Body-mind business attracts clients seeking balance

The proper care for mind and body ”“ the universal challenge of a lifetime ”“ can be so abstract as to be forgotten. It is now the basis for a Split Level Road business in Ridgefield.

Officials at he Carnelian Connection LLC, which employs nine certified trainers, said the company’s focus is “connecting corporate environments, residential communities and sports clubs and teams with personalized mind and body fitness instruction.”

Those already onboard include the New Canaan High School Athletic Department”™s girls track and boys basketball teams, which are incorporating Carnelian Connection yoga instruction into their training programs. United Fight Club in Stamford is a client, as are real estate companies BLT and Toll Brothers, and the company is part of the November World Business Forum at Lincoln Center in Manhattan.

Principal Christina Dufour said other programs are in development to support professional sports teams.

Founded in March, the Carnelian Connection seeks to simplify balancing work, family and personal wellbeing by bringing fitness directly to its business partners.

Corporate services including mindfulness and meditation and/or yoga. Dufour said they act to “improve the focus, concentration and stamina of employees while reducing health care costs and improving productivity.”

Individualized Carnelian Connection programs come with the titles “The Executive Experience,” “The Mindful Manager” and “The Engaged Employee” and, though tailored to solo efforts, are designed to facilitate team cohesion and thereby help the company.

Dufour”™s business background includes stints with TD Bank, Citigroup and Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Further training has led to certifications in yoga and mindfulness practice.

The website is carnelianconnection.com.