This week's Ajna Experts interview is with one of our fabulous ambassadors - Mikala Czubak. You might know her as fitbymik.

Mik is a dancer, aerialist, and yogi born and raised in Toronto Canada. She has a passion for health and fitness that has lead her to a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology, and years of teaching in the fitness industry. Mik has taught everything from yoga to Zumba, Aquafit, barre fitness, dance, and personal training. One of her favourite things about this industry is the ability to help others achieve their health and fitness dreams and live their absolute best life- a goal we resonate with strongly at Ajna Wellbeing!

In between teaching and learning, Mik has spent many years performing as a dancer and aerialist with Norwegian Cruise Line. More recently she has been performing as an aerialist at Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan!

Since starting her Instagram account @fitbymik back in 2016, her passion for yoga has continued to grow. She also built an impressive youtube channel where she shares all her best workouts and exercises, and her favourite products for staying in top shape (check out one featuring our Ajna Booty Bands below!).

Mik Uses Her Ajna Resistance Bands In This Beach Workout 

How did your journey into holistic health begin?

My interest towards healthy living first sparked in first year university. I was studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and was learning a ton about anatomy, biology, and nutrition. That was definitely part of what inspired me to change my lifestyle, but I had another huge change in my life that same year. I went from dancing 30h per week with my dance studio in high school to dancing only 4h per week in university. If I wanted to stay healthy and in shape, I definitely couldn’t continue eating my daily chips and chocolate bars! So I had no choice but to completely change my habits and lifestyle. I started making healthier nutrition choices and going to the gym. I fell in love with it! Soon after I became a certified personal trainer, fitness and yoga instructor and so my journey began! 

Do you have any routines that keep you feeling good?

My evening and morning routine have been a constant in my life for a while now. If the dishes are clean, face is washed and teeth are brushed before bed, you will wake up feeling refreshed. I always start my day slow with a tall glass of water and a matcha tea. If I get some quiet time to meditate and stretch it’s a bonus! This routine will look different for everyone, but if you always take some time for yourself in the morning, you will set yourself up for a more productive and positive day ahead. 

What are your preferred ways to practice self care? 

On a daily basis I practise self care by doing things that make me feel happy and healthy. Things like eating food that fuels me, and getting some movement in. If I really feel having a pamper day, then I’ll likely throw a face mask on, paint my nails and take a candlelit bubble bath. 

Ajna is related to intuition. Can you think of a time that you listened to your intuition rather than other people’s opinions? 

Probably one of the biggest decisions I’ve had to make in my life was when I graduated university. It completely changed my path forever. I was going to take the safe route and study Physiotherapy in Graduate school. That same year I went on a whim and auditioned for Norwegian Cruise Line as a dancer and aerialist. Right before my final exam, I got a call from casting to say I landed the job with Norwegian Cruise Line, and would be traveling Europe for the next 8 months. I got mixed advice from many people, but at the end of the day I had to listen to my intuition. I could not turn down this dream job! Just one contract I said, then I’ll go to grad school… And 5 years later, I had danced my way across the world  to almost 30 countries with Norwegian Cruise Line. I am forever grateful that I listened to my gut and chose the road less travelled, because it led me to a life full of adventures and unforgettable memories. 

If you could give one piece of advice to yourself ten years ago, what would it be?

You will never feel truly “ready”, so start now. There are so many things that I waited to do because I thought I wasn’t old enough, smart enough or good enough. You will never be 100% ready, but do it anyway. You will thank yourself later.

What’s your favourite Ajna product? 

Definitely the Eco Jute Yoga Mat! I’m obsessed with both the look and feel of the material. Not only is it eco friendly and toxin free, but it’s also super cute and durable. I love bringing my Ajna Yoga Mat to the beach to film yoga and workout videos for my Youtube channel, fitbymik. The “Sand” colour yoga mat (surprise surprise) blends in perfectly with the sand, never overheats, and never slips. I couldn’t think of anything better for the perfect mat!

Mik On Her Fav Ajna Product: The Eco Jute Yoga Mat

If you could share one message with millions of people, what would it be?

Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.