Issuu

Health & Wellness

JA N UA RY 2 02 6

CLAIM YOUR FREE 5 DAY TRIAL TODAY.

1934 Brooks St. Missoula, MT 59801 406-926-3835 missoula@fuel406.com www.fuel406.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Right on time.

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Mike Tucker | MTucker@CityLifestyle.com

There was a time back in 2019 when I found myself in a position every writer dreams about: an editor expressed interest in publishing an essay I submitted and he shared the essay with his wife—a literary agent—who also loved it and thought there was a book lying in wait. I was ecstatic. I was validated. My writing had hit a note in someone's heart. Some might consider it a major disappointment that the essay never ended up being published (it was too literary for a newspaper) and I didn't end up signing with that agent, but I didn't think it was disappointing. Maybe at first, yes. But definitely not now. The essay was about horses and my late father—the two inevitably intertwined— and also, my life. Secrets, truths, realizations. As I started writing the actual book, each page felt like a betrayal from a hopeful version of myself, one who really wished a lot of what I had to say didn't happen. I avoided writing some of it, but then windows for those truths kept coming up. And you really can't write a memoir without the truth. I had two children in between 2019 and now, and the book still isn't done. It's closer, but not done. And I'm completely fine with that. On a recent call with a publishing friend I admitted: The 2019 theoretical version of this book wasn't the one that was meant for bookshelves. I wouldn't have been happy with it. I might have rushed it. I might have skirted around what needed to be said instead of just saying it. Today, I'm a different animal. Some time gaps produce marathons of growth, some only sprints or standstills. We'll just say that the last several years house thousands of versions of me, with the message being: I'm right on time. I'm right on time for what has always been meant for me. And what better time to finish a book when you have children to dedicate it to? Life just has a way of working out. The health & wellness issue always reminds me to take stock of my happiness, which, to me, is the cornerstone of one's health. If my body and my mind are moving, dreaming, reaching for something, I'm doing well. I hope the same is true for you.

P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T

Amanda Tucker | Amanda.Tucker@CityLifestyle.com E D I TO R

Chelsea Lyn Agro | Chelsea.Agro@CityLifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Rick Szczechowski | RrSzczechowski@Gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shelby Humphreys, Kelsie Ring, Emma Trotter, Susie Wall C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Athena Lonsdale

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

C H E L S E A LY N A G R O , E D I T O R @ M V L M AG A Z I N E Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Missoula Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Missoula Valley area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / M I S S O U L AVA L L E Y

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Missoula Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Cognac: It's not just for the glass!

Tender Filet Mignon with our custom Cognac Sauce will kick off the year deliciously!

COGNAC FILET

is 3 pm-5:30 pm daily featuring $2 off all Appetizers, $5 Drafts, $3 off Cocktails and $2 off Wine!

Join us every Friday

for Montini Night and sip on $8 Top Shelf Martinis from 5:30 to close.

EST. 1999

Club Happy Hour

2620 Brooks St | (406)543-3200 4561 N Reserve St | (406)541-8141

montanaclub.com

inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

10 18

Featured

18 26 30 6

Strength in Story

Fuel Fitness personal trainer and trainee pursue strength and find empowerment.

Relish in Rest or Roll Up Your Sleeves? Six Missoulians weigh in on New Year's Resolutions.

The Benefits of Connection

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Montana promotes personal connections in Missoula.

Tending to Ourselves

Confluence Pilates specializes in Reformer Pilates but the main event of any session focuses on personalized maintenance.

26 On the Cover

Departments

Mysta Ward and Personal Trainer Allie Bickel at Fuel Fitness see past any stereotypes for gym members or atmosphere. Strength starts in your story, and it can drive the determination that's needed to see results. Read her story on page 10.

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Get Active FITNESS

Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE

Mental Wellbeing FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS

Photography: Rick Szczechowski

Locally Owned & Operated for Over 20 Years

We are Missoula’s Coolest Hotspot! Great Happy Hour Specials on Food & Drinks. The Perfect Place to Watch Sports with Friends. BREAKFAST • SANDWICHES • BURGERS Join us at 3621 Brooks Street • 406.728.3228 • Visit us on Facebook to see our current specials, menu, and events!

PROUDLY SERVING MISSOULA 3275 N Reserve St Suite 12 | 406-550-5482

Montana’s Largest Hot Tub Retailer mountainhottub.com

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

JANUARY 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

ISO: Freelance Writers New year, new you? If you're a writer who's been wanting to jump back into freelancing, Missoula Valley Lifestyle wants to hear from you! Engage with our community, learn about local people and businesses, and write a story worth sharing. Here's a chance to let your words shine. Email Chelsea.Agro@CityLifestyle. com to inquire.

Scan to read more

Resolution Run 5K Run Wild Missoula and Runner's Edge Events present the 2026 Resolution Run 5K on Thursday, January 1 at 10 a.m. Start location is at Pineview Park. This is a great chance to take in the brisk air of a new year and accomplish something for yourself in the arena of health and wellness.

Scan to read more

Massage Facials Bacio Lip Booster Lash Extensions Body Masks Halotherapy Infrared Sauna

Laser Hair Removal Microneedling PRP Injections Hair Restoration Red Light Therapy Couples Massage And Much More!

Lavana Connection Immerse Yourself Into Wellness Immerse Yourself Into Wellness

304 Buck Street Stevensville, MT 406-531-2509 (Call or Text) thelavanaconnection.com

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Winter Radiance Lip Infusion Bundle! THE WINTER RADIANCE LIP INFUSION OFFERS A POWERFUL REMEDY FOR WINTER DRYNESS WITH WITH ITS BACIO LIP BOOSTER, DESIGNED TO NATURALLY STIMULATE COLLAGEN PRODUCTION AND BOOST HYDRATION FOR A REVITALIZED POUT. ENHANCED BY A COMPLIMENTARY RED LIGHT THERAPY ADDON, THIS TREATMENT PROMOTES CIRCULATION AND HEALING, LEAVING YOUR LIPS SOFT, LUMINOUS, AND PERFECTLY PREPARED FOR THE SEASON.

BUY THREE GET ONE FREE

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / M I S S O U L A V A L L E Y

Missoula Wedding Fair The Missoula Wedding Fair returns to offer the best of the best. Venues, cakes, photography, you name it. On Sunday, January 11 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, browse and get to know local caterers, stylists, planners, DJs and so many more who can make your big day a big hit. Tickets can be purchased online at MissoulaWeddingFair.com.

Scan to read more

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

ARTICLE BY SUSIE WALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK SZCZECHOWSKI

STRENGTH IN STORY

G E T ACT IV E | FI TNES S

FUEL FITNESS PERSONAL TRAINER AND TRAINEE PURSUE STRENGTH AND FIND EMPOWERMENT

Sometimes when we think of a gym’s atmosphere, our mind auto-populates the image of already-fit people working out, continuing their healthy routine. To some, it can feel inaccessible. But take one look at 85-year-old Mysta Ward smiling through another session with personal trainer Allie Bickel at her side and you’ll reconsider your perspective on a starting point. Mysta is a quick-witted, vivacious, two-time cancer survivor, and yes, she goes to the gym on a regular basis. “Allie has changed my life in so many ways,” says Mysta, about her personal trainer. “When I first met her, she didn’t care that I was weak and couldn’t do a lot. It took a lot of nerve for me to come to the gym at my age, but I have never felt intimidated with Allie, or at this gym.” Mysta is humble when talking about her impressive accomplishments since coming to Fuel five months ago. “I’ve had cancer twice in five years. The last time was Stage Four metastatic. After all the treatments and the radiation, you just don’t feel yourself,

and I knew I had to do something to become stronger. It’s a journey and it hasn’t been easy, but I’m still here and that’s the important part. Now I feel stronger, I feel empowered, and I have biceps!” Mysta laughs as she flexes her arm. “My kids are proud of me and my husband of 64 years is proud of me. I will do this until I am no longer here.” That empowered feeling—of accomplishing something physical and mental—is a true testament to the steadfast support of personal trainers like Allie. Her purpose is to show members what to do with all this equipment and to know where to start with each individual, to bring a sense of personalization to an otherwise overwhelmingly large space with lots of tools. If you are trying to reach a specific goal, or new to working out in a gym, it can be hard to know where to start and what to do with all this equipment. Allie has been a personal trainer at Fuel in Missoula since 2021. She is eager to dispel the myth that having a personal trainer is a luxury reserved for the ultra-fit. “I tend to focus more on people CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

G E T ACT IV E | FI TNES S

"NOW I FEEL STRONGER, I FEEL EMPOWERED, AND I HAVE BICEPS!...MY KIDS ARE PROUD OF ME AND MY HUSBAND OF 64 YEARS IS PROUD OF ME."

who have never been in the gym before, or people that are maybe not as represented as they should be. I especially enjoy coaching women of all ages,” she says. “I remember what it was like to be an ex-athlete, having an injury, and feeling like you’ve lost everything and you don’t even know how to move anymore.” With her personable demeanor and warm smile, Allie dedicates herself to helping clients achieve their physical fitness goals using

an approach specifically tailored to each person’s abilities. “I start by gathering as much information as I can about you. I watch how you move, I ask what’s bothering you, what your outside life looks like, and find out if you have a specific goal like running a marathon. Then, I work with you to give you the tools and resources to be successful,” she says. With Colter Gibson at the helm, being manager of the Missoula location, Fuel Fitness offers a community with all the resources one could imagine, or be surprised by. “We have very high standards,” says Colter. “We have some of the best equipment around town, we keep our gym extremely clean, and our customer service is great. We know what our members need, and we’re going to offer them the best experience possible.” The first thing Colter does when he meets with potential new members is to give them a tour of the facility. That pretty much seals the deal as the huge Missoula location is packed with an array of cardio and strength-building equipment. They also added bonuses of onsite childcare provided by Bright Minds Kids Zone, clean spacious locker rooms, and 24-hour access to accommodate anyone’s busy schedule. One of the biggest headaches when going to any gym is fighting the crowds and waiting for your chosen piece of equipment to free up, especially during peak times. This is not a problem with Fuel’s 18 treadmills, 10 elliptical machines, countless recumbent CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

bicycles, stair climbers, and other cardio equipment. Those looking to build strength and muscle will appreciate the long racks of free weights and plates, and the Life Fitness strength training and cable machines. Colter refers to the expansive open turf area as a “fitness playground” with plenty of room to get in your walking lunges and your kettle ball swings. Members can also make use of advanced technology for tracking body composition with the InBody 570 device. “You can step on a scale and get a number, but it’s hard to understand what that number represents,” says Colter. “And how does knowing that number help you meet your goals of losing weight or gaining muscle? Inbody takes out the guesswork and gives you an in-depth look at what is going on with your entire body.” Colter goes on to explain that the state-of-the-art InBody keeps track of a range of informative statistics like your

G E T ACT IV E | FI TNES S

percentage of body fat and muscle-to-fat ratio. It even breaks down these numbers across your torso and each arm and leg. This information can aid someone with a past injury, like a broken arm, by helping them focus on building strength in the weaker limb. You receive a detailed printout each time you step on the InBody that keeps track of weight, skeletal muscle mass, and body fat percentage over time. “We recommend new members use it to find their baseline numbers, then get back on within four to six weeks so they can see their progress,” says Colter. Whether you’re a senior citizen who’s never stepped foot into a gym, a new parent who follows a different timeline within the 24-hour day, or someone who’s unsure of how to regain strength after an injury, there’s a place and a person waiting to build a better you.

FUEL MISSOULA Fuel is the largest locally-owned fitness chain in Montana with locations in Missoula, Bozeman, Kalispell, Billings, and one in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 1934 Brooks Street Fuel406.com/Missoula 406.926.3835 @Fuel_Missoula

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

Experienced, Objective Financial Advice and Management – Tailored Just for You

283 W. Front St., Suite 101 | Missoula, MT | (406) 329-4040 | 406wm.com | dadavidson.com LEFT TO RIGHT: Julie Holmes, CWP, FPQP®, Senior Registered Practice Coordinator; Frank D’Angelo, CFP®, CWS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Branch Manager; Cynthia Fritch, CFP®, CPFA, CWS®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor

One Home for ALL of Your Rehab Needs! • Orthopedic Rehabilitation • Sports Medicine • Concussion Rehabilitation • Dizziness & Imbalance • Women's Health • Post-Mastectomy Products

Home of the Dylan Steigers Concussion Project

Call to Schedule Your Visit! (406) 542-0808 | peakptmt.com 1940 HARVE AVE SUITE 2 MISSOULA, MT

704 SOUTHWEST HIGGINS AVENUE MISSOULA

Keep It Local, Keep It Fresh

“We are bringing back new life to Pattee Creek Market, as your specialty neighborhood market that you can find the local meats in the store, the local produce in the store.” patteecreekmarket.com

406-721-2456

Timothy & Elizabeth Hines and Family New owners of the Pattee Creek Market!

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

ARTICLE BY SHELBY HUMPHREYS PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK SZCZECHOWSKI

RELISH IN REST OR ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES? SIX MISSOULIANS WEIGH IN ON NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

New Year’s resolutions are a peculiar thing. Some people look forward to the practice and the blank slate it brings. Others shirk the habit for more general intentions observed throughout the year. No matter what kind of meaning we imbue January with, resolutions are made with ritual and hope. Here, local Missoulians express their take on 2026 and the hope it brings.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

"It is a time to slow down post-holiday season, a time to reflect on the upcoming year and what kind of energy I want to bring to it." - Lindsey Thompson

DO YOU PRACTICE SETTING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?

January is a month that I truly look forward to. It is a time to slow down post-holiday season, a time to reflect on the upcoming year and what kind of energy I want to bring to it. My reflection practice includes: 1. Word of the Year: Every January, I pick a word for the upcoming year. Something that encompasses my focus for the year and what I want to put my attention to, and 2. Intentions: I feel that there is a lot of power in understanding the “why” behind an action and intentions are grounded in the motivation behind an action rather than a specific outcome.

WHAT MIGHT BE YOUR’S FOR 2026?

In order to bring positivity, presence, and change to our families, friends and communities, staying grounded is going to be very important. I have a feeling this will be a theme for me in picking my word and in setting my intentions for 2026.

WHAT DO YOU WISH FOR MISSOULA THIS COMING YEAR?

Missoula is an inspirational community. I feel so blessed to have grown up here and to now be raising my family here. It is a community that celebrates inclusivity and equality, and it is my hope that Missoula continues to show up in this way AND that more people find confidence in their voices.

Lindsey Thompson,

Associate Director, Product & Brand of Vim & Vigr

Photo by Athena Lonsdale CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

Bailey Durnell & Rachel Cowan, Small business owners of Missoula Makers Collective DO YOU PRACTICE SETTING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?

We do not generally take part in setting a New Year’s resolution for Missoula Makers. Instead, we have a tendency to relish in the rest period and lack of resolutions after the holidays. The second half of the year is a marathon for small business owners, and the reprieve from January through March is something we try to take advantage of. That being said, we often come out of the first quarter of the year feeling inspired, ready to set goals, and excited to get to work. So not quite a New Year’s resolution; maybe a New Year’s renewal instead.

WHAT DO YOU WISH FOR MISSOULA THIS COMING YEAR?

To continue being excellent stewards of our community—something Missoulians already do well and something we clearly hold very dear.

Patricia Skergan, Chiropractic Physician & Owner of Helmer Family Chiropractic

WHAT IS YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION FOR 2026?

My resolution for the new year, as it is everyday, is to practice compassion and non-judgement for my fellow sentient beings, including myself.

WHAT DO YOU WISH FOR MISSOULA THIS COMING YEAR?

I see a lot of people walking around town with their heads down. I would like to see the Missoula community continue in their gratitude and feel a little lighter.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

“I am excited to focus on making people aware that fine art can be functional.” - Paul Barmore

Paul Barmore,

Artist at Big Sky Flies

DO YOU PRACTICE SETTING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?

I will usually cast an annual vision for my business to reach for in the upcoming year. I like doing this because it naturally causes me to reflect over the previous year and appreciate my recent accomplishments, which gives me momentum that makes new successes feel even more attainable. Since I first started Big Sky Flies in 2018, I’ve had one goal; to make a living doing what I am uniquely passionate about. This vision has been the driving force of my progress and has allowed me to prioritize the fusion of passion and financial success.

WHAT MIGHT BE YOUR’S FOR 2026?

This coming year, Big Sky Flies is launching a new line of handcrafted steel logs designed to bring artistry to gas fire pits everywhere. I am excited to focus on making people aware that fine art can be functional. I love sitting around a fire with friends and family, so sharing a way to enhance that experience with my artwork is a rewarding pursuit.

WHAT DO YOU WISH FOR MISSOULA THIS COMING YEAR?

I’d like to see Missoula become a place where people know they can come here from any background to hear and see the Gospel lived out all around them. It would also be a bonus if we could fix Brennan’s Wave. It’s an awesome feature and, since being built, it has degraded in quality. The flow could be redirected into one main channel so that the wave feature receives the maximum volume of water and can be enjoyed more days out of the year.

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

“I want to slow down and spend really intentional time with the people that I love.” - Paige Livingston

Paige Livingston,

Owner of One Eleven Boutique

DO YOU PRACTICE SETTING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?

I always set a New Year’s resolution. That doesn’t mean I always accomplish it entirely, but I like having a reason to work on myself. My resolutions are never too heavy, either. A couple of years ago I had a resolution to eat more salads and— surprise—I did!

WHAT MIGHT BE YOUR’S FOR 2026?

My New Year’s resolution this year is to be more present in the moment. I’ve recently helped open a new business and between my two businesses, I find myself answering emails and text messages around the clock. I want to slow down and spend really intentional time with the people that I love.

WHAT DO YOU WISH FOR MISSOULA THIS COMING YEAR?

If I could set a New Year’s resolution for Missoula it would be that we quiet the outside noise and focus inward on our community.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | L I FE + CU LT U RE

“For Missoula, I would love us to go back in time a bit to the time when we made eye contact with our fellow community members, like walking downtown and offering a smile.” - Kathy Mangan

DO YOU PRACTICE SETTING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?

I don’t set New Year’s resolutions. I am practicing NOT putting off until some date in the future and just starting right now.

WHAT MIGHT BE YOUR’S FOR 2026?

Currently continue to work on being more and more authentic.

WHAT DO YOU WISH FOR MISSOULA THIS COMING YEAR?

For Missoula, I would love us to go back in time a bit to the time when we made eye contact with our fellow community members, like walking downtown and offering a smile.

Kathy Mangan,

Life & Career Coach at Laying Groundwork Life & Career Coaching

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

704 SOUTHWEST HIGGINS AVENUE MISSOULA

Keep It Local, Keep It Fresh

“We are bringing back new life to Pattee Creek Market, as your specialty neighborhood market that you can find the local meats in the store, the local produce in the store.” patteecreekmarket.com

406-721-2456

Timothy & Elizabeth Hines and Family New owners of the Pattee Creek Market!

WE SHOP, YOU SAVE

WE INSURE

Sharkey Insurance has been providing insurance solutions both personally and commercially in Missoula since 1975. As an independent agency we offer coverage with countless insurance companies leaving you or your business with the most competitive rates and coverage levels you deserve.

Agency Affiliations

sharkeyinsurance.com 406-728-0030 | 619 Southwest Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT

HEALING SHOULDN’T BE OUT OF REACH.

Inner Journey Healthcare offers ketamine -assisted t herapy,

Spravato, and counseling in a calm, suppor tive, and professional setting. Call us today at 406-541-2012 or visit missoulaketamine.com

2305 Brooks St, Missoula 406.728.9071

PAULSPANCAKE.COM JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

ARTICLE BY KELSIE RING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA LYN AGRO

The Benefits of Connection Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Montana promotes personal connections in Missoula A positive mentor in a young adult’s life reaps many benefits. From fun memories to important conversations, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Montana is working towards nurturing relationships in all shapes and sizes right here in Missoula through their local branch. Danielle Kelly, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters NW Montana, has been in her position for the past four years, working towards improving the well-being of children and adults alike. Danielle and her team serve the Flathead Valley, Missoula, and the surrounding counties in the state. At the core of their work is the process of matching an adult with a child seeking mentorship. Adults can become involved with the program through volunteer time, a background check, and of course, the desire to mentor and connect. Through an intensive matching process, a Big (the adult/mentor) and a Little (the child) are paired based on similarities and compatibility factors. These children can get involved with the program stemming from family, educational, or professional referrals on their behalf. The program is open to any kids or young adults seeking a mentor or mentee relationship in their lives. The organization has two different ways to be involved: the community-based

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | FIN AN CE + LE GAL SE RVICE S

or the school-based program. Both programs require a one-year minimum commitment to ensure consistency and growth. The Big Brothers Big Sisters team goes through a detailed process to help benefit matches’ compatibility. “ With our matching process, we take a lot of pieces into consideration to make the best match we possibly can,” Kelly says. “We’re in it for longevity, not firstcome, first-served.” Connection, no matter the age or circumstance, seems to blossom throughout this organization, especially for the pair Roni & Serena. Roni, who is 25, has been Big to her Little Serena, who is 12, for the past three years, and their bond is something to treasure. Roni speaks fondly of getting to watch Serena grow in such an active and entertaining time in her life. From attending volleyball games to chilling at home watching Netflix, Roni emphasized how every memory with Serena is a fun one. “I get to do all kinds of fun kid stuff all the time,” Roni says. The two love to spend evenings crafting together or getting out and exploring Missoula. Roni explains how exciting it was to see Serena develop in so many aspects of life. “It’s such a gift to have a long-standing and continuously developing relationship,” Roni says.

“ With our matching process, we take a lot of pieces into consideration to make the best match we possibly can.” - Danielle Kelly, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters NW Montana

Roni celebrates many things too, like her Little’s improving penmanship and the special events in her family’s life, including siblings’ birthdays and holidays. “I used to be really emotional, and I couldn’t deal with a lot of stuff,” Serena says. “But now that I see Roni, she has helped me with it.”

Roni gives Serena a space that made her feel welcome, provides fun, and, of course, connection. This pair is one of many blossoming connections for Big Brothers Big Sisters NW Montana. Roni and Serena continue to prove how a fun movie night and a person in your corner can make all the difference. JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

Car Buying Made Easy in Missoula! 400+ Vehicles One Low Price No Pressure Relaxed Shopping Experience Non-Commissioned Sales Team Real Cash for Your Trade

3663 N. Reserve St. Missoula, MT 59808 406.721.2438 MISSOULACHEVROLET.COM

Menswear Womenswear Decor Gift Certificates

Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of. Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you? Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an intro.

Markets available nationwide. Learn more at future.citylifestyle.com

General Store open in Downtown Missoula! Local food made from scratch.

5% off any order at both locations

When you mention Missoula Valley Lifestyle.

All of the meat comes from our ranch and meat shop in Darby Montana. Buy raw steaks, traditionally cured Salami, hot and cold food and more! 2700 Paxson Street Suite B, Missoula MT | 406.493.0306 doublekranchmt.com/deli | orders@doublekranchmt.com

Your Smile Matters Helping Patients Live Healthier Lives

I had a great experience working with Dr. Petrino and his staff. They were professional, caring, and fast. I would recommend him to anyone who is in need of root canal treatment. Dr. Petrino is a perfect example of why it is important to seek a specialist when complicated procedures are necessary. He has the education, experience, and technology to provide successful, unobtrusive treatment that is relatively painless. Thanks Doc!”

Today’s advanced endodontic treatments and materials can give you a healthier, more complete smile that can last you a lifetime. Our team at Missoula Endodontics , PC. will help revitalize and maintain your teeth and gums, giving you the smile you’ve always wanted.

Dr. Joseph A. Petrino 406.542.1600 | missoulaendo.com 705 S. Reserve St. · Missoula, MT JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

T E NDING

T O OU R S E LV E S CONFLUENCE PILATES SPECIALIZES IN REFORMER PILATES BUT THE MAIN EVENT OF ANY SESSION FOCUSES ON PERSONALIZED MAINTENANCE

ARTICLE BY EMMA TROTTER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK SZCZECHOWSKI

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

“It’s type two fun, I should have warned you!” says Keel Sebastian, owner and lead instructor at Confluence Pilates. I’m ten minutes into my first-ever pilates class, and it’s not so much that the workout is hard—though it can be that, too—as that I can’t keep track of all the small movements I’m supposed to be doing simultaneously. Reach my arms over my head, press out with my legs, but also keep my core and pelvis stable? And don’t forget to breathe!

“I try to give people that safe space to show up fully and authentically, to drop into their bodies." - Keel Sebastian CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

Confluence Pilates opened in September 2024 along South Third Street. Tall windows on two sides let in natural light, illuminating blond wood, rotating local artwork, and a line of “Reformers,” each resembling a cross between a rowing machine and a weight bench—if gym equipment were engineered like a German sports car. While visually intimidating, Reformer Pilates, Confluence’s specialty, is actually designed to be accessible to all fitness levels. Promoting core strength, flexibility,

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

balance, and coordination, each Reformer apparatus has a sliding carriage, springs, and straps that can be adjusted to make it suitable for athletes, folks recovering from surgery or injury, or total beginners like me. Keel has been very intentional in creating an environment that is as welcoming as possible. “We’re able to really modify and provide movement for all bodies,” she said. “I have some larger people who are not movers who feel like this is a place to be accepted.

College kids. Retired people with severe scoliosis. Pro runners. Broken horse girls.” Keel’s personal experience with injury—she places herself in that last category—informs her teaching as much as her many certifications. “I can equate to that feeling of confusion,” she said. “The apparatus makes it so you can’t default to the bigger muscles. It’s a German activity—it’s very precise and slow.” Nicole Currie, who teaches at Confluence alongside Keel, takes the time

“My favorite part of pilates is to watch people gain stability and go back out to do whatever it is they want to do." - Keel Sebastian

to welcome everyone individually to class and ask how they are doing that day. “I try to give people that safe space to show up fully and authentically, to drop into their bodies,” she said. “We’re bringing the most up-to-date, science-backed, eastern-western blend of movement and wellness modalities. You feel more grounded in your body, and, hopefully, when you go back out into the world you feel more ready to tackle whatever you have going on.” For former soldier Josh Akins, it’s not only what he has going on now but what he dealt with in the past. “Many of us in the military put our bodies through quite the process, physically, but also psychoemotionally,” he said. “Over the last decade, I’ve had to unwind and unpack that.” Josh tried yoga, strength training, and physical therapy to manage pain, and found pilates a useful framework to provide symmetry. “If the brain is telling a muscle group to hold its pattern, it doesn’t matter how much stretching you do,” he said. “If you want to keep hiking, keep skiing, you’re

going to have to address the imbalance. Someone like Keel as a biofeedback mechanism, to coax the body into new patterns. I’ve tried to encourage my friends, other men, especially as you get older, this is what you want instead of continuing to dead lift and CrossFit and all this masculine stuff.” “My favorite part of pilates is to watch people gain stability and go back out to do whatever it is they want to do,” Keel echoed. “I look at us like doing your oil change on your car.” Confluence offers private and semi-private classes as well as a drop-in schedule, which includes evening, lunch, and weekend options. “We’re trying to create flexibility for people trying to get their outdoor time in as well as do their maintenance.” By the end of the class, I notice I can’t finish the exercise series with the same intensity I had at the beginning. But Nicole reminds me, “An upward trajectory isn’t a straight line. Showing up is going to be beneficial.” And I walk out of the studio and into a sunny, cold Missoula morning, able to stand tall and hold my head—am I imagining it?—just a little bit higher.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MI SSO UL AVA L L E Y

the STABLES

FOOD | WINE | SPIRTS

START THE NEW YEAR WITH SOMETHING WORTH SAVORING Ring in the new season with elegant dishes, curated wines, and cocktails crafted for memorable moments. 227 Main Street Missoula, MT 59802 Reserve Your Table

406.493.0789

Naturopathic Physicians Herbal Knowledge & IV Therapy Holistic, comprehensive and accessible healthcare in Missoula. Accepts major health insurance plans. Our dedicated team is here to support your journey to optimal health and wellness. Schedule a free 10 minute discovery call now! 406.493.0075 hello@araliahealth.com 206 S 3rd W

serving montana since 1993

SCREEN PRINTING LAST.

direct embroidery

promo products

PINE & NEEDLE print co.

939 Stephens Ave. Missoula, Montana 406-549-2632