Yoga studio offers array of classes
Kristen Currie, Managing Editor
Issue date: 2/26/04 Section: After Hours
There's a new fitness center in town - one that, its owner hopes, will allow students to stretch their bodies without stretching their schedules.
Phase 1 Yoga, 804 N. Broadway, is just doors from its parent gym, Phase 1 Fitness. Karleigh Venneman, who owns both, opened the new studio in early February and says that it will offer four types of classes. Yoga, of course, is one of them.
But Phase I Yoga also offers courses in Spencer Pilates, a combination of controlled motions intended to lengthen the muscles; middle management, a workout designed to tighten the torso; and fitness kickboxing, a cardio program.
There are currently 20 of these hour-long classes offered every week, and for a $30 monthly fee, members are allowed to attend as many as they want. The classes are designed to change every two months, and Venneman said that she will monitor participants' schedules to offer future sessions at the best available times.
Venneman said that people of all athletic abilities should be able to participate in these classes.
"Everything is starting out at a beginning level," she said. "As we progress into intermediate and advanced levels, we'll label those appropriately."
Despite six years without formal athletic involvement, Heather Hughes says that she's found the classes manageable. The senior in psychology attends three or four kickboxing and Pilates sessions each week.
"The first couple of times weren't too hard," she said. "Our instructor has worked in a few new elements each time to make it more difficult and to change things up, but it's still not too hard. If you push yourself, you can do it."
Hughes prefers the upbeat, music-driven kickboxing classes, saying that an intense workout is "a good way to release stress."
But Jeni Petty, who leads one of the yoga classes, says that the calmer, more meditative approach of yoga can produce many benefits as well.
"The primary thing it gives you is flexibility," she said. "But it's also supposed to create long, lean muscles and give you strength."
She also touts the yoga class as good for those with busy schedules.
"It's a relaxing class," she said. "You don't really break a sweat in it, so you can do it right before classes or work."
Petty recommends wearing loose, comfortable clothing and bringing a yoga mat to reduce impact on the feet and knees. Mats are also available for sale at the studio.
Membership information is available at Phase 1 Yoga or Phase 1 Fitness, Ninth and Broadway. Venneman can be reached at 232-9035.
Phase 1 Yoga, 804 N. Broadway, is just doors from its parent gym, Phase 1 Fitness. Karleigh Venneman, who owns both, opened the new studio in early February and says that it will offer four types of classes. Yoga, of course, is one of them.
But Phase I Yoga also offers courses in Spencer Pilates, a combination of controlled motions intended to lengthen the muscles; middle management, a workout designed to tighten the torso; and fitness kickboxing, a cardio program.
There are currently 20 of these hour-long classes offered every week, and for a $30 monthly fee, members are allowed to attend as many as they want. The classes are designed to change every two months, and Venneman said that she will monitor participants' schedules to offer future sessions at the best available times.
Venneman said that people of all athletic abilities should be able to participate in these classes.
"Everything is starting out at a beginning level," she said. "As we progress into intermediate and advanced levels, we'll label those appropriately."
Despite six years without formal athletic involvement, Heather Hughes says that she's found the classes manageable. The senior in psychology attends three or four kickboxing and Pilates sessions each week.
"The first couple of times weren't too hard," she said. "Our instructor has worked in a few new elements each time to make it more difficult and to change things up, but it's still not too hard. If you push yourself, you can do it."
Hughes prefers the upbeat, music-driven kickboxing classes, saying that an intense workout is "a good way to release stress."
But Jeni Petty, who leads one of the yoga classes, says that the calmer, more meditative approach of yoga can produce many benefits as well.
"The primary thing it gives you is flexibility," she said. "But it's also supposed to create long, lean muscles and give you strength."
She also touts the yoga class as good for those with busy schedules.
"It's a relaxing class," she said. "You don't really break a sweat in it, so you can do it right before classes or work."
Petty recommends wearing loose, comfortable clothing and bringing a yoga mat to reduce impact on the feet and knees. Mats are also available for sale at the studio.
Membership information is available at Phase 1 Yoga or Phase 1 Fitness, Ninth and Broadway. Venneman can be reached at 232-9035.
