Latest / Sweat Community / Ep 16. Professional Dancer to Lululemon Ambassador: Kelly Catania on Yoga, Retreats & Mental Health
Transcript
- Sheena: Here we go. Okay. Welcome to Sweat Community, the podcast connecting you with the people, places, and stories shaping health, fitness, and wellness across the Denver metro area. Today's guest is yoga teacher, retreat leader, mental health advocate and Lululemon Ambassador Kelly Katania. Before finding her way to yoga, Kelly was a professional dancer in Los Angeles. Today we'll talk about her journey from dance to yoga, what it takes to become a Lululemon ambassador, the power of slowing down, and the lessons she's learned from helping others reconnect with themselves through movement. Kelly, welcome to Sweat Community. Kelly: Thank you so much for having me. I'm so grateful to be here. Sheena: I'm so glad that you're here So let's start at the beginning. Before yoga, there was dance. Can you tell us a little bit more about what led you to where you are today? Kelly: yeah, absolutely. So before yoga, I was a professional dancer. I grew up dancing my whole life. I competed as a dancer here in Colorado. And I went to college for dance. after that I worked on cruise ships for a little bit dancing, which was very fun. That was where I got my travel bug for sure. Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: and then I didn't know if I wanted to be in New York or LA and I kind of played around with both cities for a little bit. And then when I was twenty-two or twenty-three, I moved to Los Angeles and wanted to pursue dancing there. so that's kind of where it all began. I was dancing professionally in LA for a few years and while I was auditioning and, getting my name out there finding agents and stuff, I was teaching at a bar studio as a bar instructor and I fell in love with teaching. I was like, my gosh, wait, is this my calling? And Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: yeah, and that's just kind of how I evolved. And then from bar I started teaching dance and I started working at all these fitness places. then eventually I started taking yoga to help with my body and help with my dance career and keep me feeling strong. but then I found so much more of the spiritual aspect and finding myself within the practice that changed me forever. And yeah, and now here we are. Sheena: That's so fun. I didn't even know you were on cruise ships. I mean that was such Kelly: Yes. Sheena: a cool experience and to see the world while dancing. Very cool. Kelly: Yes. Yes. It was amazing. It was perfect for right out of college, very young, still trying to figure out life and it was the best experience for sure. Sheena: my gosh. and also I love that you Kelly: Yeah. Sheena: said that yoga was your tool to be a better dancer and help your body. Kelly: Mm-hmm. Sheena: was there a moment when you realized that your next chapter was not gonna be dance? Kelly: I felt like it just wasn't fulfilling me anymore have you ever been in those moments where it's like this is my everything and I love it so much and now it's to the point where I'm nervous that I'm not gonna love it anymore because of, the industry or whatever it is. I felt like it was becoming more Of a pressure for me to perform in this way that wasn't authentic to me anymore. and so when I started teaching fitness and teaching yoga, there was like a little switch in my brain that was like, I think this is where I belong. And I was afraid to let go of dancing. I didn't want to Like for myself to be a failure in any way. but I had to be honest with myself and I was like, you know, I think this is what's making me happier. So, Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: that's what I wanted. I knew that that was gonna fulfill me. And so that was kind of the transition into yoga. 'cause it's still so much of, the body and the movement and the music. And so there is so much of dance within it. Sheena: That's incredible. Good for you to be able to notice that Kelly: Yeah. Sheena: and to realize like, yes, I love it, but it's okay to pivot and it's okay Kelly: Yes. Sheena: to follow my heart and what makes me happy. Because I think that's a struggle for a lot of people especially at a young age. Like how old were you when you got into yoga and decided that teaching yoga was where your heart was at? Kelly: Yeah, I believe I was 25 or 26 years old. It was also a really pivotal time in my life because my dad had passed away and just so much had changed in my life you know, anything can happen at any moment. And it's like, why am I sticking with a career that really drains me versus one that really fulfills me? So that was a big personal shift it was in my face, like, okay, what are you really wanting to do with your life? Sheena: Mm-hmm. Yeah, I'm sorry about your dad. But yeah, that Kelly: that's okay. Yeah. Sheena: it's so it sounds like yoga obviously changed your career and it also changed you. Kelly: Yes, exactly. I was going to yoga then like so much more regularly because I was dealing with, very complicated grief, And I was like, wow, this is something that's healing me and helping I've always been very interested in mental health. being a professional dancer, I personally had a eating disorder and connecting with my body again was a really big journey for me. And yoga, was a huge part of my recovery, of taking care of myself again. Sheena: Kelly, thank you so much for sharing that. Kelly: my goodness. Yeah, I I think majority of people go to yoga for the physical aspect for the asana movement. and I think that's amazing and that's like how I got into it. But it is so much more about connecting with yourself. And one of my Amazing mentors used to say, we constantly distract ourselves from being with ourselves. we're in this life Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: of being busy and constantly moving to where, we can't even sit with ourselves. And so I think yoga has really taught me how can I move through the world in a way that is authentic, Sheena: Right. And I love that you said a lot of people join it for the asana or the physicality of it because that's why I started as well. Kelly: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Sheena: But a lot of yoga is to simply be present and to slow down. And that is something Kelly: Mm-hmm. Sheena: I think a lot of us, myself very much included, really struggle with. Kelly: yeah, I believe society in general. It's like we have to do more, we have to produce more, we have to hustle harder. And if you're not then you're lazy or you're not taking care of yourself when it's so opposite. slowing down is really what allows us to build that sustainable strength within ourselves. that awareness can help us, have better recovery and make wiser choices, And beyond that physical benefits, I just also think slowing down really builds resilience within us. And I think it can teach us that we don't have to react to every thought and emotion immediately, And to me, Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: that's the real strength. It's not just how far I can bend in my forward fold, but how can I meet these challenges with a little bit more steadiness, a little bit more presence versus constantly reacting to things. Sheena: Mm-hmm. And that translates so much to off the mat as well. which I think that is one of the Kelly: Absolutely. Sheena: right. Like I think that's one of the best things about yoga is what it teaches us off the mat. Kelly: Yes, absolutely. I mean, our culture rewards productivity, right? We're constantly connected to stimulation. for me at first when I was practicing, that was where I was so uncomfortable was being still. the thoughts get super loud and emotions become really apparent but honestly in those moments where you're like, Wow, why is this so uncomfortable? and you start questioning it, I think that's where a lot of people, their healing and their journey begins. Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: We don't always have to be on autopilot all the time. presence is I think our greatest gift. And if we're physically present, but our mind is somewhere else, you don't even know what's happening in front of you because we're so onto the next, onto the next, Sheena: Mm-hmm. I love that you said that just slowing down is not laziness, being aware and being present is truly a gift. that is something that I am working on in my daily life to just try to be a lot more present with my children and just everything Kelly: Mm. Sheena: versus go, go, go, go, go. I I absolutely love that. Kelly: Absolutely. Yeah. Sheena: So you spend your days helping other people reconnect with themselves. I'm curious what that's like from your perspective. Has there ever been a class where you walked in needing your students more than they needed you? Kelly: my gosh, every day. mean, maybe not every day, but Sheena: ha ha. Kelly: as teachers we will forever be students. moments maybe where I'm struggling in life where I kind of lost confidence or wherever I'm at, being stressed out when I walk into the room and I see those faces and they're like so Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: happy to see me. It's just like there is this connection in the room that is such a game changer, that I Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: I'm like, my gosh, why am I upset? this is the best place to be, And, there's moments where I walk into a room and I have a whole class planned out, ready to go. This is what I think they need, right? But I see them and I see, they're saying they're more tired. I was like, okay, we need to change this whole sequence this whole vibe of what the class is be so I can offer them what they actually need. Sheena: Yes. That is such a skill to be able to have a plan in mind. And for you to be able to shift Kelly: Yeah. Sheena: go along what they need, that is so impressive and the work of a really good teacher. So I think that's very Kelly: well thank you. yeah, I definitely think teaching has made me be a better listener. Like every class is different The people that are in the room, whatever they're experiencing that day is gonna be different. And so I truly believe my job is to pay attention to the energy in the room, what people are needing that day, and to trust that like sometimes The best class isn't the one that's always planned, Sheena: Yes. And kind of along the lines is there anything that has stuck with you over the years of teaching? Kelly: My gosh, life is so overwhelming and Sheena: Yeah. Kelly: so many of us are so anxious Or just exhausted. And those moments Sheena: Mm. Kelly: remind me that yoga is so much bigger than just the movement or like crow pose or whatever. that they're not alone in this world. one of my favorite mentors Jessica, she said to me, when we breathe together, that's where we heal. So we can heal together. Sheena: Mm. Kelly: And just being trusted with that is something I'll never take for granted. I will always be there for them. Sheena: I love that. that trust is so special. So another huge part of what you do is leading retreats around the world. From the outside, they look like amazing vacations, but I know that there's so much more Kelly: Yeah. Sheena: than that. So what inspired you to host your very first retreat? And what exactly is a retreat with you? Kelly: Yeah. Yeah. so it is still very new for me. I did a retreat in Mexico pre-pandemic. And then last year I did a retreat in Spain. And then this year we are doing a retreat in Thailand. I think retreats can give people permission to step away from their routines and have time to reconnect with themselves. and yeah, like you said, it's like a vacation, but I think it's Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: not really about escaping our lives, but creating enough space for them to have, more clarity and more energy and more intention for when they do show back up in their everyday life. my goal with retreats is to really create an experience where they feel deeply supported. not only with the physical aspect, but also with the emotional and mental, because a lot of people are going to retreats because they're going through a big transition in life or they're celebrating something or they're like, I'm finally gonna give myself this time. I think some people think it's selfish, but I don't know, investing in ourselves is just as important as anything else, you know. Sheena: A hundred percent. I've always Kelly: Yeah. Sheena: wanted to do a yoga or a wellness retreat. I think that being out of the normal environment, it just creates such a powerful transformation. Kelly: Yes. Yeah. I think what the coolest thing too is a lot of people come for like, I'm gonna learn how to do inversions and I'm gonna learn how to do this because I'll have the time, which yes, that does happen. But even in my last retreat in Spain, I saw people that came in they were strangers and then they became lifelong friends afterwards. And I think the connection Around the dinner table was even more important than us learning, how to do headstands. you know, communal conversation at the dinner table or hanging out at breakfast or doing the excursions together, just being around people that are like minded and wanting to love and support on each other. that's where the biggest part of the retreat comes in. Sheena: Yes. I bet those connections and conversations Kelly: Yeah. Sheena: is what they hold on to for like so much longer after the retreat has finished. Kelly: Absolutely. Absolutely. Yeah. I mean, in Spain there was this time where, we all were walking to watch the sunset. And it was just like even moments like that, like we don't get to do that all the time in our everyday lives. And, that was one of my favorite memories I think people are so nervous to make those connections and they're like, wow, wait, this is actually somebody that I would love to surround myself with. Yeah. Yeah. Sheena: Yeah. that's so cool. I love that. So what is yeah, what is the biggest lesson you've learned about yourself from leading these retreats? Kelly: man. it's nerve wracking every time I think just because there are times I put a lot of pressure on myself to make sure that they have a great experience, but then I have to know to let go of that. I can't control every aspect. I can control the schedule and I can control some stuff, but I can't control everyone's experience I think at the beginning I wanted to make sure of that, but At the same time, it's like just letting them be and letting them have these human connections and letting them explore themselves is, the most important part. Sheena: yeah. I see that because you're creating this itinerary. You're trying to make this, big experience And the pressure, I think, to like follow exactly what you had planned that they're paying a lot of money to come out and do. And to be able to let go of some of that and just let it flow. Kelly: Is it? Sheena: And it's gonna be what people need it to be. Kelly: It's gonna be. Sheena: Yeah, yeah. Yes, yes. Kelly: Exactly. Yeah. But yeah, I think that was the biggest learning process was just learning to let go a little bit. And I'm still learning to do that. You know, I'm planning this retreat in Thailand. We still have two spots left if anyone's interested. But Sheena: Woo. Kelly: yeah, Even that, I'm like, okay, how can I create enough structure for them to feel supported but also leaving enough space for them to simply be? Sheena: And that's tricky. to try to find that balance. Yeah, exactly. Kelly: Yeah, it's a balancing act. Yeah, exactly. Sheena: Yes. You said there's two spots left. When is Thailand? Kelly: my gosh, yes. so my friend Jen, who is also a phenomenal yoga instructor, we both teach at the same studio. we decided that we wanted to do one together. And so it will be November 15th through the 22nd of 2026. So a few months from now. it's seven days in Thailand. We'll be in Krabi. I've never been to Thailand and I know a lot of people it's also on their bucket list. So we were like, we should definitely go there. Sheena: Mm-hmm. Yes. Yeah, that is a huge, I think for a lot of people, big bucket list place to go. Like it is for me. I think that's amazing. Kelly: Yes. Mm-hmm. Sheena: Okay, so we are gonna shift gears just a little bit here Kelly: Okay. Sheena: and go into something that people are, I think, really curious about. So you are also a Lululemon ambassador. How did that even come about? Kelly: Yeah, it honestly it happened very organically. I teach at a studio in Parker and we had some employees or educators, from the local store. it was actually a pop up in Southlands. and they started coming to take class and they kept showing up and we really built a genuine relationship and Over time they asked me to teach for one of their staff meetings. And so I taught like a little yoga and breath work And kind of from there the ambassador opportunity just like naturally evolved. and I think that's what I really love about Lululemon. Like I love the story of how it happened for me because it wasn't about how many social media followers I had It was more about the way I showed up in my community and the relationships that I had built and that's what what they were drawn to. You know, creating those authentic connections will always matter more than how I show up on Instagram, you know? Sheena: Yeah, yeah. Because when you think of a Lululemon ambassador, people might think, you have to be this big influencer and have this huge following Kelly: Yeah. Sheena: So I love that it was of who you were and the experience that you bring versus your following. Kelly: Yeah. I wanted to stay authentic and have integrity because I care so much about the community I think those right opportunities are gonna find you when you are yourself, Sheena: Mm-hmm. Absolutely. I think community is the core of it so what does it actually mean to be a Lululemon ambassador? Like I think people think, you're an ambassador, you get free leggings. Kelly: Yes. I mean we do love wearing the clothes, absolutely. But it's definitely it's definitely Sheena: Mm. Kelly: more than that. it's about representing the values of the community and creating meaningful experiences. And what's really cool is like we get to collaborate with other local leaders and host events and help bring people together through movement. I think people, think it needs to be like you're the fittest person or who works out the most. It's not about that at all. It's still about community and connection. Sheena: Which is so cool because I don't think people really realize that when they think about Lululemon. I think they think it's just this, you know, big Kelly: Totally. Sheena: clothing store, but there's so much more behind it to really bring people together, how long have you been an ambassador? And are you able to renew it? Like how does that work? Kelly: Yeah, my contract is it's a two year contract and we can discuss, renewing the contract. However, they believe that everyone should have an opportunity to be an ambassador And so I think it just gives more people opportunity. I think we'll be lifelong ambassadors, you know, they'll keep us Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: in their space because we had an event, the summer series and a lot of past ambassadors all came out and supported. And so I do think you're like always within the Lululemon family, I'm specifically with Park Meadows, we'll connect with the Cherry Creek people, with Castle Rock people, kind of hop around and get to explore all the Denver area, which is amazing, and get to work with all the ambassadors in the community. So it just shifts every time because, some people's contracts are up at a different time than others. So we kind of mesh and ebb and flow throughout, if that makes sense. Sheena: Yeah. I love that you all get together. Do you know how many how Kelly: Yes. Sheena: many ambassadors there are at a time per store? Kelly: I do not know but as of right now, Dondre and I are for Park Meadows at this moment. he is a run ambassador. and so they really loved us together because we're both in the mental health realm of the world. he's a licensed clinical. social worker and I'm getting my master's right now in clinical mental health. And so I think that's probably a big reason of why they teamed us together. Lululemon's amazing in supporting all the things that we want to do. Sheena: Very cool. you guys are incredible mental health advocates and you are building such an incredible community here in Colorado. Kelly: Yeah. that's what's been really cool. Dondre and I are collaborating on how we can show up in our communities our plan is to do, a 5K or one mile run walk, whatever is accessible for you. And then we're gonna finish off with some yoga and talk about, our relationship with ourselves and relationships with movement and our bodies, which is such a big conversation. And I think a lot of people are like mindful movement or embodiment. And there's a lot of words, but it's like, what does that really mean? how can we give our bodies and our minds a little bit more grace than, you know, sometimes movement can be such a punishment or people look at it that way. and it doesn't have to be that. Sheena: exactly. Which is why adding breath work and reflection after movement can be so healing Kelly: Yeah. Sheena: I love that. So you are currently in school for your masters in clinical mental health. is your Yeah, amazing. Like that is no easy feat. Yeah. That is Kelly: Hello, thank you. Yeah, yeah. I know. If you asked me about twenty years ago if I was gonna ever go back to school, I would have probably laughed. Sheena: So what is your goal with schooling Kelly: Mental health has always been a big part of my life. And so when I started working at Santosha Studios, the owner, her name is Kelly and she's wonderful. she's also a licensed social worker and she had this vision of creating yoga and mental health offices in the same space. So our studio is really beautiful. one side of it is yoga studio and then the other side are mental health therapy offices. me being in that space, I saw how the combination worked for so many of us. they definitely inspired me and they were like, You could do this. And it's always been in the back of my mind, but I think I was very resistant to it because of school. I was like, I don't wanna go back to school. Like, what would that look like? And I remember Kelly saying to me, two years is gonna pass either way. You can end it with a having a Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: degree or you can still be thinking about it in two years. And I was like, That is very true. And so I think that really Sheena: Mm. Yeah, that's powerful. Kelly: was like, you know, if this is something that I want and I know that I can offer and all these people are, rooting for me. And I was like, Okay, I need to root for myself too and Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: I was like, okay, maybe I'll apply and see how it goes. And I got into the program at CU Denver and it has been life-changing. It's been the best experience. I've been meeting such wonderful people and I've been diving into things that I've already, have loved, but it has given me just so much more. It's such a great program. Sheena: that's incredible. To have that opportunity to dive deeper I Kelly: Yeah. Sheena: right and I love how the studio of St. Tosha that it is both the mental health and the yoga which is so unique. It's so unique. Kelly: Mm-hmm. It unique. I'm obsessed with the space. it's such a game changer. because it's true, yoga is not just about the physical parts of it. So yeah, absolutely. Sheena: yeah, most of it is the mental part of it. So it it makes sense. Kelly: so my dream or dream. I mean one of my goals is, after I get my license, I would love to combine the two in the therapy setting or help people If they have an eating disorder, I can help with their recovery with yoga or I don't know, that's still in the works, I guess, but that's kind of what I've been seeing myself. I'm like, how can I show up for the community? And maybe that would be my way of showing up for them. Sheena: Yeah, that's amazing. And I think you'd be so good at that. And it's cool because there's time to evolve. As you, you know, finish schooling, Kelly: Yeah. And I I mean it's kind Sheena: I love that. Kelly: of already happening, which is really cool. I mean, even with these retreats and working with Dawn and Lululemon Sheena: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Exactly. Kelly: and being in the yoga space, it all kind of naturally comes together. I had no idea that this was gonna be my path, but I'm so grateful that I it's unraveling and unfolding in the way that it is. cause I feel like I wouldn't have found, the idea of becoming a therapist if I didn't go through some mental health things of my own and finding yoga and being the dancer that I was. I mean it all just intertwines so much. Sheena: Right. And you can personally relate, so it's Kelly: Yeah. Sheena: yeah. So what advice would you give someone who feels completely overwhelmed but doesn't know where to start? Kelly: start small, you know, we often believe that we can completely change our life overnight, which obviously we can't, which we could, but I Sheena: Mm-hmm. Hmm. Kelly: think a lot of transformation usually begins with just like the tiniest, smallest moments of, Taking those deep breaths, like take a breath before you answer your email, or step outside for five minutes, or when can you like put your phone down and, be in the room when notice what's around you? even just like Instead of moving your body in a punishing way, like how can you move your body that feels so good, I think a lot of us think we have to have everything figured out before you begin. we're all so overwhelmed. I mean, it is it is a lot living in this world. And yeah, you know, and I Sheena: Yeah, yeah. Kelly: I think it sometimes, we want to ignore and you know, it's like, okay, how am I going to adapt and be like, Okay, this is what's happening and I need to figure out how I can take care of myself instead of like, I need to push through and push through and push through. But and then before you know it, it's five years of you pushing through and your body is rejecting or telling you that you're not okay and you're Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: not listening to it. at least that's kind of happened for me and I'm like, wow, Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: I'll take care of myself later. I'll take care of myself later. Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: And then you just keep pushing it off until, sometimes we start getting sick there's moments where we can really listen to ourselves and listen to our bodies is so important. Sheena: absolutely. Yeah. Right. That's so true. Like these little things could just keep adding up, adding up, and we don't realize it until we're at a breaking point, you know? So Kelly: Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Sheena: And so you have watched wellness evolve over the years. What's something about today's wellness culture that you love and what's something that you hope changes? Kelly: Who that is a great question. I really am loving that People are beginning to see wellness as something more holistic. for a long time wellness was mostly about how we looked or how hard we pushed ourselves. I'm seeing more conversations, and maybe it's because I'm in the mental health space right now, but I'm seeing a lot more conversations about the nervous system and sleep and stress management and breath work and recovery and mental health has become such a bigger topic. people are realizing that wellness isn't just about having a strong body, but it's about feeling well. So I do see that shift and that like gets me really excited for where things could Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: be going. things that I'm not excited about? Sheena: Yeah, I think or Kelly: I think one is wellness can sometimes become this thing we're trying to perfect. And so especially with social media, you know, there's so much information online about the right, morning routine and like what's the best supplements and the perfect workout. It can make people feel like they're not doing enough and my gosh, are we doing enough? We are doing plenty. And it can sometimes be like, we're constantly falling behind if we get all this information online. and Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: what works for one person is not gonna work for another person's needs, of how they're Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: showing up in the world. And so I hope we continue to move towards like I say in class a lot, move with curiosity instead of comparing yourself to your neighbor or having this like I need it to be perfect. and let go of judgment. I think we judge ourselves, we compare ourselves and if we could lead with a little bit more curiosity I think that will help us digest the all the online information, you know. Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: I want to help others see that the healthiest people that I know aren't the ones mad about missing a workout. they're the ones that know when to push, they know when to rest. how to listen to their bodies. Sheena: Mm-hmm. I love that. the comparison culture and that Kelly: Amen. Sheena: with social media can just be so detrimental. So if we just Kelly: I said Sheena: let go of some of that judgment, I think that is so helpful. Kelly: Hmm. Yeah, what's that quote? comparison is the theft of joy. And it's so true. It's so true. If we're constantly Sheena: Mm-hmm. It's so true. Kelly: comparing, we can't even be in our own joy. Yeah. Yeah. Sheena: Right, exactly, exactly. you are constantly holding space for everybody else and all the people around you and your community, but who holds space for you? how do you do that for you? Kelly: yeah, I think especially with teaching, I teach a lot. And so Sheena: Yeah. Kelly: you have to kind of counterbalance that. I'm like, okay, how am I gonna show up for me? And a lot of the times it's just laying on my bolster and doing some breath works and noticing when I need the extra rest. I am a fan of naps. I love a good nap. Sheena: Yes. Kelly: but I also have an amazing family and amazing friends majority of my best friends I've met in the yoga community and at school that are so supportive and can see when I'm struggling and they're like, okay, Kel, when can you take a minute for yourself? And so they Sheena: Mm-hmm. Kelly: they help me a lot. yeah, Sheena: Yeah. Kelly: your community is gonna always be your best support, We can't heal Sheena: Yeah. Kelly: and thrive in isolation. we have to be in a communal space. So I think that's been like my biggest thing of moving back to Colorado is like finding that community. And I have solely been finding it and it's been, a big gift for myself for sure. Sheena: That's wonderful. I love that you have that to go back on, that just helps ground you and that's incredible. all right, so we are wrapping up. We always end with rapid fire, which is just kind of fun, some fun questions. First thing that comes to mind, are you ready? All right. No, you'll be great. You'll Kelly: my gosh, I think so. I'll do my best. Sheena: be great. Okay, so you are a traveler. where is the favorite place that you've ever traveled to? Kelly: Ooh I went to Estonia when I was working on cruise ships and I thought that place was so cool and I would really love to go back. The culture Sheena: Well. Kelly: there was really beautiful. Yeah, so I definitely want to go back there. Sheena: Amazing. favorite place in Colorado to recharge. Kelly: I love to go to the hot springs. I think that's like one of my favorite things to do Get a little dip. Sheena: Mm. Amazing. Do you have Yes, yes. Is there a is a specific a favorite Kelly: All of them. I love all. Sheena: Yeah. Yes. They're all great. one wellness habit that you think everybody should try. Kelly: Breath work. Breath work. Sheena: true. Ps breath work. Yes. What's currently on repeat in your playlist? Kelly: my gosh, DJ Taz Rashad and he's always on my playlist for yoga and also just in life. I really like him right now. Sheena: So cool, I'll have to look them up. I don't know why I don't know him already. Awesome. Kelly: Yeah. Sheena: And what is one thing that made you sweat this week? It could be mental, physical, anything. Kelly: Jen Falcon Smith's hot yoga class yesterday. Yes, it was so good. Sheena: that sounds fine. Kelly: Her class is the best. Yeah, I love sweating. Sheena: Awesome. And if someone listening is feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, what is one small thing they could do this week to reconnect with themselves? Kelly: Hmm, I think nature is such a gift and it's like, you know how jokingly people will say, okay, I need to go touch some grass. But that is I think a Sheena: Yeah. Kelly: huge thing. If just step outside lay in the grass, I do that a lot or be barefoot somewhere and hug a tree. It sounds insane, but it's such a great way to ground ourselves when things are feeling like really overwhelming. If you can be by Sheena: Very good. Good. Kelly: water. Yeah. Like put your toes in some water somehow. It's so good. Sheena: there is really something behind that. Like that's no joke. Kelly: Yes, yeah. I mean we have our laptops, our phones, the TVs, all the shows that yes, it's comforting at times, but it's not getting back to you being in nature and breathing it's the quickest way to calm our nervous system down and to give ourselves a little reset. So yeah, for anyone out there that is like, it's too much, just go step outside and do some breathing. it's game changer, everyday game changer. Sheena: And it's so simple, something you can do every day. know, take that. Yeah. I love Kelly: Every day. Yeah. Sheena: which it's so funny because It's so simple. But then I I skip it. I'm like, why don't I just do this? It's so easy. And I find myself like it's challenging to keep up with it. But this is inspiring me. Kelly: yeah. my gosh, yes. Sheena: after we're recording, I'm stepping out in the backyard. barefoot and just gonna walk in the grass. Kelly: Yes. Yeah, I know. It is so simple, but it's so hard to give ourselves that time because a lot of us think it's not productive. And if it's not productive, Sheena: Mm. Kelly: then we shouldn't be doing it. But it is productive. giving yourself time to be in nature and to breathe is just as productive as all the other things that you have to do in your day. Sheena: my gosh. It's so true. Kelly: Yeah. Sheena: Love it. And finally, where can listeners find you? Where can they take one of your classes Kelly: Yes. Sheena: or learn more about your upcoming retreats? Kelly: Yes, absolutely. I teach Monday, Wednesday, Fridays, and Sundays at I know. A lot of classes. Sheena: Wow. A lot of classes. Kelly: and it's called Santosha Studios and Wellness in Parker, Colorado. I would love for you all to come and take class. We have a deal going on right now. It is two-week unlimited for $59. and if you guys want to come check it out, I'll I'm there. Sheena: and people can find you on Instagram to see any other upcoming classes or any Kelly: Yes. Yes. Sheena: more information about when you're teaching. which I'll I'll add. Kelly: Absolutely. Sheena: Yes, I'll put your page in the show notes as well that people can easily find you yes. Kelly: Yes, that'd be awesome. Sheena: Yes, Kelly: if they're nervous to come or anything like that, you know. know that I will be there to support them and I will check in with them and make sure they're okay throughout. But I'm always here to support. Sheena: Awesome. Kelly, thank you so much. you're just so grounding just chatting with. And so I just appreciate you sharing Kelly: thank you. Sheena: everything. And I'm so looking forward to trying out one of your classes soon. Kelly: Yes, I would love to have you. Please come any time. Sheena: Yes, definitely, thank you so much I am excited to see where your journey continues to take you. Kelly: thank you. I really appreciate you. Sheena: Thank you so much for joining me today, Kelly. I love that we ended with such a simple reminder. Sometimes we don't need to do more. We just need to slow down, get outside, take a breath, and check in with ourselves. And thank you for listening to Sweat Community, the podcast connecting you with the people, places, and stories shaping health, fitness, and wellness across the Denver metro area. If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to follow or subscribe to sweatcommunity.com so you don't miss our next conversation. And don't forget to check out Kelly and Santosha Studios. We'll have all of her information linked in the show notes. And until next time, what made you sweat this week? Bye!