At Power Life, we value community and connection, which is why we want to spend a little time each month highlighting some of the incredible people that call Power Life “home”. This month, I chatted with one of our newer students, Lisa Guillory. While Lisa’s new to both the Des Moines and Power Life communities, don’t tell her that! You can always count on Lisa to offer a whoop or a holler and a smile when the going gets tough (AKA when the instructor calls out Burpees). Keep reading to learn a little bit more about Lisa’s life, journey and what she loves most about Power Life.
Annika: You’re brand new to Des Moines! What brought you here? What do you do outside of work and Power Life?
Lisa: My husband was promoted to a leadership position in the Principal Financial Group home office. I am currently working on the West Elm Design Team as Home Stylist. But other than that, I love spending time with my favorite people, traveling, hiking in the mountains, listening to live music, reading and nurturing my plants.
A: Do you remember your very first fitness class? What was it like?
L: My very first fitness class was when I was when I was eight years old with my grandmother at the YMCA, complete with the leotard and leg warmers! I’ve been hooked ever since.
A: Tell me a little bit about what fitness means to you. How do you live a healthy lifestyle, both on and off your mat?
L: Fitness is so vital to me and my well-being. To me, [living a] healthy lifestyle means finding a balance between nutrition, strength, cardio and rest.
A: What’s your favorite thing about Power Life?
L: The best takeaway from Power Life is how selfless the instructors are. They are truly dedicated to ensuring each client gets the best, safest and most effective workout. And of course, I love the music and how they are never afraid to TURN IT UP!
A: What is your favorite class to take at Power Life? Why?
L: This is hard to choose! Well, I love your class. (You had me at Jay-Z on Day 1!) But overall, I love Power Sculpt for the strength gains. I also like Power Barre for the physical changes I can actually see.
A: What advice would you offer to someone thinking about joining Power Life?
L: Be open and try as many classes as you can. You will be surprised at what you can do.
A: What is your life mantra? What does it mean to you?
L: My life mantra is to love all beings and treat everyone with kindness and compassion. And… SMILE! A single smile can change a person’s day. We are all in this together, fighting our own battles, so why not try to elevate others if we can?
A: If you could give younger you one piece of advice, what would it be?
L: Be fearless and take more chances. And do not compare yourself to others.
A: What is the number one thing on your bucket list?
L: Hike the John Muir Trail and climb to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.
Power Life was created to be more than just place to get a good workout. And it’s people just like Lisa who help that mission come to life. Say hey to Lisa next time you catch her in class… chances are good you will have just made a new friend.
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Built with 🤍 by Blink
2024 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.
We have 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:
Step 1: Scan the QR code located in the lot.
Step 2: Select your destination (i.e. “yoga studio”).
Step 3: Ask for the validation code at the Blackstone studio front desk and enter it on your phone.
Step 4: You are all set! Have fun at class!
Please note:
The validation provided by Power Life and Greenslate is for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Need to add additional time to your parking space? You can do that conveniently from your phone!
This option is valid once per day per license plate.
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!