Current Offerings

SOUL STRENGTH CYCLE

When? Groups are being added and updated regularly. Check the schedule for current days and times!

Where? Fit2Excel- 14 Corporate Drive, Essex VT 05451

Seeking individuals interested in improving emotional and physical wellbeing!  SS Cycle is a cycling group with resilience skills blended in. Through the integration of movement, mindfulness and stress management techniques, groups are designed to help individuals gain tools to improve mental wellbeing while “on the move”. Each group features movement or exercise similar to what you might see in a gym or studio setting.  The difference is, SS Cycle focuses on physical and mental wellness.  Groups are approximately 65 minutes, split up evenly between active cycling and focused mindfulness.    Groups are completely adaptable for ALL fitness levels (especially beginners) and there is zero emphasis placed on body weight, body size or weight loss - the focus of the group truly lies on combining resilience skills with healthy movement. Classes are led by Kate Sherman-Licensed Therapist, Health Educator and Certified Personal Trainer/Group Ex. Instructor.

SOUL STRENGTH TEEN (Coming January 2026!)

When? Day/Time TBD

Where? Fit2Excel- 14 Corporate Drive, Essex VT 05451

SS Teen is a movement meets mental wellness support group for teens ages 14-18. Similar to the adult version, we work on skills designed to help us manage stress, improve mood, decrease anxiety and build up self-esteem…. while on the move! SS Teen does vary slightly, in that movement may consist of indoor cycling, aerobic and strength building exercises. Additionally, we focus a little more on talking and connecting with peers. With that in mind, these groups are designed to be attended with more regularity to form group cohesion (rather than the adult version, which is drop in format). Group members may join anytime they like, and likewise, may discontinue group whenever they are ready. Payment is on a monthly basis at the beginning of the month, and pro-rated for mid-month joiners.

“Exercise helps us find happiness, hope, connection and courage”, Kelly McGonigal, PhD author of, The Joy of Movement


Rates & Packages

SS Cycle - First Group FREE, Single Group $40, 5 Group Pass $175, 10 Group Pass $300

SS Teen- $30/Weekly Group, Billed at the Beginning of each Month

SS Groups cost a little more than group exercise, a little less than group therapy. Why? SS groups are exactly that- a blend of movement PLUS resilience skills training (AKA “learn to deal with stress” skills!). Groups are intentionally small- with no more than 7 members per group ensuring an experience where each member can learn, grow and leave with a tangible skill to bring into the world.



Group Schedule and Sign Up

FAQS:

  • Groups are shown to be as clinically effective as individual counseling, while being more time and cost effective. The group setting is unique in that it allows for a more integrative experience, which is what Soul Strength VT is all about. While some group offerings might look more like traditional group therapy or support groups, others are more highly focused on movement, skills, or other specific health topics.

    • There is an expanding base of peer reviewed, scientific literature showing the positive effects exercise has on mental health including (but not limited to) challenges associated with Anxiety, Depression, Stress, ADHD, and Addiction

    • SS Move is designed to take these positive effects one step further by introducing therapeutic techniques while engaging in exercise

    • Our bodies and brains function as one, synergistic system that is part of a larger social system… Soul Strength VT integrates and attends to the entire “system” to promote mental wellness and health.

  • There are SO many mechanisms at play, but here are just a few-

    • Because our brains and bodies are directly connected and function as one, the physical benefits (hormone regulation, reduction of inflammation, improved heart rate, etc.) are also important to our psychological health

    • The sense of mastery associated with movement often translates to improvements in self-esteem, self-efficacy, and overall strengthens one’s sense of self. (Learn how strong you actually are!)

    • Community support and energy from fellow group members often lead to greater sense of wellbeing

    Moreover SS Move is specifically designed with the following in mind-

    • Movement provides a great outlet for mindfulness, a main brain/body practice at SS VT

    • Movement (and the music!) give us an expressive outlet for eliciting, noticing, and releasing challenging thoughts and feelings.

    • Breathwork, which is an integral part of class, is key to eliciting the “relaxation response”, supporting a more regulated nervous system.

    • SS Cycle adds the element of pedaling on the bike. Steady state, rhythmic movements such as pedaling have been shown to help regulate our nervous systems.

    Interested in learning more about these connections? This guide explains more of the “why” when it comes to the benefits of exercise on mental and physical wellbeing.

  • No! …Well, only if you want to! Some groups may have a prompt or two to get us going. Folks can share if they’d like, or remain as they are, take it all in. Completely up to you, but remember, movement groups are a terrific way to form connections!

  • No! While these classes are designed to be therapeutic (stress relieving, healing), they are not psychotherapy. Groups are movement based, with therapeutic techniques integrated throughout.

    • Anyone and everyone whose goals include feeling well mentally and physically

    • Anyone looking to gain skills to better manage stress while improving mental and physical health