Rebecca Marchildon, owner of The Alchemy Studio in Revelstoke, is bringing her studio online.
“I think it is super important to connect with our clients during this trying time, and help keep them grounded and moving,” Marchildon says.
Marchildon is a believer when it comes to the importance of people maintaining a fitness routine, for both their physical and mental health.
“Movement is medicine. Around twenty five minutes of moderate activity can offset the negative effects of eight hours of sitting,” she explains. “And it’s been proven time and time again that yoga and exercise boost your mental health. Research shows it can counter stress, anxiety, and depression, so the time is now!”
Working out from home, she notes, is a struggle for many people.
“It’s why I’ve always been such a fan of group fitness and studios; being together and pushing each other is super motivating,” she says.
Two days ago, Marchildon’s studio started an online fourteen day fitness challenge for $14.
“We understand that it’s hard to stay engaged for longer periods of time over a computer screen or iPad, so we shortened classes to between twenty to thirty minutes. You don’t need more than that to feel the benefits and it’s doable for all,” she says.
The price point of $14 sprang from a desire to respect the fact many people are financially stressed in this pandemic, attempt to keep her own business afloat for the foreseeable future, and be of service to the community by helping people with their mental and physical health.
So far, the response has been strong, and Marchildon is making an affordable subscription for online workouts that will be available when the challenge is over. To check out Alchemy online, head over to the site and head to the ‘alchemy online’ option.
When it comes to taking care of the community online, numerous yoga practitioners who call Revelstoke home are answering the call.
“I am doing it mainly because I believe that during these turbulent times we need more practices like yoga and meditation to help us stay grounded,” says yoga instructor Kat Taniberg, who is offering online classes. “I know a lot of people have lost their jobs and income, which is why I made it by donation and pay as you can based.”
Allie Bruni-Riendeau, a local electronic DJ and long time yoga instructor, has been doing live stream yoga and music via her Facebook page, and she will soon be offering them via her youtube channel.
Allie Bruni-Riendeau
“Even practicing for 10-20 min each day can be so healthful and helpful,” Bruni-Riendeau says.
Bruni-Riendeau will be offering a variety of yoga options in an effort to reach various demographics.
“I’m going to offer Chair Yoga, Meditation, Kundalini, Mantra Meditation in addition to just Asana online – an incredible option for those totally new and or with disabilities and or limitations,” she says.
With many people heading to Youtube in an effort to find online yoga classes, she does recommend taking a couple of minutes to research who you are following along with.
“Look into the teachers credentials and certifications. It’s extremely important, especially for those a little newer to the practice of dealing with physical challenges, that students receive healthy alignment cues and options for poses so as to reduce injury. A qualified teacher can lead complete beginners to highly advanced all in one class with confidence. The great opportunity we have right now is that no one is watching,” she says.
Noelle Bovon
Over at Balu Yoga and Wellness, owner Noelle Bovon will be posting daily meditations for practitioners to utilize as she encourages everyone to take care of their mental health while self distancing and possibly being in quarantine.
It’s incredible to see people sharing their skills online for the benefit of the community, while at the same time seeing the community support those endeavours and local businesses when times are tough. Let’s all do what we can to keep healthy Revy, for our physical and mental well being.
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