INSPIRING ACTIVE LIFESTYLES SINCE 1996
NOVEMBER 2023
UNDER RISING STARS IN THE 901 ST. JUDE MEMPHIS MARATHON COURSE MAPS
At Regional One Health Cancer Care, the same physicians who help establish national standards for treatment and innovation also provide personalized treatment directly to patients. Our expert medical and surgical oncologists can deliver the comprehensive care Mid-South patients need to live full, healthy lives.
Dr. Muhammad Hamid, Dr. Swapna Thota and Dr. Noura Elsedawy are part of an exceptional team of hematologists. Ask your primary care provider for a referral to access elite cancer expertise right here in Memphis.
Just around the corner from Huey’s and the Malco Paradiso! COLONIAL RD
Campbell Clinic is now open in East Memphis!
S MENDENHA LL RD
We’re so excited, it hurts. POP LAR AVE
Dr. Wesley Owen and Dr. John Hyden are now seeing patients in our East Memphis location. *Both will continue to see patients at 1400 S. Germantown Rd.
Wesley M. Owen, M.D.
John C. Hyden, M.D.
The region’s top orthopaedic care for breaks, sprains, and pain is close to home. Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
585 S. Mendenhall Rd.
CampbellClinic.com Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics @campbellclinicortho
H+F NOV 2023
27 Years and Running Strong Publisher Amy Goode amygfitness@comcast.net 901.218.4993 CONSULTANTS Advertising & Marketing Amy Goode 901.218.4993 Editor in Chief Angelique Nihen Contributing Writers Lucy Modzelewski Shlomit Ovadia Zoe Harrison Dallas Meador Amanda Tompkins Graphic Design Brian Williams Digital Designer Jeremy Crooks Social Media Editor Lucy Modzelewski Photographers Tindall Stephens Avery Amstutz 648 Riverside #421 • Memphis, Tennessee 38103 Send articles and photos to amy@memphishealthandfitness.com
14 14 ON THE COVER RISING STARS IN THE 901 / 6 STARTING LINE 8 FIT NEWS / 10 LIVING WELL / 12 MEMPHIS FIT
H+F reserves the right to edit all materials for clarity, space availability and suitability for publication. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mailed subscriptions: $25 per year. Back issues, $5. Memphis Health + Fitness Magazine does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does Publisher assume any responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Readers are encouraged to notify Publisher when they suspect false advertising. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2023.
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48 COACH'S CORNER / 52 FOOD + NUTRITION 60 WEEKEND WARRIORS / 64 TRAINER OF THE MONTH 2
Read us online at Memphishealthandfitness.com
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Amy Goode | Publisher
Amy is passionate about growing the health and fitness community, as she’s done for the last 27 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.
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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.
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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
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Avery Amstutz | Photographer
Avery is a Memphis native photographer who travels around the globe photographing destination weddings full time. She also owns a Mobile Bar and a Photo Studio here in Memphis. Helping businesses grow and thrive is just one of her many passions!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Amanda Tompkins | Contributing Writer
Amanda Tompkins is a freelance writer living life part time above the arctic circle. She works as a remote village optometrist in the Northwest Arctic Borough of Alaska. When not in AK, she lives in Midtown Memphis with her family and three pups. She enjoys kickboxing, circuit training, camping, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking.
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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. 4
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Celebrating
Years of Excellence
From left to right: Dr. Ellis Tavin, Dr. Carey Campbell, Dr. Allen Hughes, Dr. Sarah Hammond, Dr. Melissa Kath, Dr. Robert Chandler
The Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis (PSG) was founded in 1973 by the late Robert Reeder, M.D. For 50 years, PSG has been a leading Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery Practice where patients receive the highest quality of medical care provided by an elite team of boardcertified Plastic Surgeons.
PSG offers a variety of surgical procedures and takes pride in treating each patient with individualized care ensuring they feel confident before, during and after their surgical procedures. PSG is proud to continue the legacy in providing exceptional medical service and delivering the high standard of care in Memphis and the Mid-South. To find the PSG surgeon that is right for you scan the QR Code or call 901-761-9030 to book your consultation today! Follow us on Instagram for specials and a first-hand look at @psgofmemphis procedure results!
STAR TING LINE
#MEMFITMAG
Our hearts go out to the Memphis triathlete community who lost a member of their own during last month’s St. Jude IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon. Please keep beloved Bellevue pastor Tim Shelton's friends and family in your thoughts and prayers.
Follow us on Instagram @memfitmag. Tag us to be featured in an upcoming issue!
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FIT NEWS
Boshi Botanicals Announces New Retail Store Boutique Owned and Operated by Breast Cancer Survivor Brings Natural and Zero-Waste Options to Memphis Boshi Botanicals, a Memphis-based business offering natural, artisan soaps and bath products, has opened its first retail space at 3092 Poplar Ave., Suite 16, inside the Chickasaw Oaks shopping mall. The store features natural soap and body products from Boshi Botanicals, as well as a zero-waste refill station and handcrafted goods from Memphis-area artists. “Our goal at Boshi Botanicals is to offer great products that meet our values of being good for people and our planet,” said founder and CEO, Becky Beloin. “We are proud to bring Memphis a store that meets the needs of consumers looking for natural, plastic-free products and for those who want to steer clear of synthetic fragrances.” Beloin is personally vetting all products coming into the store to ensure they meet her standards of human and environmental safety. She emphasizes products produced by small, women, and minority-owned businesses. Boshi Botanicals was born out of a plot twist. Beloin was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 at the age of 38 and, during treatment and recovery, found herself looking more closely at the ingredients in her food, cosmetics, soaps, and cleaning products. She turned to soap making as a form of art therapy to manage her PTSD and to help control what she and her family used on their bodies. “There has to be a reason more and more young women are being diagnosed with breast cancer,” stated Beloin. “No one will likely ever be able to tell me exactly what caused mine, but learning about environmental factors that could have contributed to it spurred me on my journey to find alternative products that I feel are safer for my body and better for our planet.” 8
Boshi Botanicals is open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. A grand opening celebration will be held from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023. About Boshi Botanicals Boshi Botanicals, a Memphis, TN-based, women-owned business, crafts artisan soaps and bath products in small batches. The company’s products, made from organic oils, butters, and essential oils, are perfect for those who value their health and the environment. With minimalistic, plastic-free packaging, Boshi Botanicals is proud to offer beautiful, biodegradable products that smell good, too. Run by a breast cancer survivor, the company is a testament to resilience and commitment to natural living. Visit Boshibotanicals.com to learn more.
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LIVING WELL By Kafila Jaipuri RN, MSN, CFNP, APN
Do you have concerns about emotional health? Treatment can start with your primary care provider! Care for emotional health can be hard to access. A shortage of providers means long wait times, and insurance and cost issues can be barriers.
As a primary care provider, I help fill that gap. In recent years, primary care providers have played a growing role in mental health care. At your next checkup, don’t hesitate to mention these common concerns related to emotional well-being! I feel sad and anxious. Do I need medication or counseling? It starts with screening, and we can do that during your annual exam. We ask if you feel hopeless or sad and whether you’ve stopped finding pleasure in things you used to enjoy. We talk about changes and circumstances in your life that cause stress or grief.
If patients are educated about diet and understand the link between food and feeling better, they feel empowered to improve their health through nutrition and exercise rather than medication, surgery, etc.
There are several antidepressants we can prescribe as a starting point. For a lot of patients, these work great! If you’re still struggling after a few months, we can refer you to a mental health professional for therapy and additional medication options.
As I age, I worry about serious illness. What can I do?
If you have to wait a long time to see a mental health provider, you can keep seeing your primary care provider in the interim.
Primary care providers prevent serious illness via annual exams, vaccines for illnesses like shingles and pneumonia, and screenings like mammograms, pap tests, colonoscopies, and prostate checks.
I want to lose weight and get healthy. What can I do? A healthy lifestyle supports positive emotional health.
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I started my career as a dietitian, so I have experience helping patients use nutrition to achieve many goals: weight loss, improved performance and energy, management of chronic illness, etc.
It’s normal to think about serious issues like heart disease and cancer as you get older because risk increases with age. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do.
We manage age-related chronic diseases, including hypertension and diabetes, through medication and lifestyle. We help you avoid hospitalization by diagnosing
and treating problems before they get severe. We can also connect you with various medical specialists and help you navigate your care. By putting you in control of your health, we help you stay active and age gracefully!
What other emotional health concerns can I bring up? Just about anything! I can counsel patients about smoking cessation and substance abuse, sexual health, abuse, stress, sleep disorders, etc. If you need a specialist, I will help you navigate the process. Remember – primary care providers want to build a lasting relationship with you to help you achieve your goals. We are here to listen and help, not judge or reprimand. We want you to feel comfortable talking openly about your physical and emotional health so we can provide evidence-based care and holistic, individualized support. To learn more or set-up an appointment, call 901.515.4200.
Kafila Jaipuri RN, MSN, CFNP, APN is a certified family nurse practitioner at Harbor of Health. She sees patients aged 18 through the geriatric years for acute and chronic conditions.
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MEMPHIS FIT
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By Shlomit Ovadia Photo by Tindall Stephens
MEMPHIS FIT
Running Against the Odds As the Director of Diabetes Education and Patient Self-Management Services at AM Diabetes Centers of America, Kent Stoneking, PharmD, CDCES, is passionate about helping others manage their wellness through educational access while finding the silver lining in all of life’s challenges. Kent’s journey with health and fitness began in sixth grade when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and began building muscle to gain a competitive edge in school sports. “It kind of just clicked with me,” he said, doing pushups while in the hospital, moving any way he could. Returning home, Kent purchased weights and began jogging around the neighborhood. Reinforcing these lifestyle changes at 16 years old, he participated in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), a landmark, decade-long trial that validated A1C as a marker for diabetes control. The compelling data proved that glucose can be lowered safely to tremendously impact diabetes complications through a healthy diet, portion control, and exercise. “When it comes to diabetes, a lot of people don’t have the information they need to be successful,” he explains of his current work in the Memphis community.
Empowered with the right resources, Kent continued to enjoy a robust, active lifestyle until a 2011 motorcycle accident crushed his left leg, leading to amputation. Surgeons did not sound hopeful for the future of his active lifestyle, yet Skip Martin from Precision Prosthetics had another idea in mind. Ninety days post-amputation, Kent received a call from the prosthetist. “Do you wanna run? I told him, ‘I wanna run so bad I can taste it.’” Using a triple-reinforced prosthetic leg, Kent took off running on the sidewalk. “I started giggling. I’m so thankful for so many things, praise God.” By the summer, Kent was already coaching his son’s soccer team, playing in an adult men’s league, and waterskiing. Kent and his brother Kurt even ran St. Jude’s marathon in December 2012. “It was an amazing moment of gratitude for the healing,” also inspiring their father, in his 70s at the time, to train for and run a half marathon in 2014. “People were laughing at that race because an old guy and an amputee were passing them,” he recalls with a chuckle.
Kent’s children (Bradley, Caleb, and Hannah, all in their 20s) have participated with him in the St. Jude marathon events, making for a family outing that's meaningful and fun, too. “Running for St. Jude’s is always about enjoying it as a family.” In 2018, Kent was awarded the Heroes Among Us medal. “I’m in this boat, but I’m not going to be miserable. I’m going to be joyful and grateful and connect with others in the same situation, whether diabetes or amputee. Let’s help each other be the best you can be,” he shares. For maintenance, Kent runs three times a week. He does TRX exercises and weight training at his office’s full-scale fitness facility, performing various functional movement activities to stay flexible, including PaSaRyu blended martial arts. Living with type 1 diabetes at 56, Kent tries to keep his diet well-balanced. He and his wife Amanda amply supplement vitamins and replace excess sodium and sugars with flavorful spices while grilling fresh veggies and lean proteins at home. “Don’t ever say ‘can’t.’ I had to learn to strike that word from my vocabulary. Ask ‘how can I,’ and you’ll find a way.” Amdcoa.com linkedin.com/in/kent-stoneking
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UNDER Memphis Health + Fitness Magazine is proud to spotlight rising stars in the 901 fitness and wellness community in our inaugural 20 Under 40 issue. We received many amazing applications and handpicked a variety of individuals from different backgrounds and areas of expertise to showcase some of the best and brightest up-and-comers in our industry. We’re excited to present you with the honorees for the Memphis Health + Fitness 20 Under 40 Issue!
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FEEL GREAT WITH IV HYDRATION THIS SUMMER! Did you know that one IV bag is equivalent to drinking 2 gallons of water in twenty minutes? Staying hydrated is crucial in beating the Memphis heat with benefits that include weight loss, improved brain performance, increased energy and more. Our dedicated IV hydration room includes TV, reclining chairs, and refreshments for individual or group hydrations.
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MEMPHIS FIT
Grace Sammarco, 23 The Spinning Marketing Guru Founder of Grace Curates & CycleBar Instructor
Grace Sammarco discovered her passion for spin culture through an unfortunate personal tragedy. When she was 19, her best friend passed away in a car accident, sending her into a dark, grief-stricken place. Knowing she was going down an irreversible path, she sought to make a change and booked her first class at CycleBar in Memphis. She knew no one in the studio, knew nothing about spin, and had no prior experience in the fitness world. However, the immediate impact CycleBar had was truly life-changing. The studio became unofficial therapy: a place to process, heal, and grieve. She went from one of the lowest points of her life to one of the highest, all because she clipped in on the bike one Saturday morning in July. Now, she’s moved up to become a CycleBar instructor and has found that challenging herself on the bike has become a special way to honor her friend’s athletic legacy. She’s also moved up in her career. After graduating college in 2022, Grace started her marketing career by taking on all of CycleBar Memphis’ social media and marketing, producing original content, and implementing marketing strategies for all three Memphis CycleBar locations. She knew the CycleBar experience was worth sharing with the world, and their riders were worth recognizing in front of their 4,800 followers. In January of 2022, Grace’s freelance marketing business, Grace Curates, was born. Grace has had the privilege of working for wonderful clients, ranging from nonprofit groups raising over $500,000 to individuals who simply want to showcase their lovely family vacation home to renters. Grace hopes to expand her business nationally and is looking to get her MBA in the next two years. Her biggest dream is to own her own spin studio in Memphis. Grace states that she wouldn’t open a studio anywhere else because the people in Memphis would shine in an independent spin studio. 16
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Avery Amstutz
Commit to be fit
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MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Avery Amstutz
Alton Williams Jr., 31 The Memphis Hype Man • Gym owner & Trainer Alton Williams Jr. is a native Memphian and the owner of T.R.A.P. Fitness. Their acronym is Team, Resistance, Aerobics, and Plyometrics, emphasizing "team" as a community and is what fuels their gym. Alton and his team believe there is strength in numbers. They are intent on curating a positive and encouraging atmosphere for individuals of all fitness levels to come to their gym and create the best version of themselves. They aim to take working out, a task most people view as a duty, and turn it into a desire. In addition to owning T.R.A.P Fitness, Alton serves as the gym's strength coach. He takes pride in not only helping in areas such as muscle gain, weight loss, and improved performance but also areas beyond the gym, such as helping build self-confidence, developing a solid work ethic that transcends the gym into their personal lives, and more. As a loyal Memphian, Alton also tries to serve the larger community outside of his gym. He partnered with the City of Memphis as a fitness coach to offer workout classes to their employees and hosts fitness classes at Benjamin Hooks Library, the Memphis Police Department, and City Hall. He also hosts workouts for the City of Memphis' Annual Total You Wellness Conference and Benjamin Hook's Staff Development Day. Alton is proud to lead a 2-mile walk for Benjamin Hooks Library on National Walking Day. Alton says that his ultimate goal is to help the city that raised him. He notes that one of the leading causes of health challenges in our city derives from the heart and always keeps this in mind from a training perspective. It’s one of the reasons he’s so passionate about encouraging movement in the Memphis community and why he utilizes his expertise in resistance training, cardiovascular training, and nutrition coaching to provide a better quality of life for our community. 18
MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Tindall Stephens
Libby Skolnik, 32 The Champion for Moms & Infants Occupational Therapist & Founder of Born to Bloom: Maternal and Infant OT Libby Skolnik, M.S. OTR/L, CEIM, is an Occupational Therapist in Memphis, TN. She has worked in several acute hospital settings for nearly eight years, treating the entire lifespan from 0-100+ years old. However, her expertise and heart are in the Neonatal ICU, working with premature and medically complex babies and their families. In 2020, Libby found out that she and her husband were expecting their incredible daughter amid a very tumultuous time and experienced firsthand the shortcomings of our current Maternal Healthcare Model. She quickly realized Occupational Therapy was uniquely qualified to address many of these discrepancies in care for both moms and babies. As a result, Libby founded Born to Bloom: Maternal and Infant OT in May 2023 to address the unique occupation of mothering, empower parents with the tools to support their baby’s individual development, and foster a supportive, positive, and connected Memphis motherhood community. At Born to Bloom, Libby and her team believe that, by setting the mother up for success, they support the baby, the family unit, the community, and the world as a whole. Memphis moms need and deserve quality and holistic maternal healthcare. Babies deserve a well-supported, healthy mama. And Memphians deserve an engaged and healthy community. Libby founded Born to Bloom to help make this a reality for the mothers and babies in the Memphis area. They have already been able to help numerous moms and babies, and they’re just getting started. Libby’s ultimate goal and dream is to establish a fullspectrum holistic Maternal Health Co-op in Memphis, where moms have a one-stop shop for all their needs, from OBGY/N-Midwife services to pediatricians to onsite lactation support to postpartum rehabilitation, and so much more. Libby hopes this dream becomes a reality one day — and Born to Bloom is just the first step in this process.
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MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Tindall Stephens
Fisseha (Fish) Moges, 37 The Masterful Mountaineer • Public Servant & Avid Hiker Fish Moges, most recently a Project Manager for the City of Long Beach, holds a Master's in Public Administration and is excited to continue his career as a public servant here in Memphis as a recent transplant. Before relocating to Memphis, Fish lived in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Japan. He has a passion for volunteering locally and supporting organizations uplifting Memphis, and his hobbies include cooking intricate dishes and listening to music. He’s also an accomplished poet and has competed nationally in poetry slams. In addition to Fish’s many hobbies and interests, he’s also an accomplished hiker. He recently completed the Nüümü Poyo, the People’s Trail, also known as the JMT or John Muir Trail. This 200+ mile journey 20
ended with the summit of Tumanguya or Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the 48 contiguous United States at 14,494 feet. It was an accomplishment of a lifetime, requiring years of planning, sacrifices, and many months of training. Approximately 30,000 people try to summit Mt. Whitney yearly, but only 10,000 succeed. Due to the trail's grade and accessibility of the peak, people underestimate the overall difficulty of executing a strenuous hike at a high altitude. As part of the third of hikers who successfully summit Mt. Whitney, Fish prepared for this strenuous journey by painstakingly planning lightweight yet high-caloric meals, locating safe water sources, backpacking up to 16+ miles per
day across mountain passes and the wilderness (with no cell service), and sleeping outside in a tent in very cold weather conditions. In the months leading up to his adventure, he prepared by hiking and walking in the parks here in Memphis, along the Mississippi River front, and working out at the gym. He meticulously planned out each day, meal, and detail for weeks. Few people actually try to do the things they have always wanted to do in life. Fish accomplished this daunting goal and finished it one day earlier than planned. He certainly made the 901 proud by conquering the People’s Trail and summiting Mt. Whitney.
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MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Tindall Stephens
Kaila Matthews, 33 The Passionate Birthworker • Founder of WhatTheDoula & Yoga Instructor Kaila Matthews is a Memphis native, wife, mom of two, and a birthworker passionate about black maternal health. Her background is in education, with eight years of experience in the local public schools and three years of experience in marketing and operations. Kaila holds an accounting degree and is pursuing a BSM for midwifery to become a certified professional midwife. In addition to Kaila’s impressive resume, she’s a yoga teacher, a mentor to local college students with STS Enterprises, a blogger for a local moms magazine, and sits on three local non-profit boards. Kaila is passionate about supporting and advocating for maternal health, especially that of black women, through her business, WhatTheDoula. As a certified birth and postpartum doula, Kaila acts as a vital addition to one's support team for pregnancy and postpartum, aiding families emotionally and physically by presenting them with evidencebased information. She loves supporting families looking to educate themselves on the benefits of breastfeeding, baby-wearing, creating healthy boundaries, and making informed decisions. In addition to her vital work as a doula, Kaila gives back to the Memphis community through her work as a yoga teacher. She teaches at Elite Fitness Health & Wellness and CHOICES, and often guest teaches at The Yoga Kickback. Her niche is pregnant women and beginnerintermediate yogis. Kaila loves the opportunity to help people move their bodies and breathe better or more intentionally. She believes the things taught on the mat are transferable, and her community deserves that love. When she isn’t teaching yoga, Kaila is strengthening her practice at Sana Yoga. By 2027, Kaila hopes to offer midwifery services and would one day love to open a Maternal Health and Wellness center where pregnant and postpartum people can access equitable resources and consistent support.
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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.
Rice Law
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,
Your family needs are our family’s business. For more information on divorce, visit aboutdivorce.com or scan below.
To talk to a lawyer about divorce, call 901-526-6701.
MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Avery Amstutz
Ryan Stephens, 38 The King of Hearts • Nurse Practitioner & IRONMAN Athlete Ryan Stephens is a husband, father of two kids, and a nurse practitioner at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, working within their Heart Institute. He’s the program coordinator for the adolescent-adult congenital heart disease program. He was born with the tetralogy of Fallot, a complex congenital heart defect that required surgical repair in infancy. In addition to his impressive work with Le Bonheur, Ryan volunteers in the city with Service Over Self (SOS) and nationally with the American Heart Association as a scientific committee member. He also teaches within the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. As a healthcare provider and patient, Ryan is dedicated to the primary prevention of acquired heart disease through exercise and movement and believes that movement is medicine. He tries to model that behavior to his patients and participates in marathons, triathlons, and cycling. He’s an IRONMAN finisher (Tulsa 2022) and is currently training for IRONMAN Arizona, which takes place in a few weeks. He’s also participated in F3 Memphis, a free, outdoor, Boot Camp-style exercise group for men that meets across Shelby County, and is an active member of the Grind City cycling team. Ryan is very passionate about cardiovascular health and wellness and prioritizes education around movement and exercise with his patients. Many members of his family struggle with heart disease, obesity, diabetes, etc., and he is determined to create a different path for himself and his family. Although his heart condition impacts the intensity with which he can push himself, he has long-term goals to continue being an advocate, and continue participating and pushing his body. His long-shot goal would be to compete in IRONMAN Kona at the World Championships at either the 70.3 or 140.6 distance. 24
MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Avery Amstutz
Nikki Veit, 32 The Kettlebell Queen • Kettlebell Coach & Co-founder of 901 Kettlebell Club Nikki Veit is a New York Native who moved to Memphis in 2019 after spending five years in Chicago. She now lives in East Memphis with her wife, Carly, and their spoiled little doodle, Rocky. Nikki’s fitness journey kicked off during her time spent living in Chicago. She moved there in 2014 to pursue a career in theater but got hooked on fitness. Once she started working out and seeing how strong she was getting, she felt called to help others feel the positive impact of fitness training and how it can impact their lives. Eight years later, she owns a private training business. She’s a Kettlebell coach, a personal trainer, an occasional CrossFit coach, and a “sometimes” competitive athlete. Nikki is proud to offer inclusive training experiences to anyone curious to learn and open-minded to change.
During the pandemic's peak, Nikki founded the 901 Kettlebell Club with her friend Robin Morris to bring their love of Kettlebell to the Memphis community. They started teaching classes in Overton Park, and it was inspiring to see folks from all different walks of life come and workout with them. They spent their weekends driving their cars full of Kettlebells to the park, unloading dozens of bells, and teaching hour-long classes. Three years later, Nikki is still teaching those Kettlebell classes in her backyard gym on Saturday mornings! Nikki’s mission has always been to educate and empower people through inclusive fitness practices. She never wants anyone to question if they are "worthy" or "welcome" in her training space. Currently, she’s working on expanding her training business and inviting more people to check out her backyard gym in East Memphis, aptly titled "The Kettlebell Clubhouse.” She’s now offering small group, circuit-style classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and group Kettlebell classes on Saturday mornings. 25
MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Avery Amstutz
Courtney McNeal, 34 The Community Builder City Innovation Director & Chief of Staff at Innovate Memphis
Courtney McNeal is a native Memphian who has experienced many barriers that impact her fellow citizens' quality of life. She is the City Innovation Director and Chief of Staff at Innovate Memphis, where she oversees the organization’s City of Memphis project portfolio and manages all things HR and DEI. Her work at Innovate Memphis enables her to focus on social equity while carrying out her mission of helping and loving the people of her amazing hometown. Courtney has a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Memphis, where she was also a graduate fellow in the Housing and Community Development Research Program. She is certified in Nonprofit Management and Leadership by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance of Kansas City and has a graduate certificate in Philanthropy Leadership at the University of Memphis. Courtney’s focus areas include community outreach and development, educational equity, and special events. She is big on giving back, and in her spare time, Courtney volunteers with her church and the Junior League of Memphis, where she holds the leadership role of Annual Fund Chair. She also puts on free community events! The most current one is Fitness Under the Stars, an annual free fitness series at the River Garden and Tom Lee Park in partnership with the Memphis River Parks Partnership and Downtown Memphis Commission. The overall objective of Fitness Under the Stars is to promote community health through fitness. Courtney understands that affordability can often be a barrier for some people interested in trying various gyms and studios. She strongly feels that everyone should have access to resources and opportunities as the more privileged people in the city may have. Even if it is just a one-time experience, she loves the idea of someone trying something new where cost is eliminated from the equation. 26
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MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Tindall Stephens
Luke Hooper, 32 The Speedy Cyclist • Wealth Strategist & Cyclist Luke Hooper is a CPA, CFA, and wealth strategist with a need for speed — on his bike. Luke discovered cycling when he picked it up as a hobby to stay active during college. But what started as a simple hobby soon became a full-fledged passion. Luke has competed in hundreds of races over the last 14 years and logged thousands of miles on his bike. On average, he bikes 3-5 days a week, logging 150-250 miles. With an impressive competitive resume and a dedication to constant improvement, Luke remains one to watch in the cycling community. Luke is an active member of the Memphis cycling community and currently rides with the 901 Racing team, a local cycling team that competes in road, gravel, and mountain biking races across the Southeast. While Luke is a frequent competitor, specific events and races certainly stick out for him. He recently participated in the Ride 2 Rosemary charity cycling event, where he and a group of more than 60 cyclists biked 500+ miles from Memphis to Rosemary Beach to raise money for the West Cancer Foundation. He also loves the Rule of Three race in Bentonville, Arkansas, which combines three different types of terrain by incorporating tarmac, gravel, and singletrack. Another highlight includes the Tiger Lane Criterium Series, a weeknight criterium cycling race series held at Tiger Lane in Memphis. The series did not occur in 2023 due to construction but will hopefully return in 2024. When Luke isn’t hitting the pavement, he’s recovering from his long rides and many races at Hot Yoga Plus. He recently started attending classes to improve his flexibility and enhance his recovery. As for his future plans, Luke is focused on getting faster every day, crushing his own records, and working on his handstand game at Hot Yoga Plus. 28
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MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Avery Amstutz
William Lockett, 26 The Fitness-Focused Law Student Future Attorney & Founder of Serotonin Sports
A Houston native, William Lockett moved to Memphis to pursue his dream of becoming an attorney and is in his second year of law school here at Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. A lifelong fitness junkie who played college football at UCLA and Sam Houston University, William prioritizes fitness despite the demands of law school. He knows that doing so makes him a better student, which will one day make him a better attorney. William believes that prioritizing fitness is essential to creating the best version of yourself. The demands of law school have made meeting his fitness goals a challenge, but William always finds time to go to the gym at least three times a week. As we can all imagine, law school can be stressful and take a mental toll on students. Fitness is William’s way of handling stress and creating a better work/life balance for himself. He primarily focuses on cardio, lifting weights, and playing tennis with his fellow law school classmates on the weekends. He even recently competed in the Memphis Law Student Bar Association Tennis Tournament last month. Once he’s a licensed attorney, he’s confident that sticking to his fitness routine will become even more important to stay focused and at the top of his game. To further incentivize himself, William has become a student leader at the Memphis Wellness Center, where he acts as a friendly face at the university’s gym and helps others reach their fitness goals. Helping others has inspired him to start Serotonin Sports, a fitness lifestyle brand he works on in his spare time. William’s mission is to help our community understand that vacations can be found in our everyday routine. Currently, the brand is focused on selling yoga mats that encourage diversity and women empowerment. The mats are available on serotoninsports.us and can be shipped worldwide. William plans to eventually evolve Serotonin Sports into a lifestyle brand that provides apparel, equipment, and counseling to customers looking to better themselves through fitness. Follow along with his journey on Instagram @serotoninsports! 30
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MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Tindall Stephens
Landon Blankenship, 33 The Bike Aficionado • Founder of Memphis Social Bike Club Landon Blankenship is passionate about bikes and cycling and wants to spread that passion throughout Memphis. Having worked with bikes for over a decade, he started his bike career at Outdoors, Inc. and then moved to Bike Smith, where he eventually took over the business. Unfortunately, he was forced to shut down due to the pandemic but joined the Latting Speed Shop family.
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Although Landon closed his business, it did bring to fruition an amazing cycling community with the formation of the Memphis Social Bike Club. The club was
formed in response to a need during the pandemic when Landon and his friends sought a way to spend time together safely and ride bikes. Founded to create a community of cyclists welcoming to everyone, no matter their skill level or speed, they gather every Thursday at 7 p.m. in Overton Park at Veterans Plaza and do a group social ride around town. The ride has grown exponentially, and they now get between 20-60 riders on any given Thursday. They include novice riders to cyclists who compete with Memphis teams.
Landon’s goal is to continue creating a welcoming cycling community in Memphis. Supporting riders and continuing to grow Memphis’ cycling community is his passion, and he hopes to continue engaging the 901 fitness community and local nonprofits to expand his group, providing a safe and fun experience for cyclists in the city. Follow @memphis_social_bicycle_club on Instagram to keep up with their exciting events, purchase custom merch, and engage in their bike-loving community.
MEMPHIS FIT
Melissa Hall, 36 The Fitness Advocate School Counselor & Fitness Instructor Melissa Hall, also known as Mel Hall, is a counselor for Memphis Virtual Schools and, on nights and weekends, a fitness instructor and avid enthusiast on social media and in the gym, encouraging the black community in Memphis to wake up and work out. As a single mom with a full-time job, she prides herself on making time for fitness and recognizing that moms are more than just those who meet their child's needs but are aware of their own needs, especially their health. When it comes to fitness and exercising, Mel is well-rounded. A former Grizz Girl and cheerleader, she’s an avid runner, participating in races all over town, including 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons. She’s also involved in one of the biggest HIIT classes in Memphis at Esporta Fitness. The class is filled with men and women from all walks of life who come together every Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. for a challenging but encouraging fitness push, surrounded by a dedicated, tightknit community. Between her runs and workouts, Mel also teaches group fitness classes at Crunch Fitness. Mel is in talks with a fellow running friend to start a running group for young professionals in the city. The goal of this group would be to encourage fitness and provide a community of runners who may feel unsafe running alone. She’s excited to get a group rolling outside the bigger, more established running groups that would provide a more intimate and family setting for runners. Mel’s goal is to encourage other mothers and community members to wake up and workout. Her philosophy? Get moving! Nothing is too big or small.
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MEMPHIS FIT
Jeff Trotter, 38 The Mental Health Defender Founder, President and CEO of Bend Dxnt Break Jeff Trotter is a former two-sport college athlete who ran track and played basketball at Clayton State University outside Atlanta, GA. He has served as an employee and mentor with the Memphis Athletic Ministries. Jeff's work includes mentoring youth at risk of dropout, incarceration, adverse childhood experiences, food deserts, and poverty. He’s also on the board for the Race for Reconciliation 5K in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Jeff uses his passion and love for sports to bridge the gap between mental health and movement. He founded Bend Dxnt Break, which focuses on mentorship and mental health advocacy. This past year, Jeff’s organization hosted its first mental health summit featuring former Tennessee Titans Pacman Jones, LenDale White, and Chris “CJ2K” Johnson. Over 350 participants were able to hear about mental health resources in the Memphis community and engage with professional athletes sharing their personal history of mental illness. In addition to his role at Bend Dxnt Break, Jeff is the Special Projects Assistant to the Office of the Senior Pastor at Hope Church. He serves as the community liaison for multiple events across the city and integrates with multiple ministries under the Hope umbrella. Some of those events have included the R4R, Race for Reconciliation, The Heal the Hood Wake Up tour, The Faith Family Festival, and the Bend Dxnt Break Mental Health Summit. Jeff is also a proud partner and advocate of the African American Male Wellness Agency. He's eager to expand the next Bend Dxnt Break mental health summit, as this year’s was such a success. He has plenty of big ideas for next year, including incorporating a flag football tournament where youth can display their talents and learn practical coping skills for optimizing mental health.
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By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Avery Amstutz
MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Avery Amstutz
Ainsley Hightower, 36 The Female-Focused Barre Enthusiast Owner of Neighborhood Barre Memphis Health and wellness has always been a priority and passion of Ainsley Hightower. In 2019, she started a health-coaching side hustle, which opened her mind up to the possibilities of a career in wellness after years of working in the event planning and marketing space. In 2021, Ainsley went through training to become a Neighborhood Barre instructor and felt like so many things about her personality and passions clicked in this role. Now, she is the newly-appointed owner of Neighborhood Barre Memphis, where she teaches five weekly classes. Outside of business ownership and teaching barre, Ainsley raises three boys, sits on the event committee for Palmer Home for Children’s signature event at the Memphis Hunt and Polo Club each year, and is an avid yogi and a Yoga Alliance RYT 200. Ainsley describes Neighborhood Barre as such a special place, beyond providing an incredible workout that was made for women of all ages and stages. She’s passionate about cultivating and maintaining the community they’ve built: somewhere women can come no matter their fitness level and feel pushed, cared for, and proud of themselves—a place where they can feel included and not like they need to infiltrate a clique. The way Ainsley sees it, being a woman, a mother, and a partner is challenging these days. Women deserve a space to leave other priorities and worries at the door and focus on themselves. At Neighborhood Barre, they’re providing a challenging workout that will change your body and a community where women feel celebrated and happy. Neighborhood Barre offers classic barre classes, as well as barre HIIT and barre Strength classes, yoga, and 30-minute "lunch break" classes. Currently, Ainsley is partnering with other local businesses and experts to offer Sunday workshops on various topics. They premiered with a Pelvic Floor workshop and yoga flow at the studio. Still, she would love to plan more topics to educate clients on the lymphatic system, uses of Chinese medicine, food sensitivities, and more in the future. 37
MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Avery Amstutz
Ayanna Campbell, 32 The Multi-passionate Health Creative • Founder of Amah Nutrition & Wellness Born and raised in Memphis, Ayanna Campbell describes her wellness journey as intentional and unconventional. Her drive for truth and wellness began with her desire for medicine and led her to study academic nutrition research, clinical dietetics, outpatient nutrition therapy, yoga, spirituality, and holistic nutrition. Today, she is a registered dietitian, yoga teacher, and step aerobics instructor. Ayanna constantly teaches herself that the reward is in the journey, not the destination. She believes her multi-passionate nature has curated a life rich in wellness practices authentic to her soul. As a self-described multi-passionate health creative, Ayanna approaches wellness and health from a well-rounded perspective. She is an active member of the Trayne Fit Athletic Club, where she teaches step aerobics. Ayanna is also a dedicated yogi with a passion for the intentional practice of yoga. She deepened her yoga practice through Dwi Pada Yoga School and taught Ashtanga Yoga at Mind Body HAUS for two years. She currently teaches vinyasa for Tom Lee Park. Ayanna offers her expertise in nutrition and exercise to clients through her business, Amah Nutrition & Wellness. Through Amah Nutrition & Wellness, Ayanna’s goal is to meet you where you are using nutrition counseling, nourishment, and movement therapy to help you reach your goals. She hopes to provide diverse support for a realistic lifestyle change. Currently, Ayanna is focused on offering her yoga and cardio/strength-focused body movement services to the community, with plans to provide her nutrition services more publicly this winter. She hopes to create freedom for herself and others through fitness and healthy life habits. In the future, Ayanna would love to open a wellness center that houses her main interests, such as nutrition counseling, yoga, and cardio/strength-based body movement. In her everyday life, she would love for almost all of her time to be spent serving others in wellness spaces and being able to provide diverse support from anywhere in the world. 38
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MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Avery Amstutz
Danielle Davis, 35 The Athletic Dentist • Dentist & Fitness Enthusiast Admittedly, Danielle Davis never had much interest in working out until a cute guy at dental school asked if she wanted to work out with him after class. A decade later, they're married with two kids, and fitness is an important part of their lives. Danielle has done everything from longdistance running to group classes like Orangetheory and Barre to strength training. Currently, she and her husband work out at ATC Fitness and Esporta and always make a point to incorporate family walks. When Danielle first got pregnant with her son in 2020, everyone would say things like, “Oh, you won’t be able to both still go to the gym every day when the baby comes,” but discovered that where there’s a will, there’s a way. She and her husband ensure they both get time to work out daily. Danielle says she can’t be a good mom, wife, or dentist if she doesn’t care for herself — dentistry is more physically demanding than many people realize. Danielle has taken her dental career to the next level with her own practice, 901 Dental. She designed it from the ground up in 2018 with the goal of doing dentistry differently. Going to the dentist is often not the highlight of people’s day, so they strive to make the experience as painless and enjoyable as possible at her practice. As a healthcare provider, Danielle feels she has a unique opportunity to serve people in our community, and they don’t take that responsibility lightly at her practice. Danielle is proud to say that everyone who walks through the doors of 901 Dental is treated with the utmost respect and compassion. With over 900 5-star Google reviews, Danielle is confident they’ve succeeded in making high-quality dental care convenient, comfortable, and accessible!
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MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Avery Amstutz
Alyssa Sanders, 25 The Energetic Trainer • Exercise Physiologist & Trainer Alyssa Sanders is a certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) who transforms lives and builds confidence through her personal training practice at Apex Personal Training in Memphis. Growing up within a family of physician assistants and nurses, Alyssa has always had a strong passion for catering her skill set to individuals in the healthcare field. After graduating from The University of Mississippi with a degree in Exercise Science, Alyssa decided to pursue her love of health and fitness through guiding individuals with expert personal training. After graduation, Alyssa wanted to explore different paths within the exercise science field, moved back home, and got a kick start with coaching youth soccer. From there, she was blessed with the opportunity to work as an exercise specialist within the physical therapy world. There, she gained massive hands-on experience with the human body under the guidance of great therapists at Peak Potential Physiotherapy and Wellness.
There's inevitable growth in life, which was how Alyssa knew she was ready for the next step in her career. This insight led her to Apex, a personal training gym where she now guides some of the best clientele in Memphis. Alyssa lives by their approach to executing safe and effective strength training and loves to witness the results their team of trainers bring to the community. She goes to local Planet Fitness gyms during her free time to get a good workout. Alyssa strives to exemplify healthy ways of life and believes that discipline within health and wellness brings about freedom. Alyssa doesn’t believe in playing small, so when she puts her mind to something, she always works to make the best of it. As an exercise physiologist, she wants to be able to lead and provide access to preventative services because she knows movement is medicine for all. Her goal is to one day open and run her own personal training gym and continue passing on her knowledge to help serve the surrounding Memphis community.
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MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Avery Amstutz
Christian Young, 30 The Empathetic Coach • Trainer/Coach Little Rock native Christian Young moved to Memphis in 2020 and recently became a married man. A longtime athlete and sports aficionado, Christian was lovingly nicknamed “Boogie” by his uncle because of his inability to stay still as a child. Christian is living up to that nickname as a trainer at Versatile Action Fitness and a strength and conditioning coach at P7 Sports Academy, where he considers the gym almost like an adult playroom with all the weights as toys. Christian connects with his clients on a deeper level due to his own unique experiences. A recovered opiate addict, Christian was in active addiction for ten years and admits that he did not take care of himself during that time. That is why today, Christian takes time to care for himself, because he remembers all too well those times when he wasn't able to and didn't care to. He can relate to anyone struggling to change but doesn't know how and believes that sets him apart from others as a coach. It's hard to teach someone how to change, especially if you have never had to change yourself. However, those who have been through it can relate on a deeper level. Through his work as a trainer and coach, Christian’s goal is to help people become the best version of themselves physically, which gives most of his clients an extra boost of self-esteem. However, he always wants to emphasize that exercise does more than make you look good. It makes you feel good mentally, too. That's what he found in exercise, which he hopes to share with his clients. In the next five years, Christian would like to open a gym where he can continue serving clients in his empathetic, approachable manner shaped by his own experience. He also hopes to complete an IRONMAN and start a family with his new wife.
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MEMPHIS FIT
By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Tindall Stephens
Laura Grace Pope, 28 Model Fitness Instructor Residential real estate professional & Basecamp Instructor
Laura Grace Pope wears many hats: she works full-time in residential real estate, teaches classes at Basecamp Fitness multiple times a week, and models for Verge, an online boutique in Memphis. She’s also involved in her church community and teaches a class of fourth graders every Sunday. Fitness has always been a part of her life. As a kid, Laura Grace was always involved in some sport, and as an adult, it’s become a healthy outlet for her to appreciate what her body is capable of. She has been an instructor at Basecamp for nearly two years and loves watching their members grow stronger and more confident in their abilities. Teaching and encouraging others in their fitness lifestyles has been something she has dreamed of for years. Before coming to Basecamp, Laura Grace worked out at Cyclebar, East Memphis Kickboxing, and the UFC Gym in Germantown. She currently works out at Basecamp, ESPORTA, and she loves running outside when the air quality permits for the asthma sufferer. Laura Grace lives by the philosophy that exercise is a blessing, and even though she may not always look forward to it, she always leaves feeling stronger. That’s the same feeling she wants others to have when they leave her classes at Basecamp. Although active and loving to exercise, Laura Grace describes herself as “not your typical instructor.” She can’t run a marathon due to doctor’s orders, but she can cheer on those who can, and that’s her goal. She says she will always want and need an active lifestyle, but if she’s 80 years old and leading water aerobics, that’s perfectly fine. Her goal is to help others realize what they’re capable of when they move their bodies and to create a strong, encouraging community around fitness. 44
See Better Without Surgery Vision is a lot more than 20/20 eyesight. We specialize in vision therapy for all ages. Vision therapy includes guided vision exercises that allow individuals to overcome vision impairments that impact their everyday life. Vision therapy trains the brain and eyes to function together properly. It enhances eye teaming, eye tracking, and eye focusing.
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MEMPHIS FIT
Amber Paxton, 31 The Community Health Proponent Wellness Coordinator at Methodist Le Bonheur Hospital and Trainer
Amber Paxton has worked in the fitness and wellness space since graduating college. A former studio manager at Manduu Memphis, she now trains there part-time as an Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) trainer. Her full-time job involves serving as the Wellness Coordinator for Methodist Le Bonheur Hospital. At Methodist, Amber plays a crucial role in keeping the employees happy and healthy to keep their patients and people in the Memphis community healthy. She works alongside their Wellbeing Manager to provide different health and wellness programs for the associates at Methodist, such as running and walking groups that Amber leads to encourage activity. Amber’s favorite aspect of her role is the opportunity to be creative when it comes to providing different programs for associates and being able to keep their associates healthy. She finds it rewarding to help those who do so much for the Memphis community in any way she can. She acknowledges that well-being isn’t just about eating healthy and working out. It is also about mental health and financial wellbeing, so she loves branching out and supporting the Methodist employees in these different areas. Amber also helps keep the community healthy through her work as an EMS trainer at Manddu, where she works with clients in a very hands-on environment. Besides keeping others in our community healthy, Amber stays active at various studios across the 901, including Mind Body Haus, Cyclebar, and Manduu. Amber has a true passion for health and fitness and always encourages others to follow suit.
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By Lucy Modzelewski Photo by Tindall Stephens
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COACH'S CORNER
3 Yoga Poses for Runners from Certified Yoga Instructors
With the weather cooling down for the fall, it’s marathon season for many. Training for a big run can be tough, but yoga provides the opportunity to crosstrain on important skills. If you’re looking to put feet to the pavement in the upcoming months, yoga can help you become a better runner, mile after mile. We talked to Kate Lombardo and Lindsay Monal, Yoga Directors at YogaRenew Teacher Training (yogarenewteachertraining.com), to learn how a regular yoga practice can help improve your running abilities, as well as which specific stretches will boost your runs.
Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana)
HOW TO DO IT: 1. Starting in a tabletop position, step your right foot forward in between your hands. 2. Align your knee over the ankle. 3. Keep your hands down on the ground, or on blocks to start. Once you feel stable, you can bring your hands to the top of your right thigh or sweep your arms overhead 4. As you inhale, lengthen up through your crown and as you exhale, allow your hips to release further to deepen the stretch.
WHY IT WORKS: This pose stretches the hip flexors, chest, ankles, and quadriceps. It also strengthens the hamstrings, glutes, and quadriceps.
Runners Stretch
HOW TO DO IT: 1. Begin in crescent lunge with the right foot forward 2. Step the right foot out in front of you, rooting down through your heel with your toes pointing up 3. Straighten the front right leg as much as you can while flexing your toes back toward your face 4. Shift your weight back in your hips and breathe into the hamstrings, and calves
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5. Slide blocks under your hands, under your shoulders, for more stability here 6. For a deeper stretch, begin to hinge forward from the hips, folding your torso over the extended front leg. 7. Hold for several breaths. To release, shift your hips forward, and step your right foot back
WHY IT WORKS: This pose stretches the hips, hamstrings, calves, ankles, and spine.
COACH'S CORNER
Wide Leg Standing Forward Fold Pose (Prasarita Padattonasana) HOW TO DO IT: 1. Begin in standing tall, walk or jump your feet wide about 3 and a half feet to 5 feet apart. How wide your stance is will depend on your level and flexibility.
5. Keep your back straight as you fold down and keep the crown of your head lengthened.
2. Turn your toes in slightly
6. Allow your fingers to find either the floor beneath you, blocks, your ankles, shins, or toes.
3. Engage your core muscles to protect your lower back.
7. Engage your quad muscles and draw your kneecaps slightly up.
4. Bring your hands to your hips and slowly begin to hinge forward into a fold down towards the mat. Allow the fold to come from your hips and not your torso or lower back.
8. Hold for several breaths. To release, place your hands on your hips and lift up slowly with a flat back.
WHY IT WORKS: This pose strengthens the ankles and lower back and stretches the hips, groin, hamstrings, calves, ankles, and spine.
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Ayers St.
N. Dunlap St.
N. Manassea s St.
3
Ayers St.
N. Dunlap
St.
St.
10K START: 7:00 a.m.
VICTORIAN VILLAGE
adis on A ve.
Bea le St .
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N. Manassas
St.
Jeffe rson Ave . Cou rt Av e.
Unio n Av e.
North Pkwy.
5
N. 4 th
2n B.B. King d St. Blvd .
Riv ers ide Dr. Mon roe Ave .
Exch ang e Av e.
Pop lar A ve.
. ve ll A rro Ca
CHICKASAW BLUFF NO. FOUR
Th om as Bl vd .
LAUDERDALE COURTS
Pop lar A ve.
4
Da nn y
N. 3 rd
Fron t St .
Interstate 40
Dann y Tho mas Pl.
Snowden Av e. N. Claybroo k St.
2
St.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
UPTOWN
N. Montg omery St .
N. 2 nd
St.
N. F ront St.
2023 10K COURSE MAP A.W . Wil lis A ve. 1
Beale St .
THE EDGE
North Pkwy.
Da nn y
LAUDERDALE COURTS
Was hing ton Ave .
B.B. King Blvd .
Race entries and volunteer positions are available! Visit stjude.org/marathon for more information and to get involved with this year's race.
Dann y Tho mas Pl.
N. Manassa s St.
Mon roe Ave .
2nd St.
Fron t St .
B.B. King Blvd .
CHICKASAW BLUFF NO. FOUR
The 10K and 5K will start together at 7:00 a.m. and the Marathon and Half Marathon will start together at 8:00 a.m.
N. 3 rd
Pop lar A ve.
B.B. King Blvd .
Whether you are taking on the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K or 5K, each newly designed course takes you through the heart of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® campus.
2nd St.
Riv ers ide Dr.
3
A.W. Willi s Ave.
Th om as Bl vd .
St.
Fron t St .
Beale Street district. The Mississippi Riverfront. Historic neighborhoods. Outstanding spectator support.
N. 3 rd
A.W . Wi llis A 1 ve.
New Courses for 2023
UPTOWN
St.
N. 2 nd
St.
N. M ain S t.
A.W . Wil lis A ve.
N. F ront St.
2023 5K COURSE MAP
N
2023 HALF MARATHON COURSE MAP Henry Ave .
Chelsea Ave .
Blvd.
n St. N. Evergree
Dickinso n St.
N. Avalon
St.
n St.
St. N. Avalon
N. Waldran
Ayers St.
N. Dunlap St.
N. Manassas
Dan ny T hom as B lvd.
St.
EVERGREEN
N. Dunlap
St.
N. Manassas
St. N. 4t h
Stonewall St.
2nd St. B.B. King Blvd .
Dr. Riv ers ide
Half Marathon Split to Finish
19
Poplar Ave.
Jefferson Ave.
MIDTOWN
MEDICAL DISTRICT
Union Ave.
IDLEWILD
HALF MARATHON START: 8:00 a.m.
Beale St.
St.
Danny Tho mas Blv d.
Vance Ave .
4th St.
B.B .K ing Blv d.
2n dS t.
Fro nt St .
S. M ain
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Union Ave .
SOUTH MAIN
Vance Ave .
E. Butler Ave.
N
G.E. Patterson Ave. pi ip iss iss M
SOUTH BLUFFS
d. Blv
B.B. King Blvd.
5
Faxon Ave
Larkin Ave.
Poplar Ave.
THE EDGE
Mon roe Av e.
Beale St.
1
lin gA ve .
N. Bellevu e Blvd.
St.
St. N. 3r d
Fron t St .
Mad ison Ave.
13 STAR T
Ave.
Peach Ave.
VICTORIAN VILLAGE
Unio n Ave .
4 Hu
CROSSTOWN
Popl ar Av e.
Mad ison Ave.
6
5K Split to Finish
Tutwiler Ave.
North Pkwy.
Overton Park
Jeff erso n Av e.
St. Jude Campus
North Pkwy.
COURTS
Cou rt Av e.
Beal e St .
North Pkwy.
Stonewall St.
3
11
Faxon Ave.
12
2 LAUDERDALE
Monroe Ave.
Riv er sid eD r.
SNOWDEN
10
CHICKASAW BLUFF NO. FOUR
Riv er sid eD r.
n Ave.
Jackso
North Pkwy.
Interstate 40
Mile Markers
Ave.
N. Watkins
N. 7t hSt .
Shad yac Ave .
son
St.
Ayers St.
Jack
UPTOWN
N. Evergree
N. 3r dSt .
N. 4 thSt .
St. N. 2n d
NORTH MEMPHIS
A.W . Will is Ave .
7
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9
Mai n St .
N. Fr ont St.
Fron t St .
8
W. Georgia Ave.
2023 MARATHON COURSE MAP Henry Ave .
Chelsea Ave .
VOLLINTINE-EVERGREEN
17 nt St.
. North Dr
16
N. Trezeva
Charles Dr.
HEIN PARK
Blvd.
21
N McLean
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n St.
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N Evergree
Stonewall St.
EVERGREEN
23
19
OVERTON PARK
East Pkw y.
Ave.
Jackso n Ave.
West Dr .
Hawthorne St.
St.
Faxon Ave .
Dickinso n St.
St.
22
Ave.
RHODES VIEW
N. Idlewild
N. Evergre en St.
N. Auburn dale St.
St.
N. Avalon
Tutwiler Ave.
12
Stonewall St.
e Blvd.
Ayers St.
N. Bellevu
VICTORIAN VILLAGE
Mad ison Ave.
Larkin Ave.
Poplar Ave.
14
. Ave non Mig
15
CROSSTOWN
Peach Ave.
St.
N. 4t h
St.
Mon roe Ave.
North Pkwy.
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Overton Park
Popl ar Av e.
N. Manassas
Dan ny T hom as B lvd.
2nd St.
B.B. King Blvd .
Fron t St. Riv ers ide Dr.
Jeff erso n Av e.
6
11 N. Dunlap St.
N. Manassas
St.
25
LAUDERDALE 2 COURTS
Cou rt Av e.
13
. Ave iler Tutw
Jackson
Varsity Ave.
Dr. Center
3
Stonewall St.
St.
N. 3r d
10
Interstate 40
CHICKASAW BLUFF NO. FOUR
SNOWDEN
Jackson Ave.
North Pkwy.
Ave.
St.
7
A.W. W illis
Dickinson St.
St.
UPTOWN N. 7 th
Shad yac Ave .
. Ave kson Jac
r. sD es pr Cy
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Jackson Ave .
NORTH MEMPHIS
N. 4 th
N. 3 rd
St.
N. M ain S t.
N. Fr ont St.
9
N Avalon
8
20 Poplar Ave.
Unio n Av e.
26
Mon roe Av e.
Union Ave.
START
Danny Th omas
4th St. Vance Ave .
Blvd.
Beale St.
1
B.B .K ing .Blv d.
St.
2n dS t.
4
S. M ain
Riv er sid eD r.
Fro nt St .
Beal e St .
Mad ison Ave.
THE EDGE
Jefferson Ave.
MIDTOWN
18
Poplar Ave .
MEDICAL DISTRICT
IDLEWILD
Beale St.
Doctor M.L .K
Jr. Ave.
E. Pontoto c Ave.
Union Ave .
MARATHON START: 8:00 a.m.
Vance Ave .
SOUTH MAIN
d. Blv
B.B. King Blvd.
G.E. Patterson Ave.
SOUTH BLUFFS
pi ip iss iss M
GE Patterson Ave.
5
N
W. Georgia Ave.
SOUTH MEMPHIS
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FOOD+NUTRITION By Mary Alexander Satterfield
CHEESY
Crostini Bites Ingredients: q 1 French baguette, sliced q D rizzle of olive oil q S alt, to taste q 5 ounces Boursin garlic and herb cheese q P epper jelly q P rosciutto q A rugula
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice the baguette into diagonal pieces. Lay the baguette slices on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle each slice with olive oil and season with salt. Place in the oven to bake for 7-9 minutes or until golden brown and toasted. Set aside and let the bread cool. Spread Boursin on each piece of bread. Spread pepper jelly on each piece of bread. Add prosciutto to each piece of bread. Top with arugula, drizzle a little olive oil, and finish with flaky salt. Serve and enjoy! Prep Time: 24 minutes • Makes 6 Servings
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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.
CELEBRATE IN STYLE AT BOUNTY ON BROAD Emmie Gold
Whether it’s a milestone birthday, a corporate soirée, or an intimate gathering with friends, our private party spaces are the canvas for your unforgettable memories.
On-site event coordinator Emmie@partymemphis.com Text: 901-444-3010
WHY CHOOSE BOUNTY ON BROAD? 100% Gluten-Free: Savor the flavors of our chef-crafted, gluten-free menu that caters to every palate, so everyone can indulge safely. Award-Winning Wine List: Complement your feast with a carefully curated selection of wines from around the world. Crafted Cocktails: Sip on handcrafted cocktails expertly mixed by our mixologists, elevating your party to the next level. Attentive Service: Our dedicated team ensures every detail is perfected, so you can relax and enjoy your special occasion.
2519 Broad Avenue Memphis, TN 901.410.8131 bountyonbroad.com
FOOD+NUTRITION By Cara Greenstein
Kale & Brussels Sprouts Salad The quintessential seasonal salad is here. Nutty, fibrous farro adds to a foundation of hearty greens. Sweet pomegranate seeds and salty pepitas pack in punches of flavor, and a honey mustard vinaigrette ties it all together. Serve alongside your Thanksgiving buffet or top with protein for a new weeknight favorite.
Salad: q 1 heaping cup curly kale, chopped q 1 cup shaved brussels sprouts q 1 /2 cup cooked farro q 1 /4 cup pomegranate seeds q 1 /4 cup pepitas q 2 tablespoons grated pecorino cheese
Vinaigrette: q 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar q 1 tablespoon honey q 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard q 4 tablespoons olive oil q S alt + pepper Whisk vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Add kale and brussels to a large serving bowl. Pour dressing over lettuce and toss until fully coated and kale begins to wilt. Then, sprinkle farro, pepitas, and pomegranate over greens. Toss, garnish with pecorino, salt and pepper, and serve. Serves 2-4
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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.
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THINGS TO EXPECT: • Custom-designed long-sleeve t-shirt and chili from Firehouse Subs for all participants. • Special team award for the most participants from a school or business. • Live Music • Win unique student-created prizes! • The Chilly Chili 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run is hosted by Concord Academy – a place for students with learning differences to Belong and Succeed. Cash awards totaling $450 will be presented to the top 3 women and top 3 men finishers in the 5K. First place runners receive $100. Second place finishers receive $75. Third place receives $50.
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FOOD+NUTRITION By Audrey Stimpson, MPS, CNFC
THE IMPORTANCE OF FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION What is functional nutrition, and why is it different from other nutrition counseling? Functional nutrition focuses on the individual instead of the disease and uses a root-cause approach. It is very important to acknowledge that what works for one person may not work for another. Often, people turn to functional nutrition when they have tried all other avenues for healing. By looking at genetics, epigenetics (lifestyle and environmental factors), and inflammation, a functional nutrition practitioner can make suggestions based on a timeline of information. Your individual ROADMAP! After all, we are all unique, all things matter, and everything is connected. Are you struggling with sugar cravings, sleep issues, weight gain no matter how hard you try, pain, brain fog, hormonal issues, acne/eczema/psoriasis, depression, anxiety, IBS, autoimmunity, debilitating headaches, and so on? If so, you should dig deeper to find the root cause. Some include the following: • Stress
• Celiac or Gluten Sensitivity
• P arasites
• MTHFR and COMT polymorphisms
• Low stomach acid and lack of digestive enzymes leading to Candida overgrowth and SIBO • Opportunistic Pathogenic Bacteria • Lack of commensals, good bacteria
• Heavy Metals • Gut issues due to medications and birth control
• Blood sugar imbalance
• Mineral and vitamin deficiencies
• Mold
• Sleep Apnea
• Lyme disease
• Medication Side Effects
And the list goes on!
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• M ercury amalgams and fillings
It’s also important to note: If you’re not sleeping or pooping, you’re not detoxing! There are key steps and tools to help ensure we optimize every part of life. Sundara Wellness’ nutrition team Cody Giovannetti RDN, LDN, CLS and Audrey MPS; CFNC can help you find answers and healing by using a functional nutrition approach. Whether you are dealing with gut issues, hormone imbalances, metabolic health issues, inflammation, food sensitivities, or chronic diseases like autoimmunity, Cody and Audrey can help optimize your health and nutrition based on individual genetics, lifestyle, and more. They dig deeper by asking the right questions, offering testing, educating on nutrition and detoxification, as well as optimizing lifestyle and managing stress levels. They also strongly believe in outsourcing and working with medical, mental, and health professionals and doctors to come up with the best plan forward. At Sundara Wellness, there is a team of providers to help along the journey, including acupuncture, pelvic floor physical therapy, acupuncture, reiki, sound healing, somatic bodywork, massage, lactation support, and more. You can book with our nutrition team by going to Sundarawellness.com.
Audrey Stimpson is a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor at Sundara Wellness, specializing in gut-brain health, ADHD, autism, autoimmune, and hormonal imbalances. For more information, email Audrey at audrey@sundarawellness.com or on Instagram at @audreystimpson.
Join our community
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with and without weights
• Hot Power Vinyasa • Classic Hot 26/2 Yoga • Hot Yin • Restorative Yoga & Sound Healing • Deep Stretch & Mobility
LEARN HOW YOUR PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH CAN IMPROVE YOUR STRENGTH, SPORT, AND LIFE
DID YOU KNOW? 52% OF FEMALE ATHLETES EXPERIENCE INCONTINENCE 49% OF CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN PATIENTS HAVE URINARY INCONTINENCE 43% OF WOMEN AND 31% OF MEN EXPERIENCE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION OR PAIN WITH INTERCOURSE PELVIC HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY HELPS YOUR CORE, SPINE, AND PELVIC FLOOR TO BE HEALTHY AND STRONG. IT ENABLES YOU TO DO THE THINGS YOU LOVE WITHOUT BOWEL OR BLADDER ISSUES, PELVIC PAIN, OR RESTRICTIONS WITH INTIMACY. WE TREAT WOMEN. MEN. CHILDREN AND TEENS. CALL TODAY FOR A CONSULTATION WITH ONE OF OUR HIGHLY TRAINED AND SPECIALIZED MOJO PELVIC HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPISTS!
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FOOD+NUTRITION By Emily Gause, MA, RDN, LDN
A Dietitian’s Tips for Surviving (and Thriving!) During the Holiday Season
Food-related expectations around the holidays often include a roasted turkey or ham, a multitude of sweet and savory side dishes, and an array of desserts. Festive sweets find their way into the breakroom at work during Thanksgiving and literally *everywhere else* between Thanksgiving and Christmas. For many, the holidays are filled with a mixture of excitement and dread: “How does anyone here expect me to stick to my diet?” we ask as we cram another decadent pastry into our mouths. Workout classes and fitness centers become another avenue for a heaping side of holiday guilt. The rhetoric around burning off future calories or “making up for” last night’s extra side of dressing piles the regret even higher. How can we navigate these seeming food landmines WITHOUT reaching for the “safety” of overly restrictive and unsustainable diets on January 1 (and repeating this cycle until it’s time for the next post-holiday resolutions)? Memphis Nutrition Group’s Top Five Tips for Navigating the Holidays with Enjoyment, Peace, and Autonomy: 58
REJECT THE DIET MENTALITY. This is the first principle of Intuitive Eating, a paradigm designed to help individuals connect with internal cues and leave cyclical patterns of weight loss/weight gain forever. The diet mentality infuses the holiday season: Feeling like you are OFF your diet from October to December can influence out-of-control eating in preparation for the impending food deprivation, compliments of New Year’s Resolutions. Research shows that those who avoid diets tend to display better attunement to authentic food preferences and feel less pressure to overeat out of fear that the food will soon be unavailable. Just do it: get rid of those dieting books once and for all!
CONNECT TO HUNGER AND FULLNESS CUES. Rejecting the diet mentality and giving yourself unconditional permission to enjoy the foods you genuinely want creates space to connect with your authentic body cues: how much food you are hungry for and at what point your body says, “Enough!” Our bodies are incredibly well-designed to inform us of exactly how much they need…without any calorie trackers at all! The caveat to this design is avoidance or deprivation: If you feel like you can’t or won’t have a food again, the deprived feeling can create cravings that persist despite fullness cues. Use this holiday season to practice tuning into your body’s *authentic* needs, preferences, and wants!
FOOD+NUTRITION DO NOT “APPETITE SAVE!”
ENJOY THE SPECIALTY HOLIDAY DISHES!
We cannot emphasize this one enough. Skipping breakfast, coasting through lunch, and snubbing all snacks in preparation for an early evening holiday dinner typically leads to feeling absolutely famished by the time dinner rolls around (pun intended). At this point, all thoughts of enjoyable, moderate eating fly out the window and lead to the consequences of allowing the body to get overly hungry: feeling overly full, uncomfortable, and in need of that post-turkey nap. At the same time, however, it is NORMAL to feel a bit overly full after holiday meals – and there is nothing wrong with that! Be sure to eat regular meals and snacks prior to a holiday meal, and then enjoy as much as your body needs! You might also try setting an intention for the holiday dinner on how you’d like to feel before, during, and after the meal.
Holiday specialties typically only occur once per year. Give yourself permission to savor each serving without guilt, staying connected to your internal cues of hunger and fullness. Research has shown that guilt around eating frequently INCREASES the amount of food eaten in one sitting. It also disconnects us from our internal cues and can lower enjoyment. To alleviate some of the holiday deprivation, consider giving yourself permission to prepare your favorite holiday dishes at other times of the year as well! Holiday food is meant to be enjoyed! Resist those guilty feelings and reconnect to what you and your body truly want.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO USE YOUR “NO.” Well-meaning family members often push third or fourth servings of their specialty dish onto plates with this alarming subtext: “If you reject my recipe, you reject me!” Remember: Only you know what your body wants or needs. A fourth serving when you are already full is a recipe for stomach pain, fatigue, and indigestion. Instead of forcing in another helping, kindly acknowledge how much you enjoyed the dish, but since you are full, you’d love to take leftovers to enjoy later! Your ‘no’ is your voice! Don’t be afraid to use it.
Instead of dreading holiday foods, stay connected to your authentic preferences and internal cues, remove barriers to internal connection (such as diets or wellmeaning pressure to eat more than you are hungry for), and enjoy this holiday season without guilt! Reach out to Memphis Nutrition Group for support or guidance in navigating holiday meals, family food dynamics, and setting table boundaries.
Emily Gause, MA, RDN, LDN is a Nutrition Therapist at Memphis Nutrition Group, a nutrition and lifestyle counseling practice specializing in a non-diet, weight-neutral approach. Visit Memphisnutritiongroup.com for more information.
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WEEKEND WARRIOR Photo by Tindall Stephens
Shelby Jewel Tucker, Cyclist 30; Entrepreneur/Personal Stylist
I
f
CYCLING: I absolutely love the community. It brought my best friends and cheerleaders and kept me going through hard times. My husband introduced me to the community, and then we became a permanent part of it when my husband opened our bike and coffee shop in Cordova — the Latting Speed Shop.
BUCKET LIST: I’d like to compete and finish an endurance gravel race over 100 miles.
UP NEXT: I am thinking of doing the Mississippi Gravel Cup again, and then She to Sea departs on March 16, 2024.
FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: She to Sea. I’m one of nine She to Sea team founders, an over 500-mile ride in five days from Germantown, TN, to Seagrove Beach, FL, benefitting West Cancer Foundation. HOMETOWN: Memphis, TN SPEED BUMPS: I was dealing with extreme anxiety when I began cycling. Finding the women's cycling community helped get me through it and heal. Not only is exercise good for your mental health and a way to get out the built-up tension, but it also provides a way to create relationships that can last a lifetime. I owned a business for over six years, and cycling helped me through all the hardships, stress, and anxieties. MY GROUP: I participate in many Latting Speed Shop and Memphis Hightailer rides, but I typically ride with my fellow women riders or my husband. RECENT RACES: I recently raced the Big Sugar 50 miler and came in sixth in my age group. MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: The Mississippi Gravel Cup in 2021, where I got third overall in the series. I remember feeling really strong in the fourth race and could tell all the training my coach had been prepping me with was working.
BEST EATS: El Mezcal with an order of cheese dip, a side order of rice, and a beef hard taco with a frozen sangria margarita.
GO-TO GEAR: I love a killer kit. Pas Normal Studios and MAAP have become my favorite brands! I also love a good pair of cycling glasses.
INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: I’ve been active my whole life, but I
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love to be able to continue to age feeling good - taking care of the body and mind that gets me through every day. I also love just having fun. Playing indoor soccer, going on a gravel ride with the girls, or taking a walk around Patriot Lake are things I look forward to weekly.
FOOD
To Fit Your
HEALTHY
Lifestyle
Wild Beet offers salads and wraps, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and attentive preparation. We’re open for lunch and dinner, dine in or carry out. Catering available.
6641 Poplar Ave Suite #106 Germantown
901.552.5604
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WEEKEND WARRIOR Photo by Tindall Stephens
John Bookas, Runner 67; Retired Pilot from FedEx
UP NEXT: Heroes Legacy Trail Run in Daytona Beach, Youth Villages 5K, and Chilly Chili 5K
FAVE FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Running three marathons
HOMETOWN: Hempstead, NY SPEED BUMPS: Years ago, I had a torn meniscus, but other than that, I’ve been fortunate to keep going. MY GROUP: MRTC, Bartlett Runners, an informal running supper club FAVORITE JAMS: I don’t listen to music because I like to hear the sounds around me, even running in a city. RECENT RACES: Lovewell 5K and Peachtree 10K Roadrace, which I've done for about 30 years.
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: Running the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, OH. Since I spent 20 years in the Air Force Reserves, to finish the race, running past the type of aircraft that I flew (C-141) brought an extra feeling of pride.
BEST EATS: Crab Cakes from Coastal Fish Company DREAM DINNER COMPANY: My parents. Now that I have reached the ripe old age of 67, it would be great to talk with them again now that I have a better perspective of life and what they went through. GO-TO GEAR: Hoka running shoes, my Garmin watch, and a small camera. INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: As you age, you need to keep moving, even if your pace slows down.
I
f
RUNNING: No matter where you are, you can put on a pair of running shoes and head out to explore. There are always new things to see, even on the same course.
FUN TIDBITS: I really didn’t start running until Desert Storm in 1991. Today, I run with my wife, Debi, for at least 20 miles a week. BUCKET LIST: I don’t have one because I’ve run in so many different places I feel content. 62
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy)” by Admiral William H. McRaven PET PEEVE: People who are not aware of their surroundings and lack courteousness to others.
FAV INDULGENCE: Milkshakes! QUOTE: “Always keep moving forward.” - unknown
ACTIVE HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC We offer a full spectrum of treatments and therapies to address most aches and pains associated with an active lifestyle • Manual Medicine such as Chiropractic, Active Release Technique (ART), Deep Tissue Laser Therapy, Fascial Distortion and many other techniques • Solutions for Myofascial Pain, Tendonitis, Bursitis, Plantar Fasciitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, sprains/strains, trigger points and other musculoskeletal problems • Dr. Jeremy Jessop has over a decade of experience dealing with sports injuries, is master certified in ART, and is an Ironman himself
7844 Farmington blvd Germantown • 901.340.1837
1801 EXETER RD | GERMANTOWN, TN (901) 757-7370 | GACFITNESS.ORG Dr. Jeremy Jessop DC
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901-252-3670 | focalpointcrosstown.com | Inside Crosstown Concourse A SOUTHERN COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY CLINICAL FACILITY
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TRAINER SPOTLIG HT Photo by Tindall Stephens
FAITH RAWLEY 40, Trainer at The Kroc Center of Memphis
IF I COULD ONLY HAVE ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT: A resistance band. You can do strength training, stretching, and core work to target all areas of the body.
MY FITNESS IDOL: I really enjoy doing Yoga with Adrienne. She is excellent at explaining how to get the most out of a yoga workout and is quirky and fun. It feels like you’re in the room with her!
DREAM WORKOUT PARTNER: I love working out with my sister-in-law Abi. She lives in the UK, so we don’t get to do it often, but when we do, we always challenge each other.
MY GO-TO SNACK: Peanut butter spread on a banana.
MY DIET: I don’t eat gluten. I also try to minimize the amount of dairy and meat that I eat to help support healthy digestion.
ONE FOOD I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: FAV WAY TO WORKOUT:
MY TYPICAL WORKOUT DAY:
I really enjoy group fitness. The encouragement and challenge you get from working out with other people can’t be matched. But my dream is to regularly practice yoga on a beach.
I workout most days in some form. Right now, I alternate between strength training through BodyPump and Les Mills Core on the in-between days.
BIGGEST FITNESS MYTH: I believed cardio was the only way to lose weight, stay fit, and be healthy. Now, I do more strength training and appreciate the benefits much more than when I only did cardio.
BIGGEST NUTRITION MYTH: That meat is the main source of protein. Nuts, seeds, beans, and other sources offer other health benefits in addition to protein.
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MY ADVICE: Brace your core. When you find your core and can feel what it’s like to brace it or tighten it, it will help make every other movement you do more effective and safe.
MY FITNESS TIP: Find a workout you enjoy and stick with that. Don’t force yourself to do workouts you don’t enjoy. Also, find a community of people you enjoy working out with because this will keep you going when you don’t feel like it.
Chocolate. I mainly just eat dark chocolate, though.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED: I want to stay healthy and keep active for my three boys. I’m also motivated to keep learning and growing to help those that I instruct and train.
SETBACKS: Six years ago, I was hit by a car while walking across the street. I didn’t break any bones, but I had a lot of soft tissue and muscle damage. I couldn’t put any weight on my legs for a couple of weeks, and I had to use a walker and see a physical therapist. The physical therapy was hard and painful, and it identified other weaknesses and imbalances I had in my body. Through that experience, I found strength and determination to push through adversity in order to strengthen weak areas.
GOALS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD: I do a lot of strength training, but I really need to add cardio and flexibility workouts. I also want to build in taking classes that I am not personally instructing.
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.