Less is more at Killer Core Studio

With an eclectic mix of fitness programs, from yoga and sparring to dodge ball and youth gym, Killer Core Studio is out to prove that less is more. The minimalist studio at 1410 Tower Ave. is 1,800 square feet of space with only a few mats, mirrors and bags. That makes the site, said fitness trainer Kathryn Bassignana, perfect for dodge ball. When she first began leasing the space, Bassignana was juggling three jobs and only had time for evening dodge ball sessions. For a dollar, anyone could join the games. Scott Haberling stopped by Killer Core to try it out.

“I loved it,” he said. “It was good exercise, a lot of fun.”

The game, which brings back memories of school gym class to some, is also a great way to get in shape.

“They start playing and you see big smiles on their faces,” Bassignana said. By the end of the session, players feel the benefit of a cardio workout and a little burn in their thighs. Being the most athletic doesn’t guarantee success in dodge ball.

“Anybody can win,” Bassignana said. “Anybody does win.”

The dollar dodge ball sessions have become a staple at Killer Core. Players of all ages can stop by from 7-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights at the studio to join the game for a buck. It’s not just a fitness session.

“You meet new people, too,” Haberling said.

Another mainstay of Killer Core Studio is kids’ gym, offered 5-7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. For $5 per child, kids get a chance to exercise. They play games like freeze tag and “fishie, fishie cross my ocean,” learn yoga positions and let off steam. An Elefun game can be set up to entertain the youngest visitors.

“There are infinite things you can do with a long room, balls and a couple of mats,” Bassignana said. Parents are welcome to stay for the session, but they don’t have to. All ages are welcome, but children have to be potty trained.

Noon power yoga sessions are offered every weekday at Killer Core Studio. The cost is minimal — $2 per session — and anyone is welcome. Yoga is a great way to improve posture and core strength, Bassignana said.

“There are a lot of things we can do here with no machines,” she said. “We teach people how to be fit for the rest of their life.”

Bassignana plans to hold regular sparring and kickboxing sessions, Pilates classes and more if enough people are interested in attending.

“I’m hoping to fill classes with people who are motivated,” she said, people who want to work and improve. Bassignana, who has been working in the fitness field for nearly a decade, also offers one-on-one personal training and hands-on stretching sessions. Call Bassignana at (218) 213-5674 for information about offerings or to schedule a time. Check out the studio’s Facebook page.

The Tower Avenue studio is also the future site of Sandman Boxing and Fitness. Professional heavyweight boxer Al Sands, winner of the 2010 Upper Midwest Golden Gloves, will offer boxing classes at the studio. For information on boxing classes, call Sands at (218) 390-9843.

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