Sip, Sweat, and Socialize: A Pilates and Palomas Event

Redefining Wellness at Pilates and Palomas

On June 20th, under a very warm Nashville sun at The Brickyard in downtown, TRILUNA partnered with Access DMC, to support their event: "Pilates and Palomas." The event hosted around 30 attendees and highlighted engaging movement instruction in an inclusive atmosphere, fun for everyone, regardless of experience level. This event, blending movement with socializing, aimed to redefine the traditional happy hour experience into something both invigorating and community-centric.

The vision behind Access’s Pilates and Palomas was simple yet brilliant: an outdoor, fun-filled, Pilates session followed by a lively happy hour featuring refreshing Palomas and small bites. It was an opportunity to break down barriers and create connections in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

What set the movement apart from a regular Pilates class was a TRILUNA specialty: an emphasis on fun and community. By starting with a dynamic Pilates class, participants worked up a sweat and broke the ice for the ensuing happy hour. While the quality of the class remained central, the event focused equally on fostering connections and celebrating wellness in a vibrant, summer-themed setting. Moving and laughing together built camaraderie and made the transition to socializing seamless and enjoyable. To transform the event into a summer celebration, Access and TRILUNA collaborated to curated a laid-back ambiance that encouraged interaction at all levels. It was more than just a workout; it was an experience that left everyone feeling refreshed and connected. Access also included local partner Nash Taps to add a delightful touch with their mobile tap van, serving custom-made drinks that perfectly complemented the Pilates class.

At TRILUNA, events like Pilates and Palomas embody our mission to make wellness accessible and enjoyable. By integrating fitness and movement with social elements, we create environments where people not only improve their physical health but also nourish their social well-being. Events like these are reshaping the health and wellness landscape by proving that wellness can be both effective and enjoyable. They break down barriers to entry, making wellness more approachable and appealing to a broader audience.

A huge thank you to Access for including us in this experience. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage with TRILUNA and experience wellness in new, refreshing ways! To learn more about our services visit our website here.

Written by Dani Gutenplan

TRILUNA: Wellness for events!

TRILUNA Co-Founder, Ashley Brooke James, Partners With March of Dimes!

The March of Dimes Nashville Champion of the Year is a high-impact competition amongst the Nashville business community that supports our mission in supporting healthy moms and strong babies. Motivated and dedicated individuals from across the area nominate professionals to create a dynamic fundraising team in honor of a mom in their life. This year Ashley was one of those nominated! We’re thrilled to support Ashley as she embarks on this journey!

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A note from AB: Champion with Me!

I am honored to announce my collaboration with the March of Dimes Nashville Champion of the Year initiative. This impactful competition engages the Nashville Business Community in championing the March of Dimes mission to safeguard the health of mothers and infants.I had no choice but to rally around the cause because of my stance advocating to raise awareness about "Health Equity" and amplify the voices of those who have encountered health disparities during childbirth.

I am not a mother, but I am a black woman in America, and my passion is to ensure that every woman and child, regardless of background, can access the necessary care and support to eliminate preventable maternal health risks and fatalities. I am committed to bridging the health equity gap, particularly for families of color.

Would you help me? Would you personally support by donating or speaking with your employer about sponsorship opportunities?

I want to make this process seamless, so I have added links below for donation/sponsorship options:

Thanks in advance for your support,
Ashley Brooke James

September Is Yoga Awareness Month!

Yoga has been a core offering of TRILUNA from the beginning. In fact, it’s how our co-founders met in 2017! Since September is Yoga Awareness Month we thought we would talk about what it is and offer some free resources for you to engage with!

Yoga is a holistic practice that encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, rooted in ancient Indian traditions. It consists of eight limbs which serve as a guide for leading a balanced and fulfilling life. The physical movement of yoga is called “asana” and it’s often reduced simply to that. But yoga is so much more.

Here is a personal account from co-founder Ashley Brooke James of how she found yoga and what it has meant to her:

I started yoga because, at the time, “Hot Yoga” was the thing. I restarted yoga because I suffered from chronic migraines and was looking for a more holistic way to care for myself from the stress I was under that caused the migraines.

I found @adrienelouise, and it changed everything for me. She has yoga for EVERYTHING, and not only that, she was teaching me how to be intentional with movement and how to notice what was going on in my body.

I then wanted to find a community of instructors in the Nashville area that I could relate to, a person who taught with intention, and it wouldn’t hurt if they looked like me. Thank you, @sjanechapman, @jojo_totayhhma, and @erikaporteryoga.

I refined my yoga and meditation practice after watching, talking to, and studying my good friend @findyourbreath. I’ve learned the true origin of yoga, the land, and ancestors. I’ve learned to teach a gentle practice more impactful than any power flow. Melissa, you have no idea how much you inspire me.

My intention has always been to make yoga a lifestyle. Not necessarily the physical movement, but everything from breathing, meditation, being intentional, and knowing that my community is my wellness, my yoga.

I always thought that yoga was my passion that turned into my career, but God told me differently. I was told this was my ministry, and I had no choice but to believe it because of the receipts.

Many thought I was crazy when I left my high-paying corporate job to make a career out of wellness, and at times, I have considered the same.

But God’s promises have continued to reign true. I have taught on big stages, in communities yoga is not usually accessible, created content for big brands, created a wellness curriculum and taught in schools, led teacher training, and the list continues.

Yoga is my ministry, and I just wanted to Thank God for it all.

At TRILUNA we believe yoga is more than asana and we also believe it's essential to honor the roots of yoga by acknowledging and addressing the need for decolonization and cultural sensitivity in its practice. One of the ways we work to make our yoga more inclusive is to acknowledge these five pillars:

• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize that yoga has its origins in Indian culture and respect its traditions. Avoid cultural appropriation by understanding and acknowledging the cultural context from which yoga emerged.

• Inclusivity: Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and body types to practice yoga. Ensure that yoga spaces are accessible and free from discrimination.

• Diverse Representation: Encourage diverse representation among yoga instructors and practitioners to reflect the global community. This can help break down stereotypes and promote a more inclusive practice.

• Educate Yourself: Learn about the history and philosophy of yoga, including its cultural and spiritual aspects. Understand the potential for misappropriation and take steps to avoid it.

• Mindful Language: Use inclusive and respectful language when teaching or discussing yoga. Avoid promoting stereotypes or exoticizing yoga's cultural aspects.

By practicing yoga with mindfulness and respect for its roots, you can honor its rich tradition while also ensuring that it remains an inclusive and welcoming practice for everyone.

Here are some resources and extras we love to help you on your journey. If you’re just getting started, welcome. Yoga is for everyone.

• AB’s favorite yoga playlist

• Podcast Episode Highlight - Decolonizing Yoga From the Inside Out with Melissa Shah

• Embrace Yoga's Roots: Courageous Ways to Deepen Your Yoga Practice by Susanna Barkataki

We're Turning 5! Celebrate Our Birthday With Us!

TRILUNA is 5!

Did you know that only 50% of businesses even make it to their fifth year? That’s HALF! We had a 50/50 chance of making it this far even when the world isn’t going through a pandemic. But here we are. And here we are because of all of YOU!

We are deeply grateful to our friends, mentors, sponsors, and even detractors for helping us get to 5 years old. This birthday is a huge milestone and we’re incredibly proud to be here. To celebrate we’re hosting a weekend of events!

The first opportunity to celebrate with us is by joining us as we crash the La Luna Full Moon Party at Harriot’s inside 1Hotel (with permission of course) with all our favorite people. And the next morning we’re headed to oneC1TY for a TRILUNA cult classic—Downdogs to Donuts. We’ve added links below so you can come to one or both! (The first 20 people get $5 off their ticket with code "EarlyBird25"!) We would love to see you and tell you how much your support has meant to us!

If you’re looking for other ways to support all of our apparel is 5% off with code “HBDTRILUNA5” through the first of November!

How to Create an Unforgettable Corporate Event on a Budget

Corporate events provide a valuable opportunity for networking, learning, and building relationships. However, organizing a successful event while keeping costs in check can be challenging. In this blog post, we will explore four key strategies to enhance your corporate event experience without breaking the bank. We'll discuss how to space out sessions effectively, provide refreshments, and incorporate creative or wellness-based activities to break up the information overload.

Space Out Sessions Appropriately:

One of the most common mistakes in corporate events is cramming too many sessions into a short period. To optimize attendee engagement and prevent information overload, it's essential to space out sessions appropriately.

1. Break sessions into smaller segments so attendees can spend time discussing and absorbing each topic. This also helps maintain energy levels and prevents fatigue.

2. Consider incorporating interactive elements, such as Q&A sessions, panel discussions, or group activities that get attendees engaged.

3. Plan regular breaks between sessions to give attendees a chance to refresh, reflect, and take bio-breaks as they need them. Nothing is more distracting then needing to use the restroom or being hungry while you’re trying to pay attention.

Create intentional networking:

Networking is....awkward. By creating an intentional space for even the shyest of attendees to engage in intentional networking you not only increase the enjoyment you also increase the efficacy. Our favorite time to do this is to utilize the beginning of your event. We created an “intention board” for an entrepreneur’s summit that allows guests to snap their picture with a Polaroid camera and add it to the wall next to a note that describes the impact they wanted their business to have on the city. This allowed other guests to quickly learn more about each other and engage on a deeper level with a subject matter that was important to them.

Other things we’ve done have included a communal (small) shot + intention setting for a whiskey tasting, opening meditation and vision boarding, and a handwritten letterboard for a small corporate retreat group.

Keep Snacks and Beverages Available:

Keeping attendees well-nourished and hydrated throughout the event is crucial for maintaining their focus and energy levels. Here are some of our favorite cost-effective ways to provide snacks and beverages:

a. Set up a self-serve station: Create a designated area where attendees can find water, coffee, tea, and snacks throughout the day. This eliminates the need for expensive catering services and allows participants to help themselves whenever they need a pick-me-up.

b. Collaborate with local vendors: Partner with local businesses, such as bakeries or coffee shops, to provide discounted or sponsored refreshments. This not only supports the local community but also adds a unique touch to the event.

c. Consider offering a wide range of options like fresh fruits and granola bars to chips and treats. You never know what someone’s needs are (for example, we had a pregnant guest that was unable to tolerate anything but bread early in the morning, so having bagels and donuts available was critical for her enjoyment of the event) so a wide range will help sustain attendees' energy levels and prevent pre-lunch hunger and post-lunch sluggishness.

Incorporate Creative team building and/or Wellness-Based Activities:

Breaks from information-heavy sessions are essential to maintain engagement and prevent attendees from feeling overwhelmed. Here's how to infuse creativity and wellness into your event without breaking the budget:

a. Mindfulness and relaxation activities: Organize short sessions of mindfulness exercises, guided meditation, or stretching to help attendees recharge and refocus. The caveat is to make sure you have qualified instructors that know how to teach to multiple levels of experience to avoid injury and leaving out those that may be less familiar with wellness. [To learn more about how we do that check out our services page here!] Our most popular options are massage, yoga/pilates, and boot camps.

b. Interactive workshops or team-building activities: Engage attendees by providing interactive workshops or team-building activities that encourage collaboration and creativity. Consider activities like DIY bath salt bars, floral bouquet making, or even art and craft sessions.

c. Guest speakers or motivational talks: Invite speakers who can share their expertise, inspiring stories, or motivational messages that resonate with your audience. They can offer a fresh perspective, energize attendees, and provide valuable insights.

Creating a remarkable corporate event on a budget is entirely possible with proper planning and thoughtful execution. By spacing out sessions effectively, providing snacks and beverages throughout the day, and incorporating creative team-building and/or wellness-based activities, you can enhance the event experience for attendees without incurring excessive costs. Remember, a well-organized and engaging event leaves a lasting impression on participants and can contribute to long-term professional relationships and business growth.

To learn more about our services check out our full deck of services or email us at Hello@TRILUNAwellness.com.