The evolution of Studio E began with stand up paddleboards (SUP). GUSU Paddlesports and Lisa Turpin came together in 2012 to offer something unique to the Destin area, SUP-lates, a fun way to enjoy the combination of SUP-ing, which has become a very popular way to lose weight and stay in shape, and Pilates. With the opening of GUSU’s new store, TheXperience, Turpin and longtime yoga instructor Rhonda Comparin came together with GUSU to create the Studio Experience, or Studio E, which is a place where fitness fanatics, yogis and sports enthusiasts can come together and share their passion for healthy living. The instructors at Studio E have many specialties, and each is passionate about their practice.

Comparin has been practicing yoga for more than 20 years and remains dedicated to creating new and unique ways to enhance her offerings. She holds quite a few master certifications in yoga and loves to share her knowledge and experience with newcomers to the practice. She states, "The greatest reward is sharing my love of yoga with my students and seeing them grow in the practice themselves."

Turpin has a love for health and fitness, and with more than 20 years of experience in the fitness industry and a bachelor’s degree in sports fitness and fitness management, She continues to grow her knowledge base with new certifications in Barre and aerial fitness.

Lisa says, "I absolutely love every aspect of health, fitness, and exercise. I focus on total wellness for the mind and body, and I love to motivate people of all ages!"

Handpicked by Comparin and Turpin, instructors join nine-time World Kickboxing Champion and World Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee James Sisco, "the motivator." Sisco earned this title with his dedication to using sports and fitness as a way of keeping kids focused on growing to become responsible, healthy young adults. Other heavy hitters include Amy Likins, a holistic nutritionist and owner of Synergy Organic Juice Bar, Michelle McCormick, Tina Dowdy, Nancy Gontarek, Megan Welcher and Nicole Larson, who holds a master’s degree in exercise physiology and is a certified TRX and kettlebell trainer.

With all these qualified and "Xperienced" instructors, Studio E is hoping to bring a unique fitness experience to the Destin area. Their yoga instructors are excited to offer a wide range of yoga classes, from beginner to expert level. They also offer fun and unique classes like aerial fitness and Barre. Studio E is the only facility in the area offering one of the top five celebrity workouts, SurfSET fitness.

With regular classes and specialty workshops, Studio E strives to bring health and fitness awareness to the panhandle. The passion for health and fitness shared among instructors is sure to inspire others to make healthy lifestyle changes. Studio E wants to give the community a place to come to de-stress and recoup and is looking forward to sharing what they have to offer. Feedback and suggestions are welcome.

The Studio E slogan is, "Land. Water. Air. A unique fitness Xperience." 

Amber Parks is the owner/operator of Studio Experience (Studio E), located at 111 Harbor Blvd., in Destin. For more information, call 843-450-7048 or visit StudioExperienceDestin.com.