After leading prenatal and mum-and-baby yoga for almost two decades, Adrienne Brooks decided to try something new. This led to a quick trip to Melbourne for teacher training in aerial hammock yoga, and on her return, Elevate Studios NQ was born.
Tell us about yourself and Elevate Studios NQ.
Sixteen years ago, I decided that pregnant ladies and the new mums of Townsville needed something more to help them through such a profound time of change. So, after a quick trip to Sydney, I rolled out my yoga mat and started teaching prenatal and mum-and-baby yoga classes… faster than you can say “certified instructor.” One class sold out, then another…
I wasn’t content with just regular old gravity-bound yoga. So, one day, while scrolling through social media (probably looking for funny dog videos, let’s be honest), I stumbled upon aerial hammock yoga. Without ever having set foot in a class, because it didn’t exist in Townsville, I thought, “Why not?” and I enrolled and jetted off to Melbourne for teacher training.
I remember vividly at the end of the training lying in bed with my body feeling like it was still swaying, making me feel like I was still suspended in mid-air. Was it a sign? A bizarre form of jet lag? Or just the really strong Melbourne coffee? Nope! It was the life-changing impact of working with the hammock.
After 7 years of working with the hammock I decided to up the ante. “If hanging from the ceiling is cool, then bouncing off the walls must be even cooler!” Because nothing says fun quite like hurling yourself across a room attached to a giant elastic band.
Now, at Elevate Studios NQ, we offer a smorgasbord of gravity-defying delights. Want to do a handstand without the pesky floor getting in your way? Aerial yoga’s got you covered. Fancy yourself as a human ping-pong ball? Try bungee fitness! And if you’re pregnant, or have a baby we have a beautiful yoga community who will welcome and support you.
At Elevate Studios NQ, we turn the laws of physics into suggestions and prove that in Townsville, the sky’s not the limit – it’s just the beginning. Warning: side effects may include uncontrollable giggles, a newfound love for heights, and the irresistible urge to say “I’m flying, Jack!” in a terrible Kate Winslet accent.
What has been the most challenging aspect of owning Elevate Studios NQ?
The most challenging part of running my business? For me it’s not the late nights, the coffee addiction, or even explaining to my dog why I’m talking to myself again (it’s a staff meeting).
I would have to say it’s either the continual pivoting from CEO to janitor, from copywriter to tech support, and from teacher to admin assistant; or it’s the endless struggle to find the time to tackle the mountains of paperwork that breed faster than rabbits on espresso.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
Despite many clients commenting on how effortlessly I work with the hammock I wasn’t exactly born with any grace or natural ability. In fact, at the tender age of 4 years old, I was unceremoniously booted out of my ballet class the teacher’s verdict that I had “two left feet.”
My mother, probably trying to save the world from my uncoordinated flailing, promptly redirected my energy towards swimming. Aquatic exile somehow lead all the way back many, many years later to defying gravity in silk hammocks and on bungee cords with both a left foot and also a right.
What is the best piece of career or business advice you have ever received?
I’ve had lots of great business advice over the years. The best piece of business advice (also the best piece of life advice) I ever received I found nestled between throw pillows and scented candles. While other people might seek advice from International Gurus or Inspirational Speakers, I found my business north star in the aisles of Kmart. It was a print that simply stated: “Do what makes your soul happy,” and it now hangs proudly in Elevate Studios NQ.
Who knew that discount decor could deliver profound guidance? For me it’s a daily reminder that true success is about pursuing passion and sharing that with your community.
Going forward, what is next on the cards for Elevate Studios NQ?
What’s next? We have just introduced Floating Soundbaths where you can zen out while suspended in a silk hammock, surrounded by the healing vibrations of sound.
We are planning to amp up our bungee game with the introduction of Bungee Combat, where you can unleash your inner action hero and literally bounce back, and Bungee Dance.
And for the mini-me crowd, we’ve got school holiday workshops that’ll make screen time look boring. Kids can learn to be tiny acrobats in our Antigravity Hammock and Acro Workshops. We’ve even got parent-child classes, because why should kids have all the fun? Watch your Dad try to untangle himself from a silk cocoon – it’s way better than any You Tube clip!
Whether you’re 7 or 70, get ready to fight or float, lift your spirits, your body, and occasionally your eyebrows and elevate your expectations of what fitness can be!
Main image – Adrienne Brooks
Images Credits – All images supplied.
Read more “5 Minutes With…” articles or fill out the Submission Form and share your own story!
