Lauren Chiarello Mika is a two-time thriver of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and mom of identical twin boys, but her story is defined just as much by joy as by resilience. With two decades of experience in fundraising, event planning, cancer advocacy, and community building, she brings heart, humor, and human connection to everything she touches. She is the Founder of Chi Chi Life, a community rooted in connection and shared experience.
Lauren’s joie de vivre is truly infectious. She lives in Ridgefield with her husband, Russ, and their children, and teaches mindful movement everywhere from Plank Ridgefield to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her pre-class ritual of passing out “sunshine cards” and her post-class sage-spray sendoff are universally loved. Students adore her for her boundless positivity, thoughtful sequencing, and deceptively challenging moves. Lauren’s specialties include Barre, Pilates, and Cancer Exercise.
You’ve overcome Hodgkin’s lymphoma twice and have since built a career around movement and mindfulness. How did your cancer journey shape the way you think about health and strength?
One body, one life. Movement and exercise allowed me to regain my strength post-treatment. I wanted to make sure I was doing everything within my power to lead a strong, healthy, and intentional life. To me, exercise is not just a priority but something that should be ingrained in our lives for a joyful energy boost. It is an honor to hold space for people who want to care for themselves. Let’s squeeze the juice out of each day!
You teach Pilates, Barre, and Yoga, often blending them into your signature “Triple Fusion” classes. What do you love about that combination, and what makes it such an effective, sustainable workout?
These methods are rooted in mindfulness, flexibility, and strength. In my classes, I focus on balance, stability, mobility, and core strength using low-impact exercises. Building your core strength protects your spine, improves your posture, and supports bone density. You’ll leave grounded and energized as you connect your body, mind, and heart through movement and breath.
You teach everywhere—from virtual classes to in-person sessions—but many of your classes take place outdoors, from The Hickories to the Ridgefield Farmers Market. What do you love about leading movement in nature?
Nothing beats moving in the fresh air! Research shows that spending time in nature reduces stress, improves mental health, enhances mood, and boosts cognitive function. It’s also an incredible sensorial experience to move in Mother Nature.
Mindfulness is woven into your teaching, and you also lead workshops for companies and groups. As someone balancing work, motherhood, and homeschooling twins, what simple practices do you recommend for bringing mindfulness into even the busiest days?
Mindfulness is paying attention, without judgment, in the present moment. A brief pause with an anchor on the breath and gratitude can help ground you. Perhaps you have five minutes between meetings, or you’re standing at the sink washing dishes. When we carve out that space and acknowledge what we are grateful for, it can shift our mindset into a positive state. Abundance is all around us.
Many people begin a new year wanting to move more but feel intimidated or unsure where to start. What small, realistic steps do you suggest for building consistency and confidence?
Plan your workouts on Sunday for the week ahead and hold yourself accountable. Keep in mind that your plan may change—maybe your kids get sick or you get stuck in a meeting—so something will have to shift. Start with something feasible that can integrate into your schedule with ease. If you don’t carve out time for movement, it won’t happen.
When you keep a consistent exercise plan, you’ll see and feel your progress. You will get stronger over time. When you have more energy, mental clarity, and increased confidence, you tend to perform better in your work environment and your everyday life. The energy will carry you through your day, and your endorphins will help keep you in a positive mindset. Watch the ripple effect!
For those who sit at a desk all day, what are a few simple stretches or posture resets that make a real difference?
First, I recommend becoming aware of how you’re holding your body in your seat. You want to make sure you have a neutral spine with a focus on the two curves: lumbar (low back) and cervical (neck). When you keep your back in proper alignment, you help keep back pain at bay. I suggest integrating the following three stretches into your day several times:
Neck Rolls: start by dropping your chin to your chest and then roll your head gently side to side.
Shoulder Mobility: bring your hands to your shoulders and draw circles with your elbows five times in each direction.
Chest Opener: clasp your hands behind your back, knuckles down toward the ground, and press the heels of your hands together. Breathe in and out and look side to side for neck mobility.
You’re deeply involved in several meaningful projects—from NICU Joy Boxes to Cycle for Survival to your Catskills retreat. Could you share a bit about each of these initiatives?
In 2023, I launched the NICU Joy Box project, which aims to boost spirits and offer pampering to NICU parents and nurses through curated care boxes. My twins were born at 35 weeks and spent a significant amount of time in the NICU, so we know firsthand how challenging this time can be. To date, the project has raised over $8,000 and distributed 150 Joy Boxes to the NICUs at Northern Westchester Hospital and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. This year’s boxes will benefit Stamford Hospital and will be assembled locally this month at Queen B Coffee.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center saved my life, and I am a dedicated team captain for Cycle for Survival—a movement to raise funds for rare cancer research. To date, Team Chi Chi Life has raised over $100,000. This year, our team will be 20 riders strong at Equinox E 61st Street on Saturday, March 7th, in NYC. Join us!
I’m also energized to share that I’ll be hosting my fourth Fitness, Rest, and Restore retreat from Friday, April 24th to Sunday, April 26th in Neversink, NY. We’ll be a cozy group of 12–14 magical humans who are kind, joyful, and curious. You’ll enjoy daily mindful movement classes, an energizing goat hike, a creative craft workshop, farm-to-table meals in community, nightly cozy bonfires with s’mores, and pampering at the spa, indoor pool, and sauna.
As we begin a brand new year, what message do you hope to share with people about taking care of themselves—body, mind, and heart?
No day but today. You can make positive changes with dedication and consistency. Find what excites you and arrive as you are. If you’re excited about what you’re doing and having fun with it, then you are likely to keep coming back! Start where you are and know that progress takes time and consistency. I believe in the power of community—we are stronger together. Yes you can!
To get involved with any of Lauren’s upcoming events/projects, email her at lauren@chichilifenyc.com. Visit chichilifenyc.com to learn more and follow along on Instagram at @chichilifenyc.