It’s hard to look on any popular social media app and escape the constant bombardment of messages related to body image, thinness and diet culture. With the endless loop of reels created by influencers that are heavily curated and edited, not to mention those targeted ads that have a knack of making us feel tat even our algorithms want us to change our body image, it’s no wonder social media is shown to have a detrimental effect on the mental health of young girls especially.
But social media certainly did not invent body shaming, it only exacerbated what was already in existence. As someone who spent a considerable number of years struggling with diet culture and various fitness fads, Lindywell Founder, CEO and Lead Instructor Robin Long understands the personal effect the diet and fitness industries can have on our wellbeing.
Born in Colorado, Robin has called California home for 18 years and lives in Santa Barbara with her husband and four young children. Her personal struggle with dieting and workout programs led to her discovering a solution: the power of a mind-body connection. Robin launched the Lindywell app (formerly The Balanced Life) in 2009, which offers 300+ on-demand Pilates workout videos and is available in 169+ countries.
Robin is also the author of the number one selling Pilates books on Amazon, “Well to the Core”. Pilates continues to grow in popularity and has experienced 108% growth in the past three years. One of the early online Pilates programs, Lindywell later evolved into a subscription model to meet the needs of its growing community and has grown into a global community, serving millions of women. Lindywell and its members have thrived by practicing Robin’s “Grace over Guilt” approach, the idea that small changes can lead to big results, mentally and physically.
In addition to on-demand fitness classes, Lindywell and its esteemed certified instructors offer breathwork, nutritional recipes and programs for its members of all ages, including Head of Breathwork and Somatic Programs Kiesha Yokers, Registered Dietician Micah Siva and its newest addition, Lindy Royer, a physical therapist, pain specialist and Master Pilates educator who is focused on bone-friendly mobility for those with osteoporosis or low-bone density. Breathwork practice and popularity has grown 82% in the past two years alone.
In the interest of not wanting to spend another year caught up in fads that don’t do anything positive for our mental and physical health and wellbeing, we spent some time speaking with Robin about her personal journey, what Lindywell offers clients that is different to the rest of the market, and the power we find when we prioritize grace over guilt in our daily lives.
Can you tell us a little about your upbringing and how the world of dieting and fitness first started to impact your life?
My fitness journey started at a young age. I noticed my body was different from others. People even commented on my legs as a little girl. I watched the media focus on diets, getting skinny, valuing being thin over fitness and toxic diets. All of that took a toll on my mental and physical health as I tried to keep up. After overcoming that instilled fear of others judging my body, I realized I had to embrace my body and love my body, because it was mine. I wanted to help other women do the same, so I started Lindywell, a Pilates and wellness company focused on letting women embrace grace over guilt.
When did you become aware of the mind-body connection, and how did this change your outlook?
When I first discovered Pilates, it was like a light turned on. Finally, I had a workout I enjoyed! It gave me energy, confidence, and boosted my mental health. It was the connection that I was suddenly doing this for me, and no one else. Through this process, I learned to listen to my body. That’s how I connected breathwork to my practice, and eventually brought Kiesha Yokers onto the Lindywell team- connecting your physical practice to breathwork was vital in creating a connection between your mind and your body, and I wanted to share that.
Can you share any anecdotes or personal stories about your struggles growing up with body image?
I talk about this in my book, ‘Well to the Core’, a lot. One time, as a little girl, a friend and I were dancing for her parents- just having fun and goofing off. I’ll never forget her father leaning over and making comments about my body- I hadn’t even hit puberty yet! Moments like that catapulted me into a complex lifelong journey with my body, my inherent value, and not caring what others think, and focusing on myself.
The pervasive message that women’s worth is equated to their physical appearance is still so rife, especially on social media. How do you pushback on this epidemic, especially as a mom to young children?
Sometimes my kids will come up and jiggle my legs and instead of getting upset, I laugh and say, ‘aren’t our bodies amazing?’ I’m not perfect, but I do my best every day to make sure my kids hear a message of loving gratitude for our bodies. Running a global business and being present with my family takes planning, patience, and healthy routines where I can fit them in.
I had to go through my own process of letting go of the all-or-nothing mentality that kept me in a cycle of frustration and feeling terrible about myself. But that’s exactly what drove me to create Lindywell in the first place. And why I am always taking a Grace Over Guilt approach that embraces positivity, authenticity and realism. My goal is for every woman to see themselves for what they truly are – strong to the core.
You decided to create a solution for others like you who were sick of the status quo. Tell us about Lindywell and how the idea came about!
I founded Lindywell as I became too busy doing one on one sessions! My distinct style- bringing grace to all of my clients, meant I wasn’t able to share my messaging with as many people as I wanted to. So, I decided to start a blog and youtube series that has grown into what it is today! Today, Lindywell provides accessible Pilates that’s perfect for those who don’t have time to go to classes or go to the gym, but still want an effective and guided workout.
How is Lindywell different from other forms of Pilates workouts, and other fitness apps?
Lindywell is designed to be accessible for all ages, schedules, and lifestyles. We don’t require fancy equipment or high energy, we just ask you to show up for yourself when you open our app. Lindywell blends intuitive Pilates instruction with realistic healthy eating that help women build consistency for balanced living — without the stress, guilt or decision fatigue.
Our proven method of Grace over Guilt allows members the space to reframe and redefine their relationship with health and fitness. It’s so common to get caught in the all-or-nothing mentality when it comes to working out, and our grace over guilt approach is the antidote to that, which leads to consistency, enjoyable experiences and living a thriving lifestyle. And this can be achieved in just 10 minutes a day, by tapping into movement or meditation!
Lindywell is a space for all women to have access to high quality Pilates workouts, nourishing recipes, community support and more. Our goal is to nurture our community of strong, resilient women by creating a personal connection with our members, offering coaching tips, answering questions and offering encouragement.
Why is breath work such a vital aspect of your business, and fitness in general, that often gets left out of the conversation?
It feels like everyone is talking about the healing power of the breath these days. It sounds like just one more trend, but that it’s not the truth. Breathwork has been around for thousands of years and has been used to clear the mind and support good health.
The healing power of the breath is especially obvious when we look at how it impacts stress. Stress is a natural response to perceived threats or challenges, and triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response. By taking deep, slow breaths, you can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to counteract the “fight or flight” response and promote relaxation. Like Pilates, breathwork is a practice that gets more familiar and more powerful the more you do it.
Can you tell us more about the “Grace over Guilt” mantra and what your customers get out of this perspective?
Our Grace over Guilt approach is proven to help members pursue wellness in all areas of life through the practice of integrating sustainable goals, versus reacting with a fight or flight mentality. We’re not here to pressure users into working out to the max. Instead, Lindywell encourages implementing healthier habits into your everyday lifestyle.
For anyone looking to join Lindywell for the first time, what kind of programs, instructors and health information can they expect to see?
Lindywell offers guided workouts, breathwork classes, and recipes for all skill levels. The level and length range from beginner to advanced, and start at 10 minutes and go to nearly 45! Lindywell meets users where they are in their fitness and Pilates journey. Over the years, we have grown to offer breathwork, nutritional recipes and programs led by an incredible roster of certified instructors, including Head of Breathwork and Somatic Programs Kiesha Yokers, Registered Dietician Micah Siva, and our newest addition, Lindy Royer, a physical therapist, pain specialist and Master Pilates educator who is focused on bone-friendly mobility for those with osteoporosis or low-bone density.
How do you help women break out of the mindset where they dislike or hate their bodies? What does Lindywell offer to transform their perspective?
In Lindywell’s community, we encourage women to remember what their bodies do for them everyday, and to give themselves grace over guilt when they don’t immediately achieve a goal. We ask our users to focus on goals that may not be easily measured, but they notice. That includes energy, mobility, and strength. This steers users away from focusing on weight or their body image, and more on what their body is doing for them. This mindset allows you to stop focusing on the superficial advantages of working out, and think more on the positive impacts of it.
If you could go back in time and tell your younger self while she was struggling the most, something positive or affirming, what would it be?
Stop worrying about what others think about your body and stop allowing the outside world to define what your body, and you, are worth. You will do more than you ever thought possible- just live and be happy with yourself.
As the new year continues to unfold and many people are looking to live out resolutions related to health, nutrition and fitness, what advice would you give to them?
First, don’t buy into the lie that it’s a “new year, new you”. Who you are is perfect so you don’t need that stress. At Lindywell we always celebrate New Year, More You! If you want a few tips, I recommend the following:
- Make sure to focus on process goals (ie: start a 2x per week walking routine, drink 64 oz of water per day, etc.)
- You shouldn’t limit yourself. Focus on nourishment over restriction.
- Your fitness regimen should be built for your schedule.
- When you combine Pilates, breathwork AND a nutrient-dense diet you have a 360 approach to improve your overall health and live with. more vitality, energy and strength.
Head to the Lindywell website to learn more about the programs they offer, and follow them on Instagram. You can also buy a copy of Robin’s book ‘Well To The Core’, and follow her on Instagram!
