A LUXURIOUS wellness studio has undergone a beautiful renovation and has exciting plans ahead as it approaches its 10-year anniversary.
SOULBOX on Queen Street in Whitehaven offers classes in Yoga, Pilates, Fitness and Relaxation and is described as a ‘sanctuary’ and an escape from busy minds and busy lives.
It boasts a constellation ceiling, top of the range equipment classes which are ‘intelligent’, ‘inspiring’ and give ‘exceptional’ results.
Classes range from dreamy flow to intense workouts – soothing to sweaty. Members say arriving at the studio is like taking a deep breath away from a maddening world – ‘the difference between a good and a bad day’.
Owner Sophie Reed says she gets to know everyone and their goals, planning classes specifically to elevate them and get them where they want to be in a way that they enjoy.
She said: “I fell in love with movement after it saved my life. Everything I offer is from my heart. SOULBOX isn’t just a job, it’s my way of living.
“Every single day is chance for me to make a difference, to have a positive impact on other people’s lives. Whether my clients want sculpted muscles or a better night’s sleep, they get my absolute dedication.
“Pilates is incredible for sculpting muscles and changing body shape – it’s like magic – it gives you more time than it takes and leaves you with more energy rather than less. Yoga Flow is a lengthening and strengthening class that transforms how you move and feel.
“Lots of people come daily who were in my first classes over 12 years ago. We’ve never done the same class twice, they are incredible examples of the life changing benefits of what we do.”
Sophie says SOULBOX has an inclusive community of men, women, stiff and injured to international athletes – which she believes is ‘so important’.
She said: “It’s difficult to meet like-minded people in a small town and it’s taboo to do this later in life, so I’m incredibly proud of the connections I see made daily. How people from all backgrounds come and move together. Every beginner is welcomed with open arms – and I can only thank my members for this.”
SOULBOX is further expanding this winter to offer supper clubs, yoga brunches and other wellness events with some local businesses. Programmes are available to individuals or teams, remote and in person, over one hour or as bespoke retreats.
Sophie will also soon be offering suspension training classes.
Will Tillotson, 61, who has a history of back problems, took up pilates at SOULBOX and says it has changed his life.
He said: “After just three months the back pain has just about gone. I feel stronger and walk upright rather than slouching.
“I leave every class feeling great. Positive, relaxed and somehow more in tune with my body.
“The classes are as tough as you want them to be but allow for those of us who need to be given space to develop themselves. There's no judgement. We're all there for ourselves but also support each other. It's a really positive, sharing experience.
“Sophie is quite remarkable. You don't know which parts of your body you have worked on until you feel a new strength the next day. But she knows how to help you develop.
“SOULBOX feels like a family and that is down to the knowledge and expertise of Sophie. And the self-selecting, lovely people who come to her classes.
“It could feel a bit intimidating to join as an older and out of condition man. But it never does. However you perceive yourself to be, positively or negatively, these classes make you feel great or greater.
“I can't imagine not being a part of it all.”
Approaching the anniversary SOULBOX is offering 20 FREE taster classes*
*New customers only 1. Create an account at www.soulbox.co.uk on the login psge 2. Email sophie@soulbox.co.uk & quote ‘WhitehavenNews’ 3. Receive your FREE CLASS straight to your account.
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