Firstly, how are you?
I’m doing great, thank you for asking! I am currently in the airport about to board a flight to california for the week to hang with friends and film some content.
Who are you?
I am a private & virtual Pilates instructor and writer/blogger. I created an exercise format called Mils Method that combines elements of traditional mat Pilates, sculpt, and cardio. I help other women find confidence and learn to love the skin they’re in through sweating it out on the mat. I share health tips, recipes, and wellness tricks on AmeliaLovesKale.com. I seriously love what I do every day!
What’s your sign?
I am a scorpio–through and through, ha!
Where do you feel most at home?
Out in nature and away from the city. I grew up riding horses and working in a barn pretty much every day for the majority of my life before college. Being close to nature is when I feel the most like myself and experience that ‘home’ feeling.
Morning routine?
I have grown to love the morning time so much! I am a big fan of meditating first thing–especially if I have morning clients to teach (I believe we are responsible for the energy we bring into a space–I love bringing all the positive energy I possibly can when I show up to teach). After I get my mind right and meditate (love Melissa Wood Health on YouTube), I make my coffee and go for a 30 minute power walk. Post walk I make my favorite smoothie (frozen blueberries, spinach, dates, banana, spirulina, maca, and coconut milk). Then I shower and get to work!
Pantry must-haves?
Oh man, I have so many–I really need a bigger pantry, HA! Here are things I ALWAYS keep on hand that are nutrient dense and easy staples that I can make when I’m in a pinch or snack on at any time: green lentils, forbidden rice (SO full of nutrients), brown rice pasta, dates, dried mangos, and popcorn!
How do you like to exercise your body?
I believe in finding the right balance of exercise/daily movement that works for you. For me, this means a HIIT/strength workout about twice a week, jogging 1-2 days a week, walking almost everyday, and of course Pilates! I love a Pilates class that combines a bit of sculpt. I have a strength background so I like to really enhance the burn and feel a little sore the next day by adding in props such as ankle weights and booty bands. :)
And what about your mind?
Meditation is so major. I didn’t really believe in meditation for a very long time, but doing it daily has caused a huge positive shift for me. I feel calmer, less anxious, and able to really live more in the present. I am also a huge advocate for therapy!
What do you do for fun?
I love spending time with my friends and family, whether that’s going out to dinner and drinks or spending the day at the beach or on the boat–South Carolina living at it’s finest! I work a lot, so the time I spend in person with the people I love means so much to me.
Name a book everyone should read.
ATOMIC HABITS by James Clear. Seriously, whether you are trying to lose weight, train for a race, or grow a business–this book can change your life and the way you structure your time. I couldn’t recommend this book enough!
Name a film everyone should see.
I don’t watch a lot of movies! Loving Peaky Blinders on Netflix right now though.
Name a restaurant everyone should dine in.
Little Jack’s Tavern in Downtown Charleston. The best burger on the earth, I’m not kidding. It was even featured in the New York Times, lol!
When do you feel the most sexy?
Sounds weird, but after a long sweaty Pilates session. My muscles feel long, lean, and strong. I feel ready to take on the world and to me, that’s sexy!
When feeling a little out of sync, how do you become more in tune with yourself?
This happens to me quite often, especially if I’m working too much and burn myself out. I feel like I have the key to getting back on track down to a science now. To get back in the swing of things I meditate, get off my phone for at least 24 hours, get in a really good workout (one where I sweat, this is very important to detox), make healthy meals, and connect with nature by spending a lot of time outdoors.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
I am dying to go to Bali.
How do you create work-life balance?
I have to force myself to make time where I completely turn my mind off from work. I do this by scheduling time to hangout with friends and planning trips to give myself something to look forward to. I am also a lot kinder to myself these days and give myself time to binge a show on Netflix if I’m feeling burnt out or overwhelmed. This has really helped me to accomplish more in the long run!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
You attract the energy you put out! I truly believe when you are kind to people, set your intentions daily, and manifest the life you want–the Universe will deliver.
Screenshot your most recent saved photos on Instagram.
Do you have a favourite medicinal mushroom?
I love Fungirl’s chocolate medicinal mushrooms (Lion’s Mane and Sea Salt)! I think this idea is genius and you guys already know that I have a sweet tooth so this is right up my alley.
Can you share a little something with us? A recipe, daily practice, DIY tip…
Move your body every single day. Even if it’s just a 20 minute walk. Daily movement doesn’t have to be intense or stressful–our bodies were designed to move daily. Listening to my body and getting just a little bit of movement every single day (instead of hours in the gym) has completely changed the way I look and feel. Even if it’s just a 10 minute flow–just move!