Mellody Pearce, 57, (pictured right) has always maintained an athletic lifestyle, playing tennis, step aerobics, and running. She has always loved the adrenaline rush and sweat of an intense cardio workout. About seven years ago, feeling the wear and tear from years of high-impact sports and running, Mellody began looking for a lower-impact cardio workout and found Hot HIIT Pilates at Sana Yoga Studio. She grew to love their exercises like core work, planks, and push-ups that she had never found the motivation to perform alone — along with the mental clarity
and break from the outside world. Aside from the workout itself, Mellody appreciates the great music and diversity of students at Sana. “Although we are from many walks of life, we have the same goal when we walk in Sana’s doors for a class: to be the best version of ourselves that we can be.”
Mellody has no plans to quit striving to be her best, healthiest self. Mellody was diagnosed with hypertension at 49, and her physician has remarked that seven years of Hot HIIT Pilates practice has helped her to keep it under control with minimal medication. She encourages others looking to try Pilates to try Sana. “Almost every class includes someone trying it for the first time, and there is no judgment for one’s fitness level. You will find endless encouragement from everyone there! Today is the perfect day to get moving!”
Harlyn Wyatt, 27, (pictured left) tried Pilates for the first time in September at Sana Yoga Downtown and has already seen tremendous impacts on her physical and mental health. Harlyn is a former college basketball player and is currently an assistant coach for the University of Memphis Women’s Basketball Team — well versed in intense and challenging workouts. Harlyn found that Pilates ignited the challenge and achievement she found during her college basketball career. “I’m eager to keep pushing myself to grow. Pilates has brought challenge and discipline back into my life, while also bringing a sense of peace and calm,” Harlyn says.
Harlyn’s favorite class at Sana is Yoga Pilates Fusion, which combines the deep stretch of yoga with the engagement and full body burn of Pilates. Harlyn has taken classes from all the instructors and enjoys the unique flair and personality every teacher brings to their classes. Her favorite part of the class is the final stretch and meditation at the end of class. After the hard work is done, the class cools down with cold lavender towels and relaxing breaths. “There’s something so satisfying about finishing a workout and feeling completely at peace,” Harlyn says.
Because she spends her days coaching others, Harlyn loves that when she steps into a Sana class, she can be coached instead. She looks forward to continuing to improve her mind, body, and spirit through her practice at Sana!
By Zoe Harrison
Photo by Tindall Stephens
