Founder Rebecca Bickett said 270 Power Yoga is about so much more than fitness classes — it’s about empowering people to find their inner selves and live an authentic life.
Bickett’s journey to opening 270 Power Yoga began while she was living in Louisville, practicing Baptiste yoga there and also volunteered with the Africa Yoga Project.
She eventually decided to move back to Owensboro and open a studio here. The process began in November of 2016, and he was able to open the doors to 270 Power Yoga in August of 2017.
Her studio offers Baptiste Power Vinyasa yoga, a type of hot power yoga. It was developed by Baron Baptiste, who says it is focused on asana (poses), meditation, and self-inquiry and is intended to be adaptable to any level of physical ability.
“It’s about self-discovery and creating new relationship with the real you — not the person that you’ve made it through life as, the person you truly are at your core,” Bickett said.
She added that while yoga is a physical practice, it can also be a way of life.
“However you are on the mat is how you are off your mat; so wherever you go, there you are,” she said. “It holds up a mirror of how you may be showing up in your life and if you don’t like the way you’re showing up, now you’re aware and you have the power of choice. You either change said behavior or stick with it.”
At the end of 2020, Bickett recently had to make the tough decision to close the studio doors because operating under the guidelines in place during the pandemic “made it nearly impossible to keep doors open,” but they’ve found continued success.
“270 Power Yoga isn’t the studio space. It’s the community,” she said. “It’s the people that practice together, the friendships and relationships and everybody who contributes to the community and empowers and lifts each other up.”
Plus, within two weeks of closing, another opportunity for a physical location arose. Trisha Phelps, an Occupational Therapy Specialist at Progressive Sports Therapy, offered some space from which 270 could operate.
They’ve also adapted the virtual method of business, conduction classes simultaneously in person and via Zoom so that anyone can participate from home.
Bickett also credits the growth and success of two women who have joined as business partners.
About two years after the studio opened, Elizabeth Faught — a graduate of 270’s extensive teacher training program — approached Bickett about becoming a business partner.
“It has been one heck of a journey with Liz and I’m so grateful for her,” Bickett said. “She is an uplifting, empowering human. She wants every person she comes in contact with to experience joy and live their authentic life. She’ll do whatever she can to help with that.”
In January, the duo decided to bring in Sheila Irwin.
“Sheila is a powerhouse,” Bickett said. “She teaches some of the higher intensity classes. She just wants to be a part of change and inspiration and being part of this space that can facilitate whatever a person might be looking for in their lives that they can gain access to through the practice of yoga or living yoga.”
Looking ahead, Bickett said she wants to help people understand 270 Power Yoga offers something for everyone — both those who are able-bodied and those with disabilities.
“We’re working towards shifting our gears towards creating a community where it is known that it’s inclusive,” she said. “It always has been, but we’re going to start taking it out the front door.”
By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times