EMBODY Wellness caught up with Lawson Harris, founder of The Lab (labfitnyc.com) in Brooklyn, NY to find out how this fitness innovator embodies wellness. Lawson, 30 year Pilates veteran, formed The Lab in 2001. She is also the creator of the Lab’s teacher training and continuing educational courses, The Lab Pilates Machine and Mat certification, which are nationally recognized by the Pilates Method Alliance. Lawson is an fitness expert for the George Foreman Grill and co- host of the web show “Knock Out the Fat.” She is also the creator and star of the “Pilates Everyday Training” DVD. She is certified as a Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Johnny G Spinning Instructor, and Shiatsu Practitioner. Lawson lives in Brooklyn New York.
Read on to learn more about Lawson’s lifestyle tips and tricks!
What is one way you EMBODY Wellness daily?
I try to take care of myself during the most crucial time of the day, first thing in the morning. I wake up at a time that ensures I have an hour and a half before my first appointment. During this time I take a hot shower, eat a healthy breakfast, walk my dog and spend some time communing with my significant other. This makes me feel whole and grounded.
What is in your fridge or pantry that helps you EMBODY Wellness? That makes you feel your best?
I’m a blueberry fanatic- I go thru about 4 pint containers of blueberries a week. I eat them for breakfast in my oatmeal, I put them in salads, cook with them. I even have a really strange habit of waking in the night and eating a handful in my half-sleep. Consequently I suffer no guilty conscience for bad binging and my skin is super healthy!
What are your go-to wellness product(s) right now?
For skin, it’s always Kiehl’s. My skin gets very dry,so for my face I use Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream and the corresponding eye cream as well. It’s very rich and my skin drinks it up in no time. For the body I use Kiehl’s Soy Milk and Honey Whipped Body Butter. It comes in this huge tub and you feel totally decadent slathering it on. It smells delicious and makes your skin feel like butter.
Internally, I take glucosamine and omega 3 fish oils along with a multivitamin packed with B12.
What are your favorite healthy snacks or your one favorite recipe that is a regular in your kitchen?
I know this sounds like a no brainer, but I’m in love with kale, I put it in everything from salads to sauces. Its full texture, slight bitter bite and overall dark leafy greenness makes my cells feel like they’re filling with high-test fuel.
Do you have a daily morning or evening routine that enables you to EMBODY Wellness?
My nighttime routine is a lifesaver. Because I spend my days teaching fitness and I workout daily I’m constantly sore. People ask me if that feeling ever goes away and I tell them, “not if you’re exercising correctly!” I’m lucky to have a soaking tub with some strong jets in my bathroom so I take a nightly soak in the hottest water I can stand. After the soak I spend at least 10-20 minutes rolling out all my tight muscles on a foam roller. This not only helps me sleep, but ensures that my sleep is restorative.
What or who inspires you to EMBODY Wellness and why?
I have a 13 year old daughter. When I look at her incredible world: a multitude of social media, difficult lifestyle and academic choices, I know I have to keep my body and mind on point to help her. I’m a big fan of leading by example and putting my money where my mouth is. I can’t expect her to eat healthy and exercise regularly if I’m not. Making sure she develops healthy habits is my biggest motivator and her success as a young woman is my inspiration.
How do you EMBODY Wellness at home? In the office? When you travel or are out with friends?
At home: My place is clean and tidy. When I walk into my home it fills me with a sense of security and peace.
At Work: I try to be present and available for my clients and co-workers at all times. When I know they feel safe coming to me in any situation, I feel accomplished.
Travel: I bring my best friend with me whenever I can. He also happens to be my significant other so it keeps things fun and interesting.
With Friends: I love my friends and they keep my feeling positive even when life is less than cooperative! I try to see my friends at least once a week. Good relationships need tending!
What are your current goals to EMBODY your best self?
I want to continue doing what I love as a business owner and fitness professional. I do have my eyes open recently regarding pulling back from seeing so many clients and focusing more on driving the business. I have a friend who says “work on your business, not in your business.” That never felt true to me until recently. I can see how it will be good for me in the near future to rearrange the way I use my energy at work in order to stay happy and healthy for myself and my family.
What is your favorite quote, mantra or inspirational phrase right now?
“Accept what is, let go of what was and have faith in what will be”.
The Lab is a community of people who believe that smart, innovative exercise is the key to happiness. They’re willing to jump through a ring of fire if that’s what it takes to educate and motivate.
Fun and excitement is the drive behind everything they do. The lab is not a gym or another “Pilates” studio, they’re a Family who helps each other achieve higher goals, live more exciting, healthier lives and most importantly have more fun.
