Ciara Martin | Yoga Hikes & Nature-Based Nervous System Retreats | Boulder, CO

In our Women in Wellness series, we spotlight inspiring women who are making waves in the wellness community. Today, we're excited to introduce you to Ciara Martin, PhD, CYT, founder of The Planted Yogi LLC based in Boulder, Colorado, whose approach to yoga retreats combines adventure, healing, and deep reconnection.

Meeting Ciara Martin

With a PhD in toxicology and years spent in laboratory science, Ciara brings a unique perspective to her yoga practice. As a certified yoga teacher specializing in yoga hikes and immersive retreats, she has cultivated a teaching style that emphasizes nervous system regulation, embodiment, and self-healing through movement and nature.

"My signature retreat arc goes far beyond your standard yoga getaway," Ciara explains. "Each retreat includes guided preparation, an immersive travel experience, and post-retreat integration so your growth doesn't end when the retreat does."

Beyond Escaping: The True Purpose of Yoga Retreats

While many view retreats as simply a vacation with yoga, Ciara's approach focuses on their transformative potential. Contrary to the misconception that nervous system regulation only comes from stillness, Ciara emphasizes that "movement, laughter, and even cold exposure are powerful active regulators—sometimes rest looks like shaking it off, not laying it down."

"My retreats aren't just about escaping; they're about coming home to yourself," she shares. "With an 8-week online yoga reset before we even board the plane, an all-inclusive immersive experience during the retreat, and continued support afterward, this full-circle approach creates lasting transformation."

Practical Tips for Nervous System Reset

Ciara believes that small, consistent practices can have profound effects on our wellbeing. Here are her practical tips for incorporating nervous system regulation into daily life:

1. Try a 10-Minute Nervous System Reset: Sit or lie down, breathe in for 4 counts, out for 8. Repeat for 3-5 minutes. Then end with legs-up-the-wall or Child's Pose for the remaining time.

2. Do One Thing Barefoot: Whether it's a short walk outside or making your morning coffee, going barefoot for even a few minutes brings you back into your body fast.

3. Eat Within a 10-Hour Window: Shrinking your eating window (think 9am–7pm) is a simple way to reduce inflammation, support digestion, and balance hormones—no overhauls required.

Try This at Home: A Simple Practice to Start

Ready to experience the power of embodiment? Ciara recommends this quick 3-minute practice:

1. Set a timer for 3 minutes

2. Stand up and close your eyes

3. Start shaking—arms, legs, torso, like you're shaking off stress

4. Let a sigh or sound out on the exhale

5. Place your hands on your heart and ask: "What do I need right now?"

6. Just listen to what arises

Finding Reconnection Through Movement

Ciara's personal journey with yoga began after multiple burnouts in the corporate science world. "Yoga started as a workout, then became my lifeline through heartbreak, stress, and big transitions," she reflects. "I finally gave myself permission to rest and reclaim joy. Now I help others reconnect with their own power through breath, movement, and nature."

This realization shapes her teaching philosophy and resonates with her clients. "Whether they're navigating motherhood, burnout, or big life shifts, they leave with real tools and a deep reconnection to their body's wisdom."

What might surprise you about Ciara's practice? Despite her scientific background, she admits, "I spent years in a lab. Now I lead yoga hikes, organize retreats around the world, and teach about intuition, embodiment, and self-healing. Wild, right?"

The Power of Transformation

Beyond her yoga practice, Ciara is passionate about creating transformative experiences. Her clients often report they feel "more like themselves again—grounded, lighter, and clear" after working with her.

"You don't need to be flexible, spiritual, or 'good at yoga' to join me," she emphasizes. "Just bring your curiosity, a willingness to try, and maybe a sense of humor. Healing doesn't have to be so serious—sometimes the best medicine is moving your body and laughing with new friends."

Signature Offerings: The Full-Circle Retreat Experience

Ciara's approach to retreats stands out for its comprehensive arc that supports participants before, during, and after the travel experience. Her signature offering is a full-spectrum retreat journey that includes:

8-Week Pre-Retreat Reset: Before even boarding the plane, participants begin with an online yoga reset designed to gently regulate the nervous system, build strength and mobility, and help reconnect with yourself.

Immersive Travel Experience: The retreat balances adventure and restoration. For example, her upcoming Australia retreat features 3 days of exploration in Cairns—snorkeling the reef and rainforest walks—followed by 5 days of deeply restorative practice on the Sunshine Coast.

All-Inclusive Peace of Mind: Ciara handles all logistics including flights, accommodations, local transport, excursions, and nourishing meals, creating a stress-free container for transformation.

Post-Retreat Integration: The journey doesn't end when you return home. Guided integration practices and a private community help your new insights and shifts become lasting changes in daily life.

"It's not just a yoga retreat," Ciara explains. "It's a full-spectrum, soul-realigning reset—with zero logistics stress and a whole lot of 'finally, me time.'"

Connect with Ciara

Ready to experience Ciara's approach to yoga hikes and nervous system regulation through nature?

• Website: www.theplantedyogi.com

• Instagram: @the.planted.yogi

• Email: theplantedyogi@gmail.com

Ciara is currently enrolling for her all-inclusive Australia Yoga Retreat, happening November 7–14, 2026. This 8-day journey blends adventure with deep restoration, starting with an 8-week online yoga reset, followed by 3 days adventuring in Cairns and 5 days of restorative retreat on the Sunshine Coast. All logistics—flights, accommodations, transport, excursions, and food—are handled for you.

This post is part of PeachyYogi's Women in Wellness directory, where we spotlight inspiring women in the wellness community. Stay tuned for more features highlighting women who are making a difference through their unique approaches to health and wellbeing.