The owner Kate Newey Bilobran wrote me a bounced check for my services and refuses to pay me. My name is Kecia Lee and I am granddaughter of Bob Hanson and niece of Ken Hanson. I'm a full-time yoga instructor in CA. In January I made a trip to visit my family in Arnold's Park for the holidays and to introduce them to my newborn son, Makoa. Studio owner, Kate, had broken her elbow and heard through the grapevine that I was an available yoga instructor. Needing somebody to sub her classes, she reached out to me. I was finishing up maternity leave (my son was just 3 mos old), but I agreed to help her out. I thought it'd be a great way to earn some much needed extra cash and a fun way to jump back into teaching. When it came time to pay me, Kate began to drift in communication. After much persistence on my end, she finally agreed to meet me at the studio on my way out of town to give me a check. Upon my arrival home, I deposited the check. The check bounced and my bank charged me a $19 fee. In effect, I actually PAID to teach two classes at her studio. Any new mother knows how hard it is to part with your newborn. What disrespect to me, my son, and my family members who agreed to take care of him while I taught. I informed Kate of the bounced check and the fee charged to me. She still has yet to pay me and ignores all of my communication. Bad business and completely lacking in integrity. Even more, she is failing to uphold the moral pillars of yoga. On a personal note, I am a single mom, and although $80 may not seem like much to Kate, it's a lot to me at this time in my life. I could have shrugged off her lack of payment if it didn't include a surprise lack of funds and a fee on my end. If she was unable or unwilling to pay me, all she had to do was have open communication with me. read more

Studio Burn 360 is a boutique fitness studio offering barre workouts, yoga, and cycling classes. For you urbanites, the studio is in line with Pure Barre, SoulCycle, and Core Power Yoga- offering challenging workouts, upbeat club music and precise coaching from instructors to maximize your workout. I took Barre Bootcamp on a Sunday morning in July. First of all, the location is super convenient, in the middle of Arnolds Park on 71, with ample free parking for customers. THE VIBE When I walked in the studio, I was greeted warmly by Kate, the owner and my instructor. She had a space set up for me with a mat, stretchy tube, ball, and asked me to pick small hand weights- either 3 or 5lbs each, with an encouraging "class is gonna be intense today!" There were 4 other women in the class of varying ages and sizes, and we had plenty of personal space for our workout. The studio entrance has ample cubby space to stash your stuff, unique merchandise for sale, and a very cool, contemporary club vibe with a stone wall, fireplace, and lounge area for customers. THE CLASS Kate is a professionally trained dancer, she played great music and she wore a headset (I love when instructors do this- so helpful). She did the entire workout with us, which goes a long way in my book--- having an expert model the moves and do it with you builds confidence for workout novices. It also helps build goodwill that we're all in this together, and no matter how fit someone is, there is always room to grow and refine your movements. I like that she gave me verbal feedback "Great form Kimberly, you got it!" as well as helpful modifications "Kimberly, try to keep your left leg bent a little, like that," so I was getting the most from the workout. The class is fun and fast paced, and covers a whole body workout focusing on the abs/core, arms, thighs, tush, etc. There was a great balance of guided stretching after each focused exercise, too, so you warm up and push to that perfect zone of resistance. After a nice cool down and a "namaste," we were on our way. A solid, fun, transformative 60 min workout! Kate checked in with me after and thanked me for coming. All their merchandise is 40% off now, too! COST: This will be the biggest shocker for rural folks and native Iowans, because Studio Burn 360 is not inexpensive. Classes run about $20/each. This is in line with what these classes cost in major cities, but it's pretty steep for the region. That said, I encourage you to try a small package, like what I did. You can do 5 classes for $95.00. This way, I see the SB360 classes being a great, "special" complement to your regular fitness regime at the YMCA or at home. OVERALL: If you're looking to change things up, experiment with a new workout and have some fun, check out Studio Burn 360! read more

Kate and the staff at Studio Burn 360 are the best. They are welcoming, energetic, encouraging, and helpful. The atmosphere is amazing. You quickly become part of the fitness family. All fitness levels are welcome - no judging, it's all about being the best YOU you can be. I can't wait for the new studio space and added classes! read more