By Pyc Fitness
©2004-2008
COOKEVILLE -- Synergy is defined as a mutually advantageous conjunction where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts or a dynamic state in which combined action is favored over the sum of individual component actions. Synergy is also the name of a yoga, pilates and personal training studio in the N'dulge Day Spa on Willow Avenue in Cookeville.
Synergy is the first studio of its kind in the Cookeville area. It offers mind and body disciplines, or exercise techniques, that clear participants minds by forcing them to focus on breathing techniques and body control or awareness.
"We don't consider gyms as competition," said owner Petti Groth. "Our disciplines are quite unique and have a different focus. When people leave here they are relaxed, not like in a gym where people leave tired and sore. However, that doesn't mean we don't work hard."
Synergy began as a conversation between two friends, Groth and Cynthia Wilson, who were out to lunch at The Cheesecake Factory in Nashville. The two began talking about the benefits of yoga and pilates and decided that they should open a studio in Cookeville. As Groth said, "and the rest is history." Synergy opened in Cookeville on Feb. 13.
Synergy has six trained and certified instructors. Just recently, Groth received her Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) certification. To receive PMA certification, she had to complete 400 hours of pilates training, assistant teaching, private lessons and projects under a mentor. Personal trainer Chris Baker also recently added an Aerobics and Fitness Association of America certification to her resume.
While Synergy may not have much local competition, its does face other business challenges.
"We face an education challenge," said Groth. "People fear mind and body disciplines because they don't understand them. That is why we are still trying to find our market."
Pilates is a form of strength and flexibility training that can be done at any level of fitness. Pilates promotes a feeling of physical and mental well-being and also develops inner physical awareness. Since this method strengthens and lengthens the muscles without creating bulk, it is often used by dancers and actors. Pilates is also helpful in preventing injuries, rehabilitating people who have sustained injuries, improving posture, and increasing flexibility, circulation and balance.
Synergy also has classical pilates equipment. The equipment is manufactured exactly like the equipment designed by Joseph Pilates, inventor of pilates techniques, in Germany during the 1920s. The five pieces of equipment at Synergy combine spring tension and body weight to provide clients with stability and resistance.
"Pilates emphasizes on integrating the whole body into a workout in a holistic process," said Groth. "We do not try to isolate any part of the body. All movement emulates from the core or powerhouse -- the band muscles surrounding the torso."
Yoga is a way to build strength, and improve balance and flexibility. The technique focuses on the mind-body connection through breath control and sequences of breath linked poses. The goal of yoga is stress reduction, relaxation and total fitness.
Synergy describes mind and body personal training as a fusion of traditional western exercise methods with the fundamental principles of mind and body discipline. Personal training can include strength and weight training, cardiovascular conditioning, functional and body weight resistance training, core stabilization and strengthening, and balance and agility training. All training programs at Synergy will focus on breathing, stretching, body awareness and relaxation.
"What makes us different from endurance workouts, such as marathon training and cycling, is that endurance athletes want to remove the mind from their workout," said Groth. "We want to remove distractions from the mind. For an hour we want our clients to only think about themselves and their body."
Crazy Fit Massage , Ab Rocket , Leg Magic , Skyrunner , AB Lounge XL , trampoline , perfect pushup , exercise bike ,Bowflex Home Gym , Air climber , the bean exerciser , Billy Blanks Boot camp