Health Heroes: Susie Beekman
As a new feature of the blog, “Health Heroes”, I’m going to interview people who promote or exemplify fitness in some way. I’ll be starting local, but plan to reach out as far as I can as time goes on. Our first episodes will focus on Radiance Yoga (the studio I have been learning from since late last summer) and its two founders, Kishie and Susie.
Susie Beekman has a contagious smile and radiates positive energy. She is a wonderful yoga instructor and seems as happy to teach the bare basics as she does the advanced. And make no mistake, she can casually do physical feats that us mere mortals can barely fathom, let alone attempt. After pushing myself through many of her (online for now) lessons, I had to learn more about what makes her such a great yogi.
What is your weekly workout routine?
Yoga every day (some days it's 5 minutes and some days it's 90). But Yoga daily is a must for my mental health:). I also am very active with my children (bikes, tag, tiktok dances, handstand contests, you name it!).
What (if anything) do you do other than yoga to keep in shape?
I love to take walks with my beloved fur child and good friends. I also try to get on the elliptical 2/3 times per week.
How has your fitness changed from say 10 years ago?
Fitness has always been a huge part of my life, but I've grown to love the range of intensities. I no longer feel like I have to have my tail kicked to check the fitness box. Although I still love to challenge myself and break a sweat, I have grown to love a slower, gentler pace to accompany my more challenging days. I understand what my body needs more now than I did 10 years ago; and I know that I feel better when I listen to my body and respond accordingly.
How did the pandemic affect your fitness?
I have had 3 children at home for the past year, so my workouts definitely look way different than they used to! I find it more important than ever (for my mental health) to get movement in daily. However I rarely have the time for a prolonged practice. I will fit in more frequent little snippets of yoga or fitness throughout my day. While I'm homeschooling I will do some core work or throw in some low impact movement. While I'm watching my son skateboard, I'll do some yoga flow in the front yard. And I love hanging with my daughter and learning tiktok dances. This type of movement is fun, efficient and it fosters connection with my loved ones.
What is something you are proud you achieved in fitness?
I feel proud that my children have grown up knowing the value and gift of fitness, and how our mental and physical health is so closely tied together. Nothing makes me happier than when I see my daughter taking one of our on demand yoga classes (radianceyogagreensboro.com) or my boys gravitating toward physicality when they feel mentally or physically stuck. Movement is medicine!
What is something fitness-related you always wanted to try to do, but never did?
I think I would LOVE rock climbing. I have tried it just a few times, but to really experience it...out in nature. It is physical, focused, strategic and creative. I feel inspired when I see people climb!
At what age did you start doing “fitness-y” stuff and what was it?
Physicality has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember! I have fond memories of going to the YMCA to work out with my dad before school when I was in middle and high school. I danced, cheered and did competitive gymnastics as a kid, and I was a cheerleader in college. I came to yoga after I graduated college and it has been my true love and life line. I hope I never take for granted the gift of movement....its ability to release stress, shift perspective, foster connection, share emotions, heighten experiences and create adventure.
