Hey Smarties, we made it to Friday! I have been so excited to update you on my yoga journey. I am happy to report that I can now successfully move through most classes without watching everyone else all the time. While practice does not make things perfect, it does make it better. I look forward to going now, and I have felt more confident with each and every class.
I’ve lived in Charlotte for 25 years now. Until 2016, I was a member and an instructor at a large non-profit gym. I loved it and am so thankful for all my years there. However, since leaving and becoming a member and an instructor in boutique fitness studios, I have found it to be so much more intimate and personal. Connection and community is key, and getting to know the owners, instructors, and members is essential. It makes me feel like I’m a part of an extended family.
Linda Stippo, co-owner of YogaSix Ballantyne
Jerry and Linda Stippo, who have lived in the area since 1998, are the owners of YogaSix in the Ballantyne Village located just two doors down from the new AC Hotel. Jerry is a staple behind the desk most weekday mornings, and Linda usually holds down the fort on Sundays. I had the pleasure of talking with Linda this past weekend! Here’s her take on the power of yoga and how they managed to keep YogaSix thriving during COVID.
Q. What was the draw to opening a YogaSix in Ballantyne?
A. Jerry and I are both fitness enthusiasts and had been looking for a while at different businesses to open. When YogaSix became available, we loved the model so went for it.
Q. If you could describe your business in one or two words, what would you say?
A. Inviting, friendly
Q. Why yoga?
A. There are so many benefits of yoga, including your overall and mental health. I have been a competitive athlete all my life. I played basketball in college and have been a runner most of my life. Yoga was the one thing missing from my workout routine. It helps improve your heart health and manages your stress and it has increased my flexibility, strength, and balance. Even my mile time has benefitted – it has dropped by greater than two minutes since adding consistent yoga to my practice.
Q. Opening a new business during a global pandemic must have been challenging. How did you make it work?
A. We were open for one month before the pandemic started. Failure was not an option. We kept members engaged by offering outdoor classes during the summer, and offered and continue to offer online classes. We have stayed committed to providing a great experience to everyone who walks into our studio and we continue to invest in the development of all our staff. This perseverance is what will continue to help us grow, making us the yoga studio of choice in South Charlotte.
Smarties, let me just say this, Yoga is NOT easy. It takes mental focus to hold poses, connection to your breath to move through each movement, and practice to allow your body to become more flexible. It takes time and dedication. So far, my very favorite class is called Restore, which is essentially a stretch class. I spent decades abusing my body and not enough time thanking it for what it was doing. So now I’m giving back to my body as much as I expect of it. Who would have thought that I would get so excited about a stretch class? But I’m here for it and so should you! I’m cheering for you. Come join me on the mat. . . Your first class is free. Contact YogaSix for more information.
– Smarty Christy Quincannon
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Ballantyne
14815 Ballantyne Village Way
Suite 105
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-684-8222
Email: ballantyne@yogasix.com
Cornelius
20619 Torrence Chapel Rd.
Suite 128
Cornelius, NC 28031
704-707-4442
cornelius@yogasix.com
