Radiance Basden is a yoga instructor, lululemon Ambassador, and founder of Rooted in Radiance, a full-service wellness enterprise based in Washington, DC that provides programs covering wellbeing, fitness, and mental resilience. She started competitive running in middle school and continued as a scholarship athlete at the University of South Carolina. She uses her lululemon Studio Mirror for yoga and to help "recharge within my own home so when I step back out into the world, I have that Radiance energy."

Name: Radiance Basden
Hometown: Washington DC
Occupation: Yoga Instructor, Wellness Consultant, Trainer
Instagram username: @energy2radiance
lululemon Studio username: RADIANCEEE

Favorite way to sweat: I love running and biking outside but also have an unconventional favorite way to exercise: swinging on a swing set for a solid 15 minutes! It's an amazing combination of breathwork, core strength, and legs. The motion of the swing challenges your balance and engages your core muscles while also providing a cardiovascular workout.

Favorite class type on the lululemon Studio Mirror: Yoga. With a wide variety of classes, instructors, and themes to choose from, there's always something new to try. Whether I'm in the mood for a restorative flow or a more challenging vinyasa, the Mirror has something for every mood.

Favorite Trainer or partner studio that you love taking classes with: Pilin, whose classes I absolutely love taking. Her energy is so graceful and positive, and it's clear that she has a deep passion for what she does. It's inspiring to see someone who truly loves their work, and Pilin's love for teaching yoga shines through in every class.

Music of choice when needing a bolt of energy to complete a workout: I'm absolutely loving Amapiano music right now! It's a genre that originated in South Africa and has since taken the world by storm. I recently ran the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler with an Amapiano/Afrobeat playlist, and it helped me hit a personal record! Right now, my top three Amapiano songs are: 

  • M'nike (Radio Edit) by Chley, KONKE, and Musa Keys, 
  • Paris by Q Mark ft TpZee and Afriikan Papi
  • Hamba Wena by Deep London and Boohle. ‍

‍Celebrity or athlete I most want to work out with: CIARA!! She is an absolute joy to watch and her vibe is so dope. She radiates joy and positivity in everything she does, whether it's performing on stage or spending time with her family. Her energy, enthusiasm, and passion for fitness are truly inspiring.

Favorite type of cuisine: Thai, Indian, and Ethiopian round out my top three favorite types of food or cuisine. I love the bold flavors and aromatic spices that these cuisines use in their dishes. As a vegetarian, I appreciate the wide variety of delicious vegetarian options that these cuisines offer. From curry to Shiro, there is always something new and exciting to try.

Something that always puts a smile on your face: Witnessing someone achieve something they never thought possible or overcoming a difficult obstacle is a truly inspiring experience. An unconventional thing that always puts a smile on my face is the breakdown of B.O.B. - Bombs Over Baghdad by Outkast. Hearing that live would be a dream come true!‍

Favorite movie or TV show: As of late, my favorite show has been Bel-Air on Peacock. The characters are talented and relatable, and the show tackles real issues with sensitivity and honesty, all while keeping me laughing. But beyond just the entertainment, this show is a great example of Black wealth - emotionally, financially, and relationally. Growing up, I didn't have a lot of examples of Black people who were wealthy and successful. But Bel-Air shows that it's possible for Black people to achieve wealth and prosperity, breaking down harmful stereotypes and opening up new possibilities for young people of color.

Favorite quote or piece of advice that you live by: “Passion is Energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” This quote by Oprah Winfrey reminds us of the importance of finding and pursuing our passions as a means of tapping into our full potential and achieving personal fulfillment. It's a reminder to prioritize the things that excite us and bring us joy, as they can fuel us toward success and happiness. I use this quote to design the life I love, on purpose. 

The most adventurous thing I've ever done: I took a 12-week career sabbatical from my corporate role and became a Volunteer Sports Coach in a rural village outside Accra, Ghana, where I immersed myself in the local culture. I ultimately extended my trip to explore other parts of Africa (Ghana, Zanzibar, and Ethiopia) and the Middle East (Dubai). This transformative experience inspired me to start my wellness business, Rooted in Radiance, to help others combat burnout within the workplace and live a life they are truly proud of.

Something that most people don't know about me: I have a deep love for writing and the artistry of it. In fact, one of my ultimate goals is to create my own font one day. Writing is an art form that requires mindfulness and attention to detail, making it an excellent practice on days when I simply need a moment to pause and breathe on purpose. As I write, I focus on my breath and the way my hand moves across the page, feeling the ink bleed onto the page.

More Member Profiles: Cyn Sylvie is balancing fitness and motherhood Jorge Saldarriaga is running for a better Chicago Josephine Tansara learned to love fitness on her terms

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