WellcommATX [10.13.25]

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[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five Terri Koen, a Yoga Instructor at Austin Bouldering Project in Austin, TX.

WellcommATX: Where do you work…out?

Terri Koen: I've been strength training the last ten years through a program called My Peak Challenge, which has a charity component with its founder, actor Sam Heughan of Outlander. I have enough to get by at home, but when I need the big weights, you'll find me at Austin Bouldering Project, where I also teach yoga. I've also built into my schedule core and circuit classes with Bri Ellsworth and drop into many of my fellow yoga teachers' classes. My older son and I have made it a weekly ritual to get to vinyasa class with Andie Gregier.

WATX: What does wellness mean to you?

TK: Putting life into perspective. I found yoga at a time when I was already burnt out in grad school and about to re-enter a high stress industry, advertising. I took my yoga practice with me on business travel–in airports, in my hotel room–but the philosophical part of yoga is the sweet stuff. It helps me stay grounded when I'm anxious. It reminds me that the postures I love and the postures I strongly dislike are simply tools for me to process life. And of course, I'm doing my best to eat more vegetables, drink more water, get more sleep–all the stuff we're all trying to do. Strength training is an investment as I age, and I try to do everything in moderation. In the last seven years, I also got into Hawaiian hula dancing purely for the joy of it, and I perform with Island Rhythms Hula Company around the Austin area. Physical movement supports my mental health, and I show up in life best when both my mind and body are balanced.

WATX: What are your wellness goals over the next twelve months?

TK: My goal is consistency. Steady, boring, and consistent. The Pandemic threw everything off when I Zoom-schooled with my kids. We got through some really tough years of elementary school, and I had to set myself to the side. Now that they are both in middle school and more independent, I can put some focus back on me. I have a whole morning routine, making chai while the kids get ready for school. I'm chugging more water throughout the day, tracking my workouts, and reading books any chance I get. I know when I'm consistent, day in and day out, I see and feel the difference.

WATX: Who are some people who inspire you, motivate you, or keep you accountable when it comes to your wellness?

TK: Shout out to John Valbonesi, who has been kicking my butt through My Peak Challenge for a decade. We have a Central TX Peakers group locally, and we keep a weekly check-in online and plan monthly hikes when Texas weather isn't trying to kill us. These ladies keep me going and never judge how sweaty I am! My go-to fitness instructor is Bri Ellsworth at Austin Bouldering Project. She makes workouts super fun and not overly serious. I also have a group of amazing women in the Pink Vest Society (we were all volunteers at a romance book convention), and we cheer each other on via Apple Watch and send ridiculous memes all day.

WATX: What advice would you share with someone looking to change their wellness routine?

TK: Pick a starting place and start. Don't overthink it. Keep it small and doable. Protect the time by putting it on your calendar, whether it's for meditation or a workout or food prep or a desperately needed nap. When the first step into change feels less daunting, add another step. Small stuff adds up, and you're in it for the long game.

Know a fitness instructor in Austin who deserves a High Five? Click here to submit your nomination so we can consider them for a future WellcommATX High Five profile!

That’s this week’s edition of WellcommATX. Like what you read? Get On The List and get future editions sent directly to your inbox. Have a friend who needs to read WellcommATX? Forward our email to them. Drop us a line at [email protected] or slide in with tips. Until next time, take care of yourself, and take care of each other.

Go For It,

Your WellcommATX Team (@wellcommatx)

Transform Your Self. Transform Your Community. Transform Your World.