“I was looking for a space to teach at and there is just not much in town that’s available as my schedule works,” Alvis explained. “This opportunity came up and I thought it was a good space for a yoga studio/fitness centre.”
Her father, Doug Robertson purchased the building and she will be renting from him. As well, Alvis plans to have other instructors join her in the new studio.
“Other instructors in town were looking for space too, and I hope they can come over as well.”
Alvis will be teaching her Buti Yoga classes there. As she explained, yoga is about balance, alignment and building muscles. Buti is a combination of yoga, cardio and some dance. It has fun music and is high energy. At the moment, she has about 10 people who come to her Buti classes, and though it can be challenging, the classes can be modified for personal abilities. It can be enjoyed by all ages.
Another instructor will be offering Barre classes. This is a fitness dance class that uses the ballet bar. Again, this can be done by all ages to help get people into shape.
As well, there are plans to do spin classes. Presently, Alvis is looking into dealers to get the stationary bikes. She said in these classes, changing tension on the bikes creates different riding conditions, with an instructor leading a class, which normally runs 30 or 60 minutes.
“We really want something offered for everyone, all ages,” she said.
Alvis added although Buti is mostly women, there are yoga opportunities for men, and they should definitely be interested in the spin classes.
The hope is too they can offer more classes as time goes on, so she will be working on more certifications in the future.
“It is a really good space for other ideas down the road.”
Alvis said the building is about 1600 square feet by the roof. It does need some work. For one, the roof needs replacing. They would also like to change the siding to give it more curb appeal. They have to balance the work they want to do with getting the new studio open to the public.
Among the equipment they will need are the bikes, a bar, a few weights and a mirror for one wall. They already have the sound system.
There are possible ideas for the future, including adding a sauna room. Also, Alvis envisions the space being used for other purposes.
“I would like to have it as a space that people could rent or use for anything,” she explained. “Boissevain doesn’t have a space you can rent at a decent rate for birthdays, bridal or baby showers. Nothing is firm, but there is enough available space.”
As for when the studio is open, that will depend on schedules. When an instructor can hold a class, or when students can come, will determine when the lights are on. Alvis said they are hoping to offer classes at different times – like the lunch hour for working people – to accommodate as many users as they can. At this point, it would only be instructors there, but she said if things expand enough there could be staff in the future.
“I hope in the future we will have kids’ programs and hopefully something for seniors. We want it available for all ages, something offered for everyone.”
“Times will depend on who is coming and what their schedules are,” Alvis continued. “I think the more classes that are available, the more people you can attract.”
At the time of speaking, Alvis was working on registering the name, which was planned as Soul Worx.
A lot will depend on getting people to work on the building once they take possession on March 15, but the hope is they can be up and running at some point this spring. Alvis said she feels there is room for the studio in Boissevain, as she knows there are people travelling to Brandon for some classes they will be able to offer here once Soul Worx is up and running.
“I hope that this can grow and attract enough people, have classes for everyone, a variety. That it’s a fun, comfortable space that people want to go to.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff
Photo by LORRAINE HOUSTON, Editor