HELLO – I'M MICHELLE
With almost 30 years of working in the area of health and wellness, I've helped thousands of people make changes to all areas of their lives so that they can feel happier and healthier.
I practice what I preach, and look after my mind, body, and soul with movement, meditation, time outdoors, nurturing my connections with family and friends, and plenty of alone time – I love people, but I have to balance out the peopling with time to myself to recharge, which can come as a surprise to those who think they have me pegged as an extrovert! Getting to know myself and honouring what I need in order to be well is an ongoing journey, and that process of discovery is something I love helping others with, too.
Twelve years ago, during my yoga teacher training, I was really proud that I'd managed to make time to practice every evening after my then-2-year-old son went to bed – as a single mum, carving out that time consistently was a big achievement! When the (single, older, childless, male) senior teacher commented dismissively that early mornings were the best time to practice, I felt like shit – for about five minutes. Then I thought "Stuff you! I can feel the difference it's making to my mental health, and to my chronic pain, so I don't care what you say. I know it's working for me!"
That was a real catalyst for me – I became much more aware of having compassion for the different places people are at in their lives, and how that impacts their capacity for making manageable, sustainable change. Being realistic about what you have time and resources for, and making a small change that sticks, is far better than making huge changes that don't last. That philosophy has become a cornerstone of my coaching style.
Things I love :
(in no particular order)
Hiking with my son
My morning cup of strong English breakfast tea
Barefoot beach walks
Listening to true crime podcasts when I'm driving
Reading a thriller or crime novel in my favourite armchair by the fire with a cat (or two or three) on my lap.
WHAT I DO:
EMPOWER BUSINESSES
I empower people and businesses to achieve optimal well-being by providing customised wellness coaching programs tailored to their unique needs and goals.
PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE CHANGE
I guide my clients in implementing change that sticks, improving the wellbeing of people and businesses for both present and future impact.
USE PROVEN TECHNIQUES
I deliver evidence-based strategies and practical tools to help my clients manage stress, improve work-life balance, and cultivate healthy habits that promote long-term wellness and resilience.
CREATE HEALTHY WORKPLACES
I collaborate with businesses to develop comprehensive wellness initiatives that foster a culture of health, productivity, and employee satisfaction, ultimately resulting in reduced healthcare costs and increased organisational success.
"I love Michelle's classes. She is a very knowledgeable and passionate instructor who likes to have a bit of fun along the way. Her detailed instruction is second to none. I was an absolute novice when I joined her mat classes and she immediately made me feel at ease with her approach. Now, in her new chair studio, I am enjoying the small classes, which allows Michelle to give more attention to each attendee. If you don't like huge rooms of people when you are working out, Michelle Keenan Wellness is for you!"
Linda Bradley
"I'm blown away by my broken body's response to chair pilates. The quiet controlled movements have activated my hips to straighten up and strengthen. I couldn't walk very well last year due to dealing with an infection in one of my new hips, and smashing the other into 6 bits. So weak, wonky and in pain I thought I'd just have a go once. Michelle is a fantastic and knowledgeable teacher, she understood where I was at and has made miraculous changes in me. I'm hooked and if anyone is curious or wants to improve something in their body I say give it a try"
Katrina Misa
With over 30 years of experience, Michelle Keenan Wellness offers Pilates and yoga classes in Waiuku.
PILATES STUDIO
15 Martyn Street, Waiuku 2123
