Karen Patton: Fitness Community Creator, Yogi and 2021 Over 40 & Fab Top 10
Yoga instructor Karen Patton is thriving at the vibrant age of 50. A few years ago, she took a leap of faith and quit her job to open her yoga studio, Peach Out Power Yoga. Since then, she’s learned that following your passion has its risks, but it’s well worth the reward.
What do you think is the secret to aging gracefully?
In my opinion, aging gracefully means being comfortable with who you are and the way you look. Choosing clothes that make you feel good versus being influenced by what is the most stylish or impressive. Wearing makeup because you want to, not because you think you need or have to. In general, making decisions about your appearance that make you happy versus having the goal of looking good in others’ eyes.
How has your perception of this age changed since you were younger?
I would have never imagined starting a business and a whole new career at 47. And I certainly wouldn’t have expected that career would be as a yoga instructor. This is not how I pictured 50, and it’s way better than I ever imagined.
What’s something on your bucket list, and how do you plan to cross it off your list?
I would love to visit Stockholm, Sweden, which is where my grandpa was born and raised. He was my favorite person in the whole world, and it would have a lot of meaning to me. Once this pandemic is truly over, it’s happening.
What is your favorite healthy meal and why?
Crumbl Cookies, because we all need a little joy in our belly to truly be healthy.
What is your favorite way to give back to your community?
I love offering donation classes at my studio to support clients who have gone through something special in their lives. I know the members of my community will come out and support them, and it feels special that I’m making a difference in the life of someone that I’m actually connected to.
I teach an annual fundraising class [at my yoga studio] in honor of Jake Urowsky, a client and dear friend’s son who suffers from heart disease. He is also one of my daughter’s closest friends. This class always sells out, and people show up and donate generously out of love for this family. All the funds raised go to the American Heart Association.
I also have three clients who are breast cancer survivors, and I teach an annual donation class to support them as well, with all of the raised funds going to Susan G. Komen. Last year, a representative came to my studio to personally pick up the check and thank us. Because of the pandemic, fundraising events were rare, and we generated a considerable donation from this one class, which they were very grateful for.
www.instagram.com/karen_patton_yoga, www.peachoutpoweryoga.com
Meet the rest of the 2021 Over 40 & Fabulous! Top 10 and Fab 4 here.
