  My family. My man. My girl gang. My sneakers. My choir. My local farmers market. And gluten.

Follow: @runaway_mag

Website: https://www.runawaymag.com

Philosophitness with Rachel Ricketts

Meet Rachel Ricketts - Activist, Speaker, Writer, Yogi, Connector, Healer, Friend. Rachel is one of the first people I really connected with when I moved to Vancouver. I heard her speak at an event and was drawn in by her unapologetic truth telling. 

She took the time to introduce me to some incredible humans and spaces in Vancouver. Which is priceless, because making friends as an adult can be even more daunting than the first day of kindergarten at times. 

Rachel has an incredible story. She has been through some unthinkable heart breaks that have given her empathy and passion to live boldly and to take on the work of spiritual activism and social justice. I hope you will take some time to read more about her work and her journey. For now, this interview is beautiful start.

Tell me what wellness means to you? How does fitness (or movement) fit into that?

Wellness means soul-care. It means connecting to and with yourself on a spiritual, emotional, mental and physical level. Acknowledging, honouring and prioritizing your needs and the internal and external things that help you be your best self in every possible way, so that, ultimately, you have the capacity to show up for the collective. For me, movement plays into that in a major way because it helps us get out of our heads and into our bodies. We live in a world that prioritizes operating from the neck up, but it leaves us disconnected from our hearts and spirits. Getting into the body is one of the best ways to ground ourselves so we can attune to what it is we are feeling and what we need to take care of ourselves on all levels.

From the outside looking in, it seems that the work you do is very draining and probably overwhelming at times. How do you take care of yourself day to day?

My work is undoubtedly draining and overwhelming (but it is also affirming and joyous). I constantly remind myself that I cannot be of service to anyone if I am pouring from an empty cup, so my soul-care is a top priority. I take care of myself through daily meditation, even if it’s just 5 minutes but I strive for 10-15 mins in the morning and/or before bed. I move my body as much as I can through yoga, HIIT or an impromptu dance party (usually solo in my living room to Solange). I give myself permission to rest which is HUGE (and really hard). I also rely on many of the spiritual modalities I teach (practice what you preach and all that). In addition to yoga and meditation, that looks like breath work, Reiki and intuitive channeling. Lastly, I call in my support team on a regular basis, I could not do what I do without the steady support of others - my husband, my friends, my therapists (yes I have two) and spiritual coaches.

What has been one of the biggest health (physical, mental or emotional) challenges you’ve worked to overcome or are in the process of addressing?

After my mother died I experienced a dark night of the soul unlike anything I could have known or imagined prior. My grief and situational depression was all-encompassing and all-consuming. It impacted my ability to think, to eat, to sleep, to work - there was not a single faction of my life that was not affected. It was the most demanding event of my entire life and it took every ounce of energy and attention I had to face my tough emotions, withstand the discomfort and move through it. There were moments I wanted to end my own life, and I had to get really clear and serious about taking care of myself and my mental health to ensure I survived. It was the single hardest experience of my life. I will never be the same because I learned a lot about how and why I need to prioritize myself and my wellbeing which has been a gift. Grief never "ends," it’s a process and it looks different day to day but I have learned how to better tune in to my needs so I can withstand the tough times better and equip myself with tools to support myself.

You’ve spent most of your life living in Canada and now you are living in Sweden; what have you observed about the way that different cultures influences wellness and health? How does that impact communities of color within these populations?

Some cultures certainly prioritize health and wellness in a way others do not. The Swedes are incredibly health conscious, more so in regards to fitness but also holistic wellbeing. Of course, it makes a huge difference when healthcare is a right and not a privilege and in that way Canada and Sweden are quite similar and offer a huge advantage over the US or developing nations. When health is a right, of course, it means there is more access for all but particularly communities of colour who are so often disenfranchised as a result of systemic racism and oppression. Globally, there is a huge push for wellness offerings that derive from communities of colour without honouring the roots of those practices or the communities from which they originate and I am seeing how this is harming POC around the world as we are often excluded from partaking in wellness offerings or practices that were originally made by and for us. 

If you had to pick only one type of physical activity to do for a whole year, what would it be and why?

Yoga. Always. It fills me up in so many ways and there are so many different variations. I love how intuitive it is and that I can do it home alone (my fave) or in a group with tons of people.

What are your wellness essentials?

1) Rose Essential Oil - I  have an edible one as well as one to wear on my chakra points/put in a diffuser that uplift my mood and protect my aura.

2) Natural Supplements - especially adaptogens to support my adrenals (I travel with what seems like a small suitcase of herbs and vitamins)

3) Ritual Botanicals Toner Spray - it smells divine, leaves your face with a glow (and is handmade by my baby sis)

4) Matcha Green Tea by Harmonic Arts - I make an oat milk matcha every morning as a ritual for energy and focus

5) Candle - I travel a lot so the candle becomes my altar. I love cedar or sweetgrass by Quw'utsun'made.

Do you think that wellness as a practice, a concept, a philosophy could have an impact on social justice on a local or global level? 

Absolutely! And it is the basis for all of my teachings. Spiritual, mental, emotional and physical wellness, and mindfulness particularly, as a practice and philosophy is the crux of my Spiritual Activism courses in support of radical racial justice. Hurt people hurt people. Period. White supremacy is a consequence of people in pain hurling their pain at people of colour and causing us to bear the consequence. It is very intentional and systematic, but at the end of the day it is a result of pain and trauma so white people need to address their shit and collect their people. If we cannot take care of our own shit, process our traumas, honour our experiences, then we have no ability to tolerate our own discomfort let alone the grand discomfort that comes when realizing the ways we impact and/or oppress others. When you oppress me, you oppress yourself. Social justice is a form of global healing - they are one and the same. So we need to commit to our healing like our lives depend on it (they do) so we can get to the bigger and larger task of healing the collective divide.

_____

Follow Rachel:

@iamrachelricketts

www.rachelricketts.com

Philosophitness with Leah Kim

Meet Leah Kim - Mother, Yogi, Teacher, Writer, Mental Health Advocate, Truth Teller. Leah and I met while working for Nike in New York . She is one of the original Nike Master Trainers (which is no small feat), who has lived a taught all over the world (LA, Hong Kong, UK) and most recently transplanted to New York.

The first time I took her class I got to experience the depth of her practice and to her teaching. And the first time we really connected was after she reached out to me (out of the blue) while I was pregnant to see how I was holding up. That reach out meant a lot (read: I was not holding up so well!) and reminded me how important it is to have people in your life that support you and help you stay healthy along the way.

In this interview we focus on mental health, specifically postpartum mental health. It is something that is not talked about enough and is likely impacting someone you know. Please read, follow Leah, check out her writing, jump into one of her rare classes if you get so lucky and share with someone who might benefit.

What is your personal philosophy around fitness and health? 

I think it all starts with listening and being kind to my body, which is often easier said than done. Health is everything, obviously. When you aren’t in good health, you don’t feel good and you’re not able to move through your life how you want to. I think it’s important to have a clear definition of what your health really means to you. Sometimes I confuse health with being skinny or having endless energy and never needing to rest. When I find myself caught up in this untrue mindset, I take a step back, consider how lucky I am to be healthy despite also forever working on self-improvement, and I remind myself not to take my body for granted. 

Who has been your greatest influence in this area of your life?

I used to look outside myself to others who I thought had the answers. But then I realized, how can someone else know what is best for ME? Yoga reminds us that the teacher is within. A fitness or eating plan that works for one person may not be right for me. In the past, I’ve beaten myself up while trying to follow someone else’s pre-set plan. Now I work on listening to my own body’s cues. I am inspired by body-confident women of all sizes, shapes, and colors.

What has motherhood taught you about health?

Motherhood has challenged my physical and mental health unlike anything else in my life. It has quite literally brought me to my knees. It has also taught me that my body and my mind are strong and resilient AF. Being a mother is undoubtedly a physical sacrifice; even just all the repetitive movements a mother makes in caring for her child can and often do cause strain and tension on our bodies. As such, we mothers must take care of ourselves first and foremost. I used to feel selfish for taking time away from my family to take care of myself but, if we are not healthy and balanced, we cannot be there for anyone else.  

You have become an advocate for mental health, particularly for women suffering from postpartum. What are some of the truths and myths around these issues that you would like to shed light on? 

This is a really big question. The main thing I would like to say is that just because you’re not experiencing postpartum psychosis doesn’t mean you’re not suffering. There are many manifestations and degrees of postpartum illness and it doesn’t require you to want to harm your baby. Also, if someone tries to brush your feelings off by saying “it’s just baby blues, it’s normal”...and those words don’t feel right or true in your bones - listen to your body, not to that person. Find someone who will actually hear what you are saying. Finally, it is untrue that all postpartum illnesses resolve within the first year. Mental health - particularly maternal mental health - is not remotely so clear cut. If you feel “off,” no matter how many months or even years postpartum you are or whatever textbook definitions you may have heard about postpartum conditions, seek help. It is out there for you. 

Are there any resources or action steps you recommend for people struggling with mental health issues?

This is also a big question and it’s important to get professional support if you’re struggling. As part of a professionally guided recovery plan, the following action steps might be helpful:

-When in active distress, find something to distract the mind and calm the body. I like to turn on a funny TV show that I find comforting. This can be a useful temporary solution to bring relief so I don’t start to spiral. 

-Consider if your blood sugar might be low. When was your last meal? Feeling off or unsteady could be from low blood sugar and it can be grounding to eat something. 

-Get off any social media that makes you feel shitty. Consider deleting the app off your phone. You can always add it back later. 

-Look up support groups. There are many out there that you can reach out to via email or phone. 

-Ask a trusted loved one for help. Do you need them to come keep you company? Or just have a conversation? Ask. You don’t need to figure this out on your own. 

-Make sure you’re not holding your breath (literally). Big, full, steady exhales are important. Try exhaling through the mouth. 

-Do some stream of consciousness journaling. It can be as basic as describing what you are feeling. It doesn’t have to make any sense and you don’t even have to read it again. Writing thoughts down helps to unstick them from relentlessly cycling in your mind.

How do you do it all - parent, work, teach, write, take care of yourself, etc? What is your secret? 

The answer to this is that I definitely do not do it all perfectly. I don’t think it is possible. I do prioritize my various responsibilities and and non-negotiables. At the beginning of each week, I set my schedule. Instead of trying to do everything every single day, I look at my week as a whole. I used to do my practice of yoga and meditation every day for 2-3 hours. While I miss those days, I’ve accepted that it’s simply not achievable at this point in my life. Right now my biggest priority is taking care of my family - raising my son and making sure we are all getting enough healthy food, movement, and sleep. On Sunday, I plan our meals, do the grocery shopping, and schedule my workouts. I aim for 5 workouts a week but I know this may not always be possible and I don’t stress about it. I plan daily writing time, knowing that sometimes it might be a very short 20 minute block and other times it may be the entire 4 hours my son is in school. Because of the many things I need and want to do, I’ve taken a break from teaching public classes (something had to give!). This has enabled me to make considerable headway on two books I am writing and it has given me the freedom to explore new relationships with companies I love like Apple. I just taught at an incredible event at their headquarters in California. I guess the short answer to this question is - prioritize, be flexible, and be easy on yourself when things don’t go to plan. 

What are your fitness/wellness essentials you can not live without? 

My answer to this is going to be ridiculously simple: water, an un-encumbering outfit to do yoga in, and a hair tie for my ponytail. Over the years I have simplified my routines and my expectations. You really don’t NEED much STUFF to take care of yourself. Even for yoga, you don’t even need a mat. Less necessities, less potential for excuses. 

_________

Follow Leah:

@leahkimyoga

Writing link:

https://medium.com/@leahkimyoga

Philosophitness with Shirlene Quigley

Meet Shirlene Quigley - Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher, Actress, Believer, Ground Breaker. This girl has got an impressive resume! For starters she's danced with everyone from Missy Elliot to Beyonce. Additionally, she has travelled the world choreographing and teaching dance.  

Shirlene and I first met on instagram, believe it or not, and she invited me to come take one of her heels classes in NYC. Me dancing in heels for the first time, is a whole hilarious blog to itself, but I digress. During the class I was struck by how welcoming, funny and honest Shirlene was with all of her students. Subsequently, we all put our awkward shyness aside and leaned into the experience.

Fun Fact: She is on tour with Lizzo right now! So, I feel lucky she carved out a little time to talk about her health and fitness philosophy while she’s on the road. Enjoy!

1. What is your personal philosophy around health and fitness?

Fitness is not for how you look, it’s how you feel from the inside out. I workout and keep an active lifestyle to stay healthy and have a healthy future for years and years ahead. 

2. When it comes to staying healthy, what comes naturally to you and what things require more effort?

Dance and cardio sport come natural. Anything like a fitness class or group activities is so fun and easy.
But taking time to lift weight and set gym time aside can be hard with my schedule since my daily lifestyle includes so much cardio activity. 

3. I know you bounce back and forth between east coast and west coast, does your self-care routine change from coast to coast? How do you stay in your flow?

Yes it is harder for me set gym time when I am in NYC, because NYC can be so busy. But i set time to do at least 15-20 min of small workouts I can do on a mat, like leg lifts squats, push ups etc. 

4. How has life as a dancer and teacher influenced your mindset?

I want to be healthy not just for myself, but for the team I am working with and the dancers I do my best to inspire.

5. What are your fitness/wellness essentials?

Water! Lots and lots of water. Vitamins. A mat and rolling out those muscles. 
Also I spoil myself with a once a week message to get that blood flowing. 

6. How do you stay motivated through the ups and downs of life? 

My relationship with God has helped me in all areas. Especially loving myself and all life’s challenges. 

_____

Follow Shirlene:

@shirlenequigley

shirlenequigley.com

Philosophitness with Shona Vertue

Meet Shona Vertue - Fitness Guru, Author, Comedian, Feminist, Creator, Badass. I met this hilarious fitness phenom on a photoshoot a couple years ago. When you meet people who are as talented and generous as Vertue, it's hard not to become a super fan.

I really love how she mixes humor and education into fitness on her feed. Also, she touches on everything from hip hop to curly hair care to feminism which makes you want to just sit down for a coffee with her.

Her knowledge, honesty and hilarity are undeniable. So, sit down and take a minute to get to know her in this brief interview. And if you are not following her yet, you know what to do. 

1. What is your health and fitness philosophy?

I created the Vertue Method which is the culmination of my experience as a gymnast, dancer, yoga teacher and personal trainer. I truly believe that a healthy body is one that is both strong, agile and mobile.

I also passionaly believe that we should be aiming to exercise for reasons that go far beyond just the way we look (aesthetics) and that it’s so much more motivating and empowering to exercise for skill development. There are a 99 reasons to exercise and fatloss DOESN’T HAVE TO BE ONE OF THEM.

2. Is there a book, article, lecture, experience that has had a profound influence in shaping your life in some way?

OH EM GEE SO MANY (sorry for yelling). To me books are LIFE - I love to read, everything from relationship psychology to anatomy and physiology. I love to binge watch TED talks as well, and often the books I’ve read have come off the back of awesome lectures I’ve watched over time.

At the risk of sounding like a total hippie, I do feel like books find us at the time we need them the most. Here are top 5 books that have/are in the process of changing my life (in no particular order):

1. Atomic Habits (James Clear) 

2. Ego is the Enemy (Ryan Halliday)

3. Strong Curves (Bret Contreras)

4. Yoga Body, Mind and Spirit (Donna Farhi)

5. Love Factually (Laura Mucha) 

3. What have been your biggest challenge when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle? How have you tackled it?

I am lucky to enough to be able to say that these healthy habits were instilled in me from a very young age. Both my parents helped me to understand that Health and Fitness should (and is) an expression of self-respect. If I lose my health practices, I feel as though I am letting myself down. To me, nothing is more important than keeping my body and mind healthy because without those things I am going to struggle with everything else. 

4. Outside of fitness, what are some other things you are passionate about?

Psychology, Feminism and Racial Equality (and pizza and coffee). 

5. How do you take care of your mental health?

I think that exercise and living a healthy lifestyle helps, but not in all cases. Its for this reason that I make a conscious effort to set aside time for sessions with a qualified therapist. I also spend a lot of time reading psychological principles and theories and see how I may be reflecting/acting on them in my own life. Self development and self-awareness, I believe, are crutial for mental health.

6. What are your fitness and/or wellness essentials that you can not live without?

Honestly, I don’t have any. Obviously I love to have my apple watch and my comfy activewear - but I feel proud to say that I don’t NEED any of them and that fitness and health doesn’t take much to obtain and maintain. 

In saying that, I do love a heavy kettle bell and glute band for Vertue Method workouts. 

7. Tell me something surprising about your story …

You and I met on a photoshoot and it was love at first sight (well, at least for me, I’m not sure it was reciprocated). Because we live too far away from each other, I sadly can only get my Lauren Williams fix through the gram (sigh).

***

Follow Shona:

@shona_vertue

www.shonavertue.com

Philosophitness with Damaris Lewis

Meet Damaris Lewis - Model, Dancer, Actress, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Super Hero. Damaris and I met on set for an epic Nike sports bra Campaign a couple years ago, so I got to experience her magic up close and personal. She's got energy and legs for days! 

From being a dancer and muse for Prince, to modeling campaigns with companies like L'Oreal and YSL, to acting in the award winning BlackkKlansman, her career is layered, inspiring and physically demanding on multiple levels. 

On top of it all she puts time and love into giving back to the kids through organizations like the Garden of Dreams, Project Sunshine and Boys & Girls Club of America. AND she's launching her own wellness platform!

This interview is just a snapshot. Check out her IG + her new platform (links below). Enjoy!

1.  What is your health and fitness philosophy?

My health and fitness philosophy is When you Illuminate the mind, you illuminate the body. 

2. What has been your biggest challenge when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle? How have you tackled that?

My biggest challenge when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle has been consistency. It often feels like everyday there is a new super food, or a new workout or stretch that can change my life for the better- I often try to try them all, instead of just trusting that the path I am on will bring what is needed. Tackling that for me always comes when I put my phone down. Once I give up comparison it's just my mind and I. Works every time. 

3. Do you still train the way you did when you were dancing professionally? What has changed, what has stayed the same? 

I train nothing like I did when I was dancing professionally. I'm currently assessing the misalignment that was caused from years of dancing on concrete and in heels, and not stretching properly after (A reason why I stay away from mass dance workouts until I find one that does a long and effective post stretch). I take class every few weeks, but usually get back into it on a higher level in the summer months when my body does not have to fight as hard against the cold elements post class. My awareness has stayed the same, even heightened. Even though I am not in a class I am doing what is necessary to stay in shape. Currently that is walking on the treadmill, trips to my trainer of 11 years, Marc Gordon, and yoga here and there for a good stretch. 

4. What has been your greatest life lesson to date?

My greatest life lesson to date has been to slow down. In the 12th grade, I won the award for class clown, and my dance teacher, Nathan Trice, gave me a book about Zen. My journey began there. 

5. What are your fitness and/or wellness essentials you can not live without?

My fitness essential i cannot live without is my gaiam foot roller ball. After I do a workout or take off my shoes I always roll. My nervous system thanks me. My wellness essential that I can't live without currently is the juicy bamboo cleansing cloths from Kaia Naturals. They smell so divine that I use them all the time. Post workout, on the plane, to take off my makeup. And the best part is they are biodegradable! 

6. What are your current fitness + life goals? 

My current fitness and life goal is to give more attention to my feet. I have been modeling for 14 years, dancing since I was 7 years old, and have never really concentrated on my feet though they have thousands of nerve endings (or beginnings). I feel so much better when my feet are taken care of from my brain to my entire body especially after years in heels that don't always fit and classes that aren't always light on the toes. 

7. Tell me about the wellness platform that you are building. What is the message you want to send out to the world?

I am currently building a platform named Siram Wellness. Siram means to water or to flush. Which is how I look at healthy living. A constant flush. I am a very big advocate for slowing down, and adding moments of relaxation to our everyday life. And I realize the term wellness is beginning to look like something instead of feel like something when you look at the wellness industry. So creating a space for everyone to be able to enjoy and learn about tranquility no matter your wealth, wellness background, or how you look. 

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Follow Damaris:

@damarislewis

siramwellness.com

http://damarislewis.com