Memphis Health+Fitness Magazine January 2023

Amy Goode | Publisher

Amy is passionate about growing the health and fitness community, as she’s done for the last 26 years. Along with triathlons, cycling tours, and road/trail races, she’s marked off several bucket list marathons in Chicago and New York City. When not working out, she is always looking for the best cheat meal.

Angelique Nihen | Editor

Angelique is an editor, writer, graphic designer, and advertising/marketing professional. A long-time SAG-AFTRA member, she also works and performs professionally as an actress, singer, and dancer. A Temple University graduate, she enjoys swimming, biking, painting, sewing, reading, and traveling.

3

Tindall Stephens | Photographer

Tindall has been shooting for over 20 years, specializing in weddings and portraiture. She is a super busy mom of three teenagers,wife of a Memphis firefighter/Paramedic, and entertainer of two boston terriers …among running a full time photography business. Tindallfarmerphotography.com

Sam Sikes | Photographer

Sam is a professional photographer in the greater Memphis area. He and his team specialize in wedding photography and videography, along with portraiture. You can find his website at samsikesphotography.com. When Sam is not working you will either find him in the gym or playing spikeball at Shelby Farms!

Zoe Harrison | Contributing Writer

Zoe is a biomedical engineer with a focus in medical writing, and has authored a number of publications in scientific journals. She is a native Memphian and is a passionate runner, yogi, and weightlifter. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and playing with her golden doodle, Sully.

Lucy Modzelewski | Contributing Writer

Lucy is a branding and marketing professional and native Memphian. An avid runner, she enjoys running on the Green Line with her husband and participating in races throughout the year.

7

Shlomit Ovadia | Contributing Writer

Shlomit Ovadia is a Content Strategist for a Colorado-based nonprofit, where she currently lives and enjoys all the outdoors lifestyle has to offer. In addition to her freelance work in writing and editing, Shlomit’s poetry and creative pieces have been published in various literary journals including Grande Dame Literary and Sad Girls Club Literary Blog.

8

Kelsey Lawrence | Contributing Writer

Jeremy Crooks | Digital Designer

Jeremy is a South Carolinian turned native Memphian with almost 15 years of digital and print design experience. As a passionate endurance athlete, he loves participating in marathons, triathlons, and even a good hike with his wife and two pups, Brooklyn and Chloe.

SHOUT OUTS!

Chris Dewan ran the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend in 2:52, achieving his goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

Caroline Peyton crossed the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend finish line as the top female marathon finisher with a time of 2:54:03.

(from left) Jonathan Martin, Craig Conley, Rocky Stone, and Ed Wallis recently competed in the Ironman Arizona!

Local runner Brian Bauleke broke his leg last year but isn’t letting his injury or break from running stop him - he’s training for the Mississippi River Marathon and aiming to qualify for Boston!

(from front to back) Lawrence Elliott, Amanda Tucker, Brian Stephens, and Jeff Embry complete the Basecamp for Bev: An Everesting Challenge.

Amanda Tucker (center) gets emotional as she finishes the Basecamp for Bev: An Everesting Challenge - a 14,514 ft cycling challenge Amanda organized to benefit West Cancer Center in honor of her friend Beverly Ellis, who recently passed away from breast cancer.

The Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center

Celebrates 10 Years of Service

The Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center is celebrating a major milestone in 2023, marking 10 years for the community center, which has served thousands of residents in the heart of Memphis. From the time the doors of the facility opened at 800 E. East Pkwy S. on February 23, 2013, the Kroc Community Center was a place where people could be active, all could find belonging, and where they could strive to achieve personal growth. And 2.6 million building entries, and 10 years later, the Kroc Community Center and its members are thriving!

In honor of the Kroc Community Center’s 10th anniversary, there will be several opportunities for Memphians to get involved over the next year:

• January 1-31: The $50 registration fee will be waived for all new members; January is the time to join!

• February 23: The Mighty Lights on the river will shine Red & White, commemorating 10 years of the Kroc Community Center

• February 25: Free community event showcasing the facility and services, such as fine arts, education, recreation, and worship opportunities.

• More opportunities to celebrate will be announced throughout the year!

The Kroc Community Center will also be promoting a new, 10-year anniversary brand campaign with the slogan, “Memphis Thrives Here”. The new slogan expands upon the words that so many members have seen on the walls every time they enter the facility, “You Belong Here”. Officers and employees at the Kroc Community Center are excited to continue being a place where Memphians belong and thrive! Because of the solid foundation built a decade ago, the Kroc Community Center remains poised to reach more milestones in the future.

About The Kroc Community Center: The 100,000 sq. ft. Kroc Community Center located at Liberty Park has a fitness center, basketball court, indoor turf court, outdoor rec fields, aquatics center, youth development center, theater, rental hall, church, art gallery, classrooms, and coffee bar that offers group fitness, camps, after school care, child watch, swim lessons, sports training, youth and adult leagues, personal training, and much, much more. Check it out at krocmemphis.org.

By Ari Zelig, MD

Finding Relief from Winter Allergies

As temperatures begin to drop, some allergy sufferers begin to experience relief as pollen counts decline. However, other allergic conditions peak during the winter as people spend more time inside and are exposed to indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust, dust mites, mold, and mildew. Two of the most common conditions that worsen during winter are asthma and eczema, and both disorders have similar underlying genetic traits and environmental triggers. Patients dealing with these winter conditions encounter sleepless nights, uncontrollable itching, and difficulty breathing, which can lead to frequent corticosteroid treatments, ER visits, and even hospitalization.

Eczema is a chronic systemic skin condition that most often begins in childhood but can also develop later in life. Eczema can be triggered by many of the above allergens and can worsen with cold, dry weather. Those suffering from eczema experience constant itching and thick, scaly, inflamed skin. The appearance of eczema can be embarrassing. Fortunately, there are highly effective medications available today to treat eczema. There are also things you can do to help prevent flare-ups during the winter months. The use of hypoallergenic, unscented soaps and the frequent use of moisturizers helps protect the skin barrier from drying out. Using prescription anti-inflammatory ointments preventatively on commonly affected areas also decreases the frequency of unwanted flare-ups.

Asthma is a common condition in which airways become hyperactive, inflamed, and produce extra mucus, making breathing difficult. Over 25 million Americans and over 6 million children in the US suffer from asthma, making it the most common chronic condition experienced by children. Asthma is one of the leading causes of missed school and work days and can impact quality of life. In addition, the abundance of respiratory infections, cold air, and exposure to irritants from firepits/fireplaces can often induce winter asthma attacks.

The good news is that treatments for asthma have significantly improved over the past few years. Some patients can manage asthma flare-ups with rescue inhalers, maintenance inhalers, and/or oral medications. However, we now have very precise advanced therapies called “biologics” that can treat severe asthmatics in a very effective fashion. These “biologics” are highly targeted treatments, limiting the overactive cascading effects of the allergic and inflammatory responses.

Don’t be discouraged if you or someone you know suffers from winter allergies. A good first step is working with an Allergist to find out what triggers your reactions. There are also many easy preventive steps you can take at home to gain relief:

• Eliminate any mold in your bathrooms

• Wash bedding in hot water weekly

• Use a HEPA air filter to clean the air inside your house

• Use a hypoallergenic cover on mattresses, pillows, and comforters

• Implement a strategy to control or limit pet hair and dander

• Stay out of the leaves, which often contain mold

If those steps are not enough to keep you itch-free and breathing well this winter, you may be a candidate for a more targeted treatment plan. No one should have to suffer unnecessarily with all the options and information available to patients these days.

Dr. Ari Zelig is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and is board certified in General Pediatrics as well as Allergy and Immunology. He treats adult and pediatric patients with allergic and immunologic disorders at the Southaven and East Memphis locations of McCulley Allergy Sinus and Asthma Centers. He is a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), the Memphis Medical Society (MMS), and is often a featured speaker for the National Eczema Association (NEA).

By Kelly Josephsen

High-Functioning Athletes Shouldn’t Ignore Symptoms of Vascular Disease

Many people associate vascular disease with risk factors like aging, lack of exercise, or obesity.

However, young, high-functioning athletes can also face a heightened risk of certain vascular disorders. A vascular surgeon can help get them back to peak performance.

Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

PAES occurs when the calf muscle presses on the artery behind the knee, impeding blood flow to the lower leg and foot. Symptoms include pain, tingling, swelling or numbness in the calf, and cold feet after exercise.

“It can be linked to strenuous activity and usually occurs in the late teens or 20s,” Dr. Mitchell said. “Runners, cyclists, and athletes who do high-intensity training are at elevated risk.”

Surgery is the best treatment: “We can release the muscle through a small incision, giving the artery more room. Patients usually return to normal activity with no more symptoms.”

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Dr. Erica Mitchell, medical director of The Vascular Institute at Regional One Health, said, “We treat a variety of conditions, including issues impacting young, active individuals. We use the least invasive treatment, so patients have an easier recovery and resume normal activity quickly.”

At The Vascular Institute, Dr. Mitchell’s team includes Dr. Elianne Rojas, Dr. Maunil Bhatt, nurse practitioner Alicia Farris, and physician assistant Kelly Kriklava. As an academic practice affiliated with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, they treat a full range of vascular conditions, including several that athletes should keep on their radar.

TOS disorders occur when blood vessels or nerves between the neck and armpit are compressed, causing shoulder pain, neck pain, and numbness in the fingers.

“These are repetitive-use disorders, so we see them in sports where athletes make the same arm movements over and over, like tennis, swimming, basketball, and baseball,” Dr. Mitchell said.

Some patients recover through physical therapy, while others need medication or surgery.

However, with prompt treatment, patients typically return to competition.

Venous Insufficiency

In Venous Insufficiency, veins in the legs struggle to send blood to the heart. Intense training in distance running, cycling, tennis, and weightlifting can aggravate the condition.

Symptoms include heaviness, throbbing, swelling, and cramping in the legs. Sometimes the skin on the ankle looks red, yellow, or brown.

While compression garments, elevating your leg, and steroid creams can help, the best solution is minimally-invasive surgery. Dr. Mitchell said some procedures don’t even require an incision.

External Iliac Artery Endofibrosis

Leg pain and weakness can also be caused by uncommon entities like EIAE, also known as “cyclists’ iliac syndrome.” Originally described as a cause of lower leg pain in professional cyclists, EIAC also affects runners, tennis players, rowers, soccer players, and other athletes.

Arteries in the abdomen and groin become progressively scarred and fibrotic due to repetitive flexing, causing narrowing or kinking that causes leg pain with exertion. EIAC is often misdiagnosed and may be due to neurologic or musculoskeletal causes.

Several surgical interventions are available, and Dr. Mitchell’s team identifies the best option based on the athlete’s specific injury and long-term goals.

Listen to your body

Dr. Mitchell urges athletes not to ignore symptoms: “If you experience vascular symptoms, you might need a vascular specialist. We can provide treatments to ensure optimal outcomes, and we offer a personalized approach that includes involving you in decisions about your care.”

Learn more at Regionalonehealth.org/ vascular-institute/.

By Shlomit Ovadia

Managing Stress and Finding Balance in Unique Ways

Did you ever think putting the body under stress could ease the mind and provide a slew of other health benefits?

Symmetry, founded in 2018, takes an innovative approach to recovery and stress management, using breathwork, meditation, pool workouts, and heat and ice contrast therapy.

The company was born in response to Symmetry founder Taylor Somerville, whose anxiety, stress, life overwhelms, and work burnout seemed to reach its tipping point.

Through several of the modalities now offered at Symmetry, Taylor was able to reset his mind and body and come out stronger. He now uses his company to help others accomplish the same, using stress-management tools that can improve one’s physical well-being.

Symmetry’s unique healing modalities teach the body to become challenge-resilient.

To do this, they place clients in controlled situations that ignite the natural fight-or-flight response. Then, they coach them through the experience using slow diaphragmatic nasal breathing and calming mind-control exercises.

Another technique used with mental and psychological benefits is heat and ice contrast therapy.

Cold immersion has been linked to improved cardiovascular health and circulation, boosted immune system efficiency, reduced inflammation, sleep and nervous system regulation, and muscle recovery. On the other hand, heat exposure also has unique advantages that include body temperature and metabolism regulation, reduced blood pressure, decreased levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body, and the release of toxins. Plus, it can even help fight obesity.

Their heat and ice class is in-person in hour-long sessions. They also offer private heat and ice sessions for your group or team.

Life stress is inevitable, but how we navigate and cope with it matters, directly playing a part in the quality of our health and happiness. The muscle memory your body will gain from even one cold and heat therapy session can translate into an increased mood, improved sleep, a general sense of calmness, and even stave off injury or aid in recovery!

What’s great about this methodology is that it requires nothing external and merely calls upon our body’s natural abilities.

Symmetry offers one-on-one and corporate group coaching. They want to help you regain control of your life, so you have more time, energy, and less stress by developing sustainable habits and mindsets.

Visit Symmetry online to check out their free educational resources, podcasts, and guided instructions. You can also set up a free call, book virtual classes, and book a heat and ice session.

To learn more, visit Symmetry.live.

GYM, YOGA & FITNESS STUDIO GUIDE

IT’S TIME TO MAKE GOOD ON YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

It’s easy to get stuck in a fitness rut and start to get bored with your gym workouts or classes. Luckily, we have included a few local gyms, yoga and boutique fitness studios to shake it up and re-energize your fitness routine so you can meet your goals for 2023.

BASECAMP FITNESS

EAST MEMPHIS

Crush your New Year’s goals this January with Basecamp Fitness’ 35-minute interval training classes. In a dynamic combination of cardio, strength, and core delivered in 60-second bursts, Basecamp’s exercises will help you get the results you want in half the time, while connecting you with a motivating community of other fitness enthusiasts.

Hours: Staffed 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. with classes interspersed

What makes them unique: Cardio and strength are given equal attention. Cardio portions utilize assault bikes instead of the traditional treadmill, for a safer option that’s customizable to all fitness levels. The strength segments of the class follow this same ideology, and offer heavier weight options than your typical HIIT studio for those seeking to build muscle.

You’ll never get bored either: No two classes will be the same and programming changes daily, alternating focus between upper, lower, and full body.

Amenities: Onsite showers help you get from workout to office in no time.

Community Happenings: Popup workouts around town featuring live DJs, member parties, and quarterly charity workouts called Claim Your Mile keep the fun going.

Celebrate: Stop by our one-year anniversary party in-studio for music, food, & giveaways on January 27, 2023 from 2 – 4 p.m. IG: basecampeastmemphis / Basecampfitness.com

HOTWORX

This 24-hour infrared fitness studio combines infrared heat and isometric workouts to help you achieve the best workout in the fitness industry. HOTWORX gives members the opportunity to train in a semi-private, enclosed infrared sauna space. While inside the sauna, members work out, sweat out the stress, detox, tone, and gain strength.

Locations: Germantown, Lakeland, East Memphis, Cordova, Memphis-Poplar Ave. There are over 500 locations in the United States. A Sweat Everywhere membership gives you access to all!

Hours: 24-hour Member Access. Staffed hours: M-TH: 11 am–8 pm, Fri: 9 am–6 pm, Sat: 11 am–4 pm

The Workouts: 30-minute Isometric Sessions & 15-minute HIIT workout sessions, including HOT Iso, HOT Yoga, HOT Pilates, HOT Bands, HOT Buns, HOT Core, HOT Cycle, HOT Row, HOT Blast

What makes infrared better than a standard workout:

With an infrared workout, it takes only a short time to generate an incredible calorie burn and supercharge your metabolism for weight loss. You experience the same high-level energy spent post-workout as your body works off calories to achieve homeostasis. Through exposure to infrared during exercise, your body will burn fat because your muscles gain energy from processing fat and sugar supplied from your blood. Some other benefits from infrared include sports recovery, cellulite and stress reduction, pain relief, anti-aging benefits, weight loss, and lower blood pressure—to name a few.

JOIN NOW AND GET JANUARY

Are there other workout spaces besides the “hot” ones? We also offer a state-of-the-art FX Zone (Functional Exercise Zone) that includes weights, stability balls, medicines balls, battle ropes, pull-up bars, a dip station, and other equipment available for any combination of functional training and exercise routines. The App also offers VPT workouts that can be done in the FX Zone in the studio.

Personal Training: Each session is led by a certified Virtual Instructor and is available 24/7.

Do you have to bring any of your own equipment?

A HOTWORX mat and towel are required for all isometric sessions. Be sure to bring your water!

Get

More With

the App: HOTWORX has developed its own Burn Off App, which allows members to schedule and keep track of their workout sessions. The Burn Off App communicates with their Apple Watch, FitBit, or other devices to record calories during each workout and during the afterburn. When a new member joins a HOTWORX studio and begins to use the Burn Off App, they start their first 90-day challenge, and every 90 days thereafter, the challenge resets. The app also offers Virtual Personal Training (VPT) to members who upgrade their memberships to Sweat Everywhere (allowing access to every studio in the world). The VPT feature gives members access to personal workouts any time of day, whether in the studio or at home.

Hotworx.net

DESOTO ATHLETIC CLUB

SOUTHAVEN / COLLIERVILLE

Owner: Robert Creech

Hours: Mon-Thurs 5 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fri 5 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat 7 a.m.- 8 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The Rundown: Spanning 46,000 square feet, the 23-yearrunning establishment, DAC – Southaven boasts the most comprehensive list of services in the Mid-South area. The allencompassing fitness center contains indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor cycling studio, a group exercise studio, a recovery lounge, a smoothie bar, 5,000 square foot training studio with Olympic lifting platforms and turf, racquetball courts, a tanning salon, childcare, and six outdoor pickleball courts.

Workouts: Group exercise classes include Bodypump, cycling, yoga, Zumba, and many more. Team personal training sessions capped at 20 people include Foundations, Afterburn, and Industrial Strength. Get your heart pumping on their expansive cardio and advanced workout floors, offering free weights and functional training equipment.

Recover in Style: Hydromassage lounge chairs, Normatec compression sleeves, Theragun percussion therapy, Cryotherapy loungers, relaxation pods, and advanced stretching services will leave your muscles feeling relaxed and ready for your next pain-free workout.

Their on-site smoothie bar offers a variety of healthy recovery options like club favorite, the Chocolate Frosty protein shake, which you can grab after your workout.

IG: dacsouthaven / Dacsouthaven.com

CYL INFRARED STUDIO SAUNA

+ LYMPHATICS

EAST MEMPHIS

Owners: Crystal Callipari & Annabella Callipari

Hours: Mon-Thur 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Fri - Sun 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Change Your Life, One Sweat at a Time: When in doubt, sweat it out, with CYL Infrared Studio—the latest whole-body wellness modality that has become very popular with professional athletes, celebrities, and the public.

The mother and daughter owned and operated spa utilizes infrared light (heat) to safely and naturally penetrate deep into the muscles to simultaneously stimulate a cellular-level detoxification process, while pulling out lactic acid for ultimate relaxation and pain relief.

Benefits include cellular detoxification, improved sleep patterns, naturally boosted immune systems, exceptional muscle recovery, promoted weight loss, improved circulation, rejuvenated skin, reduced blood pressure, and the alleviation of chronic pain and autoimmune disease symptoms. Infrared sauna sessions have also been scientifically proven to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

A Personal Restorative Experience: The CYL pods are shaped to maximize client comfort. The dome-like structures are lined with deep-reaching, far infrared heat technology, allowing for the most effective levels of full-body absorption and toxin extraction. Three separate heating elements allow for a customized experience. At all times, the clients’ heads remain outside of the pod, comfortably breathing room temperature air.

Whereas traditional saunas’ open heat air produces superficial sweat in a stifling environment, CYL’s infrared rays penetrate muscles and tissues upwards of an inch and a half.

Through gradually raising one’s core temperature 3+ degrees, clients experience detoxification on a cellular level.

The studio offers sweat enhancements to elevate the infrared experience– luxurious chilled face sheets, eye gels, sweat amplifying cream, and pH balanced alkaline water.

Self Care is Hot: New clients begin at the standard 30-minute session, and may amp it up in later visits to a 45-minute “super sweat.” Pods can reach up to 150 degrees.

The attentive and knowledgeable staff provide helpful information about the experience prior to entering the pod and check on you halfway through the session to ensure safety and comfort.

Happy Sweat, Happy Life: Clients will feel the positive effects after their first session. However, for long-lasting health benefits, it’s recommended to go three times per week.

The best part, the experience mimics a cardiovascular workout, so you will be burning calories! A 30-minute session is roughly the equivalent of jogging 2-3 miles. Amazingly, because the experience induces a deeper level of cellular sweat, there is no sticky or smelly residue. After a session, you can simply towel off and be on your way, feeling refreshed.

Hydration is key to an enjoyable sweat. Hydrate before, during, and after.

Coming Soon: Special lymphatic infrared roller machines will be joining the studio’s list of high-end amenities in early 2023. These machines stimulate the lymphatic system and are amazing for workout recovery and sculpting and toning the body.

CYL offers individual sessions, punch cards, and memberships to fit anyone’s lifestyle or budget. The first session is just $29.

Cylinfraredstudio.com/studio/memphis-tn

IG: @cyl_memphis

MIDTOWN MEMPHIS

Owner: Ann Lee

Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and mid-morning to early afternoon on weekends.

Join the growing community of judgment-free exercise enthusiasts who like to get their sweat on and have a good time.

The Breakdown: Get ready to rumble with the latest “grit & grind” workout to join the Memphis community. The combination boxing, HIIT, and strength training studio will open its doors early 2023, with plans to launch two other purchased locations over the next few years.

Workouts: Go big or go home with their high-intensity, full body classes that focus evenly on boxing drills and resistance training. Rumble’s 10-round, 45-minute fight classes will raise your energy levels while you build strength and burn out calories, all in a non-intimidating and fun environment. People switch between benches and boxing bags, lined by television screen guides to remind you of each sequence’s HIIT combo.

Vibe: The music-centric boxing boutique is inclusive and open to people of all genders, ethnicities, and fitness levels, from the beginner to seasoned athlete. With customized franchise playlists curated to every workout, you’ll find yourself throwing 6-punch combinations to tunes like Hypnotized by Notorious B.I.G. and remixed Bad Guy by Billie Eilish, plus some quirky house mashups. Colorful studio lights transport you to the eclectic night scene of New York City—the whole mood is a vibe.

Community: Sweat together, hang together—people collectively enter into “beast mode” during their Rumble workouts to develop a real sense of comradery. Hang out before and after class in Rumble’s edgy retail lobby area, while you snap weekend-warrior pictures with new exercise buddies by Rumble’s selfie and photo-op stations.

A hit among celebrities, supermodels, and other influential figures, Rumble brings an urban trendiness to fitness that makes everyone feel confident in their skin. Coaches monitor your movements throughout class to provide tips and inspiration.

The company steers far away from traditional exercise molds, and instead celebrates workouts that step outside of the box to power you through the rest of your day and set the mood high.

No experience is necessary to transform yourself this late Feb/ early March at Rumble Boxing.

Hold onto your boxing gloves: Rumble will run various promotions, upon opening, that will enable people to try their hand at these all-around, good-time classes.

Visit their website to learn more and sign up for updates: Rumbleboxinggym.com/midtownmemphis

IG: @rumbleboxingmidtownmemphis

YOGASIX

DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS

Start the New Year off on the right foot- in tree pose! Opening this January, YogaSix of Downtown Memphis provides a practice that is energizing, empowering, and fun.

From the beginner to novice yogi, YogaSix offers something for everyone with its six core classes.

Workouts:

Y6 101 — Great for beginners and those returning to their practice. These informative, educational-focused classes move slowly to get your body back in the yoga groove.

Y6 Slow Flow — A step up from 101, this slower-paced Vinyasa class is a great way to test your new yoga skills and get the body moving.

Y6 Hot — Track your progress and try a little bit of everything in this “greatest hits of yoga” class. Flow through a set sequence of recognizable poses and familiar cool down postures to amped up music and heat.

Y6 Power — Raise your heart rate and ramp up the energy in this quick-moving, power Vinyasa class that builds heat in the body from the get-go.

Y6 Sculpt & Flow — Warm up with yoga, transition to a pumped up weights-incorporated HIIT class, and then cool down with us back on the mat.

Y6 Restore — Rest and feed your muscles some yummy stretches in this laid-back experience that utilizes on-the-ground positions for maximum recovery.

FIRST

Temperature: Class temperatures range from a warm, comfortable 80-85 degrees all the way up to a sweat-inducing 100-105.

Schedule: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. with multiple options throughout the day.

Equipment: The studio offers mats and towels for rent. Call 901.529.7478 and mention Memphis Health and Fitness Gym Guide to book your first class, complimentary!

IG: @yogasix_downtownmemphis / Yogasix.com/memphis

MEMPHIS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

EAST MEMPHIS NEAR GERMANTOWN

Hours: Mon-Thurs 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri 5:30 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Sat 12 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., Sun 8 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Who We Are: No matter where you are in your fitness journey, there is something for everyone at this friendly, neighborhood hotspot.

The Memphis Jewish Community Center (MJCC) is a nonprofit organization focused on fostering a vibrant and inclusive community built on Jewish values, heritage, and culture. MJCC welcomes people from all walks of life and backgrounds to enjoy fitness, programming, education, and arts in one, central location.

Everything Under One Roof: The sky is the limit when it comes to workout options at the Jewish Community Center of Memphis (MJCC). With an array of 40+ classes per week to choose from that include sculpt, HIIT, cycling, aerobics, yoga, boot camp, core, and dance, JCC Memphis is your one-stop shop for getting the whole family on the fitness train this year.

Build strength in the JCC Functional Training Studio using heavy ropes, kettlebells, and punching bags.

Experiment with the facility’s updated cardio and weighted machines floor.

Take advantage of year-round access to their indoor pool and swimming lessons.

Step out of your comfort zone with Specialty Fitness Classes, which include unique exercise experiences such as Krav Maga, Pilates, Strong Seniors, and Rock Steady.

INTRODUCTORY

OFFER:

60 MINUTE WELCOME WORKOUT

Try your hand at intramural sports, with leagues open for all age groups ranging from tots to 30+. Gear up for the launch of their winter and spring basketball leagues for men and women. Drop the kiddos, ages 1-7, off in the Kids Korner for babysitting while you get your sweat on—on-available Sun 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., M-F 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., M-Th 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Try your hand at learning a new skill by registering for one of their cultural art classes.

Exercise your mind with family-friendly Jewish holiday, cultural, social impact, and Israel exploration events, which run throughout the year and are open to everyone.

Things to Look Out for: This January, MJCC’s art gallery will showcase a new exhibition by Becky McRae. February kicks off with the International Jewish Film Festival.

Scheduling: Convenient hours on the fitness floor plus MJCC sends out their classes schedule on a monthly basis, so you can plan your workouts in advance. Alternatively, simply show up in-person for a class of your choosing, without penalty.

Promotional Perks: Several membership options to choose from. All new members receive a welcome packet that includes a complimentary, 60-minute Welcome Workout and a personal training coupon for 3, half-hour sessions at a discounted rate of $99.

Schedule your MJCC facility tour (Sun-Fri) today by calling their front desk at 901.761.0810.

IG: @memphisjcc / Jccmemphis.com

Rice Law

For three generations, the Rices have handled divorce and family law matters in Memphis and across Tennessee. Their co-authored book, “The Complete Guide to Divorce Practice,” published by the American Bar Association, is recognized across the country as the national standard. After rigorous examination, contested case reviews, and recommendations from judges and fellow attorneys, both of the Rices are Board Certified in Family Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

The Rices bring over 75 years of experience combined with up-to-date technology, including 128 bit encryption of client information and communication. Rice Law handles your family law matter with depth of experience including a team of nationally recognized attorneys and Advanced Certified Paralegals. Rice Law’s Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 listed mediators provide valuable insight into resolving your matter quickly.

Whether you find yourself dealing with divorce, mediation, custody, child support, domestic violence or any other matter involving family law,

For more information on divorce, visit aboutdivorce.com or scan below.

To talk to a lawyer about divorce, call 901-526-6701.

Hours: 5:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. depending on day’s scheduling

Believe it to Achieve it: Fitness INSPIRATION! Inc is a private studio that offers personal training, small fitness classes, sports performance training, and Primal Restoration Nutrition services, plus boundless amounts of inspiration.

The ‘Energy-Vampire Free Zone’ educates and empowers its customers to harness their collective enthusiasm to come out stronger each class, with a focus on playfulness and learning.

No Workout is the Same: Coach B, BS, NSCA-CPT, consistently raises the bar for clients while packing a punch in the studio. Her 30-minute power classes include boot camps, HIIT, boxing, TRX, kettlebells, and more, and are all rooted in scientifically-based training styles designed to optimize your body’s performance and abilities. Get your heart rate up while raising the good vibes in her stress-slaying, creative-boosting, all-out classes.

You’ll find yourself becoming totally immersed in the experience, with technical movement combos that challenge your mind and quickly changing stations that pleasantly surprise your muscles.

Sessions are kept at 4-12 clients so that Coach B can give you her full, individualized attention. They also encourage and facilitate class attendees to connect and develop comradery.

Knowledge is Power: Hop over to FII’s online blog to watch Coach B break down performance hacks, mindset shifts, body image, nutrition optimization, goal setting, and fitness industry fads debunked, in a series of educational tidbit videos.

The Playground: Their 7,000 square-foot facility is decorated with inspirational sayings, climbing ropes, BOSU balls, topgrade indoor athletic turf, boxing bags, kettlebells, slide boards, and many other fun and interactive, functional training items! Plus, when the weather is nice, test your Ninja Warrior skills with their outdoor obstacle equipment.

What People are Saying: “FII is a very unique gym where working out is always fun”

“FII is the perfect picture of diversity. Workouts are of very high quality, high energy, very client centered and tailored to individual needs/goals.”

“Family atmosphere, everybody encourages you, no matter where you are at in your fitness journey. This is truly a NO JUDGMENT zone”

“Coach Becca is second to none. She continually motivates us and cheers us on. I feel everyone gives their ‘best me’ version because Coach’s… expectations for us are achievable.”

On your way out, don’t forget to snag furry hugs and cuddles from gym pup regulars, Tank and Eclipse.

Live the Luxury Wellness Lifestyle

A vibrant, walkable and bustling neighborhood with a variety of options for living, working, shopping, and entertainment create a highly desired experience. The Lake District is part carefully curated retail experience…part bold new live-work concept… part planned residential community… sitting on 160 acres and built around a beautiful 10-acre lake. It’s a development designed for the future, and happening today.

By Lucy Modzelewski

Photo by Tindall Stephens

Bouncing Back from Injury to Conquer a Goal

Susannah Herring, 45, decided to compete in a full IRONMAN on November 5, 2000. She had just crossed the finish line of the New York City Marathon (her first full marathon) and, feeling euphoric with a sense of pride and accomplishment, decided that day that she would one day conquer the behemoth of all triathlons: the IRONMAN.

Fast forward to today, Susannah has completed five full marathons, countless half marathons, a half IRONMAN, and practices yoga as the owner and operator of Hot Yoga Plus. She’s also accomplished the goal she set nearly 22 years ago by completing IRONMAN California in October.

However, the road to her long-sought achievement was anything but smooth.

An unexpected obstacle

Susannah was originally planning to participate in IRONMAN Lake Placid in July 2022. She signed up in June of 2021 and spent the year leading up to the race mentally and physically preparing.

She was in her final training block in June, putting in about 15 to 22 hours a week cycling, swimming, and running. Then, one day while on a bike ride on Southern Avenue, she hit a hole in the road and crashed, taking the brunt of the impact on her right forearm.

Initially, Susannah thought she would need a couple of stitches and would be good as new. However, what should have been a basic injury turned into a full-blown nightmare.

From training to hospitalization

Susannah’s wound became so badly infected that the infection entered her bloodstream, which meant that instead of stitches, she needed surgery. Doctors had to clean the wound down to the muscle and clean out all the infected tissue.

“I went from being in the best shape of my life to sitting in a hospital for eight days pumped full of antibiotics,” Susannah recalls.

Although she had momentary doubts about whether her IRONMAN dreams were meant to be, she knew deep down she would still find a way to achieve her goal.

Susannah credits her enduring positivity about her injury to 20 years of practicing yoga.

“I could have wallowed in disappointment and let it ruin my summer, but laying in that hospital bed, I decided to look at this situation as just a bump in the road.”

Getting back in the (bike) saddle

Susannah knew that her injury and resulting recovery would prevent her from competing in the IRONMAN Lake Placid, so she and her coach decided to try for the IRONMAN California three months later.

She started light training three weeks post-hospitalization and embarked on her first bike ride post-accident six weeks after being discharged from the hospital.

Although she was nervous about getting back on the bike, she knew she had no choice if she wanted to achieve her IRONMAN dreams.

“I texted my coach after my first bike ride back out on the streets and told him that, as it turns out, riding a bike is just like…riding a bike,” she laughs. “I just tried not to think about the magnitude of what I was doing too much.”

IRONMAN at last

Four months after her accident, Susannah arrived at IRONMAN California, in Sacramento. On October 23, she embarked on the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run.

When asked to describe the race in one word, Susannah said it was life-changing.

“To have a front-row seat to people doing really hard physical things and overcoming the odds is one of the most powerful things I’ve ever encountered in my life,” she says.

Although the road to her first IRONMAN was certainly not easy, Susannah feels that God gave her an amazing race day to make up for the difficulties leading up to it. Everything went her way, and when the going got tough, she read letters from her sister and friends that she received at her special needs stop to remind her who she was running for - her daughter, her mom, and her friend Liza.

What Susannah is most proud of, though, is her biking performance.

“The race was my first ride post-accident where I wasn’t afraid at all,” she explains. “I finally felt like, ‘this is my bike, and I’m in charge.’ I rode fearfully until the race, but that day I rode bravely.”

So, 21 years, 11 months, and 22 days after deciding she would cross the IRONMAN finish line, Susannah did just that, refusing to let injury or fear stop her.

By Lucy Modzelewski

Photo by Tindall Stephens

Dee Dee Moore,

the Century Queen

Dee Dee Moore, 61, is one of those people who you meet and form an instant connection with, feeling as though you’ve known her for years. This, she says, is her gift. “I have a way of drawing people in and gathering people,” she explains.

Dee Dee is the heart and soul of her tight-knit cycling community, the same community that has gotten her through 100 century rides, the cycling community’s term for a 100-mile ride, in 2022 alone.

Dee Dee’s impressive cycling career began at a local YMCA spin class. She formed a strong bond with one of the instructors, who saw how passionate she was about the stationary bike and insisted that she try an outdoor bike.

She got an outdoor bike for her 50th birthday in 2011 and was immediately hooked.

“My first ride on the outdoor bike was 43 miles,” she says laughingly. “When I put my mind to something, I really commit and do it all the way.”

Those 43 miles marked the beginning of an ambitious cycling journey. A Jackson native, Dee Dee traveled to Memphis for her thirdever bike ride, where she found the community that would kick-start her cycling passion and support her throughout her countless rides.

“I did a training team ride with the Memphis High Tailers in the summer of 2011 and knew I had found my people,” she says. “They helped me work my way up to 65 miles that July, and I completed my first century ride by October.”

Now, Dee Dee says she doesn’t really get on the bike unless it’s to go 100 miles in a single day. She wakes up at 3:15 a.m. to get in 41 miles before heading to her job as a dental hygienist, and immediately heads home after work to hop on her trainer and squeeze in her remaining 59 miles.

Dee Dee is highly motivated by the numbers. Her goal for 2022 was to complete 109 century rides so that she could officially say she’s done 300 century rides over the last three years. She hit 100,000 miles on Strava in October of 2022; over the last seven years, she’s averaged 12,500 miles per year.

Her competitive nature also fuels her century queen status. Dee Dee won the Major Taylor International Riding Challenge, a month-long cycling competition amongst the organization’s members, the last two years, and in 2022 placed third overall internationally, clocking in 3,057 miles.

But what really keeps her going is her beloved cycling community. She describes the Memphis cycling community as her best friends and says that the conversations and shared laughter keep her going through the long rides.

“I cannot do these big miles alone,” Dee Dee says emphatically. “I’m very fortunate to have a core group with some of the same goals as I do, that encourages, pushes, and sacrifices with me.”

Despite being crowned the Century Queen, Dee Dee is remarkably modest about her achievements and insists that anyone can do what she does if they put in the time. She’s passionate about bringing in new riders and encouraging beginners or people who might be struggling. She aims to be a good steward of her gifts and help create an inclusive space for all cyclists, regardless of their experience, ability, or speed.

Official Partner of the Memphis Tigers

By Shlomit Ovadia

Photo by Tindall Stephens

BACK TO BASICS: Fitness and Family First

As we move into the New Year with our list of hefty resolutions, it’s helpful to remember that change comes from the small, daily habits we practice and not from setting unrealistic expectations.

Luisa Wixom-Nunez, a sports enthusiast and fitness instructor, has always been into health and movement. So when her 5'2" frame put on 76 pounds during her first pregnancy, she was pretty surprised.

To get back on track, the now mom of two is committed to showing up at the gym five days per week. Her visits began with running and walking and slowly progressed to include free weight exercises with a personal trainer to rebuild her strength. The motivation to get moving came naturally to Luisa, having grown up active with swimming and track.

Luisa attributes breastfeeding to helping her shave excess weight. Additionally, she credits eating a culturally inspired diet featuring childhood staples such as Filipino rice dishes, hearty green vegetables, and collagen-rich meat soups— containing pork knuckles and chicken feet.

Luisa shared how she successfully got back in shape after her second pregnancy, saying, “Losing the weight, I gave myself more grace the second time, knowing I’d be okay. It doesn’t have to be something that’s rushed. Your body does crazy stuff as a woman, so I didn’t even sweat it the second time around.”

Luisa’s husband, noticing her passion for fitness and the gym, suggested she try turning her hobby into a career.

Luisa holds her Cycling Instructor Certification through a company called Spinning and her Les Mills Certification in Body Pump, a workout that uses light weights in high reps.

She now enjoys maintaining a fit lifestyle and teaching others to do the same through her work. “It’s great to have the gym to connect with adults.”

Luisa currently works at both the Church Health YMCA and Fogelman Downtown YMCA. You can sign up for a class by visiting Ymcamemphis.org.

She also teaches at the Memphis Jewish Community Center, Jccmemphis.org, and teaches a HIIT class at the Cordova Family YMCA through a third-party company, Power 40.

“With HIIT classes, you’re going to get fitter faster because of the constant switching up of moves and varieties that induce muscle confusion. Your body never hits a plateau, so people have seen results within just four weeks.”

Power 40 is excellent for busy professionals due to its structure. She says, “Classes run in 10-minute intervals, with every 10 minutes a new interval starting, so it’s a great option for someone who might be running late from a meeting or other commitment.”

When arriving at Power 40, participants merge into the traffic of the class, jumping right into a series of specific high-intensity workouts in different cells, or pods, for approximately 10 minutes. Members visit four pods, with coaches guiding dynamic movements in each, including burst-ofmovement battle ropes and burpees.

The company runs free week-long trials, which you can book online at Power40fitness.com.

When she’s not working out, Luisa continues to bond with her family through neighborhood sports. Growing up, acceptance was important to her, as her father’s side of the family had been Holocaust survivors.

So when her daughter came out a few years ago, “it wasn’t a weird conversation, she just said it, and we were like, awesome, great. The whole family rallied around to make her feel very comfortable.”

Through the YMCA, the Wixom-Nunez family met others involved in the LGBTQIA+ community, introducing them to Pride Sports League, a local adult intramural group that brings Memphis families together.

“It’s been a great way to meet people around town interested in sports and fitness outside of my job.”

Depending on the season, Luisa and her family enjoy participating in kickball, volleyball, and dodgeball.

“Not only do we have fun, but it’s important to us that our daughter knows we’re a part of this community, too. We are all in this together.”

To learn more or to sign up for the Pride Sports League’s Willow Park or Tobey Park meetups, visit Pridesportsmemphis.com.

IG: @lu_luluv

By Shlomit Ovadia

Photo by Tindall Stephens

A Gym for Empowering Women By Women

Panorama Movement is an educational women’s training facility that empowers people to embody self-expression through movement, becoming health-conscious, creative, and ambitious trailblazers.

“Finding movement outside of training—fitnessing— in ways that intuitively felt right has gotten me closer to myself and selfawareness,” says the founder, Britt Bailey

Moving Better: A Priority

A Functional Range Conditioning-certified expert by trade, Britt opened Panorama just this past September. Her educational background in behavioral neuroscience and ample teaching experience in mobility-focused and strength-building training came together during a life-changing trip to Joshua Tree Desert in California.

She now finds meaning in creating a safe learning space that encourages women to improve their overall health in an individualized, holistic, and non-judgmental way.

The center offers a variety of strength and mobility performance enhancers, led by a team of staff who specialize in different areas of expertise, from barbells to joint health.

“Often, traditional training can stifle creativity, and every woman deserves access to her body outside strict training.”

Panorama’s highly personalized approach means that each body entering the facility works from an individualized starting point.

“Everyone in the class is working towards the same skill but may be doing different movements to get there depending on where their bodies are.”

Their Offerings

Panorama offers self-defense, functional movement, yin-based yoga and breathwork, intuitive somatic strength, metabolic conditioning, gymnastic fundamentals, barbell fundamentals, kettlebell techniques, and other introductory, beginner-friendly adult classes.

Courses are geared towards physical longevity, spine health, flexibility, muscle stability, pelvic floor health, and injury prevention in a way that maximizes your body’s abilities and unique mechanics.

No Shoes Policy

Panorama recommends training barefoot to build stronger foot muscles.

“Our ability to press the whole body away from the ground and express the full spectrum of hip-joint movement relies heavily on feet functionality.”

Community Building

Serving as a safe starting point for all women’s bodies, Panorama’s class structure and philosophy naturally foster a special sense of community, where women can practice in a judgment-free zone as new learners.

While kettlebell and Kinstretch® classes are co-ed, most of Panorama’s offerings are female-only.

Move Younger

“Mobility training teaches the body to move in creative ways that replicate those of a younger human, so we can create longevity and increase health span.”

The gym trades the mindset of exercising for aesthetics and volume for a desire to help nourish the body so that it feels and moves better.

TRY IT BEFORE YOU BIND IT: $39 for two weeks of unlimited classes.

NEW MEMBER SPECIAL: $59 for your first month, and subsequent months are $125, with a no-commitment, cancel anytime policy.

For those looking to jumpstart their movement practice, stay tuned for Camp Athena, Panorama’s upcoming eight-week training course for women. Activities include educational strength, balance, and conditioning, as well as healing circles.

Panoramamovement.com / IG: P_movemynt

By Colleen May

Photo by Tindall Stephens

PEAKS, VALLEYS, & “TRAMILIES”

Extending across 14 states and measuring just shy of 2,200 miles, thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail is certainly not for the faint of heart. But, for Megan Travis, 38, it had been a long-time dream. So, on April 18, 2022, the elementary school art teacher traded in the hustle and bustle of city life for a nearly six-month-long northbound journey through drastically changing climates and terrain. Now, months off the trail, Megan is thankful for the experience and confident this won’t be the last of her adventures.

Passion, Practice, and Prep-Work

Megan’s love for hiking sprung up in 2008 after she and her husband took a trip out west to the Grand Canyon National Park. “That was my first official hike,” she recalls. “It was tough, and it kicked my butt, but I loved it.” She then began exploring different trails around the Memphis area, including Stanky Creek in Nesbit Park and Meeman-Shelby Forest.

“I found hiking to be cathartic,” Megan adds. “It’s medicine, being outdoors and being able to have fresh air that often, you’re getting so many endorphins from walking, and it feels like a meditation after a while.”

Gearing up for the Appalachian Trail, Megan and her hiking buddy, Chad, took several backpacking trips across parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Referring to them as “shakedown hikes,” the goal for each trip was to trim down their hiking equipment to the bare necessities to make packing as streamlined as possible. But, if you ask Megan, no amount of training fully prepares you for doing a thru-hike.

Finding Community on the Trail

For hikers opting for the northbound route like Megan and Chad, the official start point of the trail is Springer Mountain in Georgia, finishing at Mount Katahdin in Maine. “Each state has a unique personality terrain-wise,” Megan notes. From the rolling foothills of Georgia and North Carolina to the vast, open pastures of Virginia and the rugged landscape of Pennsylvania, there’s always a new challenge, and the breathtaking views make it all worth it. “It was a beautiful time for the foliage,” Megan comments. “The kaleidoscope of colors was fantastic…just a painting everywhere you turn.”

While physical obstacles were expected, what surprised Megan the most on the trail was the social nature of it. “You get to these peaks and vistas, and you look around, and they’re stunning…it’s such a gift to be there,” she says. “But then, you turn around after looking at the vistas and see the people who walked it with you… they’re such a meaningful part of the experience. Going back through my photographs, I’m so happy to have the magnificent views, but I wish I had taken more pictures of the people there, too, ‘cause they were such a meaningful part of the experience.”

Megan still keeps in touch with her ‘tramily’ or trail family via Zoom calls.

Desirable Changes Ahead

In the coming months, Megan would like to make it back into the classroom teaching elementary school art, ideally to share her trail experience. As for future trails, she has her sights set on becoming a “Triple Crowner” - successfully thru-hiking the top three longest trails in the United States. The two remaining are the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide. “I have faith that if I keep myself healthy and build up slowly for the next one, I can make it happen,” she says.

While Megan knows hiking over 2,000 miles isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, she hopes that it remains accessible to anyone who wishes to try it. “That was the one thing I struggled with on the trail, knowing the privilege I had being out there,” she reflects. “It’s a homogenous world that you’re in suddenly.”

Lately, Megan has been thoroughly researching different organizations striving to make hiking safer and more accessible to everyone, regardless of age, race, or gender. Megan suggests Soul Trak Outdoors, Pride Outside, BlackPackers, and Latin Hikers, among others. The American Hiking Society also has an extensive list of individual leaders and organizations aiming to make the outdoors a place of inclusivity.

Visit americanhiking.org/hiking-resources/racism-in-theoutdoors to learn more.

By Kelsey J. Lawrence

Photo by Sam Sikes

Leave It All On the Dance Floor In ‘23

Their passion for salsa and bachata brought two strangers together on the dance floor; Yaneth Elenes, 35, and Mikal Stevenson, 38, are now preparing for their first performance together at a world-class festival.

As an African-American born and raised in Memphis, Mikal admits he lacked skills the first time he boldly entered a club.

On the other hand, dancing played a significant role in Yaneth’s Mexican culture growing up, but she pressed the pause button when she set her sights on a graduate degree.

When they each decided to take their moves to the next level, they started in the same place: the Rumba Room.

“I went to one of the bachata beginner lessons, and that’s how I started meeting more people,” says Yaneth, who initially didn’t have any friends or colleagues interested in dancing. “That’s what prevented me from getting back into dancing when I moved back to Memphis. If you start with the beginner class, you’ll meet other people who like to dance and start making friends.”

Both showing promise in their dance lessons, Yaneth and Mikal were approached by their instructor with an invitation to join his salsa team.

“We are planning to perform for the Atlanta Salsa Bachata Festival, which is essentially a big meeting of people from across the country and around the world,” Yaneth explains. “I’m a little intimidated because it’ll be my first time performing.”

The team will also attend workshops and social dances, some of which can go on all night.

“I dance two or three marathons over the entire weekend,” Mikal recalls of past festivals he attended.

The team practices together weekly, and when they’re not dancing, Mikal and Yaneth have fitness routines that keep them moving.

“In winter, I power lift heavy weights and build muscle mass. Then, in the summertime, I try to shred with many reps,” Mikal explains.

“I have a lot of friends who are stressed throughout the day. They enjoy dancing because it turns off their brain,” wexplains Mikal.

“It re-energizes me, which is strange because you’re doing so much movement, but sometimes I’ve noticed that if I’ve had a busy week and I’m exhausted, I’ll start dancing and get recharged somehow,” Yaneth agrees.

As if the list of benefits isn’t long enough, dancing has also become their favorite way to meet new people.

“Dancing for me has been very social,” Yaneth explains. “It’s been a way to stay fit, but it’s also a way for me to make my own little community of people who are outgoing, social, and love to dance.”

And if you’re intimidated or worried about not having a partner, Mikal says, no problem.

“When I got started, I didn’t have a dance partner. I just went and met people who had been dancing for a while. They inspire you, coach you, and teach you.”

“I go to the gym consistently,” Yaneth says. “I have a set routine where I do a lot of strength training. I don’t go to the gym on weekends, but I do dance, and that keeps me active because it’s three hours of dancing. I wouldn’t even call it a workout. To me, it’s more of a fun way to relieve stress.”

These dance partners agree that their favorite hobby is more than just a physical activity. It’s also a great way to support their mental health.

Showing up alone to shake off stress and leave it all on the dance floor is not uncommon. After all, that’s how these two met to become a dancing duo.

Follow the Rumba Room on social media to learn about lessons and upcoming events to get your dancing journey started: IG:

To me, it’s more of a fun way to relieve stress.

By Mary Alexander Satterfield

ROASTED DILL

tomato soup

Prep Time: 50 minutes Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients:

q 6-8 Roma tomatoes, cut in half q 2 cups cherry tomatoes

q 1 small sweet onion, sliced q 1 head of garlic, top removed q 2-3 tablespoons Rolfe Rub seasoning

q Salt, to taste q 1/4-1/3 cup olive oil

q Fresh dill

q 3 tablespoons full-fat coconut milk, heavy cream, or whole milk

q 1/2-1 cup chicken broth

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a baking dish, add the Roma tomatoes (cut in half), cherry tomatoes, sweet onion, a handful of fresh dill, and garlic. Generously drizzle olive oil over the ingredients and season well with Rolfe Rub. Place in the oven to bake for 35-40 minutes.

Once the ingredients are roasted, and the garlic is soft, remove the baking dish from the oven.

Remove the garlic and set it to the side. Place the roasted ingredients in a large pot or blender.

Squeeze the garlic to remove the cloves and add it to the pot or blender. Add 3 tablespoons of milk of choice (I used whole milk) and about 1 cup of chicken broth to the pot or blender.

Blend the ingredients and smooth with an immersion blender or a standard blender.

Heat the soup over the stove on low and bring the soup to a simmer. Serve warm with fresh dill.

Enjoy with a grilled cheese sandwich!

Mary Alexander Satterfield is a Memphis-based recipe developer and content creator. She runs a food blog called @the_hungry_hooker inspired by her maiden name Hooker. MA takes recipes you love and lightens them up with clean ingredients giving them a healthy twist. Learn more at Hungryhooker.com and follow on Instagram @the_hungry_hooker.

By Cara Greenstein

Winter Corn Soup

Ingredients:

q 5 ears fresh white corn kernels

q 1 sweet onion, minced

q 3 slices bacon, roughly chopped

q 1 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

q Pinch of sea salt

q Dash of white pepper

q 1 1/4 cup milk of your choice (or cream)

q Green onion, to garnish

q Croutons, to garnish

q Freshly cracked black pepper

Directions:

Heat a pot or Dutch oven over mediumhigh heat. Add bacon and stir often until bits are cooked and browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towel and set aside.

Turn heat to medium-low. Add onion and caramelize in bacon fat, stirring often, for about 10 minutes until golden. Add corn and stir to toast for 2 minutes. Stir in salt and broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat. Add white pepper and milk.

Use an emulsion blender to purée until smooth. Ladle into bowls and top with reserved bacon bits, croutons, and green onion. Finish with freshly cracked pepper. Serve warm.

Serves 4

Cara Greenstein celebrates intentional and exceptional cuisine in her award-winning food and lifestyle blog, Caramelized, which offers recipes and restaurant reviews, food-focused travel itineraries, and endless tablescape tips. Follow @cara_melized on Instagram for daily inspiration and bookmark her recipes at Caramelizedblog.com.

By

Seafood Soup

This soup is savory, with hearty vegetables and delicious seafood. The aromatic broth will make your mouth water. It’s an elegant soup that comes together quickly and will satisfy your stomach.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Makes: 7-10 Servings

Ingredients:

q ½ cup olive oil

q 2 cloves garlic, minced q 1 cup baby carrots, sliced q ½ white onion, chopped q 1 ½ cup baby bella mushrooms, sliced q 1 cup of celery, chopped q 1 stalk green onions, chopped q 2 springs of thyme q 2 springs of oregano q 4 cups water

q 2 (32 oz) box seafood stock

q 1 cup white wine

q 3 bay leaves

q Juice of 2 lemons

q 2 teaspoons TOFG Cajun Kickin’ Seasoning

q Salt and pepper to taste

q 1 lb. cooked muscles

q ½ lb. cooked shrimp, remove tails

q 1 filet of flounder, cut into cubes

q ½ lb. fresh sea scallops, cut into cubes

Directions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, carrots, onions, celery, mushrooms, green onions, thyme, oregano, and seasonings. Sauté for 10-12 minutes. Once the vegetables are cooked down, add in water, seafood stock, white wine, 3 bay leaves, lemon juice, and seasonings. Turn it to high heat and let the flavors fuse by boiling for 20-25 min. Now it is time to add in your seafood of choice. We used fresh scallops, 1 filet of fish, cooked shrimp, and muscles. Let the mixture boil for an additional 10 min. Remove the bay leaves and enjoy over rice with fresh garlic bread!

Emilee Hudsmith McKinney is a recipe developer, workout enthusiast, and creator of Take Off For Good seasonings. To learn more, visit @takeoffforgood on Instagram, or Takeoffforgood.com.

Emilee Hudsmith McKinney

By Family Features

KICK WINTER’S CHILL WITH HEARTY CHOWDER

Colder, shorter days call for a little comfort. Cozying up with a hearty meal on brisk winter evenings can help fight off the chill while savoring favorite flavors alongside the ones you love.

Avoid venturing into the cold for a trip to the store by turning to a pantry staple like sweetpotatoes. As one of the most versatile veggies, they’re easy to add to a variety of recipes while enhancing both flavor and nutrition. Perfectly suitable for both simple and elevated dishes, they can be baked, microwaved, grilled, slow-cooked, or prepared on the stove, so their sweet taste never goes out of style.

Their long shelf life – up to four weeks if stored properly in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources – means you can

rely on sweetpotatoes throughout the winter as an on-hand ingredient. Additionally, as a “diabetes superfood” according to the American Diabetes Association, they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, all of which are good for overall health and may help prevent disease, making them a key source of nutrients during wintertime.

When your family needs a warm-up on those frosty days, put sweetpotatoes at the center of mealtime (with an added kick) in this Jalapeno Sweetpotato Chowder. Loaded with the flavors of winter comfort, it’s a filling meal that makes enough for a crowd, so no one goes hungry.

Visit Ncsweetpotatoes.com to find more comforting meal ideas.

JALAPENO SWEETPOTATO CHOWDER

Makes 6 Servings

Ingredients:

q 2 large North Carolina sweetpotatoes, baked q 1 small onion, 1/4-inch diced q 2 tablespoons olive oil q 1 quart chicken or vegetable stock q 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed q 1 1/2 cups whole corn kernels q 2 teaspoons minced jalapenos q 1/2 cup heavy cream

q 1 teaspoon salt q chopped scallions, for garnish

Directions:

Peel baked sweetpotatoes; discard skin and puree.

In soup pot, saute onion in butter until softened. Add pureed sweetpotato and stock, as desired. Bring to boil, reducing liquid slightly.

Add chicken, corn, jalapenos, heavy cream, and salt. Simmer 10 minutes.

To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped scallions.

By Spirited AF

A Toast to Dry January

If you’re feeling the holiday hangover, this one’s for you.

Start the new year on a healthy note by joining the millions who say adieu to alcohol during Dry January. What began as an experiment over a decade ago has reached a rather popular, trend-setting approach to imbibing without the headache of alcohol.

The commitment, you’ll find, falls into the category of a creative experiment rather than a deprivation.

The creativity of those behind the bar, coupled with the accelerating investment in alcohol-free spirits, beers, and other forms of “booze,” have introduced not simply an absence from the social enjoyment of a drink but, instead, a substitution. You can still achieve a frothy espresso martini (see the recipe on the next page) with a kick of caffeine and sweet finish; you can still buy a six-pack of hoppy brews without the technical booze; and you can still order a clever, punny drink title on the alcohol-free section of bar menus around the city without a lifted brow.

Here are some reasons to reinforce making the most of Dry January—without missing out.

Prioritize your health

Believe it or not, cutting out alcohol for just one month can make a noticeable difference in your physical and mental health. According to studies, regular drinkers who abstained from alcohol for 30 days slept better, had more energy, and even lost weight.

Quench your thirst with mocktails

Dry January is the perfect time to explore nonalcoholic beverages. This month in Memphis, sixteen spots are participating in the annual Mocktail Championsip, produced by Edible Memphis and Spirited AF. Make a date and try a few!

Instantly boost your mood Redefine happy hour

Alcohol is a depressant, so if you’re looking to improve your mood, drinking is not going to do it. Without the spike of alcohol, your moods stabilize, and your mindset is more optimistic, offering you more clarity and motivation for longer-term resolutions.

If you’re used to having a glass of wine every night at five o’clock, replace the ritual with something new and inspiring—whether a workout or meditation or a new project or learning how to cook. If you’re longing for a pour, opt for an AF (alcohol-free) rendition.

Spirited AF is a movement to inspire an “AF”—alcohol-free—lifestyle by infusing spirited alternatives on restaurant and bar menus, store shelves, and your at-home bar cart. Learn more at spirited-af.com and follow along on Instagram at @spiritedaf_.

The Surprising Link Between the Flu Vaccine, Alzheimer’s, and Other Diseases

It’s an illness that can strike you or someone you love without warning. Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the most feared brain diseases because it is incurable and the exact cause is unknown.

Now, a surprising recent study published by UTHealth Houston shows the flu vaccine may be associated with a potential 40% decrease in the risk of contracting Alzheimer’s in people over the age of 65, especially those who consistently receive the dose year after year. Other studies suggest the flu vaccine may lessen the severity of contracting Covid, compared to those who don’t get the vaccine.

That study’s results have come just as this year’s severe strain of flu continues to threaten seniors, children and other high-risk groups. As hospitalization rates break records this year in affected regions, including Tennessee, seniors are at a higher risk of serious complications from the flu, including pneumonia and other respiratory risks.

A further reason for seniors to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible is that within the first two weeks after contracting the flu, seniors are at a three to five times higher risk of heart attack and two to three times higher risk for strokes.1

Medical science continues to uncover additional reasons to get the flu vaccine, notes Dr. Aamina Shahid, M.D., Center Medical Director for Dedicated Senior Medical Center. Dedicated provides affordable VIP care that delivers better health for older Americans in Tennessee, as well as Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. Dr. Shahid shares how Dedicated, owned and operated by the familyrun, faith-driven ChenMed company, stays focused on upgrading senior care for the long haul.

“The flu is an ever-changing virus that gets stronger every year and the vaccine is a tried

and true way to keep safe and avoid serious complications, such as pneumonia,” she explains.

According to reports from the CDC, 2 influenza activity is high and continues to increase in all regions across the country, including Tennessee. In the past few weeks, as flu-induced upper respiratory infections became more widespread, there were reports of shortages of antibiotics used to treat respiratory infections, including Amoxicillin and Tamiflu.

To help protect seniors against the flu, Dr. Shahid also recommends Vitamin C and zinc supplements, an antioxidant-rich diet full of blueberries and raspberries, and frequent checkups.

Having joined Dedicated in 2020, Dr. Shahid is a wife and mother of two who became inspired by her family’s own experience with transformative healthcare and primary physician-led practices. Her grandfather suffered from a massive stroke that shook the whole family.

“Our physician guided us through understanding the progression of the condition and helped us make a lot of important decisions,” said Dr. Shahid. “If we did not have that, this could have easily been a very traumatic and painful experience.”

Dr. Shahid now finds joy in helping patients maintain and improve their health to live fuller, happier lives.

Dedicated doctors provide highly personalized primary care for the neediest populations and have an impressive track record of detecting and managing high-risk diseases. Unlike many medical practices where clinicians are stretched thin trying to serve up to 3,000 patients per doctor, Dedicated limits the number of patients for each doctor to about 400. This means Dedicated doctors can see their patients more frequently, usually at least once every month.

Plus, Dedicated physicians give patients their cell phone numbers and encourage patients to text or call 24/7, if they need medical assistance. Dedicated also welcomes same-day and walk-in appointments whenever patients need medical attention.

This is what doctors call, “The Dedicated Difference,” and it allows doctors to get to know their patients, building greater trust and stronger relationships between the two. These are just some factors why Dedicated patients are as much as 50% less likely3 to need hospitalizations than seniors at other medical practices.

“We see an average patient lifespan increase by five-to-seven years just with frequent checkpoints,” explained Dr. Shahid.

The offices’ use of advanced technologies to provide personalized care and improve health span has earned the concierge-style service many accolades, including Fortune’s 2020 “Change the World” honorarium status.

“At Dedicated, treating seniors is not just about medicine, but the patient as a whole—their emotional and social needs— so when they come to the center they really feel as if they are family and they look forward to it,” says Dr. Shahid.

To schedule a new patient appointment, seek immediate care, or receive your flu vaccine or anti-flu medication, call Dedicated’s front desk at 901.730.4900, or book online through DedicatedToMemphis.com.

As Dr. Shahid proudly states, “We never turn away any patient in need.”

Dr. Aamina Shahid, M.D.

By Lauren Dia, MS, RDN, LDN

Traditional Dietary Beliefs: Fact or Fiction?

Will Eating at Night Make Me Gain Weight?

Eating at night does not inherently impact body weight. Despite the “rules” and myths you may have heard through diet culture, there is no specific time window in which one should eat meals or snacks. Consider those who work night shifts: they may experience increased hunger cues during nighttime hours because they primarily sleep during the day. If you feel hungry before bedtime or have a long gap between dinner and heading to bed, eating an evening snack may be quite beneficial. Eating at night or after a dinner meal is also appropriate if you wake up in the night due to feeling hungry or waking up in the morning and feeling overly hungry. Bottom line: Be intentional in fueling your body throughout your waking hours, trusting that bodies can utilize nutrition anytime during the day or night.

Should I Avoid Grains?

Grains and starches are important components of a balanced eating pattern as they contain carbohydrates, the body’s primary source of fuel or energy. Grains provide our bodies with the glucose necessary for our cells to thrive. In addition, grains are rich sources of B vitamins like riboflavin, thiamin, and folate and can also provide minerals, including iron, magnesium, and selenium. Grains like oatmeal, potatoes, rice, and bread add fiber, contributing to regular bowel movements and a healthy gut. In summary, avoiding grains not only compromises the fuel our bodies need to function, but can result in micronutrient deficiencies and contribute to compromised GI function.

Do I Need to Count Calories?

In short, the answer is “no.” You do not need to count calories. Our bodies are equipped with all they need to regulate energy intake without us having to rely on numbers as a guide. Nutrition requirements can change from day to day and depend on many factors such as activity level, stress, and stage of life. For example, children and adolescents require more nutrition during periods of rapid growth compared to other stages of childhood. Throughout adulthood, hunger and fullness cues remain intact, ensuring our bodies are equipped with the signals needed to regulate the type and amount of food necessary for each life stage. Counting calories often leads to working against our bodies instead of working with them, potentially contributing to disordered eating, including food restriction or excessive exercise based on estimated caloric intake or expenditure. Rather than counting calories or focusing on external factors to guide eating, focus on building awareness and acknowledgment of the body’s internal hunger cues, which could include thoughts shifting to food, low energy, and an empty, growling stomach, to changes in mood or the ability to concentrate. Set yourself up for success by planning meals and snacks every 3-5 hours as a rule of thumb, using fullness or satiety as a stopping point. With the principles of Intuitive Eating as the foundation of our philosophy, the Registered Dietitians at Memphis Nutrition Group can help to empower you to break free from a dependence on numbers and dieting, rebuild your relationship with food, and reconnect with your body.

Sélavie Photography

By Lucy Modzelewski

2023 WELLNESS TRENDS

It’s that time of year again! The New Year has officially arrived, and with it, an influx of folks looking to start 2023 off right by prioritizing their wellness. Taking action to improve our health, fitness, nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness all fall into wellness, a booming market. A recent McKinsey report indicates it is now a $1.5 trillion market, and it’s growing by 5 to 10 percent each year.

We analyzed Google search trends, 2022 viral wellness moments, and input from experts to come up with our predictions for 2023 wellness trends.

DAMP LIFESTYLE:

The damp lifestyle, a term originally coined by TikTok user Hana Danly, refers to operating somewhere in between sobriety and heavy drinking. “Damp lifestyle” videos gained popularity amongst Gen Z on TikTok in the latter half of this year as this generation explored reevaluating their relationship with alcohol and rejecting the normalization of binge drinking. With the rise of zero-proof options like Drink Monday and Ritual Zero, we expect to see mocktails and “sober curious” continue to dominate in 2023.

CYCLE SYNCING:

Cycle syncing is the practice of changing your diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits to align with the stages of your menstrual cycle. The idea is that by changing these factors during each stage of your cycle, you can meet your body’s hormonal needs. Cycle syncing first gained search traction in 2020 and is still growing, with a 153% year-over-year increase and an average of 8,000 monthly searches in the U.S. We have a fantastic local expert in the 901, women’s health coach Audrey S. Geyer, who can help you kickstart cycle syncing in 2023!

75 SOFT CHALLENGE:

With more than 93.4 million views on the #75softchallenge on TikTok and a 124.4% increase in search volume in 2022, we anticipate this more approachable take on the 75 Hard Challenge will be everywhere in 2023. The 75 Soft Challenge is a more wellness-focused version of the 75 Hard Challenge and involves moving your body for 45 minutes each day, eating well, drinking a gallon of water daily, and reading 10 pages of a book each day.

BREATHWORK:

As we all seek to improve our mental and physical health, we predict wellness enthusiasts will kill two birds with one stone with an increased focus on breathwork in 2023. Another trend that saw growth in the latter half of 2022 at a 50% rise in interest, according to Google Trends, breathwork can improve your mental and physical well-being. Local resources like Symmetry here in Memphis are a great starting point to get into the practice of breathwork.

MINIMAL SKINCARE ROUTINES:

The last couple of years have been all about 10-step skincare routines and an abundance of celebrity and influencer skincare lines, and experts say the skincare industry is getting oversaturated and burnt out as a result. This isn’t to say that skincare enthusiasts will stop investing in high-end, scientificallyproven products, but rather that 2023 skincare will be all about quality versus quantity. Beauty influencer and skincare expert Sarah Palmyra was one of the first people in the space to predict that we’ll see a shift from 10-step routines to more accessible and practical three-to-five step routines in 2023.

FOCUS ON RECOVERY:

We’re leaving the “no days off” mentality in 2022. Rest and recovery are crucial for letting your body heal post-workout. After all, you must allow your muscles to repair themselves and engage muscles sore from your workout. From heat and ice to float tanks to sweat tubes, the options are endless for taking care of your body after a grueling workout.

Martha Skipper Herron,

Running, Cycling, Golf, and Basketball

I f SPORTS: My first love was basketball, being competitive, and learning dedication, determination, commitment, sacrifice, and leadership. I also love running long distances to get the endorphins rolling and work up a good sweat. Golf is a love-hate sport, depending on how I am hitting!

FAV FITNESS

ACCOMPLISHMENT:  Hiking the Grand Canyon with my daughter was extremely rewarding and challenging in the middle of July.

SPEED BUMPS:  I never had any sports hardships or injuries until September 25, 2021. While riding the Big Dam Bridge in Little Rock, I had a near-fatal accident. I sustained a brain injury and a broken collarbone. I started rehabbing with a high-protein diet, hydration, and riding my peloton. Two months later, I ran the St. Jude half marathon in just under two hours.

MY GROUP:  I ride bikes with Nucor Steel Team.

RECENT RACES:  MS 150 Bike Ride September 2022; I was one of two females that finished this 2-day ride. Also, the Big Dam Bridge 100 Little Rock, AR, BCB 62 Memphis, TN, and GCC Memphis Northwest Arkansas Tour de Taco.

MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS

EVENT:  When I was five years old, I rode in a St. Jude Bike-A-Thon in my hometown and won the competition. I’ll never forget the purple bike I won. It was the start of my love for exercise and sports that continues today.

53; Occupational Health RN for North America at Smith and Nephew

Photo by Tindall Stephens

BINGE-WATCHING:  Wheel of Fortune

BEST EATS:  Porch and Parlor. I love sitting on the patio and having a glass of Caymus, a wedge salad, and salmon.

DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Aaron Rogers. I’d like to tell him he should have retired last year and taken the Jeopardy job so that he could play golf with me every day.

GO-TO GEAR:  Brooks Ghost shoes and the Ping g425 driver

INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: I get inspiration from how living a healthy and fit lifestyle makes me feel every day and what I can accomplish from doing so.

ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life” by Arthur C. Brooks

PET PEEVE:  Inconsiderate motorists that do not want to share the road.

FAV INDULGENCE:  Pecan pie after the St. Jude Marathon.

help optimize brains for peak performance. It is our mission to help you have a better life by optimizing your brain health. – ADD/ADHD

CALL 901-624-0100

–

Anxiety

Autism

Depression

PTSD

Seizure Disorders

Sleep Issues

Stroke Recovery

A FREE CONSULT We train brains for many issues ranging from ADHD to

Dry eyes causing

discomfort?

Working from home or spending too much time on digital devices can worsen dry eye symptoms. Visit our dry eye doctors at FocalPoint at Crosstown Concourse!

Michael Williamson, Cycling

I f CYCLING: I’m in awe at what can be done on a bicycle. Our bodies become efficient machines that endure various conditions to get us from one place to another, usually far away.

BUCKET LIST: I’d like to ride my bike in as many states and countries as possible!

FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Riding a century (over 100 miles).

MY GROUP: I’m the President of Major Taylor Memphis and a Certified Ride Leader with Memphis Hightailers. I’m also a member of Grip & Grind Cycling, DeSoto County Cycling Club, and the Unofficial Donut Cycling Crew.

FAVORITE JAMS: “DNA.” by Kendrick Lamar

RECENT RACES: I haven’t raced, but I’ve ridden in several major rides. My favorite is being part of the national relay team for Carry The Load, where I rode from San Antonio to Dallas on the final leg of the West Coast Relay team that started in Seattle, WA and ended in Dallas, TX. It was in honor of our service men and women and first responders.

MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS

EVENT: It’s a tie between Carry the Load and Bikes Blues & Bayous. Our club, Major Taylor Memphis, was featured at the BBB 2022 ride in Greenwood, and we participated in the production of a short documentary on the life of Marshall Major Taylor.

BINGE-WATCHING: “Ask This Old House”

BEST EATS: I like Soul Fish Café (on Cooper). Their Southwest Salad with Blackened chicken is my favorite!

DREAM DINNER COMPANY:

Comedian Bernie Mac. He’d have me laughing the entire time, and I think he’d also have some life wisdom to impart.

GO-TO GEAR: Strava. “If it’s not on Strava, it did not happen!”

ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership” by James C. Hunter

PET PEEVE: When someone tries to make their fitness goals someone else’s and fail to realize or acknowledge that everyone is different and there’re multiple ways to reach similar goals.

FAV EXTRAVAGANCE: Tools. I love tools! I probably have a backup for my backup.

QUOTE: “To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.” - José N. Harris

39; HR Manager at DCI; Volunteer for Service Over Self Board of Directors and My Town Miracles

Photo by Tindall Stephens

BIGGEST FITNESS MYTH:

That one training style will work for everyone. You might meet your fitness goals, but it must also fit within your passions and life goals to be a sustained habit. So find what you love to do!

BIGGEST NUTRITION MYTH:

Fats are bad for you. Fats are great, in balance.

MY TYPICAL WORKOUT DAY:

I enjoy stretching and moving when I wake up. I do dynamic stretches at my desk throughout the day and typically workout after work, whether practicing or teaching a class or visiting another gym like Panorama Movement or Delta Groove Yoga. I enjoy switching it up!

WHAT IS THE MOST OVERLOOKED BODY PART:

For women, it’s their shoulders or pelvic floor, and for men, their hips.

IF I COULD ONLY HAVE ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT:

If space or money wasn’t an issue, pilates reformer. If space is a factor, then a yoga mat and rower for cardio.

ALWAYS IN MY GYM BAG:

A lint roller. As a pet owner who primarily wears all black when working out, I have to ensure I’m not too linty!

MY FITNESS IDOL:

KATIE VEACH

FAV WAY TO WORKOUT:

Yoga - any kind, but primarily a powerful Vinyasa flow. I also like cardio kickboxing (BodyCombat) or stand-up paddleboarding.

I’m inspired by so many, but I’ll say Ms. Jean. She’s a Kroc member that passed recently, but she motivated many. I trained her once to run in the Senior Olympics in her 80s, and she would always take backward free-throw shots and make them. She may not have been a fitness icon, but she was an icon of life and kept moving into her 90s.

DREAM WORKOUT PARTNER:

Either Jess Sims or Chelsey Korus. They both have fun workouts and positive energy! It would be a fabulous time.

MY GO-TO SNACK:

It changes often, but right now, it’s an Alaskan salmon salad with Mary’s seaweed & black sesame crackers or wasabi peas.

Are you a fitness trainer, workout instructor, or influencer in the industry and would love to share your knowledge with our readers? Send a brief bio and picture to: Amy@memphishealthandfitness.com

Photo by Tindall Stephens

33, Personal Trainer at the Kroc Center of Memphis

I like to eat what I feel suits my body, primarily a balanced diet or intuitive eating. My indulgences tend to be savory or fatty rather than sweet, and my diet choices are more about feeling good than looking good because I think when you feel good, it shows.

ONE FOOD I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT:

Eggs. They’re nutritious, not as expensive as other proteins, and can be cooked in various ways.

SETBACKS:

I once tried out to be a master trainer for a group fitness program I formerly taught, but I wasn’t accepted, and the rejection hurt. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t get the role, as I don’t feel I matched the program’s energy, and it opened opportunities to be on my current fitness journey, which is more me!

The Kroc Center is a safe, caring, and exciting place in our community where residents of all ages, races, educational backgrounds, and economic means can come together to learn, grow, explore their potential, and experience God’s love in the process. I love the mission of the Kroc Center - something for everyone! It is a 100,000 sq. ft. world-class facility with state-of-theart equipment and passionate teachers of various programs for a

wide range of audiences. I want everyone to feel they belong and find a place that empowers and teaches them to be the best they can and want to be, whether in fitness, sports, arts, education, worship, or more. That’s why I was drawn to group exercise and, eventually, the Kroc.

I started at the Kroc Center in group fitness and personal training, which led to Fitness Manager, Health & Recreation Director, Program Director, and now Kroc Director. I’ve seen how the Kroc has adapted to meet community and member needs over the past 10 years, staying true to The Salvation Army and Kroc Center mission. My desire to help and empower others and provide opportunities for those around me has pushed me along the way, and I still keep my hand in group fitness classes as much as I can.

The Kroc Center has a fitness center, basketball court, indoor turf court, outdoor rec fields, aquatics center, youth development center, theater, rental hall, church, art gallery, classrooms, and coffee bar that offers group fitness, camps, after-school care, child watch, swim lessons, sports training, and much much more. Check it out at krocmemphis.org.

GOALS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD:

I want to be able to keep up with my nieces who run cross country so that I can train with them.

DOWNTOWN/ MIDTOWN

Downtown Yoga Blue Plate Café

Main Street Dental Stock and Belle Bluff City Coffee

G.E. Patterson & Main

Lenny’s Grill and Subs

Flying Saucer Service Master

Madison and Main

Across from Law School

Cotton Exchange Miss Cordelia’s Harbor of Health

Harbor Fitness

Memphis Pizza Café

Delta Groove Yoga

Fogelman YMCA Medical Building

University of Tennessee Area

Molly’s LaCasita

Breakaway Athletics

Lebonheur Hospital

Regional One Bikram Yoga

Tennessee Brewery College of Optometry

Pyramid Liquor Tamp and Tap Parking can be fun

Lenny Subs

Huey’s Downtown Semmes Murphy Campbell Clinic

Kimbrough Wine

Lindenwood Church Juice Bar Concourse

YMCA Concourse

Curb Market

Central BBQ

U.T. Medical Arts Building

Belly Acres

Deli on the Square

Mind/Body Haus

Grivet Outdoors

KROC Center

Calming Influence Playhouse on the Square

CVS Pharmacy

Cooper Street Yoga

CycleBar Midtown

Juice Bar Midtown

Muddy’s Bake Shop

The Cupboard

Ballet Ensemble

Lost Pizza Company

Inside Out Gym

Rhodes College Library Café

Evergreen Yoga Center

Café Eclectic Memphis Rox

EAST MEMPHIS

Bikram Yoga City Silo Whole Foods Bank of TN

Central BBQ

MidSouth Ear Nose & Throat & Throat

Crescent Center Parking Garage

OrthoSouth Club Pilates

Jules Posh Food

Jewish Community Center

MECA Pimentos

Babalu Shed Fitness

East Memphis Ortho St. Francis Hospital Total Care Imaging

Memphis Cardiology Group

Mroz-Baier Breast Care Center Dr. Robert Trout Dermatology

Nuber YMCA ATC Fitness Patrick’s Pure Barre Superlo Foods Sports Clips CrossFit Hit+Run Southhall Café

Southeast Urology Clinic

Christ United Methodist Church Mandauu Fitness Arthur’s Wine Ciao Bella Memphis Ortho Group Seikisui Pacific Rim Swanky’s

Huey’s Nutrition Bar

People’ Pharmacy

Better Bodies Yoga

Bogies Deli

Zen Studios Hot Yoga Plus

East Memphis Athletic Club

Fleet Feet

Novel Bookstore Zup Med

Old Venice Pizza Memphis Pizza Café

Diagnostic Center Blue Plate Café

The Endocrine Center

Phoenix Gaslight Wine & Liquor St. John’s Church

Peddler Bike Hotworx

Cheffie’s Café

Main Library

Labelle Wellness Spa

Chickasaw Oaks Mall

Pro Health Wellness

Optometry Group

Methodist Primary Group

Jason’s Deli

Baptist East Medical Bldg

Memphis Heart Clinic

Highpoint Climbing and Fitness

Shelby Farms Visitor’s Center

GERMANTOWN

City Silo

Owens Enrichment Center

Advance Dermatology

Trainer’s Studio

Germantown Village Wine & Liquor

Methodist Hospital

Whole Foods Jazzercise

Pure Barre F45 Germantown Pike Yoga Mandauu Fitness Swanky’s Taco Wild Beet Salad Co Mellow Mushroom Hotworx

Bikram Yoga Nutrition Hub

Orange Theory

Peak Cryotherapy

Ageless Men’s Health

ATC Fitness Renew Wellness Spa Forest Hill Grill

Craze Nutrition

Breakaway Athletics

Germantown Athletic Club

Germantown Library

Baptist Rehab Active Health Chiro

Cyclebar

Memphis Pizza Café Campbell Clinic

UT Med/ West Clinic

Memphis Ortho Group

Conrad Pearson Urology

Gastro Center of Midsouth

Foundation Medical Wolf River Wellness

Allergy And Asthma Care

Heart and Vascular Clinic

Memphis Internal Medicine

McDonald Murrmann

Men’s

COLLIERVILLE