OAKHURST – Call it what you want: a lightbulb moment, an epiphany, a sound idea. Whatever term is used, it’s what Virginia Eaton had, and now locals may benefit as a result. She’s the owner of a new community fitness center designed with an emphasis on living — and aging — well. The Grand Opening of Class, the Body Pastiche is Friday, Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m.
“As I was completing my Master’s degree in Kinesiology I realized that the way we think of health and wellness is incomplete,” says Virginia, a recent graduate of Fresno State. “Exercise is an important piece, but only one component to the complex idea of wellness.”
Unless the other components are added, balance is an unattainable goal, Virginia says. She’s talking about elements that can promote well-being, including stress management, healthy whole foods, clean water, good body movement, strong social ties, and “an understanding of our emotional and spiritual needs.”
By the time she was done with school, Virginia knew that Oakhurst was where she wanted to launch her idea of a fitness-wellness center.
That launch is happening now. On Friday, Sept. 11 Class, the Body Pastiche throws open its doors officially and Virginia welcomes the community to a Grand Opening from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
“You’re invited to share some fabulous food and drink provided by Yosemite Catering and tour Oakhurst’s newest fitness and wellness facility,” according to the event page. “Come see what all the buzz is about.”
Guests are encouraged to get comfy in one of the studio’s lounge areas, and even curl up with a good book from the Class library. Visitors may also want to check out the Artist Hallway, in a nod toward whole-being wellness, featuring local artists in various mediums. Plans going forward are for the hallway gallery’s installations to change throughout the year.
“This concept of fitness and wellness including art doesn’t exist elsewhere,” explains Virginia. “We are unique. Our classes are led by exceptional instructors and we have made health coaching central to our memberships in a way that is very affordable and personalized.”
Class offers a wide variety of opportunities for fun and fitness, including yoga classes focusing on a traditional approach. Virginia will be adding meditation to the menu soon, which could be ideal for the owner herself, given the visionary effort it’s taken to open a modern facility such as Class.
“The biggest challenge has been to pull all of these pieces together under one umbrella: health, wellness, art, community gathering place… it’s a big job!”
The process has been worth it, she believes. The best part so far has been meeting local artists and craftsmen, as the 3,400-square foot previously-bare building interior has come to life.
“We have used local resources as much as possible, and we’ve been impressed with the level of talent and professionalism in the area.”
As a result, she adds, “the look people’s faces as they tour our space and see how beauty and style go hand-in-hand with health, wellness and fitness — it’s so gratifying!”
Everyone is invited to the opening of Class, especially anyone with interest in art, wellness, and fitness, according to the new proprietor.
“If you have health goals that you’ve been struggling to achieve, come see what we can offer you. We are also thrilled to be working with the Healthy Edge to offer 8-week lifestyle classes meant to re-introduce healthy habits around eating and movement back into your life.”
Those classes will begin in October. Take a look at Class, the Body Pastiche online and stop by during Friday’s Grand Opening from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. to see what else is new.
Class is located at 40034 Highway 49, Suite A-10 (that’s next to Oakhurst Computers in the Von’s/Old Mill Shopping Center below Round Table Pizza).
