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Health & Wellness JA N UA RY 2 02 6

IMAGINE YOUR HOME, Totally Organized!

New Year. New Vibes. New Hair. Where Exploration Grows When Girl Scouts explore the great outdoors, their curiosity skyrockets, and their sense of adventure grows. Join today and get ready to have fun, make friends, and go on big adventures!

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Hello, 2026! January 2026 Happy New Year! It is time to welcome the New Year with great excitement and renewed enthusiasm. We are energized to continue our commitment to connect you with inspiring stories, local insights, and valuable information to make 2026 your best year yet! January brings with it a quiet sense of renewal—a gentle pause between what has been and what is possible. It’s a season that invites reflection, intention, and hope. Every year, I’m reminded how Chattanooga embraces this spirit so naturally, with local leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs who pour heart and vision into the work they do. Their stories remind us that transformation often begins with one inspired step. This month’s issue highlights those individuals and the spaces they have nurtured for our community. We begin with Ember Movement Studio, where movement becomes both art and empowerment, and where community is built through shared passion and encouragement. Turning to wellness, Wildflower Wellness offers a harmonious blend of chiropractic care and therapeutic massage, showing how gentle, intentional practices can help people return to balance. Our wellness round-up continues this theme of holistic growth, featuring Light Matter Wellness, LifeWave, New Lease on Life Bodywork, Gokhale Method, and Oxygen Health Spa—each offering a unique pathway toward healing, growth, and long-term wellbeing. Whether through functional medicine coaching, light-based technology, the grounding practice of Ortho-Bionomy, posture retraining, or restorative therapies, these businesses remind us that caring for ourselves is a worthy investment. Our Local Drinks feature celebrates a rising trend in mindful sipping, spotlighting Chattanooga favorites like Unknown Caller, Civil Provisions, Easy Bistro, Hello Monty, Broads Lounge, Rosecomb, and more—each embracing zero-proof and low-ABV creativity with intention and hospitality. We also share a thoughtful profile from Brenda Bridges of Bridging Divorce, where compassionate guidance helps individuals navigate life transitions with dignity. And for those stepping into fitness goals this year, The Exercise Coach offers an efficient, science-driven path to strength and confidence. What I love most about these stories is their shared message: renewal is not a dramatic leap but a steady unfolding. As you consider the possibilities 2026 holds, I hope these pages inspire you to pursue joy, wellness, and connection in ways that feel both meaningful and attainable. Cheers!

L I S A Y O C K E Y, P U B L I S H E R @ C H AT TA N O O G A C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

PUBLISHER

Lisa Yockey | lisa.yockey@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Belinda Martin | belinda.martin@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Demi Guillory, Belinda Martin, Michelle W. Parnell, Kate Robertson Parrish, Kristi Sellers C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Carlitos Fernandez, Golden Hour Images, Josh Smith & Natalie Caho Photography

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Chattanooga City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Chattanooga area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Chattanooga City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

16 32

Featured

24 28 32 6

Wildflower Wellness

Integrating Massage Therapy & Chiropractic Care for Optimal Health & Gentle Healing

Ember Movement Studio

Fueling the Body & Soul with a Love of Movement & Community

Local Drinks: Dry January

Chattanooga Bars Embrace Zero-Proof & Low-Alcohol Options

28 On the Cover

Departments

Kelly Hutt and Heather Heatherly, owners of Ember Movement, stand confidently in their studio, embodying strength, partnership, and purpose as they represent the empowering spirit of this month’s Health & Wellness issue cover.

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Local Limelight LOCAL SERVICES

Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Expert Help HEALTH + WELLNESS

Now Open HEALTH + WELLNESS

Local’s Choice FOOD + BEVERAGE

Get Active HEALTH + WELLNESS

The Exercise Coach

A High-Tech Approach to Strength, Longevity, and Community

Photography: Golden Hour Images

JANUARY 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Lavender Medi Spa Launches New Rewards App Lavender Medi Spa is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new Rewards App, designed to make every visit even more rewarding. Clients can now earn points, unlock exclusive perks, and enjoy special member-only benefits tailored to enhance their wellness and skincare experience. The easy-to-use platform offers a seamless way to stay connected with upcoming specials, events, and personalized rewards. Start earning today by accessing the app at: lavendermedispa.repeatmd.app/home.

Scan to read more Photography by Natalie Caho Photography

CCL Welcomes New Partner, Brandino Brass Brandino Brass is delighted to join the Chattanooga community as Chattanooga City Lifestyle’s newest partner. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, the company specializes in premium door and cabinet hardware, thoughtfully selected lighting, and beautifully crafted mailboxes. Whether clients are collaborating with a designer, working with a contractor, or envisioning a project of their own, Brandino Brass’s dedicated team is ready to help bring those ideas to life. Call 205-978-8900 to connect with the sales team.

Scan to read more Photography by Brandino Brass Co.

Lee Company Donates 2,000+ Pounds of Food Through Vans4Cans Lee Company’s team donated more than 2,200 pounds of food to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank this holiday season through their annual Vans4Cans initiative. This remarkable effort reflects the heart of their Lee Company Cares outreach, which continues to grow each year. By mobilizing employees, partners, and community members, they are extending meaningful support to families across our region and demonstrating how collective generosity can make a lasting difference.

Photography by Lee Company

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

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Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / C H AT TA N O O G A

Forget Me Not Candles Now Available at The Kitchen Collection Forget Me Not Candles are now available at The Kitchen Collection! Gabrielle Marchetti, owner of Forget Me Not Candles, is thrilled to bring her handcrafted creations to Market Street’s beloved shop. Shoppers can explore a variety of seasonal fragrances alongside year-round favorites, perfect for gifting or treating yourself. Visit The Kitchen Collection to experience these beautifully made candles and discover the scents that have made Forget Me Not a local favorite.

Photography by Forget Me Not Candle

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New Year’s Resolution… REDUCE STRESS

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H AT TA N O O GA

PRIORITIZING

Wellbeing ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLDEN HOUR IMAGES

How Local Professional Brenda Bridges Maintains a Healthy Balance Understanding how tough the divorce journey can be, Brenda Bridges of Bridging Divorce aims to help couples navigate this season with clarity, compassion, and the resources they need to move forward respectfully. Brenda is trained in the many family and financial decisions people face when going through a divorce and has developed a trademarked Informed Mediation™ process that helps couples stay out of court, focused on their goals, and in control of their lives. With a professional life dedicated to helping others, Brenda also recognizes the importance of taking care of herself. This month, Brenda shares not only what keeps her motivated in her work life, but how she maintains a healthy balance between work and personal time. What do you love about what you do? What I love is watching people realize they’re not powerless. When they get good information and a calm guide, they make smarter choices — for themselves and for their kids. I love watching the moment someone realizes - I’m not powerless here. I can do this. Clients often share that they didn’t know they had options. They send notes of gratitude saying the process helped them show up for themselves and their children with integrity, even when everything felt shaky. Being invited into that space — that fragile, brave moment in a person’s life — is something I never take for granted. Being that steady presence in someone’s hardest chapter… that’s the real privilege of my work.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LO CAL SE RVICE S

What do you love to do for fun? I’m a bit of a collector of joys. I read a couple of books every week. I practice yoga. I love to bike and I’m very grateful for our e-bikes, because Chattanooga is basically hills wrapped in more hills. I garden, paint, hike, and recently I’ve fallen in love with clay work — there’s something about creating with your hands that feels grounding. Travel is another passion. From Morocco to Greece, New York to New Orleans, I love exploring new places and cultures. Next up is Portugal with my kids, which I’m already excited about. And at home, I’m dreaming up a new project: building a waterfall and koi pond in the yard. Creativity + nature = my happy place. Do you have any favorite local spots? I love trying new restaurants, catching live music, and finding those little pockets of beauty that pop up everywhere in this city. I’ve been coming here since the ’80s because my parents lived here but settling in as an empty nest adult has been a whole new chapter. People have welcomed me with such generosity. Now that I have real roots here, I’m excited to get more involved in community work and figure out where I can be of service. How do you ensure a healthy work/personal life balance? If I’m honest, balance became a necessity after years of living without it. Following my divorce, I rebuilt my career from the

People aren’t powerless. With calm guidance and good information, they make choices they can stand proud of.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H AT TA N O O GA

Balance isn’t a luxury; it’s who I’m becoming. When you protect your wellbeground up at age 50. I worked relentlessly, and eventually it caught up with me — emotionally and physically. Now, balance isn’t a luxury; it’s part of who I’m becoming. I make space for rest, curiosity, creativity, movement, and learning. I surround myself with mentors who ask better questions and challenge old assumptions. I listen to podcasts about health, leadership, and being a whole human being — not just a productive one. What I’ve learned is this: when you protect your wellbeing, everything else gets better. Why is work/personal life balance so important? Because if you don’t create balance, life will do it for you — and usually in a way you don’t like. When you run too hard for too long, you pay for it. Your health goes, your relationships fray, your clarity disappears. I’ve lived that. Finding balance is about protecting your future self. When you’re grounded, your decisions get better. And your life gets better. What else would you love readers to know? Divorce is one of the hardest things a person can go through. It’s disorienting. It’s vulnerable. And it’s often lonely. If someone in your life is going through a divorce, the greatest gift you can offer is your presence. You don’t have to give advice or fix anything. Just stay. Just listen. Just show up. People remember who was there for them. And if you’re the one going through it, know this: you’re not broken. You’re not alone. And there are healthier, more caring ways to move through this chapter. My work is about helping people find those ways — those that prioritize dignity, compassion, and informed decisions. We really can do better than the old win-or-lose model. Brenda Bridges holds multiple certifications including as a Mediator, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Divorce Coach® and BeH20™ certified co-parenting educator. For more information and to connect with Brenda, visit BridgingDivorceSolutions.com, email brenda@bridgingllc.com, or call 844-306-0166.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LO CAL SE RVICE S

ing, your clarity improves, your decisions get better, and your entire life starts to follow that healthier direction.”

ARTICLE BY MICHELLE PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLDEN HOUR IMAGES

Wildflower Wellness Integrating Massage Therapy & Chiropractic Care for Optimal Health & Gentle Healing Dr. Melissa Powell and Abby Hudson both bring personal experience and professional expertise to Wildflower Wellness. They use healing touch through massage, chiropractic care, and other modalities to help the body function at peak potential. According to Abby, a certified massage therapist, there are a wide range of health benefits associated with massage. “Clients can experience an overall change in many areas including mood, pain relief, and overall physical and mental health,” she shares. “Bringing someone into a parasympathetic state and out of a sympathetic fight or flight state, especially after trauma or heavy loads of stress, can really be magical. It allows them to turn their brain off and let someone else worry about them for a change, and it can be a light bulb moment for a lot of people on their healing journey.” When it comes to chiropractic care, Dr. Mel likes for people to know that it is about more than helping with back and neck pain. “I love teaching people about the science behind the innate intelligence in your body and how your mind and your body work together. Your brain uses your spinal cord to talk to every cell tissue and organ in your body,” she explains. “There is science that proves that when you get a spinal adjustment, that there is a neurological change that happens in the brain. So, when you adjust the spine, you adjust the brain.”

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

For people who might be hesitant or nervous about seeing a chiropractor, Dr. Mel likes to provide assurance and encouragement. “I am not your typical snap, crackle, pop type of chiropractor. I focus more on a gentle tonal technique that either uses instrumentation or soft touch with breath work to be able to eliminate neurological interference in your body,” she says. “Although you’ll get an adjustment during appointments, you’re likely to also get a little bit of soft tissue rehab, breath work, and cranial work.” One of the things that makes Wildflower Wellness unique is how Dr. Mel and Abby marry massage therapy and chiropractic care. Although they offer individual services, they also understand how the two modalities work together for optimal results. “I tell people they really need to see Abby before me because they need to get their mind in this relaxed state and let the tension melt,” says Dr. Mel. “Once they are in that space, when they receive the adjustment afterwards, they’re going to accept that adjustment so much better because their body is in a state of peace. We offer integrated appointments where you can come in, get a massage, and then I come right in behind Abby to give you an adjustment.” At Wildflower Wellness, they intentionally cultivate a space that supports relaxation and recovery. “We pride ourselves on

“ We truly care about our client s and their complete healing journeys, focusing 100% on them during ever y appointment .”

being very personable and outgoing, and our focus is 100% on our client at the time of their appointment,” shares Abby. “We truly care about our clients and their complete healing journeys.” Wildflower Wellness is located at 122 Lee Parkway Drive, Suite 111. To find out more, visit www.wildflowerwellness.health or call 423-540-9109. Also follow Wildflower Wellness Chattanooga on social media. JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H AT TA N O O GA

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FIND YOUR FIRE IN 2026

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From Yoga to Circuit to Aerial Arts to Lift…

New Client Intro: 2 weeks unlimited for $30 1635 Chestnut St · Chattanooga, TN Embermovementstudio.com @ember.tn JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H AT TA N O O GA

WELLNESS, REDEFINED Meet the Locals Transforming How We Move, Heal, Restore & Care for Ourselves

ARTICLE BY BELINDA MARTIN

LIGHT MATTER WELLNESS: FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE HEALTH & WELLNESS COACHING

Dana Dickerson, NBCHWC, FMCHC dana@lightmatterwellness.com Our purpose is to be a partner, to encourage and support you in becoming the vision of your truest self that you are ready to embody. In individual sessions, you will choose the steps to deepen your health and wellness and follow your unique path of success. At Light Matter we believe that by eclipsing our challenges, we create lasting change. We hope to make all matters of the heart, mind, body and our environment feel light and free. By applying the fundamentals of Functional medicine, including movement, nutrition, sleep, stress management and environment, week to week our clients develop lifelong habits that bring them joy and abundance. We are changing to truly thrive.

LIFE WAVE

Myra Welch | MagicStickerChic@gmail.com Myra Welch offers a cutting-edge, noninvasive approach to health through LifeWave’s light-based technology designed to activate the body’s natural healing abilities without pills, injections, or chemicals. Clients report improved sleep, energy, recovery, and overall performance. More than a health solution, it’s a movement toward rethinking wellness from the inside out. Myra also mentors individuals interested in building purpose-driven income streams around holistic health. Curious about what your body is capable of? Connect and discover wellness redefined.

BONFIRE IN THE RAIN

Lisa Bloom | bonfireintherain.com | Lisa@bonfireintherain.com Lighting the way through the chaos of health insurance. Bonfire in the Rain specializes in health insurance solutions for individuals and families navigating life's changes. Whether you're dealing with job transitions, divorce, turning 65, or simply overwhelmed by rising costs, Lisa Bloom provides clear, compassionate guidance. From ACA marketplace plans to Medicare and health shares, she helps Chattanooga residents find coverage that fits their unique situations.

EXP E RT H E LP | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

The purpose of Light Matter Wellness is to be a partner, to encourage and support you in becoming the vision of your truest self that you are ready to embody.

OXYGEN HEALTH SPA

Brandon Jones | oxygenhealthspa.net | BrandonJones22@gmail.com Oxygen Health Spa in Chattanooga offers a rejuvenating blend of advanced wellness therapies designed to optimize your body and mind. From hyperbaric oxygen therapy and red light therapy to infrared sauna sessions and lymphatic drainage, each service is tailored to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall vitality. Whether you're recovering from injury, boosting immunity, or simply seeking deep relaxation, Oxygen Health Spa provides natural, noninvasive solutions to help you feel your best.

NEW LEASE ON LIFE BODYWORK

Jacqueline Davis | newleaseonlifebodywork@gmail.com Jacqueline Davis is an Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner®, a modality that can reduce tension in soft tissues and reset joint alignment. Sessions typically last one hour and clients wear loose clothing that allows full range of motion. The client's verbal feedback helps adapt the work to the individual, and re-educate dysfunctional patterns in movement. Through self-care coaching clients are empowered to be proactive in restoring balance to their body. Jacqueline brings compassion, accountability and clarity to your wellness journey.

GOKHALE METHOD

Harrison Conerly | gokhalemethod.com | Harrison@GoKhaleMethod.com Harrison Conerly is a qualified Gokhale Method® teacher based in Chattanooga, helping individuals suffering from chronic pain rediscover healthy movement to live pain-free. Through in-person and virtual courses, Harrison teaches a practical system to relieve tension, improve alignment, and prevent back and joint pain without surgery or medication. Rooted in ancestral wisdom and modern science, the Gokhale Method® empowers people to move with strength, ease, and confidence.

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Chattanooga Welcomes A New Kind of Networking It is through deeper personal relationships that we find more meaning in our work and better opportunities to refer each other.

Make this Valentine’s Day extra delicious with one of our five Date Night cooking classes—full of fun, flavor, and a little spark in the kitchen.

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Ember Movement Studio Fueling the Body & Soul with a Love of Movement & Community Home is where the heart is, and for Kelly Hutt and Heather Heatherly, it’s in Chattanooga. Hutt and Heatherly are the co-owners of Ember Movement Studio, where fitness blends artistic expression, and signature classes like pole, lyra and hammock are offered alongside more traditional cardio workouts. It is also where community makes the biggest difference in reaching fitness goals with a support system built by the special bond Hutt and Heatherly share. Before it was Ember, the fitness studio was operational under Kyle House Fitness with interim ownership after it

had been sold by the original owners. Hutt and Heatherly initially worked together as instructors with similar backgrounds in performing arts and fitness. Now, as business partners, “we have a wonderful business relationship,” said Hutt. “We are very fortunate that even though we are in different parts of our lives, we came together for the love of this business.” Neither were born or grew up in the Chattanooga area, but the miles of distance that once separated them closed in when they came here looking for a fresh start.

ARTICLE BY DEMI GUILLORY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLDEN HOUR IMAGES

NOW OP E N | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

“I’m originally from Nashville, born and raised,” Heatherly, whose love of movement and talent as a classically trained ballet dancer landed her in New York City, shared. “In my mid-20s, I just kind of lost my passion for ballet and moved back to Nashville.” There, she discovered yoga, and in her own words, “never looked back.” Until her passion and skill as an instructor evolved and she desired a space of her own. “I had been to Chattanooga throughout my life and had always said, ‘if there’s anywhere else I would be besides Nashville that was in Tennessee, it would hands-down be Chattanooga,’” recalled Heatherly. Further away in Los Angeles, Hutt, too, was ready for a new landscape and inspiration. “I went to college in Boston, where I studied acting very intensely and from there, I moved to Los Angeles for a number of years.” After receiving her certification in personal training, Hutt faced health challenges and knew a slower pace of life was calling for her. Chattanooga answered. “I decided to slow down, move towards the mountains and water,” she explained. “I wanted to come into myself more and immerse myself in a community that really spoke to me.” While their professional journey has kept them in motion, both love the escape the Chattanooga terrain offers–the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the beauty around them. Heatherly has a preteen son who often accompanies her on hiking trips. “If I’m not working, [planning] ‘what waterfall or hike can we get to within an hour or two hours?’ There’s just options that hit each one of those points that are equally amazing.” Among their favorites? The Gorge. “He’s my little adventure buddy,” Heatherly, who treasures the memories made on these trips, said. Much like movement and creativity nourishes her soul (she’s a big fan of DIY projects), nature is also Hutt’s happy place–sharing it with her fiance, a massage therapist at Ember. “[We] have an apartment that’s on the state line of Georgia and Tennessee, and there’s a lot of nature,” she shared. “I’m very fortunate.”

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Local Drinks: Dry January Chattanooga Bars Embrace Zero-Proof & Low-Alcohol Options Dry January might only last for a month, but its influence continues all year as more people prioritize healthier lifestyles. Nationally, surveys show drinking is on the decline, especially among younger adults, and “taking a break” from alcohol has become a common, even celebrated, choice. Low-ABV drinks, zero-proof cocktails, and thoughtful non-alcoholic options are becoming more prevalent on menus in Chattanooga and beyond. The excitement for these new options extends beyond bar guests. For people who work in the industry, the conversation is personal. After a busy night of service, the default way to come down from the adrenaline has often been to pour a drink. Now, more hospitality pros are looking for ways to unwind that don’t compromise their health or blur their boundaries. As they build and promote low- and no-alcohol options, they’re not only taking better care of themselves; they’re educating guests and normalizing a more mindful approach to drinking. Zero-proof and low-ABV offerings also provide a new layer of inclusivity: giving designated drivers something more interesting than soda, offering a non-boozy nightcap that still feels special, and creating space to alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the night. It’s starting to feel less like an accommodation and more like a new normal.

ARTICLE BY KATE ROBERTSON PARRISH PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSH SMITH & CARLITOS FERNANDEZ

LOCA L’S CH OICE | FO O D + BE VE RAGE

Working without alcohol forces creativity—how to replicate the gentle burn, astringency, smokiness, earthiness, or botanical notes people associate with spirits. Bartender and industry veteran Josh Smith notes that replacing the spirit doesn’t mean stripping a drink down; it means finding new ways to add body and depth. “Without having to save space for a base spirit, you can truly start with a blank slate,” Smith says. Building from flavors first—fruit, spice, citrus, herbs—makes it easier to get hyper-seasonal. The approach is increasingly culinary: instead of asking “What gin goes here?” the question becomes, “What flavors will make this feel complete?” Some bartenders are fat-washing non-alcoholic spirits or even tea with ingredients like coconut oil, butter, bacon fat, or sesame oil to create richness and weight on the palate. Others lean on unexpected pantry staples, like soy sauce, used almost like bitters to add complexity.

The answer isn’t a single product, but a toolbox of techniques and ingredients that let zero-proof drinks stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their boozy counterparts. For guests scanning a menu, that level of care signals something simple but important: you’re meant to have something fun and special in your glass, no matter how much alcohol is in it. Kaleena Goldsworthy, a CAP White Coat with Tales of the Cocktail and longtime industry professional, sees the rise of low- and no-alcohol drinks as part of a broader evolution behind the bar. “People are putting forth thought and intention into research and development into mocktails the same way they did for cocktails ten years ago,” she says. “Everything in the alcohol industry comes in cycles…this is a really lovely cycle we’re entering into.” While she acknowledges that “it can be intimidating for the alcohol side because they see this wave coming,” she believes “there’s a way for everyone to play nice.” For those taking part in Dry January, or simply trying to drink less, Chattanooga offers plenty of places where that balance feels easy and enjoyable. Spots like Outpost, Unknown Caller, Alleia, Hello Monty, 2nd American, Civil Provisions, Clever Alehouse, Broads Lounge, Rosecomb Bar, Easy Bistro, and Little Coyote all feature thoughtful and tasty non-alcoholic options, as does Asheville Dispensary. Together, they’re showing that in Chattanooga, you don’t have to order alcohol to feel fully part of the night.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H AT TA N O O GA

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ARTICLE BY KRISTI SELLERS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOLDEN HOUR IMAGES

A High-Tech Approach to Strength, Longevity, and Community

THE EXERCISE COACH

If you’ve spent any amount of time in Chattanooga’s wellness community, chances are you’ve heard someone mention the high-tech studio on Lee Highway where clients complete full-body workouts in only 20 minutes. That studio is The Exercise Coach, and at the center of it are Ken and Sheena Meyer—a husband-and-wife team who have created a fitness environment that blends technology, coaching, and warmth. Their studio feels part science lab, part personal-training space, and part neighborhood hub, a combination that has resonated deeply with clients across the region. Their path to entrepreneurship, however, was far from expected. “I never imagined we would end up in a fitness-related business,” Ken says, explaining that he initially believed the market was already saturated with 24-hour gyms. “And when I heard about a 20-minute workout, I thought there was no way it could be effective. I had worked out most of my life and believed the only way to get results was by spending hours in a gym every week sweating.”

G E T ACT IV E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

But curiosity nudged the couple forward. Intrigued, Ken and Sheena traveled to Houston to see an Exercise Coach studio firsthand. What they discovered changed everything. “We were both blown away by the sleek efficiency of the system,” Ken recalls. “Skeptically, I went through the workout and realized technology really has driven efficiency into the process—and that’s why it works so well.” Together, the Meyers have built a studio designed for people who want meaningful results without sacrificing hours of their day. The Exercise Coach model—brief, guided, strength-focused sessions—reflects their belief that fitness can be both efficient

and effective. The approach appeals to clients who want structure, accountability, and measurable improvement within a schedule that supports real life. “The response from the community has been extremely positive, and our client list continues to grow,” Ken says. “It’s another great example of how technology is improving our lives by making the process of building strength, staying healthy, and learning to age well more efficient.” But behind the machines and data-driven programming is a couple who genuinely enjoy life. They’ve built a workspace they love sharing, but they also intentionally protect time for one another—something increasingly CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/C H AT TA N O O GA

rare and worth celebrating. Travel is among their favorite shared joys, with a particular affection for California’s wine country. Long weekends in Florida or trips to visit family in Virginia keep them connected and refreshed. High-school classmates who later became lifelong partners, Ken and Sheena have now been married for 45 years. They still enjoy simple, joyful evenings together, and you may

WE’VE BUILT A STUDIO FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT MEANINGFUL RESULTS WITHOUT SACRIFICING HOURS OF THEIR DAY—WHERE TECHNOLOGY, COACHING, COME

AND

TOGETHER

CONNECTION TO

MAKE

STRENGTH, HEALTH, AND AGING WELL EFFICIENT AND ACHIEVABLE.

G E T ACT IV E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

spot them at a favorite rooftop bar, savoring a glass of wine. Home life brings its own pleasures: “Sheena is a phenomenal cook, and while I’m a decent sous chef, I spend a lot of time remodeling our house or taking on projects inside and out,” Ken says. “We love dining out and meeting friends or family whenever we can. And sometimes we’re just as happy staying in with a good book or a movie and enjoying a glass of wine.” Ken offers a warm invitation to anyone curious about their approach: “I’d love for your readers to come try our two free sessions. You might discover a new way to build strength and age well without spending hours in a gym. Or, if nothing else, we may just meet and become friends.” For anyone in Chattanooga seeking personalized coaching, efficient workouts, and owners who treat you like a neighbor rather than a number, Ken and Sheena Meyer have created a fitness home worth visiting—a place driven by heart, connection, and the belief that strong, healthy living should fit beautifully into everyday life.

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