Inspiration: Heather King of Yogging

This week I am really excited to introduce you to Heather King, founder of Yogging, a blend of yoga and running. I spotted an advert for Yogging in Om Yoga Magazine last summer, and was delighted to find that it was based near me. If you attended the London or Manchester shows, you may have spotted Heather leading Yogging taster classes. I had to miss the shows this year, but it turned out that Heather and I not only have mutual friends and went to the same university, but are also so close that I now have the pleasure of being one of Heather's yoga students. Her playful Hatha classes are so enjoyable to be in, and I am looking forward to trying Yogging myself when I have a free Sunday.

First, thank you for speaking to me today! Could you explain a little bit about what Yogging is, and why it is distinct to, say, running with a few stretches, or simply practicing yoga and running separately?

Yogging is loosely based on the science behind Bikram/hot yoga in that we are using the heat from our own muscles through jogging rather than the heat of a sauna to help the muscles become stretchy and more flexible. The formula behind Yogging is one that starts just with getting the body warm through jogging and sun salutations and then incorporates active and dynamic yoga movements covering all muscle groups and joints. Instead of static asanas, we make the posture move and flow making it quite challenging at times.


The lovely thing is that you really can yog in all weathers and we have! All you need is appropriate clothing... and a great pair of ski-gloves for winter. Doing yoga outside is bliss and unfortunately not always possible in the UK but Yogging and the way it keeps us warm, enables us to be outside and experience nature whilst focusing on our yoga. The beach is my favourite place to do yogging.  

I was influenced by a lot of PT moves which often have yoga techniques or postures at their heart... plank for example and sumo squats.  I try to make the classes challenging but loyal to yogic movements. We don't really run long distances, but if we do, it is broken up with yoga. It is great for people who are new to runnning or yoga in many ways as it is a good taster of both but nice because you know you are going to stop. People also tend to like it if they normally find running a bit boring. Doing anything as a group is always fun and I love the element of camaraderie and team spirit that emerges when yogging. I have found that the people it attracts are quite 'hard-core' people who don't mind getting muddy!   

You trained as a hatha yoga teacher. What caused you to found your own dynamic blend of yoga and running?

I was always sporty and enjoyed endurance running and team sports but I think when I started to study anatomy as part of the yoga course and learning more about yogic beliefs, I took on board some aspects of how running can be detrimental to your body, certainly knee joints and learned about the benefits of yoga for helping to improve running. Even little things like thinking about weight distribution when running or posture and positioning of the hips when running have all helped me. I believe yoga goes hand in hand with yoga as they are both breathing orientated and in many ways, meditational and good for the mind! It somehow just clicked together when I was working and living in London and jogging around Brockwell Park and doing lap after lap and I thought it would work well in parks with people who have little time and can't decide between focussing on the more remedial yoga or fat busting cardio. I thought it was a little like wash and go - 2 in 1! Great for busy people... the perfect combination!   

What is your favourite yoga pose/asana, and why?

I go through phases! I think the dancer pose always feels good but I have a little 'go-to' sequence I do which involves high lunge, Warrior 1, Warrior 2 and side stretch and Trikonasana (not forgeting a reverse trikonasana) which I love after a run because it just opens the chest out which has just been working hard and helps the legs recover. 

What inspired you to turn yoga into a career?

It wasn't a plan and really is just a passion! 

Do you have a top tip for living well? 

If you listen to your body and get 'tuned in' (which yoga can help with) I think it tells you what it needs! I try to have minimum processed food and minimum sugar and pretty much 'eat clean' and fresh! I am not veggie but LOVE veggie and vegan food - I go through phases but will generally always order fish when I eat out just like my farming Granddad!   

Have you always been interested in healthy living?

Always! My recent trip to Australia made me realise how ahead of the game they are out there, I loved having chlorophyll water on tap, alpachinos (almond milk cappuccinos) and chia seeds everywhere and all kinds of amazing fruit! I wish there were some more cafes in rural Yorkshire which offered raw/vegan and fresh, sustainably sourced treats! 

Where is your must-see travel destination?

I really want to go to New Zealand, Canada and Patagonia!  All the outdoorsy mountainous places! I do think Japan, Borneo and Bali and the Maldives look brilliant too for a different type of adventure!  

Who, or what, inspires you the most?

My family as a unit. I think they are all incredible. So optimistic, generous, loving and full of energy, enthusiasm and adventurous spirit - nothing is ever impossible when they are around. 

Name a favourite healthy meal.

SLAW! I love different slaws such as red cabbage, lime, onion, carrot and apple with coriander! Perhaps with a fillet of grilled sea bass!?! 

Finally, what makes you happiest?

I think my family, boyf, friends, yoga time, the sun and the sea, everything you can have for free!

Thanks so much for your great answers Heather! For more information, head to the Yogging website or Facebook page and keep an eye out for future developments and classes!

Inspiration: Sian Lewis from The Girl Outdoors

This month's Inspiration guest is Sian Lewis from The Girl Outdoors. I love Sian's blog and am always saving her inspiring posts on Bloglovin! Sian is a travel journalist who posts guides about places she has visited, tips and tricks for the outdoorsy girl, and kit reviews for all the gear that you could need. For serious travel envy and outdoor pursuits inspiration, look no further than The Girl Outdoor's blog.

Tell us about how you started writing about travel and outdoor living.
I began my blog as a journalism student in 2011 because I wanted somewhere to chart my adventures. It made me realise that the great outdoors and travelling are what I love to write about, and my journalism career has followed suit I guess! I'm now a freelance writer and video producer and feel very lucky to get to work in the field I love. 

What would be an ideal weekend for you?
Perhaps a summer weekend on the Dorset coast with my climbing friends - we go to Worth Matravers a few times a year and camp. The days are spent climbing in the sun and swimming in the sea and in the evenings we'll have a whisky round the fire. Perfect. 

Do you have any tips for staying healthy whilst travelling or spending a weekend outdoors?
I find travel can take a toll on your body pretty fast. I try to avoid too much street food, as tempting as it looks, and snack on fruit and vegetables when I can. I always take my running gear away with me and try to fit in a run or a yoga session. That said, I usually find it takes a week or two for my body to recover and feel fit again after a busy travel assignment. 



You always seem to be doing an exciting outdoor sport or activity. Do you have a favourite?
I don't have a favourite, mainly because I'm not actually that good at any of the sports I love to do! I'm definitely a jack of all trades and I also have a short attention span, so my idea of a good workout week would include rope climbing, a run around the harbour, yoga, a walk in the hills and a surfing session. It keeps my brain engaged and I like training different muscles. My most regular activity is running though, because it's so easy to sling on your trainers and go for a quick sprint after work.  

What do you get up to when you aren’t travelling or spending the day out and about?
More often than people think I'm just sat on my laptop trying to meet deadlines with a steady stream of coffee to hand. I also love to read and always have a book on the go. Of an evening if I'm not working out I'll be in the pub with my friends in Bristol. 

Have you always been interested in healthy living?
I've always been into keeping fit, despite not being very good at PE and team sports growing up - I was more of a solo swimming, horse-riding, running kind of person growing up. I need regular exercise just to keep me sane! I do try to eat healthily but I'm not militant about it, mainly because if I couldn't have chocolate and wine I'd be distraught. 

Where is your must-see travel destination?
I'm desperate to hike to Everest base camp. I've been to the Dead Sea in Israel and I'd love to have visited the lowest and (almost) highest places on earth. I recently hiked to the top of Mount Kenya and found the altitude a huge but rewarding challenge. 



Who, or what, inspires you the most?
I can't think of a single person but there's a whole army of cool women these days who are off adventuring around the world, and they inspire me hugely. Just this week Elise Downing is off running the coast of Great Britain and my friend Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent is driving around India on a motorbike. Those are some fearless ladies. 

Name a favourite healthy meal.
Lentils and goats cheese is an easy one. If I have zero time I'll have Tenderstem with olive oil and garlic. And I'm a bit obsessed with courgetti! 

Finally, what makes you happiest?
Being outdoors with friends. It sounds cheesy doesn't it? But I'm definitely a believer that happiness is best shared. Every year my mates get together for my birthday and we go and stay in a cottage on the coast, have a fire, go on lots of walks and usually get rained on. Those weekends have been some of the happiest of my life, and for me they sum up my main belief that you don't need to go far or spend a lot of money to find adventure and enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors. 

Thanks so much for speaking on Green+Aquamarine Sian! You can find Sian blogging on The Girl Outdoors and on Twitter. Stay tuned for more talks with inspiring people next month.

Inspiration: Fab Giovanetti

This month I have the pleasure of talking to the one and only Fab Giovanetti, founder of the Health Blogger's Community, and therefore has played a huge role in connecting health bloggers with brands, one another and the wider public. So all in all,  there are a lot of us out there who are pretty grateful to Fab! On top of this, Fab is a one-woman machine running several projects and businesses at once. Feeling inspired? Read on:

Between running your own blog and the Health Bloggers’ Community, you must be one busy lady! How do you keep yourself sane and down to earth? 

…and a magazine, and another 2/3 projects still under wraps - AH! Yup, I like to do a lot of different things, and to challenge myself on a daily basis. However, I also value a lot time off and I am not afraid of doing that. I work very flexible hours (I am very productive in the mornings, and I cannot concentrate after the sun goes down) so I make sure that I start pretty early, and I always have a workout to give me a few hours break in the afternoon. I also rediscovered the joys of reading fiction. When I was young and ambitious, I wanted to become a writer (no wonder I am a blogger and I run a magazine!). I lost touch with reading as recreation, and started loading myself with self-help books (AHEM work!). I think it’s a fine balance, but we should always remember that it’s safe for us to be do nothing productive every day. 

What inspired you to go beyond your already successful blog and start the health bloggers community? 

A need that had to be met. Like most successful businesses (the ones that actually go somewhere) I answered a call for a need that was waiting to be met. Health Bloggers were not a thing 2 years ago when I started, now I can safely say they are the next fashion bloggers - health is the 3rd fastest growing industry after all. Plus, I am a mentor and a coach. I am here to support, inspire and guide people. The HBC allows me to do it for 100s, when first I only did it for a few private clients at a time.

Those of us not in the Big City are in awe of all the options that the capital has to offer. What is your favourite thing about London’s healthy living and fitness scene? And do you have a favourite workout?

Variety I guess, and interest in new things. It’s very open minded, and surely a friendly industry, but London is the place daring to try new things. It also caters for everyone: paleo, vegan, raw vegan, yoga lovers and spinning junkies. I love variety (which probably you got, AH!) so I am very grateful for PTs and coaches who provide new routines and challenges. I am currently training for the Toughest in April, so I am enjoying the free weight area much more than what I used to!

You recently qualified as a health coach. How has this affected you personally and professionally? Any pointers for anyone looking at health coaching courses?

Yup, I did indeed! Personally I became much more attuned with my body. I wasn’t doing what I  was supposed to be doing, but what my body asked for. It’s a subtle change, but it makes such a difference. I reintroduced meat after 3 years, and it was such a battle (more psychologically than physically) and accepting it was a big step for me. Professionally it gave me that extra social proof as the founder of a community of bloggers. It makes a point that doing your research, studying and getting to know different theories, stories and opinions make you a better health blogger, and teaches you the value of bio-individuality as well as more respect for yourself and others. 

What would you say to someone wanting to someone wishing to turn their hobby or passion into a career?

I could tell you ‘just start” or “take the leap and the net will appear”. Instead I want to ask you a question: are you sure you want to spend your life looking forward to 48h of freedom every week? Or even worse, 24 days of holiday out of 365? Time is the most important currency, you want to make sure you make the most of it.

Have you always been interested in healthy living?

It’s always been part of me, in one way or another I have been having my highs and lows, but I have been brought up following Macrobiotics and Ayurvedic medicine: a lot of what you’d consider healthy to me it’s general common sense.

Where is your must-see travel destination?

I have been recently travelling to Dublin a few times, and some of the beaches in the little villages are just breath-taking. I am a very simple lady (despite the looks and the hyperactive tendencies), but I am a big fan of the cosy, quiet and still pretty local atmosphere in the suburbs - Ireland is a beautiful place, and it’s mostly overlooked when people come to Europe. 

Who, or what, inspires you the most?

My friends - a lot of us are in the entrepreneurial world, and a lot of us have our own projects, businesses or little empires (it depends on how you look at it I suppose). Having a tribe of people who grows with you is such an important aspect of life (both personal and professional). I’d also like to add I have 800+ bloggers who share with us every day their wins, concerns and achievements, and this could not make me more proud, inspired or accomplished!

Name a favourite healthy meal.

Poached eggs, avocado, rye bread and smoked salmon. A shame that peanut butter would not go in there - even if, knowing me, I could work around it.

Finally, what makes you happiest?

Being in the moment. It helps me realising how lucky I am to be here, and make a difference with my message every day. How my body is strong, fast, and beautiful. How I am fully supported and guided every day. To be surrounded by amazing friends, and a very supportive family. Happiness is in the now: to quote Jim Elliot “wherever you are, be all there”

You can follow Fab on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram

Inspiration: Besma of Curiously Conscious

It is always a pleasure to come across fellow bloggers with a keen sense of looking after the environment as well as themselves -taking a really holistic approach to wellbeing. One such blogger is Besma of Curiously Conscious. If you don't already follow Besma, you are in for a treat. She shares recipes and reviews of everything from whole food supplements to planet friendly skincare. Think of her as your one-stop guide for everything sustainable and beautiful. Besma kindly agreed to be interviewed as part of my Inspiration series. Read on to find out more:

You mention on your blog that your interest in living sustainably and eating started when living Paris. In what other ways has the French culture influenced how you live and eat?

There are a number of key differences I picked up when living in Paris - the main contrast was realising that nobody ever snacks. You’ll also never see a French person on the metro eating a baguette or walking down the street chowing down on a crêpe either - mealtimes are almost sacred in that there is a core focus on food rather than food is an addition to a hectic lifestyle, as is the way in the UK. Mindful eating has come to reflect some of that - food is an enjoyable activity, both in preparation and consumption, and I definitely enjoy eating what I make to the full!

In what ways do you like to get active?

Yoga is my number one fitness activity - I’ve actually only ever practiced at home, starting with a DVD and moving on to YouTube channels. However, I’m also a keen runner, and right now I’m going to the gym to avoid the cold weather and also begin to use weights to tone up.

Have you come across a brand that has stood out to you above and beyond for it’s Earth-friendly approach?

There are so many great brands out there! I recently purchased a Sukin cleanser and was really happy to learn that the company is carbon neutral, as well as using only recycled materials for its packaging and cruelty-free natural ingredients in the cleanser itself. Brands that make so many positive choices like that will always be rated highly by me!

Do you have any tips for eating in season foods without getting bored come the winter and early spring?

Seasonal eating is always a fun way to mix up your meals - right now, gourds(squashes and pumpkins) make up a big part of my meals as they’re so ripe and delicious round this time of year. As we do make our way into winter, it’s actually appropriate that stodgier plant-based foods are abundant too, as that’s what our bodies are craving, but to mix things up I’d suggest stocking up on great herbs and spices. They always change things up!

What do you like most about living in London? Anything that you would change?

London is great in that there’s so much to do, especially in the way of healthy options - there are juice bars practically everywhere! As I live on the outskirts I luckily have a balance between countryside and urban building blocks, but I would like to see more of a relaxed side to London - I’ve found it’s not quite as becoming as Paris in that parks are not as frequent, or are even locked to the general public, you can’t sit by the waters edge and have a picnic, things like that. Perhaps I just need to explore a little more!

Have you always been interested in healthy living?

No, not at all - my first two years at university were spent eating a lot of pizza and ice cream! But I’m glad I’ve found a happy balance now, I don’t think I could have sustained that kind of diet and kept fit too.

Where is your must-see travel destination?

To narrow it down to one place is so painful! I really want to visit New Zealand someday, although I’d rather not take a plane anywhere anymore.

Who, or what, inspires you the most?

The online healthy living community, definitely. If I’m not in the mood to write, I’ll only have to read through a few of my favourite blogs to find something that makes me all a-buzz again!

Name a favourite healthy meal.

Right now it’s my pumpkin stew - one pumpkin can make around six portions for me, so I’ve pretty much always got a batch in my fridge.

Finally, what makes you happiest?

A shared connection with another person in regards to healthy living. Whether it’s a lovely blog comment, or a friend recommending a product, or my mum asking me how to cook quinoa - I love the feeling of spreading positivity!

Follow Besma and Curiously Conscious here:

Twitter | Instagram | YouTube 

Inspiration: Phoebe Greenacre

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Phoebe Greenacre of Wood and Luxe, a travel blog focussed on all things healthy and luxurious. Phoebe has spent ten years working in digital marketing for travel brands, meaning that she has visited and explored a huge array of countries. She's also a total yogi with a nose for finding a class or studio wherever she is. To keep up with Phoebe, head to her stunning Instagram page. Be warned, you'll be desperate for a holiday after scrolling through!

You travel for work. Where did you wake up today? Today I woke in rainy London! But yesterday I woke up in Marbella & next week I will wake up in Croatia.

What tips would you give to people wishing to travel more, particularly in terms of budgeting? Prioritise your spending. What do you want more? The new pair of yoga leggings, your hair dyed or a return flight to Portugal? If you live to travel, you will want to put that first in your list of priorities. Find other ways to spice up your wardrobe!

What would you say your favourite type of holiday is- walking, beach, city break? 

Ah this is a hard one as I love loads of different active holidays. I always love to be outdoors & amongst nature. It will definitely be skiing for the winter months & sailing in the summer months. I went sailing with MedSailors this year to Greece & Turkey and it was so much fun! Not a worry in the world, sailing around secluded bays, swimming with turtles  and sleeping on the boat beneath the stars. I love keeping active on my holidays and there is always something outdoorsy to do when sailing. Paddleboarding, swimming & SUP yoga a few of my favourites! 

You mention your love of yoga on your website. When given the option do you have a favourite style, and why?

I'm currently studying to be a vinyasa yoga teacher so I do find myself practicing the vinyasa style. Other than vinyasa, I love yin yoga & also yoga Nidra. These types of yoga help me to balance stress when living in London. 

Do you have any tips for eating healthily whilst in another country?

I try to stick to a high protein & low carb diet when traveling. But I'm all about balance and trying new things. If you're going to try a local delicacy, just do it in small amounts. 

Have you always been interested in healthy living?

Healthy living has always been at the heart of everything I do. I was brought up with a very strict vegetarian eating habits at home and pretty much nothing came from a packet. I also danced from the age of 5-21 so keeping fit was a priority. My mum is the one to thank for all my good eating habits & introducing me to healthy exercise. I started going to the gym and yoga with her from the age of 15. Things like kale & almond milk were never foreign to me which was a blessing. However, growing up I now appreciate my upbringing so much more. 

Where is your must-see travel destination?

I have so many! I'm up to 38 countries so it's hard to narrow it down. I'll break it down to beach & mountains & monument.

Beach:  This year I visited Kefalonia in Greece which blew my mind. It has beautiful greenery, gorgeous mountains for hiking and some of the most prettiest beaches I've ever seen. And growing up in Australia, I've seen my fair share. 

Mountains:

My favourite mountains are in the south of Germany just two hours outside of Munich. We went hiking for the bank long weekend and the scenery was bliss! It was a beautiful area called Berchtesgaden national park. I will definitely be going back to these two places in the future. 

Monument:
Hands down it would have to be the Taj Mahal in India. I was gobsmacked by the grand majestic-ness of the structure, energy and vibe of this place. Definitely a must-see in your lifetime.

Who, or what, inspires you the most?

On a business level it would have to be Tim Ferris. I read his book The Four Hour work week in 2010 and never looked at the 9-5 job the same again. Read it! It won't let you down. 

On an entrepreneur level - Lisa Messenger is my go-to for inspiration. She is the author & publisher of The CollectiveMagazine. Her book Daring & Disruptive is amazing for entrepreneurs wanting to start their own business. And her other book Life & Love is so inspiring about living a life you love & also finding love and working on it everyday.

On a yoga level, it would have to be Rachel Brathen aka @yoga_girl from Instagram. Her mission to share yoga with the world & build an encouraging and strong supportive community is something I'd like to replicate one day. Living in Aruba, teaching yoga & SUP & traveling the world is a dream! 

Name a favourite healthy meal. 

My go-to healthy meal is grilled Salmon, steamed greens & sweet potatoes. 

Finally, what makes you happiest?

A packed suitcase, passport in hand & about to embark on an adventure with my partner, friends or family. 

To add to that I'm most happiest when I'm appreciated. Whether that be by my marketing clients, my yoga students or just my boyfriend saying thank you for making dinner. It's the little things that make me happy.