The Cliffs is home to an amazing family of not only members, but also an astounding team of golf professionals, chefs and wine experts, award-winning event planners, passionate cycling, tennis and wellness coaches and much, much more.
One of those passionate wellness coaches is Joan Craig, the Wellness Manager at The Cliffs at Glassy, and if you’ve spent any time at the Glassy Wellness Center, you’re sure to have seen Joan’s smiling face. And if you haven’t met Joan, let us introduce you. We recently asked her seven questions about her background in health and wellness, her coaching approach and philosophies, her advice for those looking to get started on their fitness journeys and more. Here’s what she had to say…
- Why did you decide to pursue a career in fitness and wellness?
The path opened up for me quite naturally. While serving in the US Peace Corps in Honduras, I developed a daily yoga practice as a way to maintain my sanity while in an unfamiliar country and culture. When I came back to the US, I knew I couldn’t go back to a desk job, so I studied to become a yoga teacher. Yoga then opened the door to many other fitness modalities, and nutrition, and wellness coaching. I’ll never be done learning. - How has your Yoga Teacher Training and mentorship impacted your approach to sharing health and fitness with others?
Yoga offers many gifts, including the one most people seek: physical flexibility. For me, yoga also means taking time for ourselves, for self-care, introspection, and healing. I love teaching group and private yoga because I can help people slow down, breathe, and discover that they have all the answers they need inside them. - You also have a Functional Manual Reaction certification from the prestigious Gray Institute. How have your Gray Institute Fellowship and studies impacted your approach to sharing health and fitness with others?
Gray Institute training blew my mind and opened my eyes. Now I understand how the body moves in relationship to gravity and external forces, and I can also see how each part of the body is connected to all others. More importantly, I learned that all that knowledge means nothing if not applied with love and encouragement. - How would you describe your health and wellness philosophy?
Move your body in a way that makes you happy. Eat real food. Make sleep sacred. It’s all connected: thoughts, emotions, beliefs, physical health. - How do you recommend those looking to improve their health and wellness get started?
The cheapest, quickest, and easiest ways to improve health are: Drink water, do breathing exercises, smile! - How are Cliffs members empowered to become or remain healthy and active?
We want to help! The Cliffs Wellness team loves coaching our Members to do what’s important to them. We see each person as an individual and want to help them make their own path to health and wellness. - And lastly, what is your favorite way to stay active during the summer months?
Stand Up Paddleboard! Go the Beach Club at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs and try them out!
