Fitness, Health, Wellness Inspiration, From Us to You

During this time of distancing, it’s our number one priority at Body Balance to work toward keeping our community strong, healthy, and fit in body, mind, and spirit. We deeply appreciate all of the support and strength we’re receiving, and we are working diligently to create remote wellness services and maintain community strengthening efforts. We are all in this together.

On with it! We’re here to connect and share wellness wisdom. We checked in with the amazing health professionals in our Body Balance staff and asked them 5 questions: what types of challenges they’ve been facing and how they’re approaching those challenges; what practices they’re relying on to stay well during this time; what fitness and wellness services they’re currently offering through Body Balance; what words of wisdom they’d like to share with the Body Balance community; and what they’re grateful for.

We hope you find their answers helpful and inspiring, and maybe they resonate with something you’ve been experiencing. We’re so excited to share it all!

Kristi Reed: Co-Owner, Massage Therapist, Nutritionist

Massage therapist woman on the beach with a dog

Kristi and Indie!

Please share some changes you’ve experienced during this COVID time and how you have adjusted to them.
  • I have adjusted easily to the current shelter-in-place because I’ve had some practice: I’ve had 3 surgeries within the last 8 years, and after each surgery, I’ve had to do my own 3-month-long “shelter-in-place.” I’m feeling like a bit of a pro in these times.
  • Although it’s easy to find oneself going a little stir-crazy at times, I’ve dispersed that energy by working diligently on our business; keeping up with the pulse of what’s happening in our world today; applying for loans and government funding; watching “how-to” webinars on everything COVID-19 and sharing that with our staff and friends; helping to pivot our business by creating, developing, and marketing a new BB virtual system; and staying in touch with friends and family, clients, and our community.
Please share any wellness practices that you’ve found particularly helpful recently.
  • I have continued my daily mediation, which helps tremendously with setting up my day with a stress-free mind.
  • I have started a 45-minute daily routine of myofascial release and stretching (that includes my dog, Indie, licking my face when I am on the floor), and I am loving this new ritual! With all the sitting I am doing now, being on the computer for long hours for Body Balance, myofascial release has been an incredible lifesaver!
  • One more fantastic addition to my weekly wellness routine has been our very own Body Balance virtual classes, taught by our fitness trainers. Again, staying at home and sitting a lot, these classes have helped me to stay fit, socialize, and still be a part of the community. I’ve enjoyed John’s boot camp, Michaela’s strength and stability class, and Olivia’s stretch routine.
What wellness services are you offering through Body Balance during this shelter in place time?
  • I am not offering any virtual services, but I have helped all of the staff at Body Balance by creating a new virtual system. I’m also assisting everyone with creative and innovative ideas to help promote these new services, as well as marketing and, of course, joining in on the sessions from each person with my full support.
Please share 3 wellness tips for this shelter-in-place time.
  • Go outside every day and enjoy nature.
  • Take time to meditate and reflect during the day.
  • Enjoy what we have in life, be kind to others, and get involved!
Please share 3 things you’re grateful for.
  • I am grateful for my whole life, my beautiful family and friends.
  • I am grateful for having the opportunity right now to live in the present moment.
  • I am grateful to spend time rejuvenating myself, loving my tribe, and living in this beautiful precious moment.

John Perez: Co-Owner, Personal Fitness Trainer

John staying fit, healthy, and energetic.

Please share some changes you’ve experienced during this COVID time and how you have adjusted to them.
  • The inability to socialize in close proximity, face-to-face with family, friends, staff, and clients has been a challenge. I have adjusted by learning Zoom and offering Zoom live virtual training for the BB clients. I have also learned to keep in touch with family and friends via FaceTime a lot more often.
  • A decrease in my income and at our BB business has also been challenging. Kristi, BB, and myself are creating innovative ways, not only to still stay connected with BB clients, but to generate income; namely, by offering live virtual one-on-one, group, and specialty classes.
  • It’s been tough not being able to visit and dine at my favorite restaurants and bars. I have ordered take-out food from some of my favorite local downtown eateries to help support them to continue to stay in business.
  • Since I am a huge hugger, I am “blue” that I cannot hug people. Since I cannot hug, I am blowing a lot more kisses and doing a lot more elbow bumps and foot bumps.
  • And certainly, I am sad to not be able to train all my wonderful BB clients. Since many BB clients have not joined our virtual training offerings, I contact them at least weekly to check in via text, email, and/or phone call.
Please share any wellness practices that you’ve found particularly helpful recently.
  • The wellness practices that have been particularly helpful are washing my hands 10 to 20 times a day and using a disinfectant on my hands before and after being in a public space. And of course, I practice social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus.
What wellness services are you offering through Body Balance during this shelter-in-place time?
  • I am offering live virtual one-on-one fitness training sessions and small group live virtual fitness classes.
Please share 3 wellness tips for this shelter in place time.
  • To practice a positive mindset and include gratitude, compassion, and sending out good vibes to the world.
  • To stay active during your day: “keep moving”; I prioritize my health and wellbeing.
  • Take the time to meditate, breathe, and practice mindfulness; developing a routine and rituals.
Please share 3 things you’re grateful for.
  • Kristi, Indie, my family, friends, and awesome BB staff
  • All my clients; I’m especially appreciative of those clients who are helping keep BB thriving through this economic hardship, and also all the government relief programs
  • All the doctors, nurses, first-responders, and scientists who are working hard through this pandemic and for those trying hard to find a vaccine

Donna McKibben: Personal Fitness Trainer

Donna and her pup, Colby.

Please share some changes you’ve experienced during this COVID time and how you have adjusted to them.
  • The biggest change has been client workouts.  I’ve been able to train a number of my clients through virtual sessions. I have enjoyed creating fun challenging workouts for my clients with the limited workout equipment they have at home.
Please share any wellness practices that you’ve found particularly helpful recently.
  • Mindfulness
  • Meditation
  • Self-care
What wellness services are you offering through Body Balance during this shelter-in-place time?
Please share 3 wellness tips for this shelter-in-place time.
  • Focus on nutrition, and try new healthy meals.
  • Catch up on sleep.
  • Get outdoors in nature to walk and run.
Please share 3  things you’re grateful for.
  • My family
  • My health
  • My clients

Olivia Haidle: Massage Therapist, Stretching Instructor

Massage therapist woman sitting on a rock looking at a view.

Olivia, finding peace and wellness in the outdoors.

Please share some changes you’ve experienced during this COVID time and how you have adjusted to them.
  • Having a week long schedule to no schedule at all was tough. Once the first week or two passed I finally made a schedule for the week so Harper and myself knew what to expect which I think brought less stress.

Please share any wellness practices that you’ve found particularly helpful recently: it can be something new, something you’ve practiced before but you’re turning to more now, or something that’s been a part of your life but you recognize as being particularly helpful now.

  • I’ve always enjoyed lifting weights, but when I had Harper I took up jogging with her in a stroller, as time passed I got back in the gym and never looked back. But with the shut down I dusted off that old stroller again she’s now way to big for and bribe her all over again with snacks to go for a run.
What wellness services are you offering (through BB) during this shelter in place time?
  • I’ve always offered stretching with my clients, either with their massage or as a separate session. Now since I can’t physically be with them I’m offering virtual stretching through FaceTime. It so nice to connect with them until I can get back to work!
Please share 3 wellness tips for this shelter in place time.
  • Find your mental release
  • Find your physical release
  • Try something new
Please share 3 things you’re grateful for.
  • I am grateful that I finally realized it was a blessing to be able to stay home and be a full time mommy and wife. I am also very grateful that my husband is able to work during this time.

Michaela Lien: Personal Fitness Trainer, Pilates Instructor

Female pilates instructor facing front, seen from waist up

Michaela Lien

Please share some changes you’ve experienced during this COVID time and how you have adjusted to them.
  • I work from home now offering virtual fitness sessions rather in then in person. I adjusted by creating a space in the home that I only use for work.
Please share any wellness practices that you’ve found particularly helpful recently.
  • I try to get out of the house and take a daily walk every day. This helps clear my mind and gives me a break from “screen time”; the walk can be shorter or longer.
What wellness services are you offering through Body Balance during this shelter-in-place time?
  • I offer one-on-one virtual training.
  • I offer a virtual fitness class called “Strength and Stability on the Mat.” Clients can sign up online.
Please share 3 wellness tips for this shelter-in-place time.
  • Get outside for fresh air daily. This can be for exercise or relaxing in your backyard.
  • Try to cook a new  recipe. This is the time to try new meals and enjoy with family.
  • Develop a new routine. Most of us feel “off track” since we started quarantine. It helps to plan a regular routine for each day to help keep your health on track. A virtual session with a Body Balance trainer can help keep you accountable.
Please share 3 things you’re grateful for.
  • My husband and family for their love.
  • My clients, who are willing to adapt as to new ways of training.
  • My dog, Lola, for keeping me company at home.

Pamela Smiley: Massage Therapist

Decorative painted rock to spread joy, health, and wellness.

One of Pam’s joyfully painted kindness rocks.

Please share some changes you’ve experienced during this COVID time and how you have adjusted to them.
  • The indoor challenges of having my 10-year-old home from school, of not being able to workout at my gym, and, of course, of not being able to have the nice work balance that I was comfortable with. Also, equally challenging are all of the limitations the moment you step out of the house.
Please share any wellness practices that you’ve found particularly helpful recently.
  • Although the first couple of weeks were tough, I slowly started adjusting to a new daily routine by exercising with my son and learning his circuit training exercise regimen he made up. I also tried to be consistent, at least 3 times a week, on my elliptical.
  • We’d just gotten a puppy before the shelter-in-place started and that’s been a true blessing.  We’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning about having a puppy and laughing at all of his antics.
  • I have found painting kindness rocks for people to be therapeutic, and they’ve made for a peaceful, indirect connection at a time of social and physical isolation.  I’ve enjoyed leaving the rocks on friends’ or neighbors’ doorsteps for different occasions: birthdays, get well, or going through a loss.
What wellness services are you offering through Body Balance during this shelter-in-place time?
  • I have tried to check in with all of my clients to share words of comfort at this time of uncertainty.
Please share 3 wellness tips for this shelter-in-place time.
  • Wellness tips that I’ve focused on during this time of shelter have been to drink more water. I have found that making pitchers of homemade iced tea has helped with an increased consumption. Although it’s been hard to stay 6′ away from the fridge, I have consciously been trying to reduce my sugar consumption and have enjoyed cooking healthy, well balanced meals for my family.
Please share three things you’re grateful for.
  • I always try to keep a positive perspective and am super grateful for being healthy and strong through all of this madness and grateful that there hasn’t been a huge financial strain on my family. I’m always grateful for family and friends.

Casey Kendall: Meditation Instructor, Energy Healer

male energy healer sitting with small dog

Casey Kendall with his pup

Please share some changes you’ve experienced during this COVID time and how you have adjusted to them.
  • Our landlord refused to extend our lease an extra month or 2, so we had to frantically find a place while both on unemployment. We managed to stay calm and apply to new places; we found one and packed our house in about a week’s time.
Please share any wellness practices that you’ve found particularly helpful recently.
  • Auto-suggestion is very powerful to communicate with the subconscious, whether you want to tell it to maintain a calmer temperament; to heal from past pain, trauma, or disease; or to generate the energy and confidence needed to pursue your dreams and goals. Turning off the fear-driven news and practicing any type of mindfulness will help separate you from the stress of the world, which helps keep your immune system strong. A stressful, fearful environment compromises your immune system, and you’re much more likely to get sick. So literally thinking you’re healthy will help make you healthy!
What wellness services are you offering through Body Balance during this shelter-in-place time?
  • I offer a Zoom meditation class Saturdays at 1:30. After the shelter-in-place I will resume holistic health counseling and energy healing work in person, and continue the in-person meditation sessions at Body Balance on Saturdays.
  • I know I have something to offer everyone, weather it’s for physical, mental, or emotional wellness; there are techniques to relieve what ails you. Health and wellness is our inherent right as human beings on this planet. We just have to embrace it. Find more information and a list of services at arcanahealingcenter.com and at Body Balance.
Please share 3 wellness tips for this shelter-in-place time.
  • Breathe deep: this keeps healthy oxygen levels in the brain and body, calms the nervous system, and allows the body’s natural healing processes to take over.
  • Think positive: it is proven that our thoughts affect our reality, and the placebo/nocebo affect works on our body as well as on our environment. This means, how you think of yourself impacts who you will become: start loving yourself and your body.
  • Stay active: keeping your body active is important, and doing so releases good-mood endorphins. So it’s a win-win.
Please share 3 things you’re grateful for.
  • I am eternally grateful for my son and family. Making it through this time would be impossible without them.
  • My health has kept me going and kept me full of energy. I couldn’t ask for a better body and mind.
  • My career is third: I am thankful that the Body Balance team believes in me and my work, and allows me to share my practices and knowledge with this community that has so graciously accepted me.

Tracey Esling: Restorative, Stretching, Balance Practice Instructor

female personal trainer facing camera, seen from the waist up

Tracy Esling

Please share some changes you’ve experienced during this COVID time and how you have adjusted to them.
  • I have done a few YouTube videos for my private yoga class.
Please share any wellness practices that you’ve found particularly helpful recently.
  • Meditation
  • Restorative videos and practices
Please share 3 wellness tips for this shelter-in-place time.
  • Breathing
  • Meditation
  • Restorative practices
Please share 3 things you’re grateful for.
  • My hobbies
  • My family being home
  • Peace

Christine Baez: Personal Fitness Trainer in Training

female personal trainer

Christine Baez

Please share some changes you’ve experienced during this COVID time and how you have adjusted to them.
  • The struggle with consistency as regards working out, nutrition, and daily routine; to adjust, I’ve made a list to check off with times for journaling, working out, work hours, and break times. I also began meal prepping again to keep from random snack and meal choices.
Please share any wellness practices that you’ve found particularly helpful recently.
  • I have signed up for mediation courses; I am hoping to develop a practice of 10 minutes a day.
  • I have tried different workout activities and trying to keep to 30 minutes a day.
What wellness services are you offering through Body Balance during this shelter-in-place time?
  • I am an intern at BB and spend my time shadowing John and learning about Senior Training.
Please share three wellness tips for this shelter-in-place time.
  • Move your body for at least 30 minutes a day.
  • Practice the 80/20 rule: practice great nutrition 80% of the time, and cut yourself some slack the other 20%.
  • Stay hydrated.
Please share three things you’re grateful for.
  • My family
  • My health
  • My friendships and Body Balance community

We’d Love to Hear From You!

We’re here for you! We’d love to hear how you’re doing and what you’re doing to maintain health and wellness. Please let a comment. We also welcome you to contact us to let us know how we can be of help. Your fitness, health, and wellness is always our passion.

Cherie Turner

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