The following is from a press release from Studio 509.
Studio 509, a fitness and wellness studio in the former Bodies in Motion space, is celebrating its grand opening with events in the morning and evening. In the morning, free classes will run from 8:00am to 11:00am. At night, it’s time for a dance party!
Longtime local residents and former Bodies in Motion staff Bethany Pettigrew, Guada Bas and Holly Benge own the Maplewood studio, (at 509 Valley Street at the intersection of Jefferson Street), which offers a variety of fitness training options that emphasize wellness and mind-body connection.
Classes are being taught back to back to allow clients to experience each of the instructors and classes on the Studio 509 schedule. In addition, clients may sign up for a free mini session of GYROTONIC®. See the schedule below; sign up in advance by calling Studio 509 at 973-275-0509.
In the evening Studio 509 invites guests to a dance party at which local bossa nova band, Bossa5, will perform.
WHEN: May 9, 2015, 8:00am – 11:00am & 7:00pm – 11:00pm
WHERE: Studio 509, 509 Valley Street, Maplewood, NJ
STUDIO 509 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
8:00 am to 11:00 am – Free mini classes
8:00 – 8:30 Vertical Barre
8:30 – 9:00 Strength, Balance and Tone
9:00 – 9:45 Niyolates
9:45 – 10:15 Total Fitness
10:15 – 10:45 Dance Fusion
10:45 – 11:00 Pilates
8:00 am -11:00 am — Free mini GYROTONIC sessions
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm — Dance Party!
Bossa5, a local bossa nova band, will play 3 sets. Come move, dance and socialize to experience first hand the energy of the Studio 509 community.
The studio offers private and small group training in the GYROTONIC® method, Pilates and functional training. In addition, the studio offers group fitness classes for adults and children. “We emphasize wellness and mindfulness in all of the training we offer,” says Pettigrew. “Improving postural alignment, flexibility, balance and the mind-body connection are key in keeping a person active and functional throughout their whole life.”
Research in fitness and wellness supports the idea of working smarter, not harder. The three are committed to helping clients achieve the goal of functionality in all the training they offer. “A beautiful body is a functional body,” says Benge. “One that can perform daily tasks with ease.”
Among the group classes offered are:
- Total Fitness – a whole body workout designed to tone muscles, increase range of motion and develop core strength. We combine strength training and conditioning with bursts of movement to increase cardio-vascular fitness.
- Niyolates – a highly aerobic and expressive movement class. Each person is encouraged to bring their own interpretation to the movement in this challenging and exhilarating class. Music is a strong component and while no two classes are the same, the principles always remain.
- Strength, Balance and Tone – utilizes a variety of fitness props including free weights and benches, to sculpt long, lean muscle rather than increase muscle mass. This class incorporates core conditioning and flexibility to keep the body in balance.
- Children’s Programming – dance and movement for kids and teens in an environment that is supportive and non-competitive. Kids in these classes work on muscular endurance, flexibility and coordination.
Much of the curriculum is based in dance and movement because they believe it is a natural way to stay connected to the body with an element of self-expression. “We believe anyone and everyone can dance,” Bas says. “Movement and dance, allows the body to center, to feel, to release, to connect, to heal. It’s very powerful.”
The studio is housed within an historic building in Maplewood situated between Columbia High School and the Maplewood Town Hall. Clients are welcomed into a crisp, clean and uncluttered space that encourages mental and physical ease. The studio has two spacious training rooms and a lobby. The group training room has an expansive mirror on an exposed brick wall and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The personal training room is a semi-private space that houses GYROTONIC® and Pilates equipment. It has the building’s original tin ceiling and a skylight. The space is warm, welcoming and fosters a sense of community.
About the Team
Guada Bas danced professionally with The Philippine Ballet Theatre as principal dancer. She has taught ballet and jazz to children and adults all over the world at professional and beginner levels. In addition she is certified in Pilates and GYROTONIC®.
Holly Benge became a professional trainer after having experienced first-hand the enormous physical change and emotional benefit of GYROTONIC® and mindful training. She holds a personal training certification from The Cooper Institute and is certified in TRX, MadDog Spinning and GYROTONIC®.
Bethany Pettigrew received an M.S. degree in Dance and Physical Education from Indiana University where she also danced in the Bill Evans Dance Company. A veteran of numerous Broadway shows, she directs student musicals at Columbia High School and is a children’s casting director and baby wrangler for Huggies. She is a Niyolates and GYROTONIC® certified teacher.
Studio 509 is open 7 days a week. They offer over 20 group classes a week and private sessions by appointment. For more information visit their Facebook page, and follow them on Instagram or Twitter.
