Kenya Marsh
Simply Fit and Curvy Yoga
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Kenya Marsh is a Wellness Coach who loves helping busy moms to create more balance in their lives while reducing stress by practicing yoga on and off the mat. In addition to raising two kids, I am also a Course Creator, Author and Podcast host of "From My Mat to Yours"
What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months?
New crystals, I love connecting crystals that I can place around my office and house to keep the energy around my house balanced. I get all my crystals from amazon.
How do you want your chosen field of exercise to change in the future?
I would want it to be more accessible. So far, I feel it is heading into the right direction but there is still a long way to go.
How did you first get into pilates or yoga?
I first got into yoga at the age of 31, which was back in 2014. I just left my corporate job to homeschool my son while his sister started 1st grade. One weekend my daughter asked me how to do the split, and since I haven't done a split in 15 years, I found a yoga video to help me acheive that so I could then teach my daughter how to enter into a split safetly. After reaching that goal, I was hooked.
In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
In the last five years, I have picked up the habit of reading and walking more. I love self-help books that help me elevate mentally. It inspires me to find ways to be a better verson of myself.
What’s more important: the teacher or the mindset?
The mindset because with that you can make a better impact for your students or clients.
What is your proudest moment/accomplishment in pilates or yoga?
Getting hired to teach yoga during the fall and spring semseter at my local community college. It provides an opportunity to gain greater insight for my students, such as what stresses them out, what is their mindset and introduce them to the deeper meaning of yoga.
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favourite failure” of yours?
I remember when I first became a yoga teacher, I had no idea who I wanted to teach, so I partnered up with another brand new yoga teacher to teach at the park, and no one should up for 3 weeks. No matter how much we marketed the class, by the 4th week we had 1 student. That made me re-evaulate if teaching was right for me.
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
The best investment I made was was signing up with an online course platform to build my first online course. This actually prepared me to build the course that I was able to use during the pandemic when we had to switch to remote learning at the last minute.
Do you think there is any trait that all exercise practitioners share?
I think we all enjoy helping others and making a impact.
What is the most significant thing that someone much younger than yourself has taught you?
My son is the reason why I am turned vegan and became more mindful of what I eat.
Do you like classical or contemporary pilates/yoga more? Why?
I like the hybrid of both classical and contemporary yoga, because they both have a purpose. For my personal practice I practice both because I developed that understanding, however I teach a more contemporary style to introduce the teachings new students of yoga.
What advice would you give to people wanting to start pilates or yoga?
Anyone who is looking to start a yoga journey, should first identify why they want to start. Once you have your why, dedicate a day and time you want to practice to create a routine. Always practice to make progress instead of perfection.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
At this stage, I do not have another profession I would like to attempt, but who knows what the universe has in store in the future. lol
Tell us about someone you admire and why you admire them?
I always admire Faith Hunter, She is an amazing yoga teacher who inspired me to become one as well. I love the energy she gives any everthing she does.
What is a 'hack' you have for success that most people don't know about?
Using trello to keep my thoughts, courses, content and more organized helps me get so much done while my kids are home with during virtual school. It is a life saver, and helps me see what content I can repurpose.
What is the most surprising thing you've seen in your industry?
I cannot think of the most surpising thing I have seen in the yoga industry, I have seen some unique challenges on instagram and people focusing more on getting the prize than just using the challenge to grow.
How would you describe pilates/yoga in 1 word?
Elevation
What's your favourite colour?
Blue
What's your favourite holiday destination?
Dubai, I just celebrated my 10th wedding anniversary right before the world shut down, and it was the best experience I had.
What popular celebrity do you admire the most and why?
I don't really keep up with celebrities so I cannot not even tell you who is popular now a days.
What one thing in life do you consider to be overrated?
Jeans, I cannot stand shopping for them. If feels like a chore and it drives me nuts. Which is why I love my leggings. lol
What's something exciting you're currently working on/learning that only a few people know about?
I am currently working on a 6-month group coaching program. To help a group of women discover their mental and physical strengths while having support along the way.
What are you NOT Very Good at?
Multitasking, Anytime I try that I don't complete one task.
What's your star sign?
I am a Taurus
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Vegan chocolate Mocha Banana protein shake
Most satisfying experience practicing yoga/pilates?
Working on my splits, it never gets old
Most embarrassing experience practicing yoga/pilates?
Falling out of any arm balance
What are your biggest pet peeves about the culture/community of your chosen practice?
The judgement, there are still so many yogis that I see that have to defend how they choose to share their practice. We all have our own unique journeys and this should be a judgement free zone.
What is your favourite thing about the culture and community of your chosen practice?
The connections, so many yogis have built connections with other yogis from around the world.
Do you tend to use a lot of different equipment when you practice?
I do not like to use a lot of equipment. I love using yoga blocks and ballet bands once in a while.