Looking for a new workout to start off the New Year? RowDojo in Downtown Scottsdale offers a different approach to mind and body wellness.

In 2017, owner and instructor Brian Simonitsch merged his love of philosophy and fitness to create a specialty program to help people relax and move, a press release explained.

“Several years ago I was forced to make a lifestyle change and I developed the system to improve my mental and physical health,” Simonitsch said in the release.

“It has worked for me and I have seen it work for others. Rowing is the primary exercise. Dojo means ‘place of learning’. Here we learn about the body and we learn about ourselves.”

For physical exercise, RowDojo uses low-impact, steady-state workouts using Concept2 rowing, skiing and cycling machines. These machines help clients move in a smooth fluid continuous motion that is gentle on the muscles and joints. The classes are designed for people of all ages and athletic abilities.

Sessions typically begin with a brief discussion about what is happening in the client’s life.

“Everybody has problems,” said Simonitsch “To analyze them can bring clarity and be fuel for growth. If negative emotions arise during the dialogue, moving the body can act as catharsis.”

During discussions, Simonitsch often uses reference material from his favorite philosophers, mainly GI Gurdjieff, the release stated.

“There are physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects of ourselves. We often neglect one while focusing too much on another. Here we work all three with the goal of finding balance between them.” Simonitsch said.

For information about RowDojo, visit www.rowdojo.com or contact Simonitsch at 480-433-3091.