For Ginny Kelly, health and wellness have always been a vital part of her life. With a dad who was a collegiate football coach and a career as a tennis professional after college, Kelly is no stranger to the world of fitness. But while fitness may have once looked like staying in peak physical shape and winning matches, now it’s a way to connect with friends and family and show up for those who matter most.
What is your approach to wellness, and how has that changed over time?
Both my parents were always very active, and with my dad having been a coach at Ole Miss, a disciplined exercise ethic was just ingrained in me. I’ve always heard that if you don’t take care of yourself, you cannot take care of anyone else, and I believe it! I exercise in some form every day. Whether it’s walking, running, or lifting weights, I need the mental health boost that activity gives me. With any activity I do, I also try to do it with a friend. I think the social aspects of exercise are often overlooked and underestimated. Some of my closest relationships are with the people I train with, and I appreciate the accountability those relationships provide. As I have gotten older, however, I also realize how vital rest is. I have always liked to go 90 to nothing, but now I know I’ll crash and burn if I don’t get enough rest to recover properly.
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?
Spending one-on-one time with my husband and getting outside with friends. I listen to a podcast called “SmartLess” when I’m out walking. It’s always sure to bring plenty of laughs, and that’s exactly what I need to get the day going.
What are the traits you most value in yourself?
A sense of humor, creativity, and resilience.
What are some of your current goals, and what are you doing to work toward them?
My main goal is to get back to my normal exercise regimen, as I’ve had two foot surgeries in the past two years and haven’t been able to trail run. I’d like to add more trail running events to grow my business, Bad Beard Events. To accomplish these goals, I will rely on a slow and steady approach with the help of family and friends. This won’t be easy for me because I am not good with slow and steady, but that’s why my friends and family are involved!
How do you approach emotional well-being?
I love being alone in nature and working through what’s going on in my life. I also read many books on meditation. My current favorite is “Meditations on Self-Love” by Laurasia Mattingly.
What does your daily routine look like?
I am an early bird, so I make coffee and have some quiet time before sunrise. I go for cryotherapy and red light therapy after coffee and then try to get a walk in before work or on my lunch break. I also strength train twice a week. Weeknights are a little hectic, but I try to cook dinner at least three nights a week and am typically in bed by 9:30.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My parents taught me that no task is beneath me. I will do whatever I have to do to get things done.
How do you encourage health and wellness within your family?
My husband is my best friend and partner in everything I do. We encourage each other to get outside, to reset when we are feeling overwhelmed, and to talk through all the good and bad that happens throughout the day.
What do you find the most rewarding?
Watching others meet their goals. Owning a race series, I have the pleasure of watching people evolve as they get into trail running. There is no joy bigger than seeing people challenge themselves and the smiles on their faces when they finish a race.
