Save local studios.

Many of us join an independent fitness studio because they’re part of the community. You’ll often see other members at the grocery stores or farmers market.

Before each session you’re greeted by someone at the front desk who actually knows your name.

The sign-in process isn’t some key code, app or card swipe, it’s an actual human checking you in for your session. In fact the owners mop floors, restock shelves and manage the website. Why? Because they want to serve their community.

I’m blessed to teach at such a location and have the freedom to add my island heritage into their list of services. I came up with the idea to offer a four part Hula series that includes a soulful practice called, “Umeke Mālamalama” or bowl of light.

The class was fully booked then the governor of Washington state shut down all studios. Mind you, plenty of other stores stayed opened such a as liquor and smoke shops. Why gyms and boutique studios? (Including dance and martial arts.)

So many inconsistencies such as chain stores and fast food are enjoying a profitable season while closures affect small business owners. Schools shut down while daycares are over crowded. From the time of this blogpost eleven (11) studios closed their doors and are out of business.

11 Local Shut-downs

These owners served their community and struggled through the first six months, they were happy to reopen at a smaller capacity. To only succumb to the sad reality that nine months of zero income and a growing lease would be the end.

Many of these shops support other local business and allow them to sell their quality products.

Bottom Line

I’m 100% about being safe and cautious, don’t miss understand, but it should be the same for all businesses. We need to support what is left… we need our small business owners because they are invested into the community.

You can help

Here’s some things you can do to help your local studio…

Instagram, Facebook the owners and leave them an encouraging message. Show love.
Give them a good review on Yelp and Google. Help increase traffic.
Post your testimony. Heartfelt messages are powerful.
Join their online sessions and maintain your membership.

CAUTION: I have to mention one bad apple. I’ve heard of one gym that kept charging their clients during the shutdown and when the member tried to call NO ONE was manning the phones. Yikes.

Last suggestion, you can help them fundraise. The beanie above is made by a lovely yoga member. The sale goes towards a scholarship fund to help people maintain their membership.

So much good in the world and we need to shine a light on it!

I look forward to filling these spaces again but for now I’m content to try their online sessions.

At the end of the day we need to practice good vibes only and remember that LOVE does.

I’m currently working on an online fitness program for Mom’s to help our bodies cope with this world. If you would like more info join my newsletter and I’ll even throw in some digital goodies.

Good Vibes Only

Bonus

I was able to redesign their website and you can visit it here: https://www.solhealthyoga.com Since covid19 it’s been a roller coaster ride due to our State’s leadership. There’s actually a Facebook page dedicated to listing all the businesses that closed due to certain ordinances. (Keep in mind that liquor, marijuana, fast food and other chain stores are thriving.)

If you know a local fitness, wellness, dance or martial arts studio that needs website help you can send them here https://www.hoomalamalama.com/design I’m doing free assessments during January 2021.

PEACE Be The Journey

Keep it simple and be creative.

Just sharing a video I made and sending a Christmas blessing. Mele Kalikimaka

September’s fitness challenge.

Aloha, It’s September?!

Where has time gone? I’ll tell you where it went… it’s in the sunsets that we hiked under, the streams where we collected stones and the fitness challenges we completed! Speaking of challenges I forgot to post about September’s fitness challenge. This one is a little different because I involved my daughters.

September is HABIT-TRACKING month!!!

Pick a current habit to track or track a new habit. So track your squat, core, ab or any challenge you want. Below are examples to get your creative side involved. I made a simple printable that you can use based off a powerful thought…

She said that she could and she did it

Each letter represents one day so this simple quote is a 30-day habit-tracker. [HT] The idea is to decorate it by creating a border or art then coloring each letter one day at a time.

Why use a HT and the benefits, read more here.

How to use a HT and decorate it, learn more here.

Example #1 Core Strength HT

It’s a collage of images glued on and I’m using watercolor pencils to track my habit. I suggest using premium paper or matted photo paper. Experiment to find one that works for the medium you’re using. Just remember that glue and paint can warp the paper, that’s what happen to me. I’m tracking 30 days of core strength using yoga poses or Asana.

Example #2 Water HT

This one was a mess but we had fun. If you decide to paint over your printable make sure to use light colors so you can see the letters. The glitter was crazy but my youngest wanted to make sure that the mermaid had a happy place to swim. I showed her how to do a simple Zentangle and she took off with it.

Example #3 Self-Care HT

This is definitely the teenage version. Spray inks a stencil and a little bit of glitter. The letters are watercolor pencils and they really stand out. Going through adolescence is such a challenge but so is the acne. [I’m so glad those days are over!] My oldest daughter is tracking her skin-care routine, reading and water intake. Which is why there’s three colors. So far so good.

Example #4 Meditation HT

I’m also tracking my daily meditation and used watercolor to paint my version of the tree of life. Each letter is a doodle of random designs. I don’t mediate regularly so I’m using this to revitalize an old habit.

All of our HT’s are on the fridge, the most prominent place in my house [Lol], so we can grab and use them on a regular basis. The overall goal is to pay attention to our habits. The benefit is that we’re left with a reminder of our AWESOMENESS.

I’ve also included a link for you to get the free printable and start using the QUOTE + 30DAY HT. Of course this comes with my ultra-exclusive newsletter which you can opt-out at any time. But if you choose to stay know that you’ll be part of the MERMAID pod. You can read more about that here.

Join the newsletter & start using this quote-able habit-tracker. Click on the images below to grab your HT. Psst… We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Plans vs Follow-Through, because those are two different subjects.

Anyone can make a plan but following-through is a whole different beast. I’m using beast because taming the massive TO-DO list is like a monster. No worries 😉 we’re in this together.

I was slightly challenged to write about this difficult subject. [WHY is it difficult?] Since we all are surrounded by unique circumstances.

Our lives are as different as our finger print. Yet there are a few principles that don’t change. I wrote the full story on WholelisticFit and wanted share the images I made for that blog post. I’m pinning them to my Pinterest and reposting on Instagram because I need the daily reminder. PEACE Be the Journey ✨🦋