A Well-Rounded RoutineWhen you evaluate your wellness regimen, do you consider it to be well rounded? Most often, we find one routine that we like the most and we stick to it. The mere fact that we are maintaining an active lifestyle is great. However, we must ensure that we have a well-balanced wellness routine. Our yoga practice has very many beneficial elements (calming the mind, elongating the body, and building muscular endurance, to name a few). However, it has been documented that a good wellness routine also includes resistance training and cardiovascular exercise. Some of the benefits we will receive from resistance training are:
When you add that to the energy increasing, heart pumping, fat burning benefits of a cardio workout, we are giving our bodies and minds a well-balanced program.
Personal Trainer's Corner: NutritionNutrition Choices Nutrition, as opposed to diet, is based on making the “most” correct food choices. Diets are difficult because they are mostly based on unrealistic reductions and restrictions. Needless to say, the process also requires constant monitoring. It is too much like work, which some of us despise to some degree. It is no wonder that most of us fail continuously. A few former clients have told me that they have lost and gained enough weight to build a few small adults throughout their lifetime of dieting. The truth of the matter is diets do not work. The fact that a new on book on dieting is written almost daily should prove it. However, when armed with some simple facts and an understanding of how food affects your mind and you body, we are more than halfway on our way towards making the best food choices. Nutrition such as life is based on balance. It has been documented that by eating balanced meals that are about 80% clean, one can maintain or even reduce their bodyweight. Remember “fat-free” does not always mean the best choice. Food manufactures have to change the balance to ensure their product is the most appealing to the average consumer. After all, they are in the business of making money. Sometimes, this balancing act shows up in the form of increased sodium or other unhealthy content. Here are just two important facts to keep in mind when shopping for food:
Stress Reduction for The HolidaysThis time of the year, as we are out and about, we notice that the shelves in stores are already being stocked for the upcoming holiday season. Although the holidays bring opportunities for sharing our time and gifts with friends and loved ones, it is also a time that we tend to neglect ourselves. We spend less time meditating, practicing yoga, eating healthy meals, and working out. We at Yoga Connection wanted to address these areas. Please note our upcoming series listed below. Schedule UpdatesNew Instructors Yoga Connection would like to welcome Gary Reid, Laurie Seale (Author and Yoga Instructor) and Lea Fritsch. Gary teaches the Power Flow class on Thursday evenings. Laurie has been teaching a Vinyasa Flow class on Thursdays, but is currently teaching a Beginners Series. Lea has been substituting several classes. Her willingness to fill the gap has been greatly appreciated. Lunch Blast We are happy to announce the addition of the “Lunch Blast” class to the schedule. This class is held on Mondays and Wednesdays during the lunch hour (12:00 to 12:45). It is an excellent way to fit a thorough cardio and strength-training workout into a busy schedule.
Power Flow Yoga This class was added to the schedule of evening classes. It is designed as a strength building class for those who are seeking to be challenged. 6-Week Beginner Series Saturdays, 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm This 6-week series is a fun and non-threatening way for first time students to explore the fundamentals of yoga practice. Classes will focus on learning fundamental poses, the basics of breathing and the basics of yoga philosophy. Bring a sense of humor and an open mind to class! Mats and yoga props will be provided. Size of class limited to 10 participants. Class will meet once a week and are approximately 75 minutes in length. Cost per participant is $80. Classes fill up fast so please call Yoga Connection at 972-618-9642 to pre-pay and register. Thursday Morning Vinyasa Flow The Thursday morning 10:30 Vinyasa Flow class has been temporarily changed to a Beginners Series. The 6-week series began on October 4th. This was done in order to accomodate several requests for a morning beginners class. Restorative Yoga and Massage Therapy for Holiday Stress Relief
Saturdays, 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm In periods of stress, the body's capacity to heal itself is compromised either inhibiting recovery from an illness or injury or creating a new one such as insomnia, migraines, high blood pressure, etc. In this class, we will support and nurture the body allowing healing from within. Posture exploration will be complemented with gentle stretching, breath work and guided meditation. This is a profoundly relaxing and rejuvenating class! Classes are approximately one hour in length. To further emphasize a holistic approach to stress relief we package a massage session into this class package. Massage Therapy involves the practice of kneading or otherwise manipulating muscles or other soft tissue with the intent of increasing circulation and detoxification, reducing physical and emotional stress and increasing general wellness. Yoga and Meditation This class will last approximately one hour long. Detailed instructions in various meditation techniques will be taught. Dates and times will be forthcoming. This class is open to all levels of expertise. Visit our web site to see a complete class schedule. Closing RemarksIn closing, we sometimes take for granted our responsibility to strive for wellness for family members and ourselves. In the aftermath of the recent disasters, we may feel the need to close ourselves off with the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness or even depression. In times like these, we are presented with an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to our wellbeing, to fully engage and strive to push past any obstacles in our personal quest. Answers to our questions can present themselves during a brisk morning walk, a one rep-max of your favorite weight bearing exercise or even your yoga mat. We hope to see you soon! Best Regards, James and Melissa |
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