Awake in Old Swan provides free daily children’s yoga, mediation and mindfulness classes, as well as paid fitness, yoga and meditation classes for adults. Tony McDonough reports

A new wellness centre that offers free classes for children has finally opened after its launch was delayed by the COVID-19 lockdown.

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

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. 

A number of the city’s best personal trainers are coming together to teach classes at Awake, with a new class created for adults called ‘high frequency’ which is made up of 20 minutes of high intensity interval training (HIT) 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 that emphasise the tranquil and relaxed environment that Awake has created and encourages.

Awake is also home to a mural based on the city’s skyline that was hand painted by Liverpool artist Jazz Stan. It also offers fresh organic, vegan protein smoothies, coffee, plant-based food from Indigo Greens and healthy treats from The Nakery. Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, boxing champion Tony Bellew and DJ Lee Butler all attended the launch.

Co-owner Mark Scanlon, said: “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 has 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.”

Awake is the official charity partner of Liverpool-based Crossfield Exclusive Developments. David Ayem, managing director, said: “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.”