Looking to get fit in the new year? Jenifer Sutter thinks she has something to help

Are you thinking of getting healthier in the new year?

Jenifer Sutter, who is a chemistry professor at Butler Community College, thinks she has something that can help.

The idea for her new Serene Lotus Yoga Studio in Andover arose from the health benefits she and her brother saw through yoga.

Sutter’s brother had a blockage in an artery years ago.

“His doctor told him that he needed to relax and move more, so he started doing yoga and hiking and basically the blockage disappeared.”

When Sutter had cancer, she said yoga helped with her recovery.

Then, when she and her brother were doing yoga together about this time last year, Sutter began thinking she could see herself teaching yoga. At the same time, her brother was thinking she should open her own place.

Sutter said she saw a need in Andover, so she’s opened Serene Lotus Yoga Studio at 624 N. Andover Road.

“Our motto is yoga for every body,” she said, with an emphasis on the word body.

“Because I want to have this be a studio that is inclusive for all body types, all ages and all abilities.”

Sutter said there are all sorts of adjustments she can make for people who have physical limitations.

For instance, she can offer chair yoga.

Sutter herself uses a blanket under her knees.

“Because it shouldn’t hurt at all.”

There are varying prices at the studio. It costs $20 for walk-ins, and then there are discounted packages.

Unlimited weekly visits are $30, and unlimited monthly visits are $110.

Sutter also is offering a special sound bath on Jan. 12.

“It’s basically a meditation,” she said.

Guests lie on yoga mats, get comfortable and then a group of women create different sounds with chimes, rain sticks and music.

Sutter said the relaxing hour starts at 4 p.m.

If there’s enough interest, she said, “Hopefully we can set it up to be monthly.”