User of the Month: Katia Griffiths
🌏 Katia Griffiths, @katiagriffiths
🎿 skier, olympian
As Spain’s first ranked Olympic halfpipe skier — as well as an avid surfer, runner, and yogi — Katia Griffiths is no stranger to the outdoors. Her love of nature and active movement is evident on her Instagram page, where she frequently posts dreamy snow-covered slopes, breathtaking mountain views, and sun-drenched beach shots that would inspire anyone to step out for some fresh air.
We spoke with Katia about her favorite classes on Alo Moves, the importance of cross-training, and how she’s been keeping up with her fitness routine at home during quarantine.
When did you first start practicing yoga, and what drew you to the practice?
I started practicing yoga at home years ago. I would mostly follow videos online, as I was traveling a lot and it was the easiest way for me to follow classes. I started to practice as a way to stretch, feel grounded, and improve flexibility, strength, and balance after skiing.
I recently discovered Alo Moves and love the variety of classes and different teaching styles. It motivates me every day to practice and try new classes. Whether I’m feeling like a mellow practice or something a little more intense, there is such a wide variety. I can always find something that will get me motivated.
How has your yoga practice helped you in the past when you were training and competing for skiing?
I feel like yoga has helped me a lot in building strength, flexibility, balance and focus. It has also really helped reduce the physical demands and injuries from skiing. Stretching is key to help lengthen the muscles that are shortened and tight from skiing, especially helping with back pain, building core stability, releasing tight hamstrings, hip flexors, and glutes. Yoga also helps me feel grounded and find a moment of stillness when traveling and dealing with stress, jet lag, and changing time zones.
Are there any parallels between yoga and skiing? How do they complement each other?
Yes, I think skiing and yoga certainly complement each other — although they are very different, they share some key elements such as focus, strength, and flow. They both require concentration of the mind and control of the body. Yoga focuses on bringing balance to the mind and the body and is great for recovery and preventing injuries.
Who are your favorite Alo Moves instructors/classes/or series, and what do you enjoy about these classes?
I have really enjoyed the classes with Dylan Werner (True Strength and Bend Mobility) and the workouts with Callie Gullickson. These are perfect to get moving while at home. One of my favourite yoga classes is Poetry in Motion — I really enjoy yoga classes that keep a consistent flow and I love this one for its fluidity and grace.
I also suffer from neck pain quite often and have been following the Neck Pain Relief series. I try to do a little every day after a workout and it has really helped manage the pain.
How important is cross-training for you in your fitness routine? How do all of these activities work together to keep you balanced?
Cross-training is fundamental to keep a good fitness routine and a healthy mind during the summer months. The ski season is relatively short, so it's important to find other sports that keep you moving in the off season. I have recently started doing swim training in the summer and it helps me improve cardio without the impact on my joints from running. Mountain biking is also great for endurance, leg strength, and coordination.
Otherwise, I love to surf and have recently started to kite board. I find that any activity that keeps you moving and pushes you out of your comfort zone is going to help boost fitness and confidence when it comes to skiing.
As someone who is used to an active lifestyle, how do you adapt your fitness and wellness routine when you’re spending more time at home?
Maintaining a workout routine has been really important for me not only for my body, but also for my mental health. I am used to doing outdoor activities most days so staying indoors has been a challenge, but I find that making sure I get a workout in every day, even if it's just 30 minutes, is key to maintaining a healthy balance and staying grounded. I have really enjoyed a lot of the classes with Alo Moves and they have really helped me stay motivated. Most days I try to do at least one workout class and one yoga or stretching class.
What are your favorite ways to recover post-workout?
Stretch and sauna/cold tubs are my favourite ways to recover.
Want to practice online yoga and fitness classes at home with Alo Moves? Get started with a free 14-day trial here.
