Natalie McLennan loves to spin. And stand on her head. And sit very, very quietly. And she does all this with a full-throttle drive that leaves most of us in the dust. As a yoga teacher and spinning instructor at the Victoria Park Health Club in Montreal’s Westmount Borough, Natalie McLennan gets her loyal following to sweat, stretch and say Om with grace and enthusiasm. Miel Sisters Camila and Valeria love her energy, motivation and soundtrack, which is why they want to spread the word about this inspiring teacher!
Read about her sources of inspiration and motivation in this interview. A special deal awaits you at the end!
As a person who spends many hours in and around a yoga studio, what role does fashion play in your life?
Yoga requires clothing that moves with you. Style is part of how we express ourselves and a way we communicate nonverbally with others. I choose what I wear based on function, feel and if I like it.
I have a pair of incredible gold sneakers that make me smile every time I wear them. That to me is an example of how fashion can have a beautiful impact on our life experience.
What’s your jam: thong or panty?
Thong!
You teach both yoga and spin classes. Is there a natural progression between the two?
Spin moves energy, churns it up and can light you up, especially when paired with the right music. In my opinion, yoga is very complementary. It is grounding and creates space inside our bodies.
What got you interested in spinning? Is it for everyone?
I became interested in spinning because I was almost too grounded from doing and teaching yoga, virtually all day, every day. Spinning brought a lot of fun into my life. Fun is VERY important!
In this day and age of high-tech undergarments, what are your thoughts on wireless bras?
I love the comfort of wireless bras! I love the feeling of freedom with some shaping and support.
Photo courtesy of Alexandra Cote-Durrer
What is your ideal workout outfit?
High-waist leggings, sports bra and a tank with an open back or cutout sides.
It’s March and I don’t know about you, but the transition from winter to spring is usually murder on my body—sleep, skin, mood… you name it. What yoga positions would you suggest to boost one’s immune system? Would you also suggest meditation?
Taking a few minutes to sit quietly with closed eyes and breathe every day can have a powerful impact on how we are able to handle each moment of our lives. There is so much outside stimuli, connecting to ourselves with meditation is like the best medicine for our wellness.
To boost your immune system, put a blanket down on the floor and lie down on it with your legs up the wall. It’s a restorative pose and great to do before bed.
What is your daily beauty routine?
I shower a few times a day because I teach a lot of sweaty classes. I use coconut oil as moisturizer on my body, Argan oil on my face to keep my skin healthy. I drink litres of water every day.
Photo courtesy of Alexandra Cote-Durrer
Do you have a bucket list? And if so, can you share an item or two with us?
I don’t have a bucket list, maybe I should make one soon!
My focus is on being present for each moment of my life. I try to do something fun every day.
Share one of your guilty pleasures…
I’ll take coconut milk ice cream any day!
Last but not least, is there a particular woman who inspires you? And if so, why?
I am inspired by many of the women in my life: my mother, my sister-in-law, my girlfriends and the women in my classes. They all have strengths and qualities I admire and respect. One quality I love is seeing people set an intention and then seeing it through.
Because we love Natalie so much, we're offering a very special deal to all our customers! Enter code “miel4nat” at checkout and enjoy 15% off all miel items!*
*Offer valid until March 30, 2016.
Read about her sources of inspiration and motivation in this interview. A special deal awaits you at the end!
As a person who spends many hours in and around a yoga studio, what role does fashion play in your life?
Yoga requires clothing that moves with you. Style is part of how we express ourselves and a way we communicate nonverbally with others. I choose what I wear based on function, feel and if I like it.
I have a pair of incredible gold sneakers that make me smile every time I wear them. That to me is an example of how fashion can have a beautiful impact on our life experience.
What’s your jam: thong or panty?
Thong!
You teach both yoga and spin classes. Is there a natural progression between the two?
Spin moves energy, churns it up and can light you up, especially when paired with the right music. In my opinion, yoga is very complementary. It is grounding and creates space inside our bodies.
What got you interested in spinning? Is it for everyone?
I became interested in spinning because I was almost too grounded from doing and teaching yoga, virtually all day, every day. Spinning brought a lot of fun into my life. Fun is VERY important!
In this day and age of high-tech undergarments, what are your thoughts on wireless bras?
I love the comfort of wireless bras! I love the feeling of freedom with some shaping and support.
Photo courtesy of Alexandra Cote-DurrerWhat is your ideal workout outfit?
High-waist leggings, sports bra and a tank with an open back or cutout sides.
It’s March and I don’t know about you, but the transition from winter to spring is usually murder on my body—sleep, skin, mood… you name it. What yoga positions would you suggest to boost one’s immune system? Would you also suggest meditation?
Taking a few minutes to sit quietly with closed eyes and breathe every day can have a powerful impact on how we are able to handle each moment of our lives. There is so much outside stimuli, connecting to ourselves with meditation is like the best medicine for our wellness.
To boost your immune system, put a blanket down on the floor and lie down on it with your legs up the wall. It’s a restorative pose and great to do before bed.
What is your daily beauty routine? I shower a few times a day because I teach a lot of sweaty classes. I use coconut oil as moisturizer on my body, Argan oil on my face to keep my skin healthy. I drink litres of water every day.
Photo courtesy of Alexandra Cote-DurrerDo you have a bucket list? And if so, can you share an item or two with us?
I don’t have a bucket list, maybe I should make one soon!
My focus is on being present for each moment of my life. I try to do something fun every day.
Share one of your guilty pleasures…
I’ll take coconut milk ice cream any day!
Last but not least, is there a particular woman who inspires you? And if so, why?
I am inspired by many of the women in my life: my mother, my sister-in-law, my girlfriends and the women in my classes. They all have strengths and qualities I admire and respect. One quality I love is seeing people set an intention and then seeing it through.
Get Inspired with miel!
Because we love Natalie so much, we're offering a very special deal to all our customers! Enter code “miel4nat” at checkout and enjoy 15% off all miel items!*
*Offer valid until March 30, 2016.
