Blue Lotus Wellness

03/06/2023

Hi! I'm Stephanie, owner/operator of Blue Lotus Wellness. I always do intro posts, and then all but disappear. I'm going to try not to do that this time!

A bit about me + my work:
I'm a mother of three - officially out of the baby & toddler phase of life, and into the medium/big kid phase of life.
Teen mom & high school dropout turned college grad 🎓 and successful business owner, so that's cool.
I love to read fiction & non-fiction. I love to write. I love to sing. 🎶
I enjoy learning all the things - which is helpful because in my field (health, wellness, fitness, exercise science) things seem to always be evolving and changing as new things are being discovered all the time. So, there's a lot more to learn all the time! 📚🤓
I used to really want to be a midwife, and got my start as a business owner in birth doula work, then added in postpartum doula work, and eventually a birth assistant position at a local birth center. Eventually coming to the conclusion that a lifetime of on-call work is maybe not for me, but knowing that I wanted to remain a part of the birth and postpartum world.
All the while, I was going to school pursuing a degree in the subject of exercise science.
I gained my yoga teaching certification, then my group fitness certification, and then trained to teach both pre & postnatal yoga, as well. 🧘🏽
I've continued to gather certifications, and probably always will be trying to add something new to the mix. A certification collector, if you will.
I am certified in FMS, a functional movement screening system to assess how well a person moves through some fundamental movements and helps me to see how I can better help them in my training/movement efforts.
I am a CPT (certified personal trainer) through ACSM. 🏋🏽‍♀️
And I currently hold two separate coaching certifications - one specialized in working with pre & postnatal folks (GGS-CPPC), and one for helping others to achieve overall health and wellness (ACE health & wellness coach).

I really love everything about what I do. I love feeling strong, mobile, and capable - and I want to help others (especially women & pre/postnatal people) find a love of feeling these things, too.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎

04/29/2021

A new 5-star review from a newer, and awesome, client I've been working with!
And I've still got some room in my schedule 😉 even if you're not sure, I'm always happy to chat and answer questions!

02/25/2021

📸: Born Birth Photos & Film

I've been thinking a lot about the issues surrounding & within my field - health/fitness/wellness.
Diet culture. Body negativity. Societies rules about how we should look. People who don't really know what they're talking about creating a platform, and people actually taking their (sometimes incorrect) advice.

With all the noise, I want to be really, ultra clear about what type of trainer + coach I am.

I am here for you.
I'm here to help clear and sift through the noise and bad advice.
I'm here to help guide you toward the right questions.

I believe there is no one right way to eat for every person, every body, every culture, etc. But I'm here to help you find what feels good to you. Meaning, we find what food helps you get the nutrients you need + feel energetic, while also giving you the space to not have to count and measure things all the time (because it's not very sustainable + leads to unhealthy thoughts and patterns) and doesn't ask you to cut cultural foods & foods you enjoy.

I'm not the trainer for elite athletes and body competition folks. I know that.
I'm the trainer for regular folks who want to gain a greater connection to their body. Build more function into their day-to-day lives and activities + gain/maintain mobility (hopefully preventing future pain, and maybe helping with current pain - if I work in conjunction with a physical therapist or other pro who deals with pain). Build more strength. Support their cardiovascular, respiratory health, immune health. And find joy in their bodies and movement.

We will celebrate alll the wins - every little bit of progress! I'll guide you toward building healthy eating into your life in a natural & healthy way. I'll never suggest a specific diet. I'll never give you or suggest a bs detox drink - in case you didn't know, they don't work! I'll work WITH you to create a plan that feels good to you and incorporates the types of movement you enjoy. And I'll help you to build healthy habits and routines into your life to make sustainable & lasting lifestyle changes so you can make health, fitness, movement, and wellness a natural part of your life + identity that you can maintain well after our time together.

02/22/2021

Smoothie prep for a family I'm working with as a postpartum doula 🌱 Got to hang out with a little friend rocking in a bouncer today, while I prepped these + a few more bags to put into the freezer for parents to have a quick & easy, nutrient dense meal or snack later!

02/20/2021

This is my actual morning ritual. It looks a little bit different depending on how much time I have, but the more time & attention I can give to moving through it & doing so mindfully, the better I feel as I move through my day.
Is my morning ritual going to work for everyone? Absolutely not. I've trial and errored a lot to land on this - over time, piece by piece - and have been able to build it into a really strong and regular ritual/routine. I prefer the word ritual because it feels more fitting. I feel a little bit like I'm wrapping myself up in a cozy, self-loving blanket every morning as I go through this - cheesy as that may sound.
I'm sure there was a time I would have looked at this and scoffed at the sheer length. Who has the time? But I truly feel like I gain time - previously wasted on indecision and random nonsense thoughts, scrolling, negativity, etc. Starting with more calm and intention (plus doing some of my planning for the next day in my nighttime ritual/routine the night before) gives me more structure, and loads more stability and grounding. Which gives me more time and overall good feelings.

Here's the breakdown:

☀ I make tea first, that way it can steep and cool while I move through other things. I typically start sipping a few steps into this routine.

☀️ Next, I start my dental/oral hygiene routine.
- scrape tongue
- oil pull with sesame oil for 5 minutes
- floss
- brush teeth while listening to affirmations (affirmations are also a newer, and lovely, addition)

☀️ Face routine includes...
- oil cleanse (also sesame oil)
- rinse with water & dry
- apply toner, then eye cream, then moisturizer + facial oil (currently I've been using a little more sesame oil & rose oil)
There's always a natural, audible sigh during the final step, moisturizer + oils. It's probably my favorite part.

☀️ Then I meditate, typically for 5-20 minutes. Sometimes more, sometimes a little less.

☀️ And mooove! Stretching or yoga are typically my go-to choice as I haven't yet eaten anything yet at this point.

☀️ Then, coffee and breakfy! Usually while I read an article, book, or work on a training or straight up work.

Then, I move into my day feeling full! ❤️

02/19/2021

I realized I haven't been very vocal here about what I have been doing - so, I'm here to bring some clarity today!

I *am* currently accepting new clients!

I am offering personal training out of a private studio gym in Millcreek, where there is NO open gym time available, and just a couple of trainers besides myself bringing our personal clients in and out.
We clean up after each session, and the whole gym is cleaned multiple times throughout the week in order to keep everyone safe!
That said, I am *also* offering virtual sessions for those who prefer that option.
I offer private yoga sessions, for pre/postnatal or anyone else with a uterus, and small group yoga classes - provided there is a large enough space available for the size of the class while considering appropriate distancing.
In addition to training, I have been and am still offering prenatal/postnatal health coaching, as well. (And soon I will be offering coaching on a wider scale than pre/postnatal, so watch for that!)

I recently switched gears a bit and have chosen to focus more on my personal training and coaching offerings - but I am still working regularly as a postpartum doula, and taking the occasional birth doula client.

If you would like to work together for training, yoga, and/or coaching, please reach out! I'm happy to chat and answer any questions you may have.

And, just as a reminder of my qualifications 👇🏼

I am...
- Fitness Technician AAS graduate
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
- American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- 200 hr. Certified and YA Registered Yoga Instructor + with training in private sessions, prenatal yoga, and postnatal yoga
- Certified Pre- & Postnatal Coach (CPPC) through GGS/Girls Gone Strong
- Functional Movement Screen/FMS Level 1 Certified

01/29/2021

Love love love my clients, and witnessing them show up for themselves!
We are so much more likely to exercise when it feels good + enjoyable, rather than when it feels like we're punishing ourselves or beating ourselves up.
I always seek to make exercise and wellness sustainable by mixing in some laughs + fun WITH science and evidence-backed training and health principles. 💪🏽🧘🏽🏋🏽‍♀️

11/09/2020

09/17/2020

Figs + chia pudding, two of my favorite things! 😋 Sweetened only with dates and banana.
Coming into day three of a little two-week autumn cleanse I'm doing.
I started doing these last fall, with the changing of the seasons. I love a way to mark the change of seasons and really be an active participant in the transition. Plus, it gets me more excited for the good things that come with each season. The different weather and temperature, the different foods, the different activities. My deep interest in Ayurveda gave me the inspiration to start doing these seasonal cleanses, and it also really influences the way I approach each season as I try to find and/or maintain balance.
The cleanses are always a little different - right now, I'm eating 100% vegan, with no grains (but lots of fruit), no added sugar (not even Stevia), no peanuts, and minimal soy (so far none, and trying to keep it there!). What I am eating is lots and lots of vegetables, all the fruit, beans and lentils, nuts, nut butters and seeds. I'm drinking water, coffee, tea, and coconut water. And I'm trying to keep things as seasonal as possible - with some summer things, shifting into some fall foods.
While, as per usual, I'm not at all prepared for the cold of winter - I am feeling the deep fondness I maintain for autumn. 🍂
Anyone else have things they like do as the seasons change? If so, I'd love to hear them!

09/10/2020

Photo by the lovely .

Okay, friends.
In case you haven't noticed, I am working on being more present in this space.
This year has been a lot for me to take in (and honestly, so was last year), and I've needed some time to just be. And, as an introvert, that's meant a lot of time to just sit with myself. Get quiet. Do things for the simple enjoyment of doing them.
But, as someone who would like to work solely and successfully in my field (fields), I am hoping to build my business into a sustainable one that truly supports my family.
For a long time, I've felt really lost on how to do this. I've tried and felt like I've failed multiple times. But, the time I've taken this year has given me space to reflect and consider what things have worked, what things I might like to do differently, how I'd like to show up, and what things are important to me that I would like to keep at the forefront as I move forward in my work.
Am I scared? Yes, a bit. Consistency has always been a struggle for me, and I'm sure there will be hiccups. But, I hope you'll hang around and offer support in the ways you can - simple things like likes, comments, sharing posts. Or bigger things, like working with me and seeing what I can do for you to support you in your health and wellness.
Either way, thanks for being here! ❤️

09/08/2020

Some sweet thoughts from a wonderful training client I've had the pleasure of working with since last summer. ❤️

09/08/2020

Golden mylk latte for this cold, windy day. Turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon, ground ginger, some pumpkin spice, ghee & a little maple syrup, all brought together in oat milk. 👌🏽
I love turmeric and take it daily for its many benefits - including anti-inflammatory properties that are good for the body & brain, improved digestion, and even assisting in liver detoxification + more.

09/08/2020

This year has been... something.
I've been fairly quiet here, but all the while I've been quietly working, studying, and seeking out opportunities that align with me, my values, and my purpose - which, when it comes to personal training and yoga instruction is to help guide my clients toward greater vitality, function, and trust in their bodies and capabilities.

Recently, I came upon an opportunity to begin working in a private gym with a small group of other trainers.
This is a space where you can feel safe - the only people in and out of this gym are us, the trainers, and our clients. We are cleaning up, sanitizing and wiping things down after every session.
As I begin to ease back into offering regular, in-person sessions (which I'm SO excited about) I am opening up space for five people who want to start training THIS month! AND, the first three to sign up will get their first session free! 🎉
Additionally, as I'm starting at a new place + re-building clientele, I am offering 1/2 hour sessions for $25 and 1 hour sessions for $40 - truly a steal and not prices I plan to keep for too long.

I am STOKED and I hope you are, too!

06/05/2020

Diving into the first of many books I plan to read on the subject of race as we move through the second half of 2020.
This one is centered around reproductive health, and has been on my list for a while due to my work with pregnant, birthing, and postpartum humans.
Glad to finally have it in hand and get into it.
Anyone want to read it with me? Get yourself a copy and let me know!

06/04/2020

Repost from .

Right now, there are more resources than ever before on racial injustices, systemic racism, white supremacy and SO much more. There is no justifiable reason to remain ignorant.

Change and true growth can be incredibly uncomfortable, but they're necessary.