An Inspired Chat with Merissa Manley of Asheville, NC

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Merissa Manley. Check out our conversation below.

Merissa, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was when I was driving my car yesterday, singing Journey at the top of my lungs and sipping on a Mocha Chai Latte. The music, the window rolled down, one of my favorite beverages…. It was so fun.

When we find joy in the simplest things, we can experience it more often. Then our lives are filled with more joy. It helps to scrub out the negativity and cynicism that can sneakily creep into our mind. Simple joys are our ammo.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My business is called Heart and Soul Exercise Method. This exercise method includes six 75 minute classes with hatha vinyasa flow, dance movement, and fitness fusion technique in each class. An online studio is set to launch in 3-6 months with a new core method 75 minute class each week with breakdown videos and technique talks. A restorative class and three 10-20 minute fitness fusion sessions for your abs/waist, legs/butt/thighs, and arms. All great movement to amazing music.

Other offerings in the online studio will include Heart and Soul Method basics, beginning, intermediate, and possibly advanced classes, podcast recommendations, wellness recommendations, wellness travel recommendations, recipes, and much more along the way.

Here is a little bit about how my method came to be:

2013 my ex-fiancé and I ended a ten year relationship. He stayed in Charleston, SC at the time, and I moved to California, my home state. I was really heartbroken because him and I were best friends. We had been together since I was 21. Feeling depressed about my future, I decided to throw all of my emotional baggage into my yoga practice. At that point I had been practicing yoga for 12 years. For months, I came to the mat practicing with devotion, praying that my lost heart could find a guided path once again. And then, over time, it finally did.

After about 6 months or so, and having to move into my parents house, I began to see how different styles of dance were connected to the aspects of the major chakras. I had read a lot of spiritual as well as meta-physical books at that point, so the design, method structure that started revealing itself to me made complete sense. After some trial and error, I created 6 classes based on the chakras aspects with dance movement in the middle of class. However, going over the classes again and again, I realized something was really missing.

In my own yoga practice, I wanted to tighten, tone, and sculpt the nooks and crannies that sometimes yoga asanas didn’t get to. So I started experimenting. This is how Fitness Fusion Technique was born. Adding Fitness Movements with yoga postures along with yoga props and fitness accessories, gave way to a new intelligent way to practice a 75 minute yoga class. One of the first hybrid yoga methods at the time. It might have just been the first. Over the years, learning from other great creators, teachers, and instructors, Fitness Fusion Technique evolved.

The method I had created, within’ a few months helped me to lose weight, feel better about my situation, and gave me a direction in which to channel all of the creative, designer, scientist identity that was flowing through me. My depression was lifting. Creating this method gave me a path to strive to live the life of my dreams. The more I practiced it, the more confident I became in who I was. Never did I believe I could found an exercise method.

In 3-6 months now, going from teaching it at Crunch Fitness to Inshape, to yoga studios, and private homes, I’m now excited to launch an online studio. Being in my early 40’s, launching this is a bit daunting, however, I feel there is a place for it. I’m hoping to keep small to medium at best.

Please subscribe and follow on Instagram for my monthly newsletter and to stay tuned for the launch date. I would absolutely love to have you join the Heart and Soul Exercise Method Online Studio.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents. At age 5 they put me in dance. My mother was an aerobic instructor when I was young. I literally was in the womb growing in my mom’s belly while she was teaching classes.

I remember begging my dad to let me do a children’s theater program called TAP, Theater Arts Project at the University of Pacific in Stockton, Ca, my hometown. He finally gave in over much heckling. Those three summers taught me how to use the vessel of body, mind, spirit, and instinct as one system. Learning to move my body in acting on stage gave me more insight into how we move as humans. Gestures, energy, idiosyncrasies, rhythm, pace, the elements etc.

My parents always listened to me. Told me, I could do anything I set my mind to in life. They laid down a safe, seen, secure, and soothed childhood to grow my confidence. This foundation has been so vital in learning to grow a business. I am forever grateful to them.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering gives you perspective, depth, character, evolution, and love. I don’t feel life should be a lot of suffering all of the time, because then it becomes too hard. And really, most of us want to live a steady, consistent life of comfort to do the things we want to do, yet maybe some rolling hills a long the way are what we need to evolve.

However, when suffering does come whether it’s a small stress, or a big trsuma, the gems we learn can help us move into the person we have always wanted to become. It’s good to have a sense of resilience and strength.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Treating people with respect. You really never know when they may just save your life or be there for you when no one else is.

Forgive often to stay In-love with life. A tall order, but when we forgive, resentment and cynicism can’t hold you down. You can forgive someone, yet still hold them accountable.

Live a life with passion. Fall in-love with people, places, things, and life, even when it’s hard. If life gets dull, find things that will help you get back on the path to joy. One brick at a time. One baby step at a time.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
I would regret not launching my online studio. Years of my life have been poured into this. And, I feel it could help a lot of people. It’s a huge piece of my heart. Following through is a must.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heartandsoulmethod.com
• Instagram: @heartandsoulmethod