Talkin’ with Yoga Light JL Chiemingo

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This 43 year old, 13 year teaching yoga light and I crossed paths in 2010 when I started going to hauteyoga Queen Anne.  She, along with a few special teachers, got my attention.

When you walk into this space in Upper Queen Anne, you are greeted by a radiant gal, ready to check you in. When JL teaches she is right there at the front door with her beautiful, glowing smile.  If you connect with her, expect a warm embrace.

I had a chance to sit down with this talented + experienced yoga friend and was amazed at her skilled preparation for weekly classes.  Long story short, here she goes!

Muah: “So miss JL, take me through a week in your life, as you get ready to prep for teaching.”

JL: “Get ready, so on Sundays I do all my class planning, Tuesdays I create music playlists and from there on I focus on a peak pose per class.  Everything else comes later.  For example, if I choose Garudasasa.

Muah: “….uhh…Eagle Pose?”

JL: EXACTLY!  See you knew it!  So if I choose eagle pose, I think about what poses I need to include to warm up the body.  I choose a day for hip openers, hearts openers, etc.

Muah: Staring into her eyes in awe.  She’s kind of incredible and she cares about her classes & students, truly cares.  It’s impossible not to be moved by her sensitive and loving heart.  And she keeps it real.  She’s not going to preach something she doesn’t practice or tell you something she doesn’t truly believe.  It’s refreshing.  And us Seattlelites are lucky she is in the neighborhood.

Check out JL’s website, workshops, retreats and Seattle-based classes.

Sustainable Weight Loss Tips

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I am gearing up for a Bachelorette party this weekend, except for the fact that I’m not really “gearing up.”

A little over 2 years ago, I’d be going on some crazy 3 day cleanse where I do nothing but drink green juice, hit up 2 a days at the yoga studio and try to run 3-6 miles.  I’m exhausted just writing all that crap.

I gained and lost 10 pounds for the majority of my life.  Ever since I can remember when I first weighed myself.  It was 6th grade.  And no joke, until 2 years ago, my temporary weight loss was just that, temporary.

Tips for avoiding the roller coaster of weight loss:

  1. Drink more water.  Usually we are thirsty, not hungry.
  2. Limit yourself to 2 drinks, once/twice per week.  That’s it.  After that, bring on the hangover and the laziness.
  3. Move, every day.  It doesn’t have to be a TRX on the daily, just get yourself moving!
  4. Try to eat as clean as possible.  Shop the perimeters.  I’m sure you’ve heard it a lot, but this one is tough.  Especially when you are looking for something and the colors and beautiful fonts of processed food catches your eye.  If you’re in a pinch, eat a Quest Bar.
  5. Don’t beat yourself up.  If you had too much to eat and you feel full, so what?  Feel full, move on and don’t eat as much at your next meal.
  6. Follow the 80/20 rule.  80% stay on track.  20% live a little.

Need additional tips/extra help?  That is why this website exists.  I’m your gal!