NEW BUFFALO — A growing number of Harbor Country residents have discovered a more intentional approach to fitness at Prana/Life Studio, where personalized instruction, small class sizes, and a strong emphasis on safety and preparation shape the studio’s wellness philosophy.
Located at 30 West Buffalo Street, the boutique studio specializes in reformer Pilates, yoga, strength training, and restorative wellness experiences designed to meet participants at every stage of their fitness journey. Rather than emphasizing high-volume attendance, Prana/Life focuses on individualized attention, mindful movement, and long-term physical well-being.
From Chicago to Harbor Country
Owner Christie Frisch moved to Harbor Country from Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We had been coming here for years, but staying in the area during COVID really cemented our love for the community,” Frisch said. “My husband and I decided to move our family here permanently with our three young children.”
Frisch’s professional background began in massage therapy before expanding into yoga and Pilates instruction. She previously taught at the YMCA in Michigan City and at Equilibrium in Three Oaks.
After making the decision to open her own studio, she discovered that the property on West Buffalo was available. Prana/Life has been operating since September 2023.
“Originally, I wasn’t sure whether I would be teaching all of the classes myself or if I would be able to find staff,” Frisch said. “Over time, I’ve discovered an incredible team of professionals who share the same passion as I do for movement and improving quality of life.”
Although she anticipated challenges attracting instructors and clients in a smaller community, Frisch said she has been surprised by the studio’s loyal following.
During a recent Sunday Pilates class taught by instructor Erica Yettaw, several participants from LaPorte said they regularly travel to attend sessions because of both the instructor and the studio atmosphere.
Yettaw, formerly a human resources professional, now teaches 10 weekly classes and private sessions. She said she made a complete career change to Pilates in pursuit of a flexible schedule and the opportunity to help people achieve balance in their lives.
Other instructors teach part time alongside full-time careers. Yoga instructor Jill Morgan, one of the studio’s earliest hires, works full-time as head baker at Granor Farm. Morgan said her favorite aspect of teaching is the sense of community among participants.
Granor Farm has hosted several events for Prana/Life staff and clients which Frisch attributes to the strong sense of community collaboration she sees in the area.
Beginning with a strong foundation
For newcomers, particularly those unfamiliar with reformer pilates, the studio strongly recommends starting with a private session.
One-on-one instruction allows teachers to assess posture, mobility, and movement patterns while offering personalized modifications and guidance toward appropriate classes. Private sessions are especially encouraged for individuals managing injuries or physical considerations such as pregnancy, osteoporosis, spinal conditions, or rehabilitation needs.
A new-student introductory package includes a 50-minute private session along with two group class credits, helping clients transition safely into group programming.
Heather Pendery, who lives between both Atlanta and New Buffalo, commented, “I especially appreciate their flex class packages that allow usage over time for those who travel or are part-timers in New Buffalo.”
Pendery, who took advantage of the introductory package offered her praises adding, “The studio is immaculate, warm and welcoming and offers classes for all ability and the instructors are wonderful.”
What guests can expect
Prana/Life operates as a shoes-off studio. Grip socks are required for reformer classes and are available for purchase onsite. Yoga mats and small towels are provided for mat-based sessions, while guests attending heated classes are encouraged to bring water and an additional towel.
The studio offers 18 dedicated parking spaces in an adjoining lot, with additional street parking available along Barton Street. Visitors are asked to avoid neighboring private driveways.
Consistency over intensity
Studio instructors emphasize consistency rather than intensity as the key to lasting results. Most participants attend one to three classes per week, with many reporting improvements in posture, strength, and flexibility after several weeks of regular practice.
Pilates and yoga sessions are also promoted as effective cross-training activities that support other physical pursuits by improving alignment, balance, and mobility.
A wide range of class offerings
Prana/Life’s programming spans multiple disciplines and experience levels, allowing clients to progress gradually.
Reformer Pilates classes range from beginner-friendly foundations sessions to advanced athletic formats and jump board cardio training. Classes emphasize breath-based movement, core strength, balance, and controlled precision rooted in classical Pilates principles.
Mat Pilates and fusion classes incorporate strength work, endurance training, and flowing movement patterns offered in heated, warm, and moderately heated environments depending on intensity.
Yoga programming includes warm and heated vinyasa flows, yoga sculpt classes using light weights, and restorative offerings such as warm Yin yoga, designed to release connective tissue and calm the nervous system through longer-held poses.
Strength and conditioning classes, including the newer Rise & Strong format, combine functional movement, resistance training, and core work in an energizing, all-levels environment.
Wellness beyond the workout
When asked how the name Prana/Life came about, Frisch explained, “Prana is a Sanskrit word that translates roughly to ‘life force energy,’ so our name reflects that idea and the transformative potential of mindful, breath-focused modalities to fuel and enhance our lives. All our offerings are grounded in this philosophy.”
In addition to fitness classes, Prana/Life offers restorative wellness experiences that extend beyond traditional exercise.
Infrared sauna blanket sessions provide a private recovery experience using far-infrared heat designed to promote relaxation and muscle recovery. Sessions may be booked individually or arranged for couples or small groups.
The studio also hosts sound bath experiences, immersive relaxation sessions combining breathwork, guided visualization, and vibrational sound healing using crystal bowls, tuning forks, and percussion instruments. Participants rest comfortably supported with blankets and props while entering a deeply restorative state.
Massage therapy is another cornerstone of the studio’s wellness offerings. Services include deep tissue, prenatal and postnatal massage, and specialty treatments such as the studio’s signature “Nourish” experience, which blends Eastern and Western techniques with aromatherapy and warm compresses for a treatment designed to be both energizing and restorative.
Community and retreat experiences
Beyond its regular schedule, Prana/Life organizes customized private group sessions, retreats, and special wellness events both onsite and at offsite locations. These curated experiences are designed for celebrations, group gatherings, or dedicated wellness days.
Instructors also travel throughout the region to provide services for family reunions, bachelorette parties, and visiting groups. Frisch said the studio will soon partner with Petit Acres to offer weekly yoga classes once that location opens.
Designed as a peaceful retreat
The studio space itself was designed by Curioso Design. Frisch credited the owners of Harbor Country Grand and Marina Grand for encouraging her to contact the firm, even though the renovation was smaller than projects the company typically undertakes.
“I was thrilled they agreed to work with us given our shoestring budget,” Frisch said. “The results were everything I imagined and more.”
By combining structured progression with personalized attention, Prana/Life Studio aims to create an environment where fitness becomes sustainable, restorative, and deeply individualized, a philosophy increasingly resonating with Harbor Country residents.
For more, go to www.pranalifestudio.com.
