It was Kimberly Richter’s career as a chiropractor that lead her to discover yoga and now she teaches it several times a week at Snap Fitness in the CBD, plus to the corporate world. Aside from yoga, her other great loves are her partner and her pooches — eight-month-old Kelpie Denver and Ridgeback-X pup Nugget.
“Those who live passionately teach us how to love, and those who love passionately teach us how to live” – Paramahansa Yogananda
Occupation: Chiropractor, acupuncture provider, wellness consultant, and Arbonne independent consultant [phew!].
What’s so great about yoga? It makes you feel amazing, and anyone can do it! All you need is yourself — no equipment is necessary. It helps you physically and mentally. It improves flexibility, while maintaining strength, so we are stable and less prone to injury. Yoga involves a strong, conscious participation in your own healing, and leads to healthier lifestyle choices off the yoga mat.
Aside from yoga; what activity makes you the happiest? Taking my dogs to the beach.
How did you discover yoga? I worked at a gym in Toronto and tried my first yoga class there — I loved it straight away.
How else do you stay active? Running up the hill, lifting weights a few times a week and bike rides to Pallarenda.
Are you a morning or afternoon mover? I prefer morning, but generally any time of the day that I can fit in exercise will work!
What’s your favourite thing to do on a weekend in Townsville? I love having the time to do my own exercise! Also, heading to the markets and up to the northern beaches with the dogs and my partner.
What inspires your ‘get up and go’? My patients, clients and students.
Your most motivating tune? Tough question, but I’m always happy to hear Hurting by Friendly Fires, especially during a workout.
Motivational quote? “Those who live passionately teach us how to love, and those who love passionately teach us how to live” (Paramahansa Yogananda).
How do you pep yourself up when you’re craving the couch? Put on some music and remind myself how much better it feels to be moving and how annoyed I feel when I’ve been lazy.
Do you prefer to get active solo, or with a buddy? Usually solo, or with my partner. My workouts are really the only time I have all to myself.
What’s your greatest fitness achievement? I ran a half marathon last year in someone else’s shoes that were two sizes too big… not sure if that’s an achievement or an embarrassment….?
What activity have you always wanted to try (and what’s holding you back)? Pole dancing — I never seem to have the time to get to a beginner’s class.
What’s something we don’t know about you? I grew up in a town of 500 people in the Canadian prairies, and all but one of the 13 people in my high school graduation class were together in kindergarten.
What’s your next goal? I’d love to do more corporate yoga classes in Townsville and start some workshops.
Most embarrassing moment on the go? I forgot yoga clothes teaching an evening class and had to teach in ‘regular’ clothes. The half marathon in the clown shoes was also pretty embarrassing!
” There are also so many trainers, classes, boot camps and gyms around, so take the time to find one that fits with your personality and schedule” – Kimberly Richter
Who would you most like to train with (e.g. famous person, or someone you look up to)? Madonna! She’s intense and interesting and looks amazing still!
The training advice I wish I’d listened to was… don’t do it if it hurts!
Most treasured piece of fitness gear? Headphones!
My best local fitness tip is…Townsville is full of beautiful and free places to exercise! Castle Hill has several tracks and access points; The Strand is over 2km long and has exercise equipment and is beach accessible; Rowe’s Bay and Pallarenda can keep you moving for hours; as can the Riverway and a climb up Mount Stuart (by foot or bike). There are also so many trainers, classes, boot camps and gyms around, so take the time to find one that fits with your personality and schedule. In the extreme heat, do some cross-training in the water and get into swimming or other water sports. Also, staying hydrated and full of magnesium and electrolytes is key to feeling good and being able to be as active as you can, especially in Townsville’s climate.
Tell us a joke (why not?) A young woman who was worried about her habit of biting her fingernails was advised by a friend to take up yoga. She did, and soon her fingernails were growing normally. Her friend asked her if yoga had totally cured her nervousness. “No,” she replied, “but now I can reach my toe-nails so I bite them instead.”
