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 Sloane Heller. Sloane is one of Power Life’s biggest cheerleaders in South Kansas City, she always brings the energy! Keep reading to learn a little bit more about Sloane’ s life, journey and what she loves most about Power Life.
Abby: 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?
Sloane: Sloane Heller Communications helps clients in the health & wellness space with their internal and external communications. So what does that mean exactly… you might ask? Everything from figuring out your mission on this planet to building an incredible culture and getting positive media coverage. The list goes on.
Outside of work and Power Life, I love to be outside with my family, binge on a Netflix show, cook, make a healthy cocktail and last but not least, treat myself to a few hours of self-care (I’ll try anything)!
A: 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?
S: Wow. I’m trying to think back to my first fitness class. This will definitely date me, but I believe it was a step class in the mid-90’s. I remember it being challenging and intimidating at times.
Today, living a healthy lifestyle means something very different than it did when I was in high school. Back in the day, it was about burning calories. Today, it’s about making myself stronger, more energetic and focused as well as fueling my body with the right food for me. It’s about listening to my body when I’m tired. It’s also about finding work-life balance and time for myself. If I don’t put myself first, that’s when things for everyone around me fall apart.
A: What’s your favorite thing about Power Life?
S: Where do I begin???? The instructors are INCREDIBLE, personable, supportive, highly knowledgeable and genuine.
A: What is your favorite class to take at Power Life? Why?
S: Ricky’s Power 2 class on Sunday mornings is my place of worship. Ricky always has a relevant message that carries me through the week. I love that he guides you through the same practice all month long so you have the chance to really hone in on each pose. Plus, one of my favorite people in KC, Jennie Catano, practices next to me.
A: What advice would you offer to someone thinking about joining Power Life?
S: I have introduced several friends to Power Life – some who have never taken a yoga class in their life. I always tell them that it’s an incredible community of friendly, open-minded yogis and fitness enthusiasts and that there’s a wide range of classes. If one isn’t a good fit for you, there are several more that will be! It’s the type of place that feels welcoming from the moment you step through the door so have no fear. It’ll feel like a second home in no time.
A: What is your life mantra? What does it mean to you?
S: It’ll work out. Or it won’t.
My mom got this advice from actress Bea Arthur. Again, I’m dating myself, but she played Dorothy on The Golden Girls.
I love it for two reasons. It makes me laugh. And it reminds me that the worst case scenario is normally not that bad.
A: What inspires you?
S: Dramatic landscapes, stories/interviews/documentaries about people who were dealt a really bad deal and turned that s**t around, and of course, my family.
A: If you could give younger you one piece of advice, what would it be?
S: Don’t take life so seriously.
A: What’s the number one thing on your bucket list?
S: Live abroad and become fluent in another language.
Power Life was created to be more than just a fitness facility, but a place to make your healthy lifestyle what YOU want it to be, and sweat it out with a like-minded community. Next time you see Sloane in class be sure to give her a “Hello!”, you’ll surely leave class with a new workout bud!
2024 Power Life, All Rights Reserved.
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!