We often lose ourselves in the rush of external life, always acting and reacting in response to others, forgetting to stay present and grounded internally.
#iamformyself is a project centered around inner strength - the things we do for ourselves, to be our best selves - and the outward confidence that radiates as a result. Here, we celebrate 12 incredible athletes that inspire us, photographing them in their homes, providing a glimpse into their personal practice.
Photography by Kenneth Edwards
Nicole Winhoffer
Fitness Artist and Creator of NW Method"If it seems impossible, I want to do it. There's no point in doing what's been done. I like to create new things and see possibilities where others haven't."
Kim Vandenberg
Competitive and Olympic Swimmer"I often times have no memory of where other athletes are in my race because I am so inside of my own mind and my own body. Those are the moments I compete for, that almost out of body experience when everything harmonizes together."
Alison Stroming
Ballerina with the Dance Theatre of Harlem"I truly believe no one else can make you your best self except you. It's important to reward yourself and take time to please yourself and no one else."
Cassandra Trenary
Soloist with the American Ballet Theatre"When I'm dancing, I feel the most like myself. It is my passion. Performing especially, is the most incredible feeling; it allows me to feel completely free."
Heather Andersen
Owner + Program Director of New York Pilates"I try to make the act of living an everyday art project. As a dancer the artistry comes from the tiny decisions you make within the confines of the choreography. I feel the same about simple actions like how you get dressed, the stride you use on your walk to work."
Chloe Kernaghan
Co-Owner of SKY TING YOGA, Yoga Teacher + Choreographer"I consider movement to be my first language and how I communicate best. I tried for a moment a career that had nothing to do with being in the body, and it just didn't make sense for me. I knew I needed a way to stabilize my world (in more ways than one) and when I made yoga my priority, everything fell into place."
Francesca Valarezo
Yoga and Megaformer Instructor + Founder of Spiritual Rebel Yoga"Refinement comes with repetition: the more we live life, the better we get at it. My advice is to do what you absolutely love - not for fame or money - but because we only have one life to live and today is the day to make yourself happy."
Bethany Meyers
Movement Expert and Creator of be.come"I am strong because I am determined. When I begin to feel like I can't do something I start talking to myself and it sounds like this: 'you can do it, you are almost there, this is temporary, I believe you can do it' - I'm not even kidding, I tell my clients to do it too. You'd be surprised at what happens when you tell yourself nice things."
Mary Onyango
Fitness Maven / Expert"As a mom, a boss, and a wife it is easy to get lost in giving away my time and energy to those people and things in my life that I feel deserve and require it. However, having the ability to recognize that I cannot truly help others without investing in myself is the single most important lesson I've learned."
Kathryn Boren
Ballerina with the American Ballet Theatre"When I'm performing I feel free. I spend so much time in rehearsals, staring at myself in the mirror, critiquing everything... but when I'm onstage performing and the mirror disappears, I feel such an exhilarating breath of freedom."
Ashley Wilking
Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer + Founder of ASH FIT"It's true, life never gets easier but you do get stronger. You realize that regardless of how much it hurts, you WILL make it through. We have the ultimate choice as to how we respond to trying times. I try to keep that with me always. One foot in front of the other will always get you there."