Danielle Diamond got into yoga long before there was a studio on every NYC block. While working at MTV as a producer, she incorporated yoga into a video and fell in love with the practice. She turned to it as a way to cope, get focused and stay grounded and she hasn’t looked back. Today, Diamond is a certified yoga instructor and nutrition coach, working with clients to help them master a handstand and swap their morning bagel for a smoothie bowl. She’ll be sharing all of her yoga and nutrition knowledge as one of our newest contributors. Get to know her below!

How did you first get into yoga and wellness? Tell us about your journey...

I had my dream job at MTV producing music shows and got put on a fitness video project where I was in charge of finding some "new" workout. This was back in 1996 when nobody but my grandmother was doing yoga, but I took a class, incorporated it into the video and realized I was totally in love with everything about the practice. I continued to get on my mat and meditate for years, then after having kids decided to ditch the TV grind, get certified, build my yoga brand, and become a certified nutrition coach.

How has yoga changed your life?

My mother died by suicide when I was 21 and for years I felt guilty and angry and all the other feelings one would feel, but had no idea how to process them. I wasn't into going to therapy and when I found yoga and started meditating I realized I was able to go deep and allow myself to process everything on my own. I am incredibly grateful for my daily practice because it keeps me grounded and reminds me to focus on what's important and not stress about stupid shit.

Current Mission:

Sharing how to incorporate mental and physical strength into your yoga practice. Whether by adding weights and resistance bands to the poses or by learning to meditate in a way that works for you. Yoga looks different for everyone and I'm here to help you figure out how to incorporate it into your life in a way that feels good, so you'll do it consistently. You can find me on Instagram at @xenstrength and grab a free 30-minute video at xenstrength.com

Wellness Mantra:

I have two favorites: “focus on the best part” and “think before you speak and breathe before you act.” (That last one has worked wonders with not yelling at my kids)

Morning Routine:

• 20-minute morning meditation (a non-negotiable)

• A green smoothie plus a slew of supplements including magnesium, turmeric, fish oil, and EVOLUTION_18 Probiotic and Beauty Grow.

• Movement. I really tend to mix this up every day. I love to be outside and play sports, so it can vary between a yoga with weights class, a tennis match, rock climbing, a bike ride on the beach, or swimming depending on the day and the company.

Bedtime Routine:

• Sesame + lavender oil full body massage

• Gratitude journal

• Restorative pose with breathing

• Make to-do list for tomorrow

Fuel:

Green smoothies, homemade vanilla almond butter on a banana, zucchini noodles with eggplant meatballs (they are as delicious as they sound), brick oven pizza, and salted caramel gelato (preferably eaten in Italy).

Biggest Wellness Struggle:

I love to workout daily, but I love food so much and have a hard time reigning that in. Also, I recently discovered that I make kick-ass craft cocktails, which are very tasty.

Self-Care Essentials:

• Daily meditation

• Dry brush

• Sesame oil massage

• Steam shower

• Cooking healthy foods (85% of the time, the rest I indulge)

Yoga Pose You Love Most:

Supine bound angle on a bolster, because it's a great restorative pose where I can chill and focus on my breath while getting a great opening in the hips and shoulders.

Product Obsessions:

EVOLUTION_18 Probiotics and Beauty Grow, Siete lime tortilla chips, Beyond Meat ground meat (a game changer in vegetarian meat replacement), Pacifica Dream Big Mascara (it has a wand that changes from length to fullness), Oribe hair products, and Kosas lipstick.

Best Advice You Ever Received:

Don't give a shit what other people think about you or what you're doing (unless you're being a jerk, of course).

What Makes You Feel Your Best:

Honestly, just laying my head down at night knowing I did something to make someone smile that day. Also, as I mentioned in Bobbi's book, Pretty Powerful, still being able to hold a handstand in the middle of the room for a few minutes feels pretty awesome.