In a world where wellness is often divided into categories — therapy for the mind, workouts for the body — a new kind of space is quietly redefining what holistic wellbeing can look like.
At 180 Method Studio, movement isn’t just about strength or flexibility. It’s about awareness. It’s about listening. It’s about reconnecting with the body in a way that feels empowering rather than pushing.
At the heart of this approach are Arya Talwalkar and Aanchal Narang, co-founders of 180 Method Studio. While Arya brings deep expertise in mindful movement and functional fitness, Aanchal adds another dimension to the space as a trauma-informed, queer-affirmative therapist and the founder and head therapist at Another Light Counselling.
Together, they are creating something unique — a mind-body collaboration where movement and mental wellbeing work together rather than separately.
But perhaps what makes the space even more special is its ethos.
180 Method Studio is an inclusive space where people of all identities and body types are welcomed exactly as they are.
No unrealistic expectations. No toxic fitness culture.
Just a fitness community that believes wellbeing should feel safe, empowering, and human.
Why Mental Health Needs the Body — and the Body Needs the Mind
For years, people have been taught to treat mental health and physical health as two separate journeys.
You go to therapy to work on your emotions.
You go to a gym or studio to work on your body.
But real wellbeing rarely works in isolation.
Your posture can affect your mood. Your breathing can change how calm or anxious you feel. Your energy levels often reflect what’s happening emotionally.
When the body is constantly tense, tired, or overstimulated, it becomes harder for the mind to feel clear and grounded. And when the mind feels overwhelmed, the body often carries that stress too.
This is exactly why the collaboration at 180 Method Studio feels so natural.
As Aanchal shares:
“Mental wellbeing isn’t only about thoughts. It’s also about how connected we feel to our body.”
Arya adds:
“Sometimes the biggest shift happens when you slow down and actually listen to your body.”
And that’s where the collaboration with mental health principles makes the experience richer.
The goal is not just a stronger body, but a more connected relationship with it.
Understanding Your Body in a New Way
One of the most surprising things participants discover during sessions at 180 Method is how little attention they had previously paid to their own bodies.
Some realise they have been holding tension in their shoulders all day. Others notice that their breathing becomes shallow during stress. Many simply discover how different movement feels when it’s done slowly and intentionally.
These small moments of awareness can be powerful.
Aanchal explains:
“When people start paying attention to their body with curiosity rather than criticism, it creates a completely different experience. It becomes less about ‘fixing’ yourself and more about understanding yourself.”
Arya agrees.
“The body is constantly communicating with us. Most of us just haven’t been taught how to listen.”
At 180 Method Studio, movement becomes a way of learning that language.
A Warm Welcoming Space Where Everyone Belongs
One of the most important values at 180 Method Studio is inclusivity.
For many queer individuals, traditional wellness and fitness environments can sometimes feel uncomfortable or exclusionary. The founders wanted to build something different.
180 Method Studio is a queer-affirmative space where people of all genders, identities, and expressions can feel welcomed and respected.
This intentional inclusivity shapes the energy of the space.
Aanchal believes safe spaces play a huge role in wellbeing.
“People relax differently when they feel accepted. When a space is inclusive and affirming, people feel more comfortable showing up as themselves.”
Arya adds:
“Movement should be accessible to everyone. The moment people feel like they belong, they start enjoying the process much more.”
What This Collaboration Is Really About
At its core, the partnership between Arya Talwalkar and Aanchal Narang is about redefining how we approach wellness.
Not just strength. Not just mental clarity. But a balance of both.
A Final Thought from Arya and Aanchal
When asked what they hope people take away from the experience, both founders share a similar sentiment.
Arya smiles and says,
“I hope people leave feeling stronger — not just physically, but in how they understand their body.”
Aanchal adds,
“And I hope they realise that wellbeing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Sometimes it starts with something simple like breathing, moving, and paying attention to yourself.”
At 180 Method Studio, that simple shift is already helping people rediscover what it feels like to move through life with more awareness, strength, and ease.
For more details:
