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Fitness Studio Takes Shape in York

Posted on: Monday, 21 February 2005, 09:00 CST

YORK - Need to shed some pounds? Maybe relax?

Lisa Deal is the newest fitness guru in downtown York with the opening of Exhale Exercise Studio at 23 N. Congress St. The studio joins a couple of other exercise businesses in the downtown area.

"Everybody needs to exercise," said Deal, 50, of York. "It's an important part of life. It helps with spiritual, emotional, mental, physical and social well being."

Don't look for treadmills or weights at the nearly 5,000-square- foot studio. Instead, clients will trim waistlines and shave pounds with balls, exercise bands and mats. Deal's workouts include jazzercise and Pilates.

"It used to be that step aerobics was really, really hot, but Pilates focuses on learning how to breathe and de-stress," said Deal, who is certified in group fitness exercise and once ran an aquatics business where she offered water exercise programs. "People want exercises that are not hard on their bodies.

"Exercise shouldn't be something that people dread," Deal added. "It should be something that they look forward to."

Studio manager Michelle Donahue, 33, has taken Deal's classes for nearly a year. The mother of three said she has lost nearly 40 pounds.

"I feel so much better," Donahue said.

"That's my whole goal with everybody," Deal said. "It's about making people feel good and feel better about who they are."

Tai chi, yoga classes

For those who don't particularly care to focus on losing weight, the studio offers other activities, such as tai chi or yoga classes. Customers also can learn how to swing and shag or master line dancing, ballet, tap or jazz.

The studio will feature Zumba, a jazzercise class that's set to Latin tunes, and chair dancing, where senior adults exercise while sitting in a chair. Senior adults also can participate in tai chi.

"There's something for everybody not only for people who are in great physical condition, but also for people who are challenged physically by things like arthritis, fibromyalgia or other conditions," Deal said.

Hours will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays. Monthly rates for individuals or families range from $35 to $75; partner dance classes and martial arts are not included in the rates.

The phone number is 628-0550, or e-mail exhalestudio@bellsouth.net.

Toya Graham 329-4062

tgraham@heraldonline.com

Source: Herald; Rock Hill, S.C.

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