Introducing our first edition of moodboard, where we have conversations with our community of creators and tastemakers. Meet Journey Kan: cult-favorite LA pilates instructor and (so) much more.
Introduce yourself!
Hi 👋 , my name is Journey, like the word 🛣️ or the band 🎸, and I have been a full-time Los Angeles-based group fitness instructor for nearly ten years! Outside of teaching Lagree Fitness at Megaformer Studio in Santa Monica and heated Mat Pilates classes at Silver Springs in West Hollywood, I am a devout follower of astrology 🔮 with a lifelong education in Internet and pop culture. Nearly a decade ago after being laid off numerous times during the tumultuous times of tech startups in Silicon Beach, I took my side gig as a group fitness instructor full throttle 🏎️ and dove into leading classes with the intention of helping others unironically “live, laugh, and love.”
As all Los Angeles folks do, I have aspirations beyond teaching in the boutique fitness studio space and continue to use my creativity in other ways, such as marketing, social media, and copywriting for clients in Southern California and beyond. Although I am not Liam Neeson in Taken, I like to think I have a specific set of skills, and even if I can’t do something for you personally, I will likely know someone who can.
I am proud to represent and support all intersections of my identity as a queer Asian woman in the health and wellness space. Through authentically leading fitness classes and creatively showcasing how non-traditional career paths can bring joy in ways our previous generations could have never imagined, I hope to continue to create opportunities for people that I care about in my community. Through humor, movement, and gratitude, I believe that we can make small steps to create change for the future.
Take us through your perfect day (in detail!).
I often start my day teaching classes at @megaformerstudio in Santa Monica or @silverspringsmelrose in West Hollywood, where hopefully 🤞 , I’ve packed a change of clothing or grip socks to take class as a client and enjoy the group fitness experience from another perspective, a.k.a. getting a taste of my own medicine 😭 .
If I end up having a pack of sweedies in my @fpmovement bag 😋, I’ll pop a few as I stop by @intelligensia in Venice for a caffeine-packed Iced Angeleno for me and an iced mocha for my partner as we get on with our day ☕ !
With our two children, Moose and Barbara (above), we love to take them on a little walk around our North Inglewood neighborhood either before noon or after sunset to avoid the heat on their paws 🐾. We also love taking them to that trail sandwiched between Playa Vista and the LMU campus 🌞. Since we’re leash training them because they’re both big dogs, we might not be the fastest in the area, but we are certainly the most consistent with positive affirmations!
After an active day, there’s nothing I love more than a 90-120 minute afternoon nap. Since I teach so early in the morning, you can usually find me cuddling with one of my kids, Moose (above) and listening to a podcast or @libbyapp audiobook.
My partner and I bonded when we met over two years ago over the fact that both of us don’t prefer alcohol and enjoy the relaxing effects of cannabis. Now that we’re married, we enjoy an end of the day recap to reconnect on the couch with a hand rolled joint 🍃. Something about sharing one makes it feel like a collective energetic exhale after chaotic days.
How do you boost your mood after a rough day (or week)?
There’s nothing I love more than microdosing and reconnecting with nature 🌳 . Whether it’s free admission into Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades or sitting and vibing Soundcloud mixes 🎶 on my patio with our dogs and garden where me and my partner are hoping to grow squash and tomatoes 🍅 this year, there is such innate value to me in losing track of time and finding the gratitude during the day.
Best snack and TV pairing with an edible?
Lesser Evil Himalayan Sweetness popcorn + 90 Day Fiancé
Siete Foods Nacho Chips + Max’s Deadly Influence: The Social Media Murders
Your preferred way to consume MoodRings?
Since my tolerance is higher, I tend to eat the entire pouch 🍑 after I teach classes and before I take one as a client, so I can tune into my own body while working out and ignore the negative self-talk and unnecessary comparison between me and others in class. It also is a tasty sweet treat I love to reward myself with! And because I don’t like to arrive at my friend’s homes empty handed, I often bring a pouch to share with a friend, or even my own mother, to help ease them into partaking while still remaining in control of their 420 experience.
The wellness trend you believe is worth the hype? And the most overrated
Infrared saunas ❤️🔥 are totally worth the hype because they’re just such a great way to wind down after a hard workout or a hard day. I am also rekindling my love for a cold plunge 🧊 , and the hot/cold contrast therapy makes me feel so strong and rejuvenated afterwards 💪 .
Overrated are wearable fitness trackers ⌚ . I’ve already done both Fitbit and the Apple Watch in my nearly 20 years of working out in gyms and in classes, and I’ve overanalyzed the numbers. The moment I started trusting my body and intuition on how to care for the body/home I’ve built and live in, I no longer needed the numbers to remind me of my worth and strength. Ditching those wearables outside of using them as a tool to teach my classes in conjunction with plant medicine, has really allowed me to better connect my mind, body, and spirit ✨ .
Follow Journey on Instagram here.