Venn Ambassador Spotlight: Jill Miller — Author, Yogi, Fitness Pioneer
Jill Miller, C-IAYT, ERYT is the co-founder of Tune Up Fitness Worldwide and creator of the self-care fitness formats Yoga Tune Up® and The Roll Model® Method. With more than 30 years of study in anatomy and movement, she is a pioneer in linking the worlds of fitness, yoga, massage, athletics and pain management. Follow Jill at @yogatuneup for movement inspiration and check out our interview with her below.
1. Tell us briefly about your work, inspirations and passions.
I’m a fascia expert, author, researcher, movement educator, business owner and mother. My first book is called The Roll Model- A Step by Step Guide to Erase Pain, Improve Mobility and Live Better in Your Body. I am the co-founder of Tune Up Fitness Worldwide and educate clinicians, movement professionals and people at every age and stage of health and fitness to “Live Better in Your Body."
My passion is helping people unlock the keys to their own self healing using a combination of self-massage, novel exercises, breath work and mindset strategies. My second book (currently in the editing phase) is based on breath.
2. We're all about movement at Venn. What does a typical day for you look like through the lens of movement?
I start and end my day with an early morning dog walk. We have a super sweet rescued pit bull. After I get the kids to school (ages 4 and 6) I spend 30 minutes to an hour doing some movement practice. This typically includes rolling on my Roll Model balls followed by a creative hodge podge of Yoga Tune Up® (my format) practice, or weightlifting, or a HIIT video. As a former modern dancer, I tend to do a lot of movement exploration and listen to what my body needs on a daily basis. Since the pandemic started, the movement element I miss most is hikes in nature. I’ve found it very hard to carve out that time. I also have a sit/stand desk and frequently move and do lots of mini-Tune-Ups while working throughout the day.
3. Why and how do you use a Venn Air Chair? Where in your home, office or workout routine do you use it?
My 6 year old daughter has fully taken over my Venn Air Chair and reminds me of a seal at the circus. She uses it like a trampoline, a seat, a stool (!!!) and other stunning feats. It’s so great for her balance, as she is a budding gymnast. My Venn usually lives in my living room, but occasionally makes an appearance in my office or at the dining room table. It’s a beautiful cover and matches every room of the house.
4. What are your favorite Venn Air Chair positions and moves? (Please send photo(s) if possible)
Other than using it as a chair, I will often drape myself across it belly down to help me with anxiety or to traction my back. I also love it for sidebands and will anchor my hands or feet to open my ribcage and entire lateral line. I also use it for backbends, and notice that when guests come over, that’s the FIRST move they want to do.
5. At Venn, we zig when others zag. What's something in work or life that you approach differently - philosophically, physically, emotionally- than others?
I have been a disruptor in the yoga space for more than 20 years. When I first branded my work as Yoga Tune Up® it was definitely an uphill climb to bring functional movement and anatomy education into the yoga space. I also incorporated a new prop category, massage therapy balls into classrooms across the globe, and there was a lot of pushback from gym and yoga chains against me using these tools. Long story short, these chains ended up partnering with us. Once students had the experience of their anatomy in depth, and how it improved their practice, they demanded my work and my tools. Ultimately, I am a part of a larger movement identity in the fitness space known as “Regeneration” and I am very proud to have been a leader in the “Movement” movement.
Learn more about Tune Up Fitness at www.tuneupfitness.com and follow Jill Miller at @yogatuneup.