Awake – Liverpool’s new ‘self-development centre’, has opened with the help of Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, former boxing champion Tony Bellew and DJ Lee Butler.

Led by former MMA fighter Mark Scanlon and yoga and meditation specialist Dianne Atherton – who recently guided Liverpool FC through yoga during lockdown – Awake aims to inspire the younger generation and help people to invest in their mental and physical health and overall wellbeing to combat rising cases of anxiety, stress and depression.

The studio, which is based in Prescot Road Business Park in Old Swan, provides free daily children’s yoga, mediation and mindfulness classes, as well as fitness, yoga and paid meditation classes for adults. There will also be complimentary workshops for adults.

Awake says a number of the city’s “best personal trainers” are coming together to teach classes at the centre, with an new class created for adults named High Frequency which is made up of 20 minutes of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to increase the heart rate and burn calories, followed by 20 minutes of yoga and 20 minutes of relaxing meditation.

Other classes include Hot Yoga, Hot HIIT, Sivananda Yoga and Yin Yoga with Meditation.

The studio has been decked out in “calming hues and bohemian features” and is also home to a mural based on the city’s skyline which was hand painted by Liverpool artist Jazz Stan.

Awake also offers fresh organic, vegan protein smoothies, coffee, plant-based food from Indigo Greens and healthy treats from The Nakery that are available to purchase.

Co-owner Mark , says: “We’re absolutely delighted with the response that Awake has had so far. It’s been a long time coming as we were supposed to open just before lockdown was enforced. The pandemic has only heightened people’s mental health struggles and it’s become even more apparent how essential it is to look after your overall wellbeing.

“At Awake, we’re so much more than a gym or fitness studio. We’re offering free classes for children Monday-Saturday because we really want to encourage the younger generation to think about their mental health, explore mindfulness and meditation and invest in their general wellbeing to eliminate stress, anxiety and depression which is increasingly hitting young people hard.”

Fellow co-owner and yoga and meditation specialist Dianne, adds: “I understand the mental and physical benefits that yoga and meditation can have and I’m so proud to be opening Awake with Mark and teaching people to invest in themselves.

“We’re creating a lifestyle at Awake with effective classes, healthy snacks and drinks as well as frequently organising positive and inspirational workshops where guest speakers can deliver powerful talks. We’re so excited to open our doors and welcome people to our studio.”

Awake is the official charity partner of Liverpool-based Crossfield Exclusive Developments.

David Ayem, managing director, adds: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Awake and specifically supporting their initiative that will allow young people in the city free mindfulness and self-development sessions.

“As a Liverpool based company, it is a passion of ours to always look at ways we can give back to the city and its people, and by supporting the next generation and providing them with opportunities they wouldn’t ordinarily have is something we are delighted to assist with.”

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