Aria Mildon, Reporter
In the town of Vashon Island, nestled between Zombiez and Voice of Vashon, is a hidden building where people can go to boulder and to stay active. The Vashon Recess Lab, which just celebrated its first anniversary, has formed a substantial client base in the year since its opening.
The open floor space has allowed for a variety of activities. One end of the building is covered in mats and features a quaint bouldering wall where young climbers can hone their skills. The other has a room equipped with exercise bikes, where the owner, Kelly Straight, instructs spin classes. These stationary bikes allow for a unique form of exercise that works up a sweat faster than many other forms while simultaneously building strength.
“Having a bouldering wall is a really good resource because it helps you work muscles that you can’t just [work] by running and lifting weights,” Recess employee, senior Alex Koriath said.
Recess Lab has been successful in its first year because of the commitment of Kelly Straight, who sports an impressive resume detailing her experience in exercise instruction and sports movement training. She found her love for exercise after working with cancer survivors, which led her to become a personal trainer.
As of today, the classes featured at the lab are primarily filled with adults. Most start with a workout on the stationary bikes. After this cardio workout, the class often moves to the other room where Straight leads the customers in free weight exercises. The adult-filled classes are slowly changing, as more youth hear about the Recess Lab.
Young people have an advantage at the Lab because classes are cheaper for youth than they are for adults. For just $5, high schoolers can attend a class that features both stationary bikes and strength training through weight circuits.
The climbing wall is another important aspect of the business. It is the only place on Vashon where teens can go to learn or practice climbing. The $5 entrance fee covers all-day access to the climbing wall, and climbing shoes are available for a $2 rent charge if climbers don’t have adequate shoes.
The Recess Lab also attracts youth because it is one of the only public places on Vashon where they can hang out with friends and have fun in a unique and engaging way.
“[The Recess Lab] is a really cool opportunity for kids, teenagers and adults where there are different types of exercises,” Koriath said. “I think it would be a cool place for people in high school.”