MSIF helps yoga specialist Lisa realise her business dream with £27k loan

Funding agency backs creation of new health studio in Formby.

MSIF investment manager Sue Chambers, left, with Lisa Wilson.

A fitness instructor from Liverpool has realised her dream of running her own business thanks to backing from Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF).

Lisa Wilson, from Blundellsands, has launched Life Balance Yoga Studio which offers a variety of hot yoga and pilates classes in the studio which is situated in Harrington Road, Formby.

Life Balance Studio on Harington Road, Formby

MSIF provided a £27,000-worth package of funding to set the business up through the Start Up Loans Programme and the Regional Growth Fund.

Funding was needed to convert the building into a high-tech studio that uses a state-of-the-art system to heat the studio to 40 degrees.

Ms Wilson said: “I worked in a gym for 10 years and fell in love with yoga so decided to become a qualified instructor before taking the plunge and setting up my own studio.

“All levels of ability, from beginners to advanced, are catered for and we use several instructors who offer different styles, so clients can choose if they want a more physical class or prefer to feel the meditative benefits.

“We run two to four classes a day in mornings and evenings and also run weekend classes.

“Our early bird classes, which start at 6.45am are very popular as people can come before work.”

The Hot Yoga Studio on Harington Road in Formby

Ms Wilson added: “There are lots of health and physical benefits with hot yoga.

“It makes the body burn fat more effectively and it is common to lose inches in a very short space of time.

“The heat also allows for a greater range of movement in the stretches and sweating encourages detoxification of impurities through the skin.”

She said more classes are planned aimed at different conditions or age ranges, including classes for people who suffer from bad backs, a sportsman’s yoga offering which will focus on problem areas of the body that can become tight, as well as stretch classes for older people.

MSIF investment manager Sue Chambers said: “Hot yoga, in particular, is becoming increasingly popular and has had lots of publicity recently.

“Lisa has worked really hard to build up the business and due to demand has already increased the number of classes.”

She said: “With no other facilities like this in the area I think the business will do very well.

“We are really pleased to be able to support her.”