Infinity Expo on May 3
In celebration of World Qigong & Tai Chi Day, April 25, the Infinity Studio will be offering a free discussion and demonstration of the disciplines offered by the studio from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A discussion and overview of acupuncture also will be offered. The Infinity Studio is adding a licensed acupuncturist with more than 10 years of experience to its list of service offerings.
The Infinity Expo, 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, will feature related health and wellness vendors and information, as well as other business women featuring their products and services.
For more information, contact Cathy Hauck at (608) 214-5187 and Angie Dombkowski at (608) 558-5559, or e-mail either cathy@theinfinitystudio.com or angie@theinfinitystudio.com. Information on the studio and its class offerings can be found at the studio Web site, www.theinfinitystudio.com or visit the studio just off the Square at 16th Avenue.
The Infinity Studio of Monroe was chosen as the Successful Small Business of the First Quarter for 2009 by the Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Development Center, or SWSBDC .
The Infinity Studio opened as a tranquil personal health and wellness area in June 2008 with 30 clients, and now has more than 100 students.
Owners Cathy Hauck and Angie Dombkowski said their students are "regaling in the experience of personal wellness," even during the economic hard times.
"Clients still value mental and physical health, an awareness of personal health and the value of mind and body health especially in this stressful time," Hauck said. "This attitude and awareness is tied to individual emphasis on nutrition and green cleaners used at home."
Hauck is a certified yoga instructor, while Dombkowski is a certified personal trainer and a certified tai chi instructor. Dombkowski also offers classes involving stability balls and ring pilates.
Businesses that have been SWSBDC clients for six months or longer, are operating a successful business and meeting or exceeding business plan projections are eligible for this recognition.
The SWSBDC provides free counseling and workshops on business, industry trends or starting a business, and serves the Wisconsin counties of Grant, Green, Lafayette, Iowa, Richland and Crawford, and the adjacent areas of eastern Iowa and northern Illinois.
Infinity is tucked away in a limestone-walled area once known as the Old Rathskeller restaurant, accessible from the Square's West Alley. The room lends itself to providing a comforting space to re-energize through fitness classes focusing on the mind-body connection.
"Monroe was eager for the opportunity to have a yoga studio," Hauck said. "The SWSBDC provided resources and ability to research markets that were so helpful to starting the studio."
Aiding the growth and popularity of Infinity is the unique membership structure. Students may purchase Class Cards offering 10 or 20 visits. The cards never expire and can be used for any class that a specific instructor offers. Classes are offered Monday through Saturday, with mornings, mid-day and evening class sessions. Related supplies and tools are sold on the premises, and a lending library focusing on health and wellness is available to students.
The studio's real value is the flexibility in the usage of the studio space and the variety of fitness styles offered by the instructors. In addition to scheduled and "drop-in" noon classes, Hauck and Dombkowski hope to increase the studio's relationships with local businesses by providing health and wellness programs to employees.
As The Infinity Studio looks to the future and the next generation, a Yoga for Kids program is being planned for this summer.