Written by Sarah Nigbor
Thanks to two Ellsworth small business owners, staying healthy doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Angie Whelan of YB Urban? CJ Pedersen and CJ Pedersen of Country Fit Nutrition are on a mission to provide affordable fitness options to the general public.
“Gym prices are very high,” Whelan said. “As a yoga instructor, I’ve always had a hard time deciding how much to pay for a class.”
Whelan, who sees yoga as part of a lifestyle rather than just a fitness option, has read about other yoga instructors feeling anxious and stressed when calculating the price of their classes. . Those very feelings are the exact opposite of what yoga is supposed to do.
“They always felt like they needed to do more, they needed to take more new classes,” Whelan said.
That’s why Whelan, who holds classes in YB Urban’s store space, makes her classes donation-based.
“I support them and they support me. It’s a very circular community effort,” she said. “When people are in a difficult economic situation, they probably need yoga even more. If you can deeply understand the practice of yoga, it can be very healing. Everyone needs it, and I feel that it shouldn’t be a financial barrier to living a peaceful and peaceful life.”
Whelan offers classes several times a week.
Mindful Movement Wednesday and Friday 8:30am Slow Flow Tuesday and Thursday 6:30pm Restorative Tuesday and Thursday 7:30pm
All levels are welcome and classes can be dropped in at YB Urban? Aroma Bar (243 N. Broadway St., Ellsworth).
“As an instructor, I’ve never felt like there was less change when people came to my class,” Whelan said. “A lot of people are very generous, but there are some who can’t pay. I’m so glad they’re there. It feels so right to me. I just put out the bucket. Everyone is welcome. Yoga is just It’s more than physical activity. It’s about creating peace within ourselves so that we can accept life in a way that allows us to fully accept our circumstances. When things get tough, things always get better. I want to create a space where people can feel that sense of peace.”
Whelan said Pedersen charges about $5 for many of his fitness classes. Country Fit is located at 273 Morse St. in the blue cabin.
“That’s unheard of. No one is doing that,” she said. “Being able to take a fitness class with an instructor is huge. It builds community. That’s kind of a cool thing that’s happening here at Ellsworth.”
Pedersen teaches a variety of classes and levels, including strength training, cardio, and yoga.
“I also teach some senior chair classes and I also teach classes for adults with disabilities,” Pedersen said. “Regardless of your age, it’s important to stay active, strong, and healthy. We keep our prices low so everyone can participate.”
The two women said their classes are beginner-friendly and open to all ability levels.
“You can start anywhere at any time. If you want a more challenging physical experience, do it there,” Whelan said.
Would you like to follow YB Urban? For more information, visit Country Fit on social media or visit yburban.com.
