This month, Power Life is thrilled to partner with local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies:
-Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa
-Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City
-Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Ellie Price, Power Life Student, has volunteered as a Big Sister to Little Sister Chani since November 2021. Below, Ellie shares how Power Life and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa hold special parts of her heart.
“Power Life has become more than just a yoga studio for me—it’s a sanctuary. It’s a place where I can retreat for an hour, resetting both my mind, body, and soul. Whether I’m looking for a moment of stillness and deep restoration through gentle stretching and guided meditation in a Restore class, or I’m pushing my endurance with a sweat-inducing hot yoga session, Power Life offers the balance I need. Power Life naturally attracts individuals who are committed to personal growth and community betterment—the same qualities that make a great Big.
I became a Big because I wanted to be the mentor I wish I had when I was younger. My goal was to introduce my Little to new experiences, and to broaden their perspective on what’s possible for their future. More than that, I wanted to be a safe, consistent presence—someone they could trust with their struggles and celebrate their wins with. I’ve always believed that making the world a better place starts at the local level, with the impact we make within our local communities.
Over the years, Chani and I have shared so many meaningful experiences, many of which are sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters. From arts and crafts, live shows, to movies, and even baking together. One of our favorite traditions is attending the Lantern Festival each year, where we write letters to our future selves and set intentions for the coming year. Recently, we toured the PBS Television Studio and expanded our understanding of media and all that goes into it.
Watching Chani grow into a confident teenager—landing her first job and beginning to plan for her future—has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Through her, I’ve gained insight into the challenges today’s teenagers face, and I’ve been inspired to continue growing myself so I can be the best role model possible.
Being a Big is one of the most fulfilling commitments I’ve made. You have the chance to change a young person’s life simply by showing up, offering guidance, and exposing them to new possibilities. And in return, you gain a deeper connection to your community, enriching your own life along the way.
If you’ve ever considered ways to make a difference, I highly encourage you to take that step. The impact you make on a Little’s life lasts far beyond your time together—and that’s a legacy worth creating. Plus, with the variety of events sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters, there’s always something new for you to experience, yourself. It’s truly a win-win!”
Thank you to Ellie for being part of Power Life and for making a positive impact in our community!
Throughout April, Power Life is donating all proceeds from $5 drop-in classes to Big Brothers Big Sisters. We’re also hosting donation-based classes in all three cities — stay tuned to our Facebook events calendar and app for details! Can’t make it to a class but still want to contribute? You can Venmo your donation to The Power Life Foundation. Be sure to include “BBBS DSM,” “BBBS KC,” or “BBBS OM” in the memo line.
Interested in becoming a Big?
It takes Little to be Big! Learn more about your local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency and how you can get involved:
-Are you in the Des Moines area? Check out Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa: https://www.bbbsia.org/.
-Are you in the Kansas City area? Check out Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City: https://www.bbbskc.org/.
-Are you in the Omaha, Lincoln, or Council Bluffs area? Check out Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands: https://bbbsmidlands.org/.
2025 Power Life, All Rights Reserved.
Built with 🤍 by Blink
2025 Power Life, All Rights Reserved.
Built with 🤍 by Blink Wellness
Parking available in the Scheels Parking Lot.
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Kirk was working 80-hour weeks and wearing his shoulders as earrings when he found yoga in 2005. Forever the competitive athlete, he loved the physicality of yoga. When the spiritual and philosophical side of yoga were exposed to him, Kirk was hooked. Yoga provided him with what other activities couldn’t -- the ability to foster the benefits of practice both on and off of the mat. Yoga was something that Kirk could bring into all aspects of his life.
Kirk knows that yoga can be intimidating, so he crafts a class that is playful and inviting, while still being challenging and safe. His creatively planned classes build strength and flexibility in your body and mind while establishing clarity, giving you more confidence to overcome obstacles in your life, and keeping you injury-free. His classes are themed with a message that is relatable and will inspire you to take it with you off your mat. Kirk has been teaching yoga since 2008 and lead his first teacher training in 2012. Where Kirk truly shines is in coaching, developing and bringing out the best in others.
Kirk enjoys traveling (40+ countries to date!), snowboarding, and cherishes time with his wife and two daughters.
Christen Bakken’s yoga journey began in 1998 in a Bikram studio that provided a safe and secure place to practice. She saw the yoga mat as a place to remember her purpose and a place to play. As she continued her studies and began her journey to teaching in 2006, Christen infused yoga classes with devotion and the yoga mat became a place of personal transformation and healing. Her classes are filled with laughter, song, sweat, and usually heart openers. In 2013, Christen began training yoga teachers. This is the place where she finds the most joy - in community with folks looking to grow and be of greater service in their homes, on their mats, and in the world. Over the years, she has led trainings in Denver, the Midwest, Florida, and now abroad. She has trained in continuing education modules, 200-hour, 300-hour, and 500-hour programs. Beyond the mat, Christen is a passionate adventure seeker - she loves to bike, snowboard, and spend time with her husband and pups. She sees each day as a blessing and hopes to remind all who interact with her of this truth.
We validate parking for THREE garages in the area!
Two Light garage located directly north of the studio. Please bring your ticket inside for validation.
Three Light garage at Main and Truman. Garage entrance on Truman. Please bring your ticket inside for a validation sticker.
Power & Light garage at 13th and Grand. Please ask for a parking pass at the studio front desk. (Hot tip: the Power & Light garage has a ton of space! But be sure to give yourself a little extra time to walk to the studio.)
If you find that you are running a couple minutes late due to parking, please call the studio to let the instructor know to wait for you before locking the doors.
There is a garage on 38th and Harney which offers 2 hours FREE parking. Lot full? We have also partnered with our friends at Greenslate to provide 1 hour and 15 minute validated parking for Power Life students in the lot at 36th and Harney (just south of the Cottonwood Hotel). Read below to learn how to take advantage of this perk:
***Please do NOT park at Crescent Moon − you will be towed!***
There is a paved lot and gravel lot on the West side of the building.
Meters on Court and 4th (by Peace Tree) for $0.25/hour, 9am-9pm Mon. – Sat. 12-hour max*
Meters on 4th (to the North) for $1.25/hour. Mon – Sat. 4-hour max.
All meters are free on Sundays and major holidays.
*Starting July 8, 4th Street will temporarily become a one-way. Students will only be able to enter our parking lot from the North via Court Ave. and exit it going south. Thank you for understanding!