- April 20, 2024
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Kyra Altes is the recipient of a Standing O award, presented annually by the Observer to citizens making a contribution.
Kyra Altes didn’t know she would become a therapist when she decided to be a fitness instructor, she says with a laugh. She offers Pilates, aerial yoga and barre, and she finds herself getting to know her clients and helping them keep a positive, upbeat attitude as she helps them achieve their wellness goals.
“You become a friend,” she said.
Bridget Bergens, of Ormond Beach, called Altes an amazing person.
“She truly cares and helps her clients improve their quality of life from the inside out,” she said.
Altes is currently renovating a space in the Trails Shopping Plaza for her business, Fluid Fitness, at 268 N. Nova Road. Previously, she was in Anytime Fitness and now works with clients one-on-one until her new place becomes ready, hopefully by the end of January.
Altes first became a Pilates instructor and later learned aerial yoga and barre to help clients improve strength, balance, flexibility, range of motion, etc. with a goal to lead to a fuller and happier life.
Barre is a hybrid workout class combining ballet inspired moves along with Pilates, yoga, dance and strength training. Aerial Yoga combines the traditional yoga poses, Pilates, aerial arts and fitness with the use of a silky sling-like hammock.
Altes talks to her clients to learn their goals.
“I want to not just give a workout but help them do the things they want to do, such as pick up their grandchildren without their back hurting or walking without knee pain,” she said.
Her biggest joy, she said, is when a client overcomes a limitation and can return to doing something they used to do.
She also wants to know how a person is feeling mentally. For example, if a person is stressed, some deep breathing or fluid movement might help them relax.
The inner self is important. If a client is saying negative things about themselves, she reminds them what they have accomplished. It’s also helpful for a client to have a quiet time, even if it’s just five minutes to think about how they feel. When a person feels better physically, they also are more apt to socialize, which helps the mental state.
She’s had some clients for several years.
“They are like family to me,” she said. “It’s been really sweet.”
She also likes her clients to know each other to build a community.
One of her favorite quotes is by the inventor of Pilates, who said, “change happens through movement and movement heals.”
One of her Pilates students, Bill Voges, of Ormond Beach, had spinal surgery, and the doctor told him Pilates would be a good exercise for rehabilitation, but to get a one-on-one coach because he needed personal attention.
“I was blessed to find Kyra,” he said. “She helped me gain flexibility. She’s very encouraging. A very positive person.”
Visit www.ormondfluidform.com or call 386-366-1769.
“Kyra Altes assists individuals of all levels to find strength, flexibility and a healthy body, all while inspiring overall wellness and a good sense of inner self. She has truly changed my life."
BRIDGET BERGENS
