MINDFULNESS + PHYSICAL WELLNESS


Prenatal Breathe + Stretch Classes Now Offered

By Alyssa Knapp, MS, CEP, CTTS


First of all, I’d just like to say how grateful I am to have found Momunity and am so excited to be a part of this growing community of supportive women (and men)! So much falls on our shoulders as mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, partners, and we ALL need help and support to live well and be happy. So here’s how I can help YOU…


My husband and I are originally from CT and have been in RI for 7 years now, and for all of you living far from family, you know exactly how hard this can be at times. We’ve reached so many milestones here, but the most dynamic has definitely been becoming a parent. Despite the challenges that arose from entering parenthood, it felt like the instant Eddie (now 2 years old) was born, we joined this whole new community of people who were going through the same ups and downs with raising tiny humans.


Feeling validated and understood is so, so important in navigating this journey. To have others who know just exactly what you’re going through and to NORMALIZE all of the (let’s be honest) bizarre experiences that come along with this stage of life. For me, being a source of support in whatever way I can for other mothers has become such a growing passion! My background in the wellness industry combined with experience as a parent allows me the resources to help other mothers along their path in a holistic way.


The journey that led me here today began in the fitness industry 12 years ago, when I worked as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor. While I loved every minute of it, I recognized that there was something more than physical activity and healthy eating that my clients needed to move to the next level of well-being.


I went back to school to study Psychology + Health Promotion and Exercise which led to a Master’s program in Kinesiology at URI where I focused my studies on the psychosocial and behavioral aspects of physical activity. During this stage of life not only did I experience excessive stress and anxiety, but I also watched so many around me struggle with these emotions, especially other women. I noticed that stress and emotional well-being were a huge predictor of success with other health and wellness goals.


This prompted my research study on how exercise + mindfulness practice can reduce stress and anxiety. The positive results from the study as well as the feedback I received from the participants fueled my desire to develop mindful fitness programs. After completing my Master’s program, I moved on to a corporate role in the worksite wellness field where I spent 5 years coaching (literally) hundreds of individuals on all aspects of wellness (exercise, sleep, nutrition, stress, diabetes, heart disease, healthy pregnancy, etc.), and I developed and implemented many health promotion and health education programs along the way.


My corporate role abruptly came to an end this past year when the company I worked for went bankrupt, and all of the pieces fell into place allowing me to pursue my dream of starting my own practice and get back to my intention of building mindfulness-based fitness programs. And then, Integrative Wellness RI was born! Not long after launching, I moved into a beautiful space in Warwick, RI where I share with a wonderful massage therapist and aesthetician, Carla Parmentier.


I am now happily growing my practice with private sessions, group classes, and am collaborating with other providers and creating new programs to give you the tools and resources you need to live your best life!

Integrative Wellness

My first class dedicated solely to expecting mothers is launching Saturday, 6/1! Every Saturday at 10:30 A.M. I will be teaching a small group class called Prenatal Breathe + Stretch, where will practice mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques, stretches and exercises. This class will help you feel more prepared for the journey ahead, and teach the skills you’ll need postnatal.


Stay tuned for new programs designed for YOU! In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you if you have any questions or would like to discuss my other services in more detail: integrativewellnessri@gmail.com or phone (401) 268-7225.


Alyssa Knapp, MS, CEP, CTTS

Owner, Integrative Wellness RI


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