“Stick With What You Love!” JOANIE ANDREWS OFFERS ADVICE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE
IT’S THE NEW YEAR, THE TIME OF YEAR WHEN PEOPLE ARE
So that’s the story. Andrews loves to share her knowledge and
SETTING NEW GOALS. Of course, common goals for the New Year
passion, no matter where she happens to be working on any given
center around health and wellness. Yay!
day. Her talented team of sales personnel at Second Sole will help
When it comes to health and wellness, Joanie Andrews loves to help.
you find the shoe that is right for you. “We have shoes for running and
Andrews is a familiar face around Medina. Her yoga studio, Half Moon
fitness, as well as casual lifestyle shoes, hikers, winter boots, and a
Yoga, is approaching its tenth anniversary—a milestone that makes
huge selection of summer sandals. We start with a chat about your
it Medina’s longest-running studio. She also manages Second Sole
needs so we can better understand why you are in buying shoes. Did
Specialty Running Store. Both are located on the Square in Medina.
you doctor refer you? Are they for work? Do you need an everyday
Andrews has always had a passion for athletics, fitness, health and
wear-around shoe, or one for running, walking, or working out? We
wellness, and good nutrition. A long time runner, Andrews started
also like to know about any injuries or problems you are having. Then
running at age 13 to get in shape for the summer swim season. It was
we do a gait analysis, measure your feet, and help you choose the
here that her lifelong passion for health and wellness began.
shoe that is just right for you. The process takes 20 to 30 minutes, but
“I ran in college and did some marathons and triathlons. I guess you could say I was an endurance athlete. In the late 90’s it was time to add
is well worth your time spent. Then we refer you to Yoga... just kidding, but it does often come into the conversation.
something new. I was never a group exercise person,” she chuckles, “but I
“The studio has so much to offer. We have 29 classes led by our
took to yoga with just one class. I started practicing yoga on a regular basis
team of well-seasoned, diverse teachers. Many of our classes are
and quickly noticed how it added to my overall physical and mental fitness.
appropriate for those new to yoga. We offer Intro to Yoga, Slow Flow,
Back then I didn’t know the physiological changes that were happening
Prenatal Yoga, Meditation and Breathing, Yoga for Backs, as well as
as a result of my practice. I would say that yoga is magic, I feel so good!”
more advanced classes with lots in-between.”
Andrews graduated from Yoga Teacher Training in 2008 and during
Andrews takes great pride in her team of teachers. “One of my
that program her plans to open a studio of her own began to solidify. After
favorite aspects of our classes is the diversity. Each of us has some-
finding a space in a karate studio on route 42 a few miles from home, she
thing different to offer, whether it’s a breathing practice, a Reiki ses-
opened Half Moon Yoga just a few days after graduating. This allowed
sion, or some crazy advanced posture incorporated into one of our
her to further develop her skills as a yoga teacher and begin building a
classes. We also offer Thai massage, astrological readings, and private
clientele with no pressure. “I still had a full time job,” she explains. “After
yoga sessions for small groups, families, or those with special needs."
about a year and half I decided that I needed my own space. I heard a
She also expresses a great pride for the community that she now
studio was for sale on the square. I bought it and made it my own.”
calls home.
Being a long time runner, she was a regular customer at Second Sole
“The studio has a great community feel to it. Our students bring
in Youngstown where she grew up. “I never bought my shoes anywhere
good energy, knowledge and passion, and are excited to share. You
else. Even when I lived in other cities, I’d wait to make my shoe purchases
will feel welcome the moment you walk in the door. And don’t worry,
when I was back home or I would have them shipped—at no charge. Yes,
we’ve all had a first yoga class.”
back in the 80’s we did that and we’re still doing it today. So there, internet!”
When asked what her advice is to those looking to improve their health
Her lifelong friend and Second Sole founder, Steve Hixson, was kind
and wellness, Andrews said, “Make gradual lifestyle changes. Eat fewer
enough to support her endeavor (though she admits it was a leap of
processed foods with fewer miles on them—take advantage of Medina’s
faith) of quitting her job to be a full-time yoga teacher. Hixson hired
farmers’ market for sure!—cut back on dining out, and keep moving, walk-
Andrews to manage the new Medina location, found today in a build-
ing, running, doing yoga, or lifting. Find something you love and stick to it.”
ing at 122 Public Square. Second Sole has been going strong since
For more information on getting started, visit SecondSoleOhio.com
1981 and currently has 11 locations around the state and one in PA.
and HMYoga.org.
January 2018 | Medina County Lifestyle
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