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Health & Fitness

Pilates and Rock Climbing: a Marriage Made in [Fitness] Heaven

One of the things that I appreciate most about Decatur is that it’s a place where people can follow their dreams. Decatur’s “Keep it Indie-catur” tagline is such a great fit, as the city continues to provide a supportive and nurturing business climate for small, independent businesses.

A perfect example of this is Tim and Rachel Hovey. Names sound familiar? It not, then I bet you know their businesses. Tim is owner of the Wall Crawler Rock Club (1522 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 404-371-8997), and Rachel is owner of Body Connection Pilates + More (1522 Dekalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, 770-714-5324). And together they are proud parents to Olive and Elliot, ages 2 and 8 months.

“I feel really lucky,” shares Rachel. “I used to work in the corporate world, but I found myself being bored by what I was doing. I come from a dance background, so when a fellow dancer friend of mine became a Pilates instructor, I was totally intrigued. Long story-short, I soon fell in love with Pilates. I went to work in Decatur teaching Pilates at About Movement Pilates Studio for six years before opening my own studio space. I am honored to have kept clients that started with me in Decatur. The best part is that I never feel like it’s a burden to go to work.”

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In addition to Pilates privates and duets, Rachel’s studio features GYROTONIC exercise, which is a method of body conditioning that incorporates rotational movements of the spine, arms, legs and head, to create strength and flexibility. These exercises are excellent for decompression of the joints, elongating your spine, improving posture and allowing your body to move with ease. In short, these systems truly could help anyone who is looking for stress relief and increased mobility. Note to self, book an appointment.

Rachel wanted to ensure that her Pilates team was the best around. As such, she hires only the highest quality, most experienced staff for her small studio space. “Our teachers have extensive teaching experience in Pilates and other movement modalities such as Yoga or dance, excellent reputations and exceptional customer service,” she adds. All sessions are scheduled by appointment.

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Tim, a former school teacher, also gets to do something he loves: climb -- and work with students to improve their climbing.

What makes the Wall Crawler Rock Club special is that it’s a neighborhood gym. Word on the street is that it has routes that are true to what you’d find in the great outdoors. It’s the real deal, folks.

But here’s the best part about both of these businesses: they are located adjacent to one another. Yes, this is indeed brilliant. Imagine this, moms/dads: you can check your sweet kiddos in for a rock climbing lesson, then shoot right next door to relieve your stress and strengthen your core with a Pilates session. Both can be knocked out in one hour!

Does the Wall Crawler Rock Club offer summer camps, you ask? You betcha. The gym provides summer climbing camps for kids aged 4-6 and 7-12 years of age. Staff belays are offered, so no need to worry about safety. Or if you are interested in learning how to belay (for your child), introductory classes are also offered.

It’s a great place to have a birthday party that challenges the kids while they have fun.  With sufficient staff to insure that kids are safe and get to climb as much as possible, the parents are free to take pictures and get the cake ready.

Added perks of the Wall Crawler Rock Club:  comfy couches, magazines, free WiFi, and excellent exercise/energy zappers for your children.

In short, Tim and Rachel are just two of the reasons that Decatur is such a special place to live, work, and play.

 

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