On June 29, 2013, The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers in New York opened its “Mind Body Studio,” which features a variety of “mind-body” classes, such as yoga and barre. Jared Deptula, the senior director and controller at The Sports Center, spoke recently with Club Solutions about the evolution of mind-body fitness at the popular sports complex.
CS: How has mind-body fitness evolved over the years at Chelsea Piers?
JD: Over the years, people looking to stay in shape would do aerobics, step, Spinning® and weight training. In the early 90’s, yoga really took off in the western world and we realized how it went hand-in-hand with our western exercises.
It added the important elements which we were missing from our style of training, such as relaxation (shavana), a wide variety of ways to breathe efficiently, and how to remove the tension in the mind through meditation. You can participate in a yoga, barre and Nalini Method class and leave feeling serene, toned, stretched and content.
CS: Why did Chelsea Piers decide to open its own Mind Body Studio?
JD: When space became available, we jumped at the opportunity to transform the space into our Mind-Body Studio. Our goal was to expand upon our current yoga program in an environment outside of the “gym” setting. We also saw an opportunity to answer the demands for a barre program, and introduce the Nalini Method to our members. Often people have memberships to yoga and barre studios in addition to their health club membership. We now offer this programming along with the amenities of a state-of-the art health club facility.
CS: What is the Nalini Method and why did Chelsea Piers want to offer it?
JD: The Nalini Method was the perfect fit for what we are looking to offer our members in the Mind Body Studio. Created by Rupa Mehta, the Nalini Method is a dynamic class fusing Pilates, aerobics, barre work, strength and resistance training, yoga and has been voted [the] top workout by the New York Post, Vogue, Oprah and Fitness Magazine. The Nalini Method promises a sculpted and stronger physique, longer and leaner muscles, enhanced flexibility and balance, and improved endurance and energy.
CS: What design elements went into the new Mind Body Studio?
JD: Our goal was to create a comforting and serene space that would be conducive to our programming. The studio has elegant bamboo flooring. You’ll find earthy stone accents in our lounge area. For the convenience of members and guests, we also included electronic lockers and changing rooms.
CS: Mind Body Studio classes are available to members who upgrade their membership or pay per session — why did Chelsea Piers decide to make the classes fee-based, versus free?
JD: Many boutique yoga and barre studios charge more than $175 per month and do not have the health club amenities. The Mind Body Studio is an available enhancement to the Sports Center membership. With over 30 classes per week (in addition to our regular group fitness schedule) and with some of the best instructors in New York City, a Mind Body Sports Center membership is an amazing value.
By Rachel Zabonick
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
