Kimberly Fowler is a cancer survivor, an entrepreneur and fitness powerhouse. As the founder of YAS, she's encouraging men and women across the country to rethink their approach to working out and working toward their goals. Kimberly answers our questions on her own success story and hard-earned wellness insights, here.
The fact that I survived actually gives me strength. I know I can make it through whatever obstacle I’m facing.
Q: Many of our LIVESTRONG.COM readers are just starting out on their healthy living journeys (looking for fitness practices and healthy eating habits they can stick to). Can you describe how you got started on your healthy living journey? Were you always fit? How did you discover your passion for yoga and fitness in general?
A: Well, I have to admit I have always been an athlete, in fact I can’t remember ever not doing something “sporty.” My Dad and I took Judo lessons together when I was 3 years old. So I started young. I took up Yoga as part of my rehab from a biking accident in the early eighties. I was actually hit by a car that cut through the race. I took my first teachers training a few months after my first yoga class. I'm a typical “Type A.”
Q: So you aren’t the typical yogi. How did you come to develop your own approach to yoga? What did you adapt from a typical yoga practice and why?
A: When I first opened YAS Fitness Centers back in 2001 I had done traditional yoga. In fact, all my background and training was very traditional. But traditional didn’t work at YAS. I had Yoga & (indoor cycling) -- the (cyclers) didn’t like the yogis and vice versa. So I developed my own style of yoga called Yoga for Athletes®.
I kept most of the basic principles of a typical yoga practice, but I wanted to take away the intimidation factor. My tagline is "No Chanting, No Granola, No Sanskrit." That’s the reason I wrote "The No OM Zone." I have a section on how to get ready for your first yoga class. It includes practical advice like, take off your shoes before you enter the class; set yourself up in the back of the room and what should you wear.
Q: You’re a business woman and entrepreneur – can you tell us more about how you came to found YAS? What makes the business (in your opinion) successful? What challenges did you face creating your own business and how did you overcome those? And what's the scoop on Yoga for Athletes®?
A: I was in the corporate world. I was a lawyer for 18 years, then a COO of a $200 million company. I have always felt I was meant to do “something else.” I had a climbing accident which put me in the hospital on and off for about six months. At that point, I had lost my job and had to decide what that “something else” was. And challenges? What challenges? I could answer all day on that question! I’m the “Queen of Overcoming Obstacles.”
We call Yoga for Athletes® “yoga for people who can’t touch their toes.” And I truly believe there is an athlete in all of us! It’s a challenging class, but not complicated, we actually have “no pretzel zones” at YAS.
Q: As you know, LIVESTRONG.COM helps serve the LIVESTRONG mission which raises awareness and provides support to 28 million cancer survivors worldwide. Can you talk about your own journey with cancer? How did that experience shape your life today and your approach to healthy living? As of today, what are your habits like? Any diet secrets?
A: My journey was rough, but I made it through and actually have a better life then I thought I would. The fact that I survived actually gives me strength. When something happens, I think to myself, “Girl, you have been through worse.” I know I can make it through whatever obstacle I’m facing.
My number one diet secret (not sure if it’s a secret), is “drink water.”And here's how to get yourself to drink enough water. I set out one liter bottles of water (usually two) and I write “Must Drink Today” with the day's date on them. Drinking water helps you on a number of levels. I am also a vitamin nut, I’ve been “taking my vitamins” since I was in high school. I also like to start my day with a protein shake. I’m going to try MyPlate. I could be better at watching what I eat!
Q: You obviously practice yoga and do cardio frequently. Are there other workouts you love to squeeze into your week?
A: I was just on a Prevention Magazine photo shoot, and I kept getting asked, “who’s your trainer?" I walk my talk. I work out at YAS, and I do Yoga & (indoor cycling). I also do yoga with weights a few times a week. I recently developed a new Yoga for Athletes® “Ripped” class.
Q: Do you ever have “off” weeks with your fitness or diet? And, if so, how do you get back on track?
A: Yes, running a business with over 100 employees is stressful! When I get “stressed” I go for sweets -- cookies, muffins, and ice cream-comfort foods. I know it’s bad. Don’t tell anyone. As for working out... I love to work out!
Q: You have a great quote – “I’m not your guru, you are.” Can you speak to that? Your story is certainly a success story. Can you share any insights on what was central to your achievements? An attitude you live by or anything you want to share with our readers who have big, best life goals of their own?
A: That quote applies to everyone -- it’s about empowering yourself. What’s your inner voice telling you? I also love Oprah’s quote “Success is when hard work meets opportunity.” I live by that! When people say something about how successful YAS is, I always say “It’s a lot of work.” Your readers who have achieved big success know the secret - it doesn’t just happen.
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