New Hot Yoga and Reformer Pilates Studio Debuts in Oxford
A new women-focused wellness and fitness studio, “Fitness on High,” is set to open its doors this Friday. Located above Steinkeller at 13B E. High St, this studio aims to bring the latest fitness trends to the Oxford community.
Vision Behind the Studio
Kerri Cissna, the co-owner and an entrepreneurship professor at Miami University, has long envisioned a local fitness space tailored for women. Previously, she journeyed to Club Pilates in Hamilton three times a week, realizing her town needed a similar option.
Community Impact
“I believe the entire city will elevate as we gather the right individuals in the room,” Cissna expressed. “Together, we will foster health and support one another’s journeys.”
From Idea to Reality
Two years ago, Cissna and her creative partner, studio manager Hannah Van Drunen, began with a shared passion and a Pinterest board. The only thing missing was the perfect location.
Finding the Perfect Location
Having lived in California for 20 years, Cissna appreciated the multitude of women-centric fitness studios available. Upon moving to Oxford to teach at Miami, she missed the convenience of nearby yoga and pilates studios.
Recognizing the market potential for women-dominated fitness spaces, Tyler Storer and Jackson Trester, owners of OxVegas Chicken and co-owners of Fitness on High, reached out to Cissna. Although new to the industry, they valued her experience in yoga and entrepreneurship.
A New Era for Women’s Fitness
Storer discovered available space while getting a haircut at Bowtie Barber Club, leading to the acquisition of their studio’s location and solidifying his partnership with Cissna.
“This studio is designed specifically for women,” Cissna noted. “At 45, I understand the fitness needs of women as we age. I want to create an environment where we can all age gracefully together.”
Diverse Offerings
Fitness on High will feature eight distinct workouts across two studios: reformer pilates, mat pilates, yoga sculpt, hot yoga, hot pilates, tone, barre, and vinyasa yoga flow. The program includes 10 instructors, with an additional 10 awaiting their class assignments.
Empowering the Next Generation
Ella Rakowski, a Miami junior and nursing major, joins the studio as a new yoga sculpt instructor. Inspired by her mother, a personal trainer, she aims to empower women through fitness. “I think it’s exciting to offer fitness classes tailored to women’s unique needs,” Rakowski shared. “There are so many ways to tone your body and enjoy the process.”
A Safe Space for Women
Elisabeth Davidson, a sophomore psychology major at Miami, is also a new pilates instructor at Fitness on High. She aims to create a welcoming and safe environment for women seeking to enhance their confidence and self-love. “Going to the rec alone can be intimidating, so this studio will offer a comforting space for women in Oxford to unwind,” Davidson remarked.
Fostering Female Leadership
Cissna encourages her instructors to embark on their fitness journeys while also considering leadership within the industry. “I am passionate about supporting female entrepreneurs,” she stated. “I want my teachers to grasp the business aspects as many aspire to launch their studios one day.”
Join the Movement
To take the first step towards your fitness journey, visit the website and use the code FREECLASS to enjoy your first class for free.
