The Future of Fitness
is all about whatever we feel called to do.
Prior to 2020, I had a tight and wonderful fitness routine. I was working for myself and had a great rhythm to my work. On the days that I didn’t have a shoot, I’d wake up and clear my inbox, dance to some music, and then walk a mile to my favorite yoga studio. The noon classes at my studio were run by the owner—one of the most gifted yoga instructors I have ever met. She always knew how to make the best hands-on adjustments, and I watched my practice exponentially progress in ways I had not since I first stepped onto my mat in 2010. I loved the way I felt with this daily break—getting sun on my face, a brisk walk and a sweaty yoga class in all before 1p was wonderful and it allowed me to sink deeply into editing and outreach for the rest of the day feeling energized.
Of course, all of that changed when we entered the spring of 2020. Like all of us, my world was completely turned upside down and I lost all of my bearings. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t bring myself to my mat. It was the one thing I knew I needed, but the overwhelm I felt in my body paralyzed me.
In 2021, I began to move differently. I was called to free movement. Every day I chose a random song and let my body respond to it. I curled and unfurled and hung my head to my chest. I swung my hips in circles, I pointed my toes and stretched my fingers. I allowed for the energy to flow through me in a way that was very fluid and responsive.
I eventually began leading others in this free movement throughout the summer and into that fall. It was wonderful. I saw a need in myself and in others to move without any set prescription.
As we move through 2024, I continue to find myself not as attracted to organized, traditional fitness. And I’ve been following those pings. My personal journey of renewed fitness has been slow and gentle. I follow what my body desires to do each day. Sometimes it’s a brisk walk, other days its stretching on my mat. I am learning day by day to trust the process and my body to know what she needs.
A few months ago, I was introduced to Rianne who has developed a practice called Aura Toning. Her class is fluid, leading participants through energy, space and intuition utilizing movement of the waters of the body. I absolutely loved how lyrical and soft the class felt. By the end of the hour, I felt nourished and centered. It felt relevant. As I sat in meditation at the end of class I thought to myself, “this is it, this is the future of fitness”. It is individualized, it is deeply personal, it is soft. Aura Toning really resonated with me, and it might not with you. Or maybe it will. But this is the point. Follow your intuition and honor its calls.
Last week I had a short conversation with Rianne all about her practice and the future of fitness. It is my pleasure to share it with all of you.
Has your approach to fitness shifted? What do you think the future of fitness holds?
And a little treat for you—if you’re curious to try out Aura Toning, use the code: “HOLIDAY” for 10% off a class! Book here, and be sure to let me know what you think :)!