Author

Taylor Walker

Taylor Walker

I may be bubbly, but I’m all business. My years of dance training led to a professional career as a dancer in the NBA and performer for major artists like Taylor Swift and Pitbull. During that time, I acquired a Master’s Degree in K-12 Physical Education and found a fierce passion for teaching! I was inspired to start my blog taylorwalkerfit.com and acquired certifications in personal training, Barre, Pre/Postnatal Corrective Exercise and Nutrition. Becoming a mom and working my way back to my true self with the help of Barry’s has given me a fresh perspective and a whole new respect for my body! Mama’s YES YOU CAN and I will help you get there! I chose fitness because movement has been the cornerstone of my life for as long as I can remember.

Taylor Walker|Taylor Walker|Taylor Walker
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People

Heavy and Heartbroken, Yet Hopeful: My Journey as a Biracial Woman

Picture this; an 11 year-old-biracial girl dates a white boy for 9-months in middle school. She sees nothing wrong with it because her mommy is white and her daddy is black and they teach love, acceptance, and appreciation for all cultures. When he abruptly breaks up with her, she does what any middle school child in 1997 would do; she has her BFF call him while she waits anxiously on the other phone. When the words, “I don’t want black children ring in her ears," her life is forever changed. The blood rushes from her body, and she begins to question everything she has ever known. If you are wondering, that her, is me.

Taylor Walker

The me today is a biracial mother who runs a successful wellness blog and trains clients from all different ages, races and backgrounds. The me today, get’s to waitlist Barry’s classes and inspire people to be their best and most confident selves. The me today is proud, powerful, and comfortable in her brown skin, but the me today also carries hurt. Deep wounds that re-open with every Black Death being filmed, with news stories of a woman in Central Park using her white privilege and scare tactics in an attempt to ruin a black man’s existence. The wounds re-open when I see the people of color that make up my world hurting, sad, and crying out in pain. What starts as a trickling stream of hurt, turns into a river and that river becomes an ocean; an ocean of hurt that people of color in America have been enduring for hundreds of years.

If you are a person of color in America, you live a different life.

I myself understand that I experience a level of privilege as a biracial woman. My brothers have been called racial slurs and have been stopped and frisked on multiple occasions without probable cause and without any regard for who they really were/are: fathers, successful businessmen, and All-American Athletes.

How? How is the one word on repeat in my mind right now? How is this real life? How are black men and women still losing lives by police brutality? How are we still living in a time where we are constantly judged by our skin color and not by the content of our character? It is all so dark, but within that darkness there is light. What I am witnessing in my feed, in my DM’s and through the constant barrage of texts and calls is that for many Americans, regardless of their skin color, enough is finally enough! What we are seeing play out before us is decades of hurt and anger and cries for change. Although the world feels so broken right now, we are witnessing something many of us have never seen before in our lifetime. Solidarity and support for the black community. Black, white, yellow, or brown, we are all trying to navigate this pain as a community, understand our part and working to find our voices in the process.

Taylor Walker

So friends, if you want to see the change, you must be the change. Even if you are not fighting this fight on the front lines of protests, I urge you to start to build your bridges. Ask your friends and co-workers of color how to be allies. Inquire, read, show up, and make your black counterparts feel equal, seen, and know that every gesture counts. If you take my class or follow me on social - @taylorwalkerfit, let’s have the tough conversations. I always hope to make my clients feel and experience things they never thought possible. As a trainer and woman of color in the most colorful city in the world, my wish is to help you build the strength to be the change.

Friends, I don’t have all the answers, but I do have HOPE. I recently watched a sermon from Miami Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. He spoke of HOPE. He said hope stands for: HOLD ON, PAIN ENDS. So friends, I am holding on, and I am asking you to keep holding on until the pain ends and the wounds heal for all Americans. Keep showing up for the people of color in your life, keep reaching out, look each other in eye, and above all else … choose LOVE.

Fitness professional Taylor Walker shares her journey as a biracial woman in America.

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Inner Balance Studio

Inner Balance Miami Offering Yoga and Pilates Teacher Training

Are you an avid Yogi or Pilates master? Ever thought of teaching, but not really sure how to go about it? Well you are in luck! Inner Balance Studio in North Miami Beach is hosting two teacher trainings this year. Pilates Mat and Yoga Teacher Training.During the 200 hour Yoga Training Program you will learn to teach mindful, alignment-based Yoga. You will be led on this journey by renowned and beloved teachers Diana Dalton and Adriana Gutierrez as well as additional instruction from Inner Balance Studio - Iana Malcolm, Kayla Rodenhiser and owner Nell Amos.Inner Balance Studio is a registered Yoga School through Yoga Alliance and the program will strictly adhere to their guidelines. All trainees who successfully complete the Inner Balance Training Program will be recognized through Yoga Alliance as a 200 hour Yoga Teacher.The Inner Balance teacher training will prepare you to teach REAL people with REAL bodies and will give you the skills to do so with confidence.Students will benefit from workshops in Meditation, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra and Yin Yoga.Inner Balance will hold an open house on Sunday, December 10th from 1:30-2:30 P.M. Come on down to get a breakdown of the 200 hour TT and get any questions you have answered.The Commitment:

  • $2800 or $2600 if paid in full by Jan. 16
  • Feb 16-May 6
  • 10 Weekends (3/23-3/30-4/1 off)
  • Fridays: 5:30-8:30 P.M.
  • Saturday: 1-7 P.M.
  • Sunday: 10:45 A.M.-6:45 P.M.

Pilates Teacher TrainingOwner Nell Amos and Claudia Rionda will teach the Pilates Teacher Training. For most students wanting to pursue a career as a Pilates instructor, learning the foundation of the Pilates method through matwork is the logical first step. The Inner Balance Mat Training Course provides an in-depth education, delivering beginner through advanced exercises in one course.The Commitment:

  • $899
  • Jan 26-28 and Feb 2-4
  • Fridays 5-8 P.M.
  • Saturday/Sunday 1-6 P.M.

Prerequisite: Must have taken a minimum of 10 hours of mat classes in the past 3 months.Both trainings will catapult your career in the health and wellness space. You will learn all the tools necessary to be a successful instructor in the field. Your teachers have been practicing instructors for decades and have a wealth of knowledge to share. For an additional $100 off enter the code STAYFIT305TT upon checkout if signed up by January 16, 2018.

Are you an avid Yogi or Pilates master? Ever thought of teaching, but not really sure how to go about it? Well you are in luck! Inner Balance Studio in North Miami Beach is hosting two teacher trainings this year. Pilates Mat and Yoga Teacher Training.

Inner Balance Studio Miami|Inner Balance Studio Miami|

Inner Balance Studio Miami is Your One Stop Shop For All Things Fitness

Inner Balance Studio Miami is a boutique barre, yoga and Pilates studio centrally located on Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami. The pristine space is inclusive of all levels and offers a sense of community and warmth that is often times missing from big brand fitness. Because of the intimacy of the studio you never have to worry about over crowding as classes are capped at sixteen members, which ensures one-on-one attention from instructors and ample space to move. If barre, mat Pilates or yoga are not your thing, there is also opportunity for small semi-private HIIT training classes four times per week as well as semi-private reformer Pilates classes for up to three members.There are two main spaces at Inner Balance, where classes and services are offered. The Mind Body Room is a spacious and inviting area where all of the group classes are held. There is a Pilates room for private and small group training on a variety of state of the art Balanced Body equipment as well as a variety of massage offerings. Inner Balance also hosts weekend workshops of wellness topics, such as: Breaking Down the Barre, Healing Back Pain and Intro to Meditation. Inner Balance is your one stop shop for all things fitness. They have a front of house ‘athleisure’ boutique housing your top-of-line brands such as Onzie, Alo Yoga, PRISMSPORT and more!

Inner Balance Studio Miami

If you are interested in taking a class at Inner Balance the studio offers a $49 New Student Introductory rate where you can try unlimited classes for up to 30-days. The intro offer is the perfect place to start because it allows you to get to know all of the different types of classes as well as all of the different instructors. You can familiarize yourself with the studio and determine if it is the right place for you. There is no contractual obligation after the 30-days are over; however, there will be ample packages available for you, and yes, if you have ClassPass you can also take class up to three times per month.“I created Inner Balance almost 6 years ago,” says owner Nell Amos. “I designed the studio to be a place where I would want to go to if I was a client. I used myself as my target market and I continue to do so to this day. I only incorporate elements, programs, teachers etc. that feel right to me and embody the vibe and culture of the studio...I listen to my gut and it usually doesn't steer me in the wrong direction! I love the sense of community that we have at Inner Balance...its my second home and I think a lot of clients feel the same way.”

Inner Balance Studio Miami

Nell has created a home away from home for many clients and provides opportunities for the Miami Fitness Community to further their careers. Inner Balance is hosting both a Mat Pilates certifications and 200 hour Yoga training this fall. If you are interested in the certification classes, workshops or schedule make sure to head over to www.InnerbalanceMindBody.com for more.

Inner Balance Studio Miami is a boutique barre, yoga and Pilates studio centrally located on Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami.

6 Surprising Health and Beauty Uses For Coconut Oil

“I got 99 problems, but coconut oil ain’t one." I have been seeing this quote everywhere lately, and it is so true! Coconut oil is my go-to for all things health, wellness and beauty for the past few years. I use it as a conditioner, body lotion and consume at least a tablespoon a day through cooking or coffee. Yup, coffee!The health benefits of our tropical friend are almost endless. Coconuts can be burned and ground to make activated charcoal, pressed for oil or added to your oatmeal for a lightly-sweet crunch. The coconut can be your best friend in beauty, and I am here today to share with you how we use it in the TWF household!Not all coconut oil is created equal. While shopping you are best to buy organic, unrefined or naturally refined coconut oil. I love this one and this one. I also like to buy in bulk from costco. Do your homework, and you will reap the benefits ten fold.https://www.youtube.com/embed/vhOCRNijk2sThe health benefits of coconut oil are:

1). Coconut oil is made up of MCFA’s or medium-chain-fatty acids. These acids only have to go through a 3-step process to be used as fuel and can readily be used as an energy source. Other fats have to go through a 26-step process to be used as fuel which means coconut oil can be used to power the body almost 9 times faster!

2). Coconut oil is a proven natural treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease.

3). It can help give your immune system a boost! Coconut oil is antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal and can help regulate the bad bacteria found in the powerhouse of your body (your gut).

4). Can help improve basic skin issues like: eczema, psoriasis, dandruff and burns.

5). It can aid in the weightless process due to it’s ability to decrease appetite and burn fat! Especially in the belly.

6). I could go on and on! The benefits of coconut oil are seemingly endless, and if these aren’t enough of a reason to start to incorporate coconut oil into your diet and lifestyle then just try to google and read the countless articles and medical journals out there!

As always, a special thank you to my friend Marianna of Catarcione productions for this beautiful video!

Coconut oil is my go-to for all things health, wellness and beauty for the past few years.

Restless Soul

Restless Soul: The Athleisure Boutique That Will Change Your Life

Miami has been so good to me over the years (even though I cried almost every day for a year when I first moved here). Fitness finally gave me an outlet, and a community that unfolded all around me. I have my “Healthy Miami” (post coming soon). You know, my favorite places to eat, my favorite places to shop (Restless Soul) and my fav hot spots to sweat!Today, we are all about the clothes! New York may have Bandier and Sweaty Betty, but Miami has the Restless Soul in Aventura and coming soon to South Miami. Check out today’s video for some fit-fashion inspiration from the Restless Soul.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp2kHjGLLHwBrands RESTLESS SOUL Carries: PRISMSPORT, ALALA, KORAL, SPLITS 59, CHRLDR, VARLEY, BLANC NOIR, PHEEL STYLE, SOL & SELENE, ONZIE, ALO AND SO MUCH MORE!I would give anything to have every item of theirs in my closet to wear from class, to castings and beyond. The Restless Soul offers everything from fitness basics to lounge wear, and top of the line athleisure wear.If you find yourself in Aventura, make sure to stop by or check out their Facebook and Instagram today.

The Restless Soul offers everything from fitness basics to lounge wear, and top of the line athleisure wear.

5 Reasons To Wake Up And Stretch|5 Reasons To Wake Up And Stretch|5 Reasons To Wake Up And Stretch

5 Reasons To Wake Up And Stretch

Recovery days are so important to allow the body to properly repair itself. If you keep breaking your muscles down with intense exercise without proper recovery, the chances of injury and muscular imbalances becomes much higher. If you have time for any form of fitness in your day, it should be stretching. As Americans we spend more time crouching down to look at our phone and computer screens than we do being physically active. So here are 5 reasons to wake up and stretch.

  1. Decreases muscle stiffness and increases range of motion

Basically you are giving your hips, knees, shoulders and ankles a longer shelf life.

  1. Reduced Risk of Injury

Think of your muscles like a piece of chewing gum; the more you massage it the more flexible it becomes. If you really work on your flexibility, you also decrease your risk of injury during explosive or more dynamic forms of exercise. If your favorite type of exercise is playing a sport, flexibility is key to engaging without injury.

5 Reasons To Wake Up And Stretch
  1. Improves Posture

The time spent on our phones, laptops, etc., increases the strain in our neck and upper back or thoracic spine. Your grandma told you to practice good posture, and she is right! Try getting into a crab position right now by laying on your back, knees up, feet planted hip-distance apart, hands planted with fingers turned back at 6 0’clock. Lift your hips up, press through the heels of your hands, open the chest and release the head back and say Ahhhhhh. Hold for about 10 seconds and lower. Repeat about 5 times for some serious chest, hip and shoulder opening.

  1. Decreases Stress and Tension in the body

Plain and simple; a well stretched body holds less tension thus making you feel less stressed and more relaxed. Get into the habit of stretching fist thing in the morning and right before bed.

5 Reasons To Wake Up And Stretch
  1. Decreases Risk of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is probably the most common type of pain in anyone 30+, am I right? By increasing flexibility in the major muscle groups of the legs (quadriceps, hip flexors, hamstrings and glutes) that are attached to the lumbo-pelvic region (low back/pelvis) helps to relieve stress on lower back.*** Bonus: Increased flexibility makes sexy time more fun If the above five reasons weren’t enough then this one should be! Enjoy the increased blood flow to your nether region and you and your partner may be able to master parts of the Kama Sutra you never thought possible.

If you have time for any form of fitness in your day, it should be stretching. Recovery days are so important to allow the body to properly repair itself.

Grow2Heal||Grow2Heal|Grow2Heal|

Grow2Heal Community Garden at Homestead Hospital-Baptist Health South Florida

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." No truer words have ever been spoken by Hyppocrates. Food can be medicine, food can be memories and unfortunately, food can also be detrimental to your health. If I tell you that every morsel I put into my body was organic, whole and nutrient rich, that would be a lie. The chicken pot pie in my belly right now would tell you otherwise; however, what I have created in my household is strong sense of responsibility for what we consume, where we shop and how we prepare it. It takes effort and energy, but knowledge is power, and learning how to create dishes with seasonal ingredients and getting your children in the kitchen will spark an important dialogue missing from most American households.

Grow2Heal

Last week I had the honor of spending the day with Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF) Homestead Hospital’s Grow2Heal Community Garden. Thi Squire, the manager and driving force behind the garden, was our hostess for the day. Her passion for education was palpable. As the healthcare landscape is dramatically changing, so is Baptist Health South Florida. BHSF continually strives to shift their focus, and innovate! Today, their main priority is to keep patients out of their hospital beds, and offer the community a tangible resource for success.

Grow2Heal

The Grow2Heal Community Garden focuses on community and patients to help them make more nutritious choices through whole, fresh produce that is grown on site. Thi drives her message home with passionate discussion on the preventative, healing and medicinal properties of many of the crops she grows on site, including cancer-fighting powerhouses: turmeric and soursop, both of which are used by the hospital for patients. In fact, all of the produce is used by the hospital to provide nutrient dense meals and enhance the ‘Grow Your Lunch’ fieldtrip program.

Grow2Heal

Last year, Thi hosted over 500 students to encourage healthy eating habits. During their trip to the garden children will get their hands dirty. They will plant seeds, harvest fruits and vegetables, and cook their own lunch under Thi’s guidance. This is farm-to-table dining at its finest. Patients of Homestead hospital also have the opportunity to enjoy freshly grown Sunflowers in their rooms. Sunflowers have been my absolute favorite flower since I was a teenager. They always bring a smile to my face, and I have no doubt they a patients stay a bit brighter too!

Grow2Heal

At the end of the day, proper nutrition can help manage or prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart failure. The key is to start the children young. The Grow2Heal Community Garden is only a little over a year old, and are always looking for community partners. If you are interested in the garden feel free to reach out for fieldtrip, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, email HHGrow2Heal@baptisthealth.net.The Grow2Heal Community Garden has left a lasting imprint on my heart! Stay tuned for more of Thi’s tips and a recipe straight from our day at the Grow2Heal Community Garden, and make sure to head over to Baptist Health South Florida’s website to read tons of great articles on everything from nutrition to community outreach and medical research.

The Grow2Heal Community Garden focuses on community and patients to help them make more nutritious choices through whole, fresh produce that is grown on site.

Taylor Walker

5 Things I Missed About the Miami Fitness Community

Over the past five years, my husband and I have moved from New York to Portland to Miami and most recently, the Bay Area. I have had many different adventures in the fitness space and actually spent my longest haul in Miami. Miami is the place I was able to establish myself as a trainer, acquire certifications and build strength and confidence at my local gym in Aventura. It took a bit of time, but the Miami Fit community became home to me and I was so sad to leave everything it has to offer behind.

When you live in a new place, it takes time to acclimate, to make friends, find your way and truly begin to make a life for yourself. As we are about to make our sixth move, back to Miami in a few weeks, I began to bubble up with excitement and joy of rejoining a community I know and love so much. When you live in the same place for a long time, you have the tendency to focus on the negative aspects of your surroundings (HELLO I-95 & Crippling Heat), but when you leave a place like Miami, it’s like a break-up; you only remember the good. And, there is SO MUCH GOOD.

Here is a list of the TOP five things I missed about the Miami fitness community.

Atmosphere: Miami is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, hotels, and parks in the world. I miss getting up on a Saturday and working out on the Beach or with STAY FIT 305 or Beat The Gym in a park while the summer rain pours down. I miss running through South Pointe Park and then diving into the ocean before returning home sandy, dewy, and tan. Miami is truly a paradise that fuels your need to sweat.

RELATED 5 Reasons To Wake Up And Stretch

Post-workout Fuel: I miss Juice Bars like Miami Squeeze or Under The Mango Tree. It seemed like a healthy and delicious space was on every corner. It helped to make takeout a happy/healthy experience.

Inclusiveness: Coming from New York, I was always floored at how fitness brands in Miami are so inclusive. Everyone gets together, sweats together, and allows a seat at the table. In 2015, things began to shift. Big fitness brands like Soul Cycle were moving in and it was such a blast to be able to bounce around and take other instructors classes all over town.

Events: STAY FIT 305 events at the Eden Roc, Carillon, and Loews were always otherworldly experiences. To be able to sweat in a space where the atmosphere takes your breath away is something I missed tremendously!

Athleisure Boutiques: The athleisure boutique is my happy place. I miss perusing Restless Soul Shop or Flying Lizard Boutique. I probably spent most of my money on leggings, but it was well worth it! I still wear most of my purchases five years later.

RELATED Restless Soul: The Athleisure Boutique That Will Change Your Life

Miami, you are beautiful, colorful and I cannot wait to come home! Stay safe Miami.

After a few years in San Francisco, fitness influencer Taylor Walker is moving back to Miami. Walker shares five things she missed about the Miami fitness community.