Twisted Bodies saved my life…
May is mental health awareness month. So what better time to tell the origin story of our studio, Twisted Bodies.
Many of you already know that Twisted Bodies was created by best friends, Carissa and Khristen. They often tell the story of how they met through having to pick up their children in the preschool directors office. The almost daily offense…sneaking into each others cots during nap time to “squeeze each others farts out”. Play dates were scheduled and an everlasting friendship was formed.
Here’s the not so romantic part. During the early stages of that friendship, Khristen’s mom was dying of breast cancer. Her mom had been battling breast cancer for so long (10 years) that she didn’t even bring it up in conversation anymore. It was a “normal” part of their lives at this point. She died in October and thus began a downward spiral that would last 2 years.
Those years consisted of constant anxiety, panic attacks, withdraw from family and friends, anger, depression, memory loss, lots of Xanax and an eventual self admittance to a mental health facility.
Carissa likes to joke about how she stalked Khristen into friendship. And she did. She never gave up on this new friend that was struggling on a daily basis. They started working out together, attending Pilates and other fitness based certifications. She coaxed her out of the house for lunch dates, nails, and swimming all the while Khristen was silently panicking the whole time. She would literally get home after every outing and cry.
Their fitness routine became a priority for them both and they started practice training with others. Khristen’s mental and physical health began to improve and she was able to hold space for others again. That’s when life shifted and their purpose was realized.
Yes, Twisted Bodies was born from friendship, but not an ordinary one. A life saving one.
If you are experiencing any mental health issues please seek treatment. We are here to offer resources, and support you in all ways possible.
