Coastal Point • R. Chris Clark : A yoga class at Body & Soul.Body & Soul has been offering Pilates and yoga since they opened in January of 2013; however, it wasn’t until recently that the Selbyville-based studio became the first in the area to offer barre workout classes — which is a growing exercise trend based on ballet.
“It’s a very non-impact, yet still aerobic workout. Their heart rates are elevated but at a maintained level,” said Body & Soul barre instructor Erin Dunworth. “It’s a proven exercise that we just haven’t had around here. Every week we get a couple new clients.”
“[We’re] following the curve,” added Body & Soul owner Di Hill. “[It’s] a group fitness exercise, and then adding in the fundamentals of Pilates, which is strengthening and a lot of core work, and yoga, which is the stretching part — so it’s a compressive program.”
While Hill has only owned the studio for going on two years, she brings 35 years of experience in various exercise and health practices, including Pilates, personal training, reformer training and yoga, and is certified in them all.
“I don’t like to say ‘35 years,’ because it makes me sound old,” she joked. “I like to say ‘over 20 years.’”
Similarly, Dunworth is no stranger to barre and ballet.
“I’ve been ballet training since I could walk, so I’m bringing the ballet side of things to Di’s fitness, Pilates, yoga side,” Dunworth explained.
The studio offers classes five days a week, Monday through Friday, which are typically drop-in classes. Each class costs $15 for a walk-in, but special pricing is offered for those who sign up for five monthly classes for $59 or unlimited classes for $79.
“We just started unlimited classes, and people are coming four and five times a week,” Hill said. “What I like about Pilates and yoga and barre is these are things that are established — they’re science-based principles, and people understand that they get results.”
The studio is also designed to offer a calm and inviting atmosphere, with private and small group training available, as well.
“We really meet people where they are,” Hill described. “We offer a supportive environment and just kind of grow with you. I think that’s a nice aspect of this small boutique studio that I can give personal attention even when you’re a beginner.”
“It’s a nice supportive environment,” Dunworth added. “The women are so supportive of each other, it’s really neat to see.”
The studio also includes a loft area that currently isn’t being used for classes, and Hill said they’d like to use it for something that goes along with wellness.
“We would like to see a massage therapist [or] acupuncturist in there — something that is complementary to the studio,” she explained.
The studio is located at 33195 Lighthouse Road, #11, in Selbyville. For a full class schedule, go to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dihillbodyandsoul or visit their new website at www.bodyandsoulde.com, which was recently created by Gina Drago Designs. For more information, call Hill at (410) 251-7130 or send her an email at hill548@comcast.net.