Get to know Kim, A Yoga Instructor at Rivercity Pilates (and Physical Therapist)

Tell us about yourself / your family.  I live in North Liberty with my husband, Chad, and our 3 kids, Isaac (9), Isabel (7), and Cole (3).  I work as a physical therapist in Coralville, at an outpatient orthopedic clinic.  We spend our days running between various kids’ activities or being outdoors. 

Describe yourself in 5 words.  Compassionate, energetic, inquisitive, dedicated, upbeat/positive

Tell us about your first Yoga experience.   When/Why did you start practicing Yoga?   My very first experience with yoga was with prenatal yoga.  I loved it but found the meditation and ending savasana very challenging for my Type A, busy mind.  I picked it up again seriously about 2 years ago and now meditation is my favorite part!  I’ve started listening to guided meditations with my kids at bedtime and they love it!  It’s a great way to end our days and connect with my kids in a relaxing and meaningful way.  

Favorite food / or favorite restaurant  There aren’t many foods that I dislike and I love trying new local restaurants but my favorite might be date nights with my husband, sharing maki rolls at local Japanese restaurants. 

If money were no object, what would you do all day?  Spend time outdoors by exploring local trails, travel to fun vacation spots and various National Parks, volunteer at my kids’ school, and cheer them on at their activities. And maybe a nap…

Why did you become a Yoga teacher?   I initially started my Yoga Teacher Training as a way to deepen my own yoga practice and  explore the idea of  holistic and mind/body approaches to wellness within my physical therapy practice.  I love participating in a challenging yoga practice followed by a calming meditation…the perfect combination!

Describe why you love Yoga in three words.    Movement, strength, calm

Would you rather hike or bike?  Hike, preferably to a waterfall…I love waterfalls!

If you could live anywhere in the world — where would you want to live?  Right here with my family, doing what we do…maybe with a vacation house in Colorado or Hawaii.

What are your favorite ways to incorporate movement into your life in addition to Yoga? Movement, of course, is the keystone of my professional life and I’m always looking for new continuing education classes to keep learning!  I also love high intensity workouts and am continually analyzing my own form and movement patterns.  When I am tight or sore, I like trying to find just the right stretch to work out my aching muscles. My daughter participates in gymnastics and I could watch this all day long…I’m amazed at the physical strength and coordination of all the talented gymnasts. 

Who would you want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island?  My husband.  And maybe a really smart Navy Seal or Boy Scout that would know how to help us survive and get us off the island. 

If you won an amazing prize, and the choice was either take an incredible vacation or get the dollar value in cash — which would you pick?  Dollar value in cash.  With 3 young kids in childcare, I’d have to make the practical choice.

Would you rather enjoy a houseboat or a speed boat?  Tough call, they both sound fabulous for different reasons!  

Do you have a guilty pleasure?    Something that is generally looked upon as wrong — but you keep doing it? Chocolate and naps…I do love a good afternoon nap!

If you could live in a book, TV Show or Movie – what would it be? Probably Friends…I’m on the shy side and I rely on my few really close friends to laugh at everyday situations with and I know I can always count on them.  I like feel-good shows where no matter what happens, they’ve got each others’ backs.  Or the show Psych because it’s just plain goofy and fun.

What animal best represents you and why?  Once when I was in college, my friends and I played this game and we picked animals for each other.  I was paired with a chocolate lab puppy.  :)  Not sure their reasoning, but I’ll take it! 

Do you have a pet peeve?  Incorrect grammar! The word Your does not equal you’re, as in you are.  Similarly, someone does not loose their phone, they lose it.