Meet Beth Manning of Flow Yoga Studio in Peabody

Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Manning.

Beth, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
If you asked me years ago if I thought I would open up a yoga studio, the answer would probably have been no. As a lover of the outdoors, I always saw myself in the field of recreation, having led programs and people on trips for most of my early years, I thought that was my passion {it still is}. It wasn’t until a tragic life event that I would be steered in another direction, that change in course is what brought me to where I am today.

In 2008 I experienced the loss of a very close friend of mine, it rocked my world and I found myself not knowing how to handle the grief I was dealing with. This new experience effected my whole life, not only how I felt inside but how I interacted with people and how I looked at life. I was angry and wanted so much to feel “myself” again.

Fast forward a year and half. I was working for a local recreation department and they had mentioned the idea of me taking a yoga training so that we could incorporate it into our programs. I thought, “why not?” On the first day of the training we start with an actual yoga class. I remember the instructor encouraging us to dedicate our practice to someone and naturally I thought of my friend. After the 60 minute class, I felt this weight had been lifted off of my chest, I felt lighter, a feeling I hadn’t felt in almost 2 years. It was the first step in healing, the first step in the direction of a new path for me and to eventually feeling “myself” again.

In 2012 at the age of 25, I opened the doors to Flow Yoga Studio. The F and L in the name are capitalized because those are my friends’ initials. He is the reason I was led down this path, and every day I get to honor his memory. People come to their mat for all sorts of reasons and each person has a unique experience. I know what yoga has done for me and I love being able to provide a practice to someone who can then take what they need from it.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a smooth road with its occasion’s speed bumps. After 3 years we moved locations, which was exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time. We have now been in our new location for almost 2 years and it has been the best thing for us. We have been able to expand our schedule offering not only yoga but barre and Pilates classes as well as grow our community.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our studio offers daily barre, yoga, and mat Pilates classes as well as specialty workshops and private/small group instruction.

Our mission is to offer affordable fitness for all levels and our instructors offer modifications in all of our classes to accommodate the needs of those in class.

Our members enjoy an inviting space to practice, added amenities such as a warm towel /essential oils during savasana and discounts in the studio boutique. We are passionate about guiding people to healthier lifestyles!

What were you like growing up?
Growing up you could never get me to come inside, I was always outdoors playing with the neighborhood kids and have really fond memories of that. I danced up until I was 12 and later shifted into playing softball and later running track in high school. Over the years I dabbled in surfing, hiking, biking and still enjoy doing those things {when I can}

I was a pretty easy going kid, determined but feisty. My mom always tells the story of the time she tried to teach me how to ride a bike. I refused to let her help me, I guess I thought I knew it all at the age of 5. She watched me from the window as I growled and fell a bunch of times but I stayed out there until I got the hang of it. She said “That’s when I knew I didn’t have to worry about you”. I still feel that way. When I have something in mind, I am determined to do it.

I was a bit of a class clown and still enjoy making my friends and family laugh.

Pricing:

• $16 Class Drop In
• $135 for 10 visit class card
• $29 for 2 week unlimited trial pass
• $49 for 4 visits per month
• $69 for 8 visits per month
• $89 for unlimited classes

Contact Info:

• Address: 532 Lowell Street Peabody Ma
• Website: http://www.flowyogaclasses.com/
• Email: flowyogaclasses@gmail.com

 

Image Credit:
Michael Naimo
Amy Picone {shop photo}