Awake Liverpool: the city’s most anticipated self-development centre, has opened it’s doors on Prescott Road in Old Swan, so we headed down to sample the good vibes for ourselves and have a chat to owners; former MMA fighter, Mark Scanlon and yoga and meditation specialist, Dianne Atherton.
The centre, based in Prescot Road Business Park in Old Swan, provides free daily children’s yoga, mediation and mindfulness classes, as well as fitness, yoga and meditation classes for adults at £10 per person (or a block of 10 sessions for £90.) There will also be workshops available for both adults and children designed specifically to combat and prevent mental health issues and promote inner peace, health and well being.
Co-owner Mark Scanlon, said: The pandemic has only heightened people’s mental health struggles and it’s become even more apparent how essential it is to look after your overall wellbeing.
“At Awake, we’re so much more than a gym or fitness studio. We’re offering free classes for children Monday-Saturday because we really want to encourage the younger generation to think about their mental health, explore mindfulness and meditation and invest in their general wellbeing to eliminate stress, anxiety and depression which is increasingly hitting young people hard.”
Fellow co-owner Dianne, who recently guided Liverpool FC through yoga during lockdown added: “I understand the mental and physical benefits that yoga and meditation can have and I’m so proud to be opening Awake with Mark and teaching people to invest in themselves.
“We’re creating a lifestyle at Awake with effective classes, healthy snacks and drinks as well as frequently organising positive and inspirational workshops where guest speakers can deliver powerful talks. We’re so excited to open our doors and welcome people to our studio.”
The centre itself decked out in beautifully calming, blue hues and bohemian features that emphasise the tranquil and relaxed environment that Awake encourages. Awake is also home to an impressive mural based on the city’s skyline that was hand painted by Liverpool artist Jazz Stan.
High Frequency at Awake Liverpool
One of the adult classes on offer at Awake Liverpool, is the High Frequency Fitness class led by both Dianne and Mark that promises to raise your vibration through a power hour of 20/20/20 hiit training, yoga and mediation. By raising your energy as high as it can go, then bringing you right down with some inner reflection, the session feels transformational, and we all left feeling amazing – albeit v. sweaty.
And, if you’re hungry afterwards – spoiler, you will be – Awake also offers fresh organic, vegan protein smoothies, coffee, plant-based food from Indigo Greens and healthy treats from The Nakery that are available to purchase
The inspiration behind Awake
With Awake Liverpool offering free classes to 600 local children a week and putting positive mental health at the forefront of it’s identity, we asked Mark and Dianne what inspired their journey:
Mark said: “Jim Rohn was one of the first self- development/mind coaches I ever studied and I used to go for runs listening to his audios and his message really stood out to me – ‘If you want better, you have to become better and you become better by working on yourself every single day.’
The mantra I live by is that you have to surround yourself with people that you can learn from and those who inspire you to grow. But only you can do the actual work required to become whoever you want to be. It’s always you Vs yourself and your only competition is the person you were yesterday.”
Dianne added: “If every child in the world could be taught yoga and meditation, we would eliminate violence in the world within one generation. Yoga and meditation bring peace of mind and instil gratitude and self-development.”
Awake Liverpool is now open, and we can’t wait to see the impact this centre has on the local community over the next 12 months. Book your classes online via their website.
Jen is our resident wellness and features editor here at The Daily Struggle. You will probably find her on the beach, painting her house or writing about magick and motherhood.
