If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for self-improvement, Glenside has that. Align, a freshly-minted studio space at 2278 Mt Carmel Avenue, opened its doors exactly one month ago, and is intent on taking care of the community’s holistic health and wellness needs.
Alyson Ward is the driving force behind Glenside’s newest health asset. A former professional dancer with the Philadelphia Ballet, she got into teaching her craft more than 20 years ago, a shift in focus which has led her to a growing handful of other disciplines: Barre, Pilates, Vinyasa Flow, nutrition, mindfulness, kickboxing, and Reiki.
Alyson holds a degree in Alternative Medicine, and was able to take her passions virtual via Align Workouts‘ live Facebook sessions during the pandemic. Working for a number of studios in Pennsylvania and New Jersey has taught her a lot about individual and community needs. With eight years of Glenside living under her belt, she decided it was time to channel her expansive knowledge base and open up her own shop.
“Glenside is such a beautiful community of families. My intention was to make it a resource for healing, movement and health. The idea is to help people with their lifestyles so that they’re nourishing their bodies well and living their healthiest lives so that they can thrive,” Alyson said. “This is a space you can come to work your body really well as a form of self-care, and it’s also a community to be around people who are on a similar journey. I feel like it’s really a movement space for the whole family.”
She’s not exaggerating. Align’s repertoire includes yoga for kids, meditation for teens, baby-wearing Barre classes for new mothers, parent and toddler movement classes, private training sessions, strength and sculpt workouts, Pilates, nutrition coaching, and the list goes on.
“A lot of wonderful people have been coming to the space, and we’re getting a better idea of what classes people want. I love being there so much, so it’s nice to see it bloom a little bit,” Alyson said.
Eventually, Align will take on an increasingly diverse role in its core purposes with plans for acupuncture, nutrition, massage, and other healing modalities. As classes and in-house functions continue to flower, staff needs are growing as well: Glenside native Rachel Umenschwartz and Seana Lafty have recently signed on as yoga instructors and will join existing members Dr. Jerika Robinson Johnstone, creator and founder of KA Kemetic Yoga, and Liz Carson, rhythm and strength Master Trainer.
“There’s a huge need to take care of our bodies. I want to address that need in a way that is loving and nonjudgmental. I want to help Glenside residents with their mindfulness and mindset. I want the piece that we give back to the community to get bigger and bigger,” Alyson said.