Congratulations on taking over Optimum! How have the first few months been?
Thank you! It’s been busy, but we have been lucky enough to inherit a wonderful team of teachers who have been, and continue to be, a great support. Our predecessors, Jenny and Neil Jenkins, created a vibrant and loyal community of teachers and students who have been very welcoming. It has been a case of taking over the reins and continuing to build on their ethos of providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for people to enjoy. What led you to acquiring the business? My wife and I have lived in Market Harborough for over 20 years, and I’ve been teaching my hot yoga classes across the Midlands as a travelling teacher for 10 years now. We have often talked about owning our own studio, but never quite found the right space. When Jenny and Neil decided to relocate to Devon, we jumped at the opportunity, especially as they had done such an amazing job of building back the business after the pandemic. The time just felt right, and there is nothing quite like this studio in the area. Optimum has a unique feel and vibe to it and a diverse community of students of all ages, some trying yoga for the very first time, others reaching deeper knowledge and practice through our workshops and courses. It’s not the typical studio model, so the pricing structure is much more flexible and accessible, which is something I am passionate about. For example, memberships are on a ‘cancel anytime, no contract’ basis and our class passes do not have an expiry. We are also excited about how health and wellbeing in the workplace is growing and we are looking at how we can support local businesses and their employees. What have you changed and what will stay the same? The fundamental studio model and ethos of the studio remain very much the same. We continue to offer a wide variety of classes (over 25 a week) taught by an experienced team of teachers to accommodate everybody’s needs. Our teachers are some of the most knowledgeable and talented in the Midlands. Everyone comments on the beautiful studio space and we haven’t touched that, except for a few more candles and plants! The key additions we have made are to bring my hot yoga classes and hot HIIT under the Optimum banner, as well as my offerings as a nutritional therapist. We have a really full timetable of classes, all types of yoga from restorative to dynamic, but have also developed the pilates offering to include reformer 1-1s, as well as mat-based group classes. For regular members, that gives them a broad range of classes to choose from as well as appealing to people who may dismiss yoga as not for them. We are also responding to the demand for more workshops such as gong sound baths, breath workshops, meditation and relaxation classes. People are exploring these new practices to help with their mental health and well-being. Finally, we have started working with local companies to put together employee benefits, either as bespoke classes or simply class passes. Can you explain more about pilates reformer? We are really excited to be one of the very few establishments in the area offering this service. These classes are highly effective taught 1-1 with a targeted approach to your particular physical needs and fitness goals. The ‘reformer’ apparatus is designed with a system of springs and pulleys that allows an exercise to become more accessible or more challenging, based on the choice of setup. It will build strength and flexibility with particular focus on alignment, core development, co-ordination and balance. It is suitable for complete beginners and all levels of fitness, with sessions tailored to participants’ specific needs. It can be particularly helpful for people with back problems, trauma, postpartum, recovering from injury and illness, post op, issues with balance and so on. How will you incorporate your nutrition offering into Optimum? The 9-Day Nutrition & Lifestyle Reset programmes are run as online courses. All our members get discounts on my courses, and we will also be doing nutrition talks and workshops in the New Year. I will continue to do my 1-1 Nutritional Therapy practice and we are planning some one-day retreats at the studio, combining nutrition with yoga and relaxation / mediation classes. What are the most important things for you to achieve with Optimum? We want everyone to know that yoga is about accessibility and inclusivity. It is a broad church with something to suit everyone. You do not need to be flexible to do yoga – to say that you are too inflexible to do yoga is like saying you are too dirty to wash! With pilates, fitness classes and nutrition programs on offer, there really is something for everyone. Try us out to discover what works for you. Everyone is welcome, whether you just want to drop in for the odd class or book onto a workshop, or come daily, the pricing is accessible and flexible. We appreciate people have financial constraints and time pressures, so whatever you need, wherever you are in your health and fitness journey, there is no judgement or pressure – just a team of committed teachers here to gently help you feel better and move a little more. Whatever your vibe – we’ve got you covered! Register at optimumyouyoga.com and claim your free taster class (use code: TASTER when booking a single drop-in class) or book the introductory offer: x 2 weeks of unlimited classes for just £25.
Email: [email protected] with any further questions or corporate enquiries. Open Day: Saturday 20th Jan. Book now! |