Meet Blue Zones Project Champion, Megan Nolan
Meet Megan Nolan, owner of Vitality Wellness, who visits worksites across Maui to help implement ways to downshift and move naturally onsite.
"I first heard of Blue Zones Project® when Dr. Oz visited Maui in early 2017. From there I did my own research on the Blue Zones and loved how Blue Zones Project implements the wisdom and longevity tools of our elders into the community. All of the Power 9 principles align with my personal and professional values and habits so I decided to reach out to the Central Maui team to learn how I could get involved with the project.
"As a fitness trainer and yoga teacher I offer clients and students a wide variety of training tools and techniques to support their needs and goals. A big focus of my business, Vitality Wellness, is meeting people where they are at—which for many people is the workplace. The workplace is where we spend most of our day so I want to give people the tools to include movement and connect their body and breath at work. This practice is key to unlocking energy and creativity throughout the workday."
"In Spring of 2017, I led the Central Maui team in a 'Yoga at your Desk' class in Wailuku. Shortly after that the Central Maui team began referring me to worksites that were working towards approval as a Blue Zones Project worksite. I’ve worked with companies such as Goodfellow Brothers Inc., Maui County Federal Credit Union, Maui Electric Company, Hawaiian Dredging, Sae Design, University of Hawaii Maui College, and Ceramic Tile Plus to create unique programs for their employees that addressed the challenges of their work and work site.
"Bringing yoga to worksites has taken me out of the traditional setting of a yoga studio. This allows for innovation in my teaching. I’ve taught yoga in power plants to employees in steel-toed shoes and hard hats, inside several banks, in college classrooms, and offices. It is so fun for me to go into such unique environments and teach yoga.
"These teaching experiences have set the stage for me to be more creative. I take traditional aspects of the yoga practice and make them practical for people in their unique workspace. I tailor my wording based on the type of company I’m helping to make yoga more approachable and accessible to meet the employees where they are at."
Bringing Fun to the Workplace
"Feedback that I’ve received from employees has been highly motivating for me. They claim to feel calmer, more focused, and they remember to breath more often and consciously throughout their day. Some have gotten better sleep, and are noticing less neck and shoulder tension – especially those with desk-work – and employees are feeling stronger overall. Many of them feel immediate benefits and effects of the practice.
"Unexpectedly, an older gentleman who works for Maui Electric Company came up after our yoga session and said, “that was so fun, thank you.” I bring fun, play and joy into the workplace, and employees are taking to it like recess playtime. We still need this fun time as adults, and yoga in the workplace can be a variation of that. Some folks new to practicing yoga have been embarrassed at first, but it’s great to see them laugh at themselves and with one another.
"It has been such an amazing gift to bring the Power 9® practices of downshifting and moving naturally to worksites through yoga. Through Blue Zones Project referrals, I’m able to share my practice with people who may not have experienced it otherwise. I strive for everyone to incorporate the tools that I share not only at their workplace but in their everyday activities and at home."
Join the Well-Being Movement!
Email our team to learn more about partnering with us to make healthy choices easier at your worksite, school, grocery store, restaurant, or faith-based organization.
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Learn more at hawaii.bluezonesproject.com
