The Power Life community is so strong! I spent some time getting to know one member of our community, Alison Sanflippo. Keep reading to learn a little bit more about Alison!
Bethany: Tell me a little about yourself. What do you do for a living? What are some things you like to do outside of work and Power Life?
Alison: I am a St. Louis native working in Kansas City as a Physical Therapist. I love my job because I am able to do what I’m passionate about – help people. Other things that I am passionate about are trying new things, traveling and exploring new places, and eating ice cream.
B: Tell me a little bit about what fitness means to you. What was your very first fitness class like? What does living a healthy lifestyle mean to you?
A: My very first class at Power Life was a Power 1 with Andrea. My gal pal Sarah Berry and I had to try a local fitness class for an assignment, which is how we stumbled upon our free weeks. With little to no experience with yoga and/or fitness classes, Andrea was extremely welcoming and helpful as we fumbled our way through the various poses. 3 years later, I still enjoy fumbling my way through new and familiar poses as I continue to find new ways to challenge myself.
I value personal fitness and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which is what lead me to pursue my career in physical therapy.
B: What’s your favorite thing about Power Life?
A: My favorite thing about Power Life is the environment and community. Power Life has become such a familiar and comforting presence in my life. It has that home-away-from-home feel to it. It’s an important and essential way for me to disconnect and leave my stress and worries behind, even if just for a little while.
B: What is your favorite class to take at Power Life? Why?
A: My favorite class to take is Kelsey’s Sculpt Express because I admire the consistency. You’re always going to get the same three things: a great sweat, positive vibes, and a friendly reminder to “go drink lots of water and be kind to people.”
B: What advice would you offer to someone thinking about joining Power Life?
A: Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone! Whether that means taking your very first class, trying a new format, or simply setting up your mat in the front row instead of the back corner. Push yourself to try something different.
B: What is your life mantra? What does it mean to you?
A: I’m not sure I have a serious one, so I’ll go with one my friend Katelyn once told me. “There’s always room for ice cream. It melts between the cracks.”
B: What inspires you?
A: I feel inspired by my closest friends and family. I don’t know where I would be without these hard working, supportive, and loving people in my life.
B: If you could give younger you one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: I would tell myself to focus more on being the best version of myself for me, instead of trying so hard to be the best version of myself for others.
B: What’s the number one thing on your bucket list?
A: I want to travel to all 50 states! I’ve been to 18 so far, so only 32 to go.
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Built with 🤍 by Blink Wellness
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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.