Rushelle Townsend makes fitness her place of solace
Published:Wednesday | February 7, 2024 | 12:09 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
As a child, Rushelle Townsend recalls her tomboy side coming to the forefront with all the outdoor activities you can imagine. During that time, she also joined the dance group at her church, which accounted for her stamina and flexibility. But as she approached her mid-20s, and those interests ceased to exist, she began noticing a change in her body. So, recently, she decided to put a plan in action and since then, fitness – both mental and physical – has become her ultimate place of solace.
“Attending parties and dancing have been my new flex as I became an adult. But between the ages of 23 and 25, I realised I was not as energetic and flexible as I once was, and I didn’t like that,” Townsend told Lifestyle. Additionally, she was facing a health scare and the combination of the two paradigms created a depressing shift.
Seeing herself at 200 pounds came as a surprise. “It was almost as if I just woke up fat one day. I didn’t see myself getting there. I just got up one day, looked in the mirror and said, ‘Hold up, wait, when did this happen?’ I’ve always been a big girl, but I didn’t like how I looked and I didn’t like how I felt,” she said.
Determined to get her mind and body out of that devastating and debilitating state, she discovered two practices that changed her life: martial arts and yoga. “Martial arts got me active again and got my head right. And yoga made me garner further discipline and took my fitness journey to another level,” she added.
Townsend’s wellness routine also includes engaging in mindful eating, consuming meals in moderation while doing intermittent fasting. “Waking up, I have a cup of warm tea from leaves from my trees, like soursop leaves, guava leaves, fever grass and French thyme. Or I may start the day with warm water complete with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to get rid of the impurities in the stomach and help burn belly fat.”
Noting that she never had a healthy diet growing up, she now enjoys eating fruits and vegetables. She refrains from having white bread and opts for wheat. “I have always been a big dairy fan; I have now cut down on my dairy. Instead of regular milk, I now use coconut milk. I’ve decreased my meat intake and have increased my legumes, nuts and grains. I’ve cut down on my portions as well.” After being introduced to Dr Sebi, she began addressing her sinuses, which was an issue and looking into how she consumed dairy. She believes that she will become vegan one day.
Working out on an average of three days per week, yoga practices are executed often and the time will vary, based on the schedule, for a minimum goal of 30 minutes per session. “Working out early in the morning does set the tone for the day. But I am not a morning person. I come alive and I have all the energy in the world at night. So my tendency is to work out at the end of the day.”
Variety is the spice of life, so fusing different styles of yoga with pilates and strength training has boosted her results. Her hope is to increase her workout time to an hour or two so that she can dedicate her efforts and energy to effectively incorporate all three.
Although she started this fitness journey on her own, and continues to do so, she receives assistance and guidance from entities that have played a significant role in the success of her journey. “I started out with the Bas-I Kyokushin Karate team on Haining Road in Kingston. And for yoga, I began working out at Kalisse Kelly Yoga Studio on Vectis Avenue in the same parish and now I’m with True Self Centre of Being on Roselle Avenue, as well as Tasha Fierce.”
Describing her challenges as mostly internal, the inconsistency of maintaining that discipline can be haunting. But since being on the journey for years, the road has become an easier walk in the health park.
Accessing healthy affordable food has proven to be a difficult mission, which could be a deterrent for many. Townsend is a chef so she takes pleasure in creating meaningful dishes for her palate at home. But it can get tedious to find substantial meals while running errands on the road.
With her size fluctuating, her recent weigh-in places her at 150 pounds. “It’s a big deal and a big difference,” she said, adding, “I grew to love my curves. I made it down to 146lbs and I didn’t like it, I looked sick. Once I’m in a healthy height-weight ratio, my sugar and cholesterol are balanced, my organs are working well, my waist, hips joints well grease, then I am good. I started doing handstands and headstands moves in my 30s.”
The journey has taught her how to feel strong, empowered, confident and gaining control over her mind and body. “Yoga has saved me so I will never stop. Since I have started my fitness journey, I have found my tribe. Hopefully, I can get more muscle definition with a smaller belly and waist, with a toned body.”
Her advice for those looking to walk on a health journey, seek knowledge first and be open and willing to try different things to figure out what works for you.