Community is the cornerstone of Power Life, and the backbone of our community is our strong, diverse, powerful teachers. We want to carve out space each month to highlight the amazing folks that make Power Life possible! This month I spent some time getting to know our Two Light Studio Manager, Malcolm Baker.
Abby: How long have you been teaching?
Malcolm: started instructing at Power Life the summer of 2018 so 18 months, going strong!
A: I know that you arenāt a Kansas City local, where are you from?
M: Lafayette, Louisiana, but moved to Kansas City from Fort Worth, Texas. TCU, Horned Frogs baby!!
A: Your students love you and are always giving rave reviews! What is your favorite part of teaching at Power Life?
M: Itās for sure the people. From instructors, to trade staff, to students, the people that walk into a Power Life are looking for depth whether it be in their practice, in themselves, or connection to others. And they are so ready engage in that and share it with others as well.
A: What is your mantra, and what does it mean to you?
M: Know yourself: I think itās so important to learn who you are and constantly reflect on that as you grow and evolve. Once you do, you can be unapologetic in living out your values which will make you happy as you attract energy that serves you and repel energies that donāt.
A: What do you enjoy doing outside of teaching?
M: I love spending time with my friends, good food, and my lil kit-kat, Olive. Iāve been getting more into rock climbing and reading all the books that I own and havenāt read yet. And exploring the neighborhoods of Kansas City never gets boring, when thereās also new stuff popping up where youād least expect it.
A: Last book you read? (Or show you binged, podcast you listened to, magazine you read ā whatever resonates with you)
M: Diagnosis on Netflix was incredible: This badass physician who works at Harvard also writes for the New York Times and partnered with Netflix to crowdsource ideas and answers for people struggling to figure out what ailments they are struggling with. Literal goals!
A: We know Malcolm the instructor well, are there any interesting fact youād like to share with our community?
M: Ya boy is bilingual š English & Frenchāand the French has actually come in handy quite a few times since moving to Kansas City! I also know a bit of Swedish as well! Languages are sooo beautiful!
A: Lastly, if you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about going through teacher training what would it be?
M: If itās crossed your mind, dive in! I promise it will augment your life in ways that you would have never thought of. I was a high school teacher when I went through my first training and wow, I was many times over more confident in my classroom and who I was as a person after committing to TT. Itās a lot, and it does change your perspectives. You donāt need experience. I had literally taken three Barre classes when the idea popped in my head, didnāt really work out, had NO dance background whatsoeverā¦and here I am. Iām no more special than you are š
2024 Power Life, All Rights Reserved.
Built with š¤ by Blink
2024 Power Life, All Rights Reserved.
Built with š¤ 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 couldnāt -- 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 Bakkenās 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).Ā Read below to learn how to take advantage of this perk:
Step 1:Ā Scan the QR code located in the lot.
Step 2:Ā Select your destination (i.e. āyoga studioā).
Step 3:Ā Ask for the validation code at the Blackstone studio front desk and enter it on your phone.
Step 4:Ā 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. ā Sat. 12-hour max*
Meters on 4th (to the North) for $1.25/hour. Mon ā 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 toĀ enterĀ our parking lot from the North via Court Ave. andĀ exitĀ it going south. Thank you for understanding!