Meet Robin Long | Lindywell Founder, CEO, Lead Instructor and Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Long and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robin, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
As a busy mom of four and founder and CEO of a global wellness company, my habits critical to my success. I strive to create as many routines, rhythms and habits as possible to reduce decision fatigue and allow me to accomplish more of what matters, with less stress. A few key habits that have helped me succeed thus far are:

Unplugging in the evenings: I didn’t always do this, but once I began to recognize and experience the impact staying online in the evenings was having on my sleep and health I knew I had to create new habits. I now RARELY work in the evenings and am intentional about closing my laptop and staying off my phone for at least an hour before bedtime (which I try to keep around 9:30 to prioritize reading and sleep).

Short but effective Pilates workouts: my free time is limited, but my health is a priority. By focusing on consistency over intensity (like short, effective Pilates workouts most days instead of the occasional long, hard sweaty workout), I’ve been able to build the habit into my life. This has helped me to stay healthy, feel better and build strength to show up every day as a CEO and a wife.

Time blocking: I time block my entire day and week into my digital calendar. This allows me to ensure that I am not overcommitting myself and that my schedule represents my values. I block time for my workouts, my family, my morning routine – if it’s not in my calendar it won’t happen! Every Sunday I look at my time blocks and ensure that they are accurate and will set me up for success for the week ahead.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I always struggled with my body image and unfortunately, found that the health and fitness industry didn’t help with that. I wanted to get healthier, but I continued to feel bad about my body and struggle with my relationship with food and exercise. Exercise was simply a means to an end and guilt and shame were my constant companions as I got stuck in the “all or nothing” mentality time and time again. Eventually, I realized that the approach I was taking and the messages I was receiving (unrealistic expectations, quick-fix promises, hyper-focus on outward appearance) were actually doing more harm than good. When I became a Pilates instructor I quickly recognized that if I wasn’t intentional, I could also be a part of that problem. So I had a choice, I could either leave the industry, or I could try to make a change. I chose the latter and started Lindywell in 2009 to provide a new and improved approach specifically for women who feel stuck, burnt out by the diet industry or ready to finally make peace with their bodies while improving their health too. Our explosive growth over the past 10 years represents the thousands of women around the world who resonate with the Lindywell approach. With Pilates at our core, we focus on efficient, at-home Pilates workouts led by expert instructors who are skilled in clear cuing and providing modifications for all levels. Through our app and membership we provide over 300 workouts that can be done anytime, anywhere, but also provide the structure of an easy-to-follow calendar to remove decision-fatigue and make it easy to stay consistent. We surround our members with the tools they need to improve their physical AND mental health. Through stress-reducing (and trauma-informed) breathwork sessions, anti-inflammatory nutrition and a hands-on care team, we care for our members unlike any other fitness platform on the market. And it works – our members tend to stay a part of our community for years and are extremely welcoming to new members. Anyone can try Lindywell for 14-days through our free trial (https://hubs.la/Q01lYStj0) before choosing a subscription option that works best for them!

Getting to this point has been quite the journey. I joke that I have been growing a business and growing a family at the same time. I began running my first online programs and blogging just before having my first child. I launched the membership just after having my second child and spent the next few years navigating two little ones, pregnancy loss and then a twin pregnancy – turning our family of four into a family of six! It has been anything but easy, but I am so grateful for the ability to pursue both work that I am passionate about and motherhood and do not take that for granted. I’ve learned that support and help is necessary, prioritizing my time is of utmost importance and that while I’m tempted to think I can do it all, I have to remember that I can’t necessarily do it all at the same time. I’ve leaned heavily into one of our core messages at Lindywell of “choosing grace over guilt.” This mindset has definitely helped me to navigate the ups and downs, avoid the trap of perfectionism and move forward even when things don’t go as planned.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Business Name: Alchemy Works What do you love about them? The most exquisitely curated shop – it’s woman-owned and a must-visit!
Website/social media link: https://www.alchemyworks.us/

Business Name: Honey Hi
What do you love about them? Delicious, organic food – my favorite kind of restaurant!
Website/social media link: https://honeyhi.co/

Business Name: Folded Hills
What do you love about them? My favorite local winery in Santa Barbara. It’s lower in sugar and free of additives compared to other wines, so I can enjoy a glass and still feel my best.
Website/social media link: https://foldedhills.com/

Business Name: Jeannine’s in Montecito
What do you love about them? A local favorite. There’s nothing quite like breakfast on the Jeannine’s patio in Montecito to start the day. I love the Farmer’s Scramble.
Website/social media link: https://jeannines.com/

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people! First and foremost, my parents. I would not be where I am today without the foundation they gave me. They worked hard to put themselves through school and build their careers so that I could be the first woman in our family to attend and graduate from college. They are my biggest supporters and love me unconditionally, the best gift of all.

I also have to shout out to my cousin-in-law and mentor – Angie. She has been an example to me my entire life of a woman who has pursued a career, an adventurous life and a family all at the same time. She has poured into me and my dream in every stage of life and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her example and mentorship.

Website: https://lindywell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearelindywell/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-long-117a5014/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearelindywell

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearelindywell

Other: https://www.amazon.com/Well-Core-Realistic-Guilt-Free-Approach/dp/1496472624 https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/E1FD2E1D-C851-4493-9BA5-828389E8B9C3?