KI Studio puts Gyrotonics on display
Irene Pulli and business partner Kurt Kikuchi introduce fitness regimen to North Park
By Marie Khris Pecjo
“Wow, this feels good!” Irene Pulli, a Gyrotonics instructor, exclaims as she delves into a memory. “It happened just like this,” Pulli demonstrates, swiftly extending both her arms in front of her slender body in a stretch. “I was stretching in a different way in that class and I loved how it felt,” she says of her first brush with Gyrotonics.
While it is a form of working out, “it is a way of life,“ Pulli states. Gyrotonics — an exercise that resembles a tight-knit marriage of dancing, swimming and tai chi — have been made available since last September at The KI Studio, owned by Pulli.
Being certified in Pilates, Gyrotonic Expansion System and in Gyrokinesis, Pulli knows what she is talking about when she says, “It’s like a massage; you leave the class clear in the head. You’re light on your feet feeling happy.” Anyone willing to put the time in would benefit. For years now, Pulli has reaped the benefits of gyrotonic regimens, especially after being certified in 2002.
Gyrotonics works in a three-dimensional way; it works on flexion, rotation and spiraling of joints as though you are under water while you work against traction. “After a session of Gyrotonics, you feel uplifted and almost euphoric,” says Kurt Kikuchi, Pulli’s other business half at The KI Studio.
These classes are not limited to just health nuts but also caters to athletes and dancers who wish to improve their mental and physical fitness. Already a sensation trickling into cities such as New York and Los Angeles, Pulli and Kikuchi wanted to introduce Gyrotonics to the San Diego region; specifically North Park.
“It’s a beautiful area and things are still developing around here,“ Kikuchi answers. “Everything is still up and coming.” Since there are already a string of studios saturating La Jolla, the duo felt that North Park was a more fitting place to plant the studio.
What separates The KI Studio from the others is the extent of training Pulli has gone through. Also, “it’s the most well-equipped studio in all of San Diego as far as specialized equipment goes,” Kikuchi states. In addition, The KI Studios offers classes during various hours including private sessions, accommodating even the busiest working person.
When Pulli herself is not working, she spends the little time she has off to tend to her babies. “I have three,” she says. “I have two young sons and then I have my work.” A perk in her line of work is the flexible hours that leaves her enough room to hang out at the park with her kids.
Pulli is a playfully mellow lady when dealing with her family — a contrast to her work demeanor as a serious and straightforward instructor. However, this does not mean The KI Studio lacks finesse during work hours. Salsa, Brazilian and house music gets played to keep things upbeat; the latter being a favorite for both Pulli and Kikuchi.
“I’m a professional when I am working and not so much when I’m not,” Pulli declares. Her stern professionalism merges well with Kikuchi’s briskly zest work attitude. They mesh suitably in a partnership that sets the ambience of The KI Studios on North Park Way as a welcoming environment.
Classes are offered six days of the week with multiple sessions available throughout the day. First-time clients get the special treatment with an hour of a private introduction to the course for $40. If clients decide to sign up for more, for every five private classes they purchase at $275, they get one free. Sociable clients also benefit by getting 10 percent off their next package if they bring a friend in.
Classes at The KI Studio are taught by Pulli and Kikuchi from Monday through Saturday.
The KI Studio is at 3028 North Park Way. The phone is (619) 692-9223. Web: thekistudio.com.
