Folk songs at fitness classes? Rap sessions for teens? Not the usual fare at fitness centers, but you might find them at Studio 21, Great Barrington's newest fitness center. The center, which opened on March 7th, is located on Stockbridge Road, and according to it's owner, boasts the latest in fitness equipment and personal service to its members.
Antoine Alston, the owner of Studio 21, grew up in the area and after working at other fitness centers in the area, saw the need for a place for the family with reasonable rates and a personal touch. He felt that other places lacked in personalized service. Studio 21 offers a weight room, exercise classes for all ability levels and ages (including seniors), nutritional counseling, personal training and outdoor recreation. There will be outdoor volleyball soon.
According to Alston, Studio 21 is also the only fitness center in the Berkshires with a registered nurse available full time. Instructional exercise classes range from Yoga to Kick Boxing to Children's Fitness to Stretch and Stress Relief. In keeping with its mission to be accessible to families, it offers day care for parents who want to work out and monthly guest appearances by David Grover for the children's classes. For teenagers, there is a rap session where, on scheduled nights, they can talk to Antoine himself about issues and problems.
Studio 21 is a place that can fit into any one's schedule. It offers long hours of operation - 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Alston believes the keys to fitness are commitment and enjoying yourself.
Antoine says that Studio 21's name comes from the significance of the number 21. It marks many important dates in Antoine's life and has had spiritual significance. Judging by the growing success of Studio 21, the lucky number is proving itself.
For more information about rates and services you can call (413)-528-2148 or by going online to www.studio21online.com
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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