Healing with HeartStone – A Q&A with Senior Trainers LaShonna Holloway-Johnson and Julia Zingaro on the unique power of this meditative movement practice.
(As originally featured in the Summer 2024 Issue of Tracy Anderson Magazine)
Senior Trainers LaShonna and Julia have been moving with HeartStone since the very beginning. Throughout the conception and design of HeartStone, they both embraced this new meditative space in the Method, and understood—physically, mentally, and emotionally—the nuances of Tracy’s fine-tuned choreography. You’ve probably seen both LaShonna and Julia in the official content collection of the HeartStone app. Their knowledge of the practice runs deep, and this conversation explores the unique energy of HeartStone and the results they’ve seen across the mind, body, and spirit.
TA: How would you describe HeartStone in your own words?
LHJ: I would describe HeartStone as a masterful meditative device that can be used to heal, transform, and train energy.
JZ: HeartStone is a transformative and meditative experience. The HeartStone practice is a completely unique experience that has grounded me and connected me to my heart center.
TA: Share with us what it felt like to move with the HeartStone energy weight trainers for the first time?
JZ: It is almost unexplainable. It feels empowering, enlightening, meaningful…I can go on and on. On a physical note, it awakened so many muscles in my arms, leaving me sore immediately. The weight transfers get so deep into the spine and abs, awakening the connection that Tracy always talks about when doing her freestyle and weighted arms.
LHJ: I first saw Tracy using the HeartStone energy weight trainers on a video and I was hopeful to experience them. I was aware of their weight and how beautifully crafted they were, but I was unaware of their power. When I finally held them for the first time, the experience was so grounding that I immediately felt connected to the earth and to myself. I am someone who always focuses my attention outward and on others’ needs, but the HeartStones forced me to internalize my feelings, giving me permission to find my own power and use it.
TA: We just hosted our first interactive challenge with HeartStone—called #HeartStoneHero—for our community. What was the most inspirational content that came out of that challenge?
LHJ: The #HeartStoneHero challenge was more than inspiring, it was a movement. Those who invested in the HeartStones were able to experience them beyond following the workouts. They were able to identify what a hero is to them, name those who possess heroic qualities, and then—my favorite part—connect to what superhero powers are unlocked when they perform with the HeartStones. I enjoyed seeing the posts where hidden or unknown powers were unleashed amongst the individual participants.
JZ: Seeing all the posts was inspirational in and of itself. It is just inspiring to see clients come together to partake in a challenge that is rooted in bettering their physical, mental and emotional health. I loved seeing the client @thaliaelie talk about heroes walking the path of love because it is so true! Heroes do walk the path of love…Tracy is a hero to all of us as she has paved the way for such a transformational journey.
TA: What are some of the results you have seen in yourself or your clients related to using HeartStone?
JZ: In myself I have noticed more definition in my arms and a deeper connection to my spine. As I perform my opening arms ceremony, I notice that I am so much more aware of my connection between my arms and spine as I move.
LHJ: After working with the HeartStones I immediately noticed how imbalanced my right and left shoulders are. I have now been able to work on lengthening my right arm more since I am aware of tighter muscles in my upper back region. I have noticed the clients are encouraged to move more slowly, more intentionally and deliberately, which is giving them results in their arms and core. They are really seeing new definition in their arms from taking the time to move fully from their core and extend using their full range of motion.
TA: Thoughts on the HeartStone positioning: do you prefer to move with the HeartStones standing, kneeling, or seated?
LHJ: I have experienced the HeartStones standing, kneeling and seated. I have felt the benefits of the HeartStones in all 3 positions, but my favorite is standing. Feeling my bare feet on the ground makes me feel more rooted, connected and full of vigor and life.
JZ: I prefer to move with the HeartStone in a seated position. In a seated position I am able to feel the energy of the HeartStones more. As I sit, I am able to get into a meditative and peaceful state more easily.
TA: Speaking of HeartStone movement, let’s talk about the app: can you describe some of your favorite aspects of the HeartStone App?
LHJ: I love all of the HeartStone App features, however, the list of mantras that are available help to add a very special meditative element.
JZ: My favorite aspect of the app is that you can choose how long or short of a HeartStone session you want to embark on. I also love that we infused our classic free arm movements into the app.
TA: Out of all the meditative mantras, which one are you drawn to on the daily?
LHJ: “Ground to trust” has been my favorite mantra thus far. Life can present challenges at times and knowing that if you surrender, trusting the process and keeping your feet on the ground, you will grow and become even more resilient. I try to live by this but sometimes I need subtle reminders.
JZ: “Restore to be Reborn” is the mantra that resonates most with me. Being a trainer, we are so active every day. The HeartStone practice has allowed me to slow down when I need it most, tapping into my true power.
TA: How did it feel to move with HeartStone to the energy soundtrack created by Maejor during production of the app?
JZ: Moving to the soundtrack created by Maejor was magical. The energy soundtrack made me feel the energy of what was in the palm of my hands instantly, and allowed me to find freedom in my movement… hold the moments that were meant to be held and move more fluidly through the sequences.
LHJ: Moving to the energy soundtrack was the most perfect pairing to the HeartStones. In the past I’ve found comfort in energy healing soundtracks to help me sleep or to relieve stress, so I found comfort in moving to healing sounds that resonate with my natural breathing and heartbeat.
TA: Speaking of filming: what did you keep top of mind while queuing Tracy and other Senior Trainers?
LHJ: When queuing Tracy and Julia, my main goal was to remain calm. There was a lot of detailed information to communicate–without speaking–and I wanted to be as clear as possible without offering any distracting movement or energy that would disrupt the beautiful vibe that was created on set that day.
JZ: While queuing, I kept the energy coming from Tracy or LaShonna. These are two extremely talented and beautiful souls–I trust them to feel their way through any movement and any moment. I kept in mind that it was their journey to embark on; I was just there to guide them when they needed the guidance.
TA: Why should readers consider investing in HeartStone?
LHJ: If you have not done so already, you should invest in the HeartStones to reduce the society-driven anxiety that we all face in a world of instant gratification, and to ground us in resistance training and healthy muscle mass as we age.
JZ: People should invest in HeartStone because our society needs to take a breath and slow down. Society today places so many standards and expectations on us, leaving us lost in who we are at the core. HeartStone has allowed me to tap into my inner child and turn to my heart center.
Learn more at tracyanderson.com/heartstone, and download the HeartStone app—available in the App Store and Google Play Store.
