Healing the Mind, Body, & Soul with Studio 333 FIT
The mind and body are more connected than we think. Any imbalance in one is sure to cause issues with the other. Emotional troubles might manifest themselves as physical pain, and physical ailments have been known to be linked to mental health issues like depression. It’s imperative, then, that we make sure that wherever we are in our wellness journey, we’re focusing on all aspects of our health; including our physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
No one understands this better than Lisa Berman, founder of the holistic health studio Studio 333 FIT.
Berman founded Studio 333 FIT in 2016 after nearly 30 years of experience in the fitness industry. As a kid, she had multiple reconstructive knee surgeries and spent most of her elementary and middle school years opting out of sports and physical education classes. Because of the years spent in and out of hospitals, she saw her orthopedic surgeons and therapists as heroes, and knew she wanted to follow in their footsteps so she could bring that kind of healing to the generations that followed.
However, being a high school student at the time, she couldn’t exactly get a headstart on that career. So, thinking it would be a good path for someone who eventually wanted to venture into the medical field, Berman took a job at a local gym as a senior in high school -- but this move put forth a different dream in motion. Throughout several years at the gym she learned the benefits of physical fitness and pivoted to the fitness industry. “I signed my first corporate lease and started my first fitness business at the age of 21,” she remembers. “Since then I’ve had the greatest career ever.”
Studio 333 FIT offers private pilates, personal training, massage, bodywork, and life coaching for their clients. They also provide small group sessions, but there is no open class schedule -- everything is private, which means everything is tailored to the client and the client alone. The experience is meant to be customized, and any issues can be addressed immediately and directly. “The purpose of Studio 333 FIT is to heal, strengthen, and empower your mind, body, and spirit,” explains Berman. “We address the fact that our clients bring a lifetime of experiences and unique personality to their sessions. We can have a great movement or restructuring session, but if we don’t address the way our clients think, emote, and carry themselves they will walk out the door and go right back to moving the same way.”
The studio is meant to be a place where the client can truly relax and focus on their wellbeing -- with no distractions. “When entering the studio, it’s a common reaction to pause and sigh,” Berman shares.
“You’re checking all your stress at the door knowing that what will happen next will be really really good for you.”
Berman and her team offer a variety of programs that are focused on movement re-education, structural repair, and strengthening. In addition to massage and personal training, one of the main ways Studio 333 FIT does this is through their pilates classes. Berman notes that pilates can be integral in someone’s wellness journey (not just for the physical benefits), and today is one of the main offerings the studio is known for. “The beauty of pilates is that it addresses flexibility, strength, and mental concentration on precision of movement and breath,” explains the instructor. “Whether you are a beginner or seasoned mover, we meet you where you’re at with a custom blend of movement, bodywork, and coaching.”
Ultimately, Berman wants to empower her clients to “love their lives,” noting that in order to fully be present there needs to be an intentional focus on targeting what needs work, and then putting in the hours (and the sessions) to reach a healthy place. Berman also strongly believes in the connection of the mind, body, and spirit, and physical fitness is crucial to the healing process of all three.
However, she does concede that regardless of where you are in your wellness journey, it’s also important to be kind to yourself and your body. “Wherever you go, there is an opportunity to spread negativity or great positivity,” explains Berman. “It all starts with the way you treat yourself.”
Due to the spread of COVID-19, Studio 333 FIT has been temporarily closed for the time being. However, Berman continues to be available in several different ways virtually. She’s offering private Zoom workouts, coaching, and strategy sessions, and shares her daily workouts, yoga, meditations, book club recommendations, and more through a private Facebook group. “I’ve led groups like this in the past and enjoy it, but I’m usually so busy with live sessions in the studio that I don’t have as much time for virtual coaching... until now,” she shares. “Hopefully this is a short-term phase and I’ll be back in the studio soon, and with this additional service back in place.”
Logan Cross is a writer, editor, and dancer based in Los Angeles. You can find her scrolling through her own Twitter likes and listening to every fictional podcast her phone allows her to download. You can also follow her on Instagram.