tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37401535781809799262024-03-19T00:40:01.362-07:00Twisted Bodies...Training Bodies IntelligentlyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-84903444439307241172019-03-01T14:58:00.000-08:002020-09-04T18:09:32.141-07:00Should I try a pole class?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ6utBMYqkSZFwZK38fN1AjhPHazKx-qCcd6dR7AiyivcQGdJNq4j-6OmcQUgF6Ns_XR9p_O4lccxORL_rfZe6wJvjAZSYvZAlAsbboTOyk9fpttbeKz7V-AjRWcv2WU69dHs21640C6c/s1600/IMG_6322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ6utBMYqkSZFwZK38fN1AjhPHazKx-qCcd6dR7AiyivcQGdJNq4j-6OmcQUgF6Ns_XR9p_O4lccxORL_rfZe6wJvjAZSYvZAlAsbboTOyk9fpttbeKz7V-AjRWcv2WU69dHs21640C6c/s400/IMG_6322.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>Should I try a pole class?</b><br />
<br />
YES! The answer is yes! I'm betting that you aren't really asking if you should, you're really just seeking affirmation. Because let's be honest, there's a bit of a stigma attached to this ever popular fitness class.<br />
<br />
What would people say if they knew you were dancing around a vertical piece of chrome plated steel in a pair of teeny tiny shorts? What would they say if they saw you lifting your own weight, climbing 13 feet, flipping and hanging upside down. What would they say about how radiant, strong and confident you are? Is what they might say more important than what you might feel? You see where I'm going with this?<br />
<br />
Pole dancing/fitness is what you make it. Just like finding the right yoga class/instructor you'll want to find a class that inspires you. Every instructor has their own unique style and way of teaching so try a few. Your first class will be clumsy, you'll feel awkward and you WILL be a hot mess. But, if you leave that class smiling, laughing and wanting to do it again then trying a pole class was absolutely the right choice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6SUtAH2bygRw2aEKO83yNJWcTHiUfOSmbwRhfLSZ_k0T72WSJkKrs68rj6Fru0twgIhThGvkIIoJ5W8RO2MjHl-CYXQWlG4e62TiNQwG4-B2Uvi-Qn4NgZiLLOvH-DhAPcJbcKZ8uWA3/s1600/IMG_6142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6SUtAH2bygRw2aEKO83yNJWcTHiUfOSmbwRhfLSZ_k0T72WSJkKrs68rj6Fru0twgIhThGvkIIoJ5W8RO2MjHl-CYXQWlG4e62TiNQwG4-B2Uvi-Qn4NgZiLLOvH-DhAPcJbcKZ8uWA3/s320/IMG_6142.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So stop seeking affirmation and just GO FOR IT!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iOzqyypbYd6yy7vcfEveu5s4nU8P-o8U6w9jKtKDyUjY4Y1F4HmxnzvgecPKpcmD8aENRnLVxEvwFPMdWDJLVlAn1EVLPsP-khttuKEM0BxLmWUWGsPgnYbXq08M8mFP3B8Xut95eAkd/s1600/IMG_6615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iOzqyypbYd6yy7vcfEveu5s4nU8P-o8U6w9jKtKDyUjY4Y1F4HmxnzvgecPKpcmD8aENRnLVxEvwFPMdWDJLVlAn1EVLPsP-khttuKEM0BxLmWUWGsPgnYbXq08M8mFP3B8Xut95eAkd/s320/IMG_6615.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
BE STRONG. BE CONFIDENT. BE YOU.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNjmvwfF6rjZWmQO0maOY5wY3jazXTqilxEFuxa5kKFgqATsv-krWEYIcIq9hjX2MsRSKNA4HzEznjuweRfuUx0toXcYPkVcWYxVQ7u8VB_QZVww0lOMoR7QxFfSHM4KJLAyBl_a5K8AW/s1600/TB+LOGO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="69" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNjmvwfF6rjZWmQO0maOY5wY3jazXTqilxEFuxa5kKFgqATsv-krWEYIcIq9hjX2MsRSKNA4HzEznjuweRfuUx0toXcYPkVcWYxVQ7u8VB_QZVww0lOMoR7QxFfSHM4KJLAyBl_a5K8AW/s1600/TB+LOGO.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>-Khristen Pahler</i></b><br />
Co-owner/Instructor</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-80157960441023912862019-01-28T07:53:00.000-08:002020-09-04T18:10:29.407-07:00How do you find a great fitness instructor?<br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Whether it's for a group class or private training, finding a knowledgeable, quality instructor is a difficult task for most people. It's a little intimidating to put the care of your body into the hands of another individual. Especially one who will be challenging your physical shortcomings. Here are a few questions you should ask </span></span></span><span style="font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">yourself and your potential trainer...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mvi7ASPZEkBAFrv1j_cSnc3lycBSLQuCAvnKJdsVOb-xcIGtuLvE6xn9NH7N-Cod1UCwge4Kl10CTsKNsIaPf4RIc_SBRBwb2JiJn_eyqNKQnoNa2x-Frj5CcNl4wAbp4eZvE-7uuH07/s1600/a140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mvi7ASPZEkBAFrv1j_cSnc3lycBSLQuCAvnKJdsVOb-xcIGtuLvE6xn9NH7N-Cod1UCwge4Kl10CTsKNsIaPf4RIc_SBRBwb2JiJn_eyqNKQnoNa2x-Frj5CcNl4wAbp4eZvE-7uuH07/s320/a140.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Are they a certified trainer? </b>If so, where did they obtain their certification and how long have they been instructing? This is not to deter you from training with a newly certified instructor. There are many "freshly certified" instructors that have been training independently, have a degree in physical fitness/dance/kinesiology or were professional dancer/performers prior to entering the field. That being said, research their certification to be sure it is credible and requires practice/mentor hours.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Do they have experience/work history?</b> Have they put in the hours of continuing education, self practice and observation which in our opinion are crucial for the development of an exceptional trainer. Are they a certification junkie or are they really taking the time to hone in on their field of expertise?</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Are you and your potential trainer compatible? </b>Let's face it, sometimes we just don't connect well with certain people. You have to be able to build a comfortable and trusting relationship with this person. They need to have those specific qualities and personality traits that are important to you (whatever they may be).</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Do they have references?</b> Other clients may be willing to share their experiences with you as would gym/studio staff. Maybe they even have Yelp or Google reviews. Keep in mind that online reviews can sometimes be a little skewed so if you read one that is less than favorable ask your potential trainer about it. Not every 2 star review is "bad". It may have been that compatibility thing, unrealistic expectations, or someone with an injury that could not have been safely trained.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Do they listen and can they communicate?</b> This is SO important. You have a goal in mind and your trainers purpose is to help you achieve it. If they aren't listening to you then your sessions will hold no value. In turn, effective communication is imperative. You have to speak the same "language". An experienced trainer can communicate on a multitude of levels. For example, you may need a visual cue, physical cue, a demonstration or a verbal break down of the working anatomy of an exercise. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The right trainer for YOU will take the time to answer all of these questions and more. They will have questions for you too! Some of these questions may include... Do you have or have had any injuries, illness or physical limitations? Do you play any sports? What do you do for a living? If you've recently had a child, was it a c-section? Do you take any daily medications? Please don't be offended by these questions and do yourself a favor and be honest. We ask these questions to keep you safe from injury and your answers are always completely confidential</span>.<br />
<br />
So now that you armed with more information go forth and find that trainer that motivates you, challenges you and helps you to feel and look amazing everyday...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p0UMSpwhantQsjEwuYbSqD2EkcgDWfk6cPNiWx1g8SB2RYYDTQ7SkxCU7KMhaKoRJ8HzfddUag72ockzl28EeHOROZQaLnnKC6mBMc9yAytsgx3iisjd-SMuJSXR5lZiZgLWh3uJovTW/s1600/a377+%2528Group+Shot%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p0UMSpwhantQsjEwuYbSqD2EkcgDWfk6cPNiWx1g8SB2RYYDTQ7SkxCU7KMhaKoRJ8HzfddUag72ockzl28EeHOROZQaLnnKC6mBMc9yAytsgx3iisjd-SMuJSXR5lZiZgLWh3uJovTW/s320/a377+%2528Group+Shot%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8V6hdOirN1Q62_1Cv0SdRr158whxMjaNtMIZZWmJ4CESTqvwtdbfNNwIg11jmM58fBrVLlewg9OzqJTnqR3rsuh9dYt7bAUCKy-kmN7_5e6xyhiUhivYedA2gHWYyr3NX6cBujPWzSlk8/s1600/TB+LOGO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="69" data-original-width="320" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8V6hdOirN1Q62_1Cv0SdRr158whxMjaNtMIZZWmJ4CESTqvwtdbfNNwIg11jmM58fBrVLlewg9OzqJTnqR3rsuh9dYt7bAUCKy-kmN7_5e6xyhiUhivYedA2gHWYyr3NX6cBujPWzSlk8/s200/TB+LOGO.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>-Khristen Pahler</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Co-owner/Instructor</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-39804547885720124362017-08-11T14:11:00.000-07:002017-08-11T14:11:13.899-07:00Don't You Have A Life?<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Don't You Have A Life?</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXm-q2g8CJ57lN45ft_ZmV8XhRzypRF-WcnY843Ldg8CojAhyuQrzL7wG_rvREoOUDVzKLzB0w_Z2ItloIiGvRLLdXWI5OmA23hcdW3GsQrpSL8gpudCp70fDnY8i6tSHmQzOiJPQaSjV/s1600/life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="327" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXm-q2g8CJ57lN45ft_ZmV8XhRzypRF-WcnY843Ldg8CojAhyuQrzL7wG_rvREoOUDVzKLzB0w_Z2ItloIiGvRLLdXWI5OmA23hcdW3GsQrpSL8gpudCp70fDnY8i6tSHmQzOiJPQaSjV/s320/life.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We get it, we're cool, the studio is fun, you want to be part of the crowd, you don't want to miss out on anything, the list of reasons goes on and on and on......</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But, really DON'T YOU HAVE A LIFE?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We like having you in the studio, we really do, just repeat these words to yourself "Training Bodies Intelligently". It's our studio motto, yes, and it is so much more than words on a wall or website. That phrase is everything we stand for, it is what we have built our business from and what we hope to inspire and instill in each of you. We get it, you open up your laptop or log into that pink app on your phone, and the excitement hits, your adrenaline shoots up, and that euphoric feeling begins and before you know it you have scheduled your entire life away for the next month. Each hour, day after day, you find yourself cloaked in a pink haze listening to Hippie Sabotage and following the directions of your instructor. But, are you really scheduling yourself "Intelligently"? Or are you trying to collect the number of classes you can complete in a day or month like scout badges?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ78BsYINI9K9QyXBZyu_EeB9KYDENRt2KVH0PovzJw11ZZxGugiSuivEFzTLcebPPlgRV8pLzSsEDzdNIqyZvO9s8qZxnHaHzYYGoq6xC8J0uiPEHMTurhpbY5erPqzfLghhoDPj568Po/s1600/up+boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ78BsYINI9K9QyXBZyu_EeB9KYDENRt2KVH0PovzJw11ZZxGugiSuivEFzTLcebPPlgRV8pLzSsEDzdNIqyZvO9s8qZxnHaHzYYGoq6xC8J0uiPEHMTurhpbY5erPqzfLghhoDPj568Po/s320/up+boy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The type of training we provide at Twisted Bodies is NOT a competition. There is no reward for attending every class on the schedule in a single day. So ask yourself are you scheduling your classes intelligently? Or are you OVER TRAINING? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Over training the body can have adverse effects on your overall health. Over training means you are not allowing your body time to recover. Adverse effects are:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCnKk31rUsz2Ck5zr-OSKrQIcTdC3VprcSiR1l2uz2qPY8-VRKo_zuMzPX0BP0xZzlomf_Lk8TwC19VZj9U6fdSGwffMGNc7Ehr5Xxxi5cT7ASeTw4HuKwK7UhxXQIjx24m8X69Z5sHdU/s1600/workout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="625" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCnKk31rUsz2Ck5zr-OSKrQIcTdC3VprcSiR1l2uz2qPY8-VRKo_zuMzPX0BP0xZzlomf_Lk8TwC19VZj9U6fdSGwffMGNc7Ehr5Xxxi5cT7ASeTw4HuKwK7UhxXQIjx24m8X69Z5sHdU/s320/workout.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. LACK OF DRIVE - when you over train, the body loses it's lack of drive, meaning the body no longer has a desire to perform or function as it should. So when you are in class, your body is just going through the motions.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. OVERLY SORE - a soreness that lingers longer than normal and is a little more painful than normal. If you find this happening, you are doing too much. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. LOSS OF STRENGTH - you are in class and you start to notice your strength goes away in the middle of class, or you can't work at the same level you once did.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. LOSS OF FOCUS AND RESTLESSNESS - find yourself not being able to sleep, wondering if you have adult on-set ADD? It could be that you are over training. If you are not allowing your body to recover, and your body needs sleep to recover, you are over training. When you over train the sympathetic nervous system goes into overdrive and this causes restlessness and an inability to focus. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. SLUGGISH FEELING - that one cup of coffee in the morning isn't enough anymore. When you over train your hormone levels decrease and your cortisol levels increase. This imbalance in the body creates debilitating fatigue and often makes people feel like they have the flu or a cold. Just because you can take 10 classes a week doesn't mean that you have to or that your workouts will be effective.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. CHRONIC JOINT PAIN - any prolonged joint pain and soreness indicates over training. This may mean you need to cut back on the frequency, intensity or type of training you are doing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7. YOU GET SICK - are you finding that you have a cold more frequently? It gets easy to ignore symptoms such as a slight cough or stuffy nose, we do live in Texas where our air quality is SHIT and the pollen is ridiculously high. However, frequent headaches, stuffy noses, and other common cold symptoms are all signs that your immune system is weakened from over training.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8. YOU KNOW OUR SCHEDULES - do you know what time we arrive at the studio, what coffee we drink, or when we go to the restroom? Yep, you are training WAY TOO MUCH when you can act as a sub for our very own Katie!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So you are starting to rethink your training schedule and have no idea what to do when you go to register for class. Well here is a sample class week no matter what level you train at.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sunday - Yoga</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Monday - Pound</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tuesday - Rest</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wednesday - Reformer</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thursday - Mat</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Friday - Rest</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Saturday - Pole</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Notice there is only ONE CLASS PER DAY, because that is ALL YOU NEED, if you are "Training Your Body Intelligently and Effectively". Also notice the days alternate between high and low intensity workouts. Carissa and Khristen only train one hour per day themselves. Why? Because we can give our full attention and energy to our workout in that hour, getting the most out of it. Also be mindful of the rest days, your body needs days to rehydrate and refocus. Friday and Saturday are our family fun and no workout days, you need these as well friends. We have to make sure we have enough energy to keep up with our kids, pets, and other extra curricular activities (wink, wink). So go look at your schedule, do you have yourself scheduled for more than one class per day? CHANGE IT! Do you have rest days scheduled? and.....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1D9nKYYEXjOaRhWc5_HtGZVYC9aTpzG1kUTVIE1K-a8g-weQwVhplB8Fo9T9rvIUKBBRqRhmGkqoOi7zlhh8TkepOF_-3MGc3aUBO2YJg2GEs2EfhzF4acBjMUtBxor0Ax2ItwE1ic4V/s1600/kphalloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1D9nKYYEXjOaRhWc5_HtGZVYC9aTpzG1kUTVIE1K-a8g-weQwVhplB8Fo9T9rvIUKBBRqRhmGkqoOi7zlhh8TkepOF_-3MGc3aUBO2YJg2GEs2EfhzF4acBjMUtBxor0Ax2ItwE1ic4V/s320/kphalloween.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ARE YOU TRAINING YOUR BODY INTELLIGENTLY?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-70588226470650055892017-01-21T15:32:00.002-08:002017-01-21T16:19:08.900-08:00Setting goals...and ACTUALLY achieving them!You have a goal. Good news, step one has been accomplished. Now, how are you going to attain your goal? Is it realistic? Are you ready to commit? If you answered yes to all of these questions then read on and let's do this together!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCdZHWvDpYBUpY5UdTo2ZZUdavrqPNqtNyRlBD7g2N3sILpBPkBsWTRV1MXe5ejMhQRjze_2GmA4ensxgmaj4649p4UMnI8XqszstI9CpAg0nESskoBmiCXbr7jH0KxEVBJKPgWcdThyN/s1600/goal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCdZHWvDpYBUpY5UdTo2ZZUdavrqPNqtNyRlBD7g2N3sILpBPkBsWTRV1MXe5ejMhQRjze_2GmA4ensxgmaj4649p4UMnI8XqszstI9CpAg0nESskoBmiCXbr7jH0KxEVBJKPgWcdThyN/s320/goal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
<b><u><br /></u></b></h2>
<h2>
<b><u>Goal setting 101</u></b> </h2>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><br /></b></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Have a realistic and attainable goal.</b></span> </h3>
<br />
Being realistic about your fitness level is most important. If your goal is to be able to do a handstand in the next 3 months then mind over matter simply isn't enough. Know your weaknesses and be ready to improve upon them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNglNE0BDcLYKFrtNBOm1iANnLzzYa6b4P5d8hymONxxOjBse4Hvl4LbhdqC2JuaRb3wLzP1jy6g1_AMx-NCyT1apyslm444UqYJ-9T27rZ-IUECQCgxSo1MiId9cs6GoK9xgOB91Ac1fb/s1600/resultsbymorning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNglNE0BDcLYKFrtNBOm1iANnLzzYa6b4P5d8hymONxxOjBse4Hvl4LbhdqC2JuaRb3wLzP1jy6g1_AMx-NCyT1apyslm444UqYJ-9T27rZ-IUECQCgxSo1MiId9cs6GoK9xgOB91Ac1fb/s320/resultsbymorning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><br /></b></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Create a pathway.</b></span></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Consider your goal to be the top rung of the ladder and you are currently standing on the bottom. You've got some steps to take - slowly and carefully so that you don't fall and injure yourself. Using handstand as an example - you've got to be able to balance your weight...upside down. Think about what has to happen in your body. Core strength, balance and stability, wrist and upper body strength, not to mention just basic anatomical and working knowledge. Talk to a trainer, research it online, gather your knowledge. Know that you should be able to do "these certain things" prior to attempting a handstand. You have to get stronger and smarter!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uO0KDgaMLTeCDfEJCo6C-wsuZ9k3jwPcyF3xp_0HGB-a1m2nO5mrtJhQjauIIeo2nNTBbubh67sOaPVq1xSgV8ubQLXU-nOwYwZXH0Rrxa8dQKZpQcq7u8G1ijETdbW062U9uKnynmPz/s1600/five-steps-headstand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uO0KDgaMLTeCDfEJCo6C-wsuZ9k3jwPcyF3xp_0HGB-a1m2nO5mrtJhQjauIIeo2nNTBbubh67sOaPVq1xSgV8ubQLXU-nOwYwZXH0Rrxa8dQKZpQcq7u8G1ijETdbW062U9uKnynmPz/s320/five-steps-headstand.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><br /></b></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Make it routine.</b></span></h3>
<br />
Practice everyday! I know it sounds easy enough but trust me when I tell you that you will get discouraged. You will get frustrated and tired. You will make ridiculous excuses for yourself. Stop it! Practice. This is SO important. This is your working step and without the work you will still be standing at the bottom of the ladder at the end of your timeline. I tell my clients (and do this myself) to pick 5 songs they LOVE, songs that motivate and inspire them. For those 5 song you will focus only on your goal, you will practice and find success. That's 10-15 minutes out of your day. Do it every morning and every night. And in between do it at the gym or with a friend or just because you want to.<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><br /></b></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06bkUOmNsW74peA5BskNrnRHSJd7xAaP1PbUd8sUHBThcMqrasiWpNjjAdyHXtsHE6o2C6qp6M-X8rf1jr6UkZzn3ap8e1WudszImDPsj83hCDTem9mcTVKOZOVsbO-yyIATuwzFwXd_t/s1600/everyday-is-a-good-day-to-workout-252327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg06bkUOmNsW74peA5BskNrnRHSJd7xAaP1PbUd8sUHBThcMqrasiWpNjjAdyHXtsHE6o2C6qp6M-X8rf1jr6UkZzn3ap8e1WudszImDPsj83hCDTem9mcTVKOZOVsbO-yyIATuwzFwXd_t/s320/everyday-is-a-good-day-to-workout-252327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Write it down.</b></span></h3>
<br />
Put you plan on paper. Again, be realistic in mapping out your intended path. Your plan should include:<br />
<br />
1. Your goal<br />
2. Strengthening and conditioning exercises for the appropriate areas of your body<br />
3. Skills to master<br />
4. Your workout times<br />
5. Your progress<br />
6. Timeline - this is optional. I personally don't set timelines. I do set measures of success along my path<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOy0MOowUdshbHfayAB39ywvty7J_U5trFDCmbM4_OiFHrILfKZIZ1P73L_kdkxr3gJER6FTfl_xMu-HgYK-JH6fEBb2-DwAYspYX93IZrgh12K2GeICBb0Pn6BOa1j3v6W6IXTfzGiEu/s1600/goal-setting-photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOy0MOowUdshbHfayAB39ywvty7J_U5trFDCmbM4_OiFHrILfKZIZ1P73L_kdkxr3gJER6FTfl_xMu-HgYK-JH6fEBb2-DwAYspYX93IZrgh12K2GeICBb0Pn6BOa1j3v6W6IXTfzGiEu/s320/goal-setting-photo-1.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Track your progress.</span></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Documenting your journey helps you to see the progress you're making, however small the steps. It allows you to celebrate your success. Keep it in a journal or create an Instagram account, share it on Facebook or Snapchat or whatever other social media outlet you enjoy and let others encourage your success too. Not only is it motivating but it will also help to hold you accountable. Have a friend or trainer check in with your progress every week. Look back at it often. You will notice if you are lacking in a specific area of your training and if you are struggling with one of your steps.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURB-fpZdXd0B9nlN0JDNfwmpPGOvioXykeR124JTwimqEpkuxwQEGbGw58ZMSvm3yhbjvkZ8v55EaJsQBVbA7OHDUkBL-1ayMNjTcuEKWaEPwGKYhKoXxEzKF_nhO_AAvIfricDT1JKSs/s1600/Fitness-Success.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURB-fpZdXd0B9nlN0JDNfwmpPGOvioXykeR124JTwimqEpkuxwQEGbGw58ZMSvm3yhbjvkZ8v55EaJsQBVbA7OHDUkBL-1ayMNjTcuEKWaEPwGKYhKoXxEzKF_nhO_AAvIfricDT1JKSs/s320/Fitness-Success.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><br /></b></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Don't give up!</b></span></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Never give up, never surrender!</b> You've got this. I believe in you, you believe in you and you are a righteous badass with a goal to accomplish. DO IT!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPnBE4VBGbPZ03Tj9oCtrsTHdRddfEGvxv2kBPenZqgcX4092wWjimy9enf3Ut2m3CmXGe9n8KRvZ_wbIXV_R9x49BLm2qB3IIcuHK8et5AUVpSU-G_9qCD5GUq_L-9aqa87fZ04xywlY/s1600/repeat+after+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPnBE4VBGbPZ03Tj9oCtrsTHdRddfEGvxv2kBPenZqgcX4092wWjimy9enf3Ut2m3CmXGe9n8KRvZ_wbIXV_R9x49BLm2qB3IIcuHK8et5AUVpSU-G_9qCD5GUq_L-9aqa87fZ04xywlY/s320/repeat+after+me.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-83801056137594857882016-10-11T19:11:00.000-07:002020-09-04T18:11:25.866-07:00Yoga isn't for me.<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yoga.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often I tell people they should try
yoga. And often I watch their faces contort with such abhorrence that
I can barely make out the person I'm speaking to.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yoga.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why the fear? Why so much hate and
disdain? Why so many excuses? I'm not flexible...I don't have any
balance...I'm too fidgety. PEOPLE! (yes I'm shouting) This is why you
start doing yoga! Allow yourself to be a beginner. When you learned
how to ride a bike did you just hop on and ride like the wind? No,
you had a few stumbles but you kept trying because you wanted that
freedom. That is exactly what you will experience with your yoga
practice. But in the end...freedom. Freedom to connect from within
yourself, freedom to feel and move and freedom of your worries and
cares even if just for a moment.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH3xXVNX50rrJtb4oCkkH5NTdqUOHapKLzO09bPG-An3RlVZN7vPUSElG4hoZKaCyaGSt3dri_UFsM_3eiIBQzEkyoXz3cczJx9kPEnARUHUdFSJA9v6QoQYBuOcF-ssFXvwaiklGgQ2C/s1600/IMG_9495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH3xXVNX50rrJtb4oCkkH5NTdqUOHapKLzO09bPG-An3RlVZN7vPUSElG4hoZKaCyaGSt3dri_UFsM_3eiIBQzEkyoXz3cczJx9kPEnARUHUdFSJA9v6QoQYBuOcF-ssFXvwaiklGgQ2C/s320/IMG_9495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With all that being said, let me take
you back to the start of my yoga practice...</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 years ago I could not touch my toes.
Seriously. I couldn't do the splits, I couldn't bind from side angle
and I couldn't balance in dancer. I was the yoga teacher that
couldn't. BUT, I never allowed myself to believe that these thing
were completely unattainable. I'll admit that my frustration grew as
I taught classes and led people into the beautiful poses that I could
barely demonstrate on my own body. What was I missing? I'm the
freaking instructor here! I'm embarrassed to type the following
word...practice. I'm also embarrassed to admit that it took me almost
a year to discover this. Having the knowledge and putting it into
practice are two completely different things. I was teaching but not
practicing. Why weren't you practicing you ask? Well...because I
wasn't flexible, I didn't have good balance and I was too fidgety.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2uUWq2vIeHOeBBLb0LxEe3TUrD0nSdEhem6VibMlxOqtrxeSKdggIOMS2hj_ftfTIJftw-V6VVED_oRmOkDkPzaKWnEyP4hOpLWECaBoxC7GOvcfy-Zcc01J9QyX-9rOMxORFPe3ymWc/s1600/IMG_3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2uUWq2vIeHOeBBLb0LxEe3TUrD0nSdEhem6VibMlxOqtrxeSKdggIOMS2hj_ftfTIJftw-V6VVED_oRmOkDkPzaKWnEyP4hOpLWECaBoxC7GOvcfy-Zcc01J9QyX-9rOMxORFPe3ymWc/s320/IMG_3725.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started a morning and evening
practice lasting 10 minutes each. Building from basic poses such as
mountain, upward facing dog, downward facing dog and crescent lunge I
grew more focused and balanced. Every couple of weeks I would add on
perfecting each pose as my body would allow. I was sore. I fell down
sometimes. One time I even farted. My body was changing, my mind was
connected and finding my own practice helped me to become a better
instructor. I also discovered that the “rules” of yoga were made
for breaking. As I became my own student I realized that yoga doesn't
have to be taught in sanskrit, listening to ocean sounds drinking
cucumber water. You may love that but I didn't. I want to move and
rock out and laugh and connect with the amazing people that decided
to spend an hour with me with their butts in the air. In letting all
of that yoga stigma go I started to really love yoga, I mean like
every day. And then guess what?! I could touch my own toes. Without
effort, without pain or strain and without a bend in my knees.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkgyt_zvVjtoQlzO11wShc0DQcsl0eru1DpWCFTrQa0rUguQcy87rKn9H4rAHfiIXr3mBZ0TK8BkKtL6WG6nB5pnd5UqJpGFA0emcGe1piRBLitbb-izd9kuxKH8cKRJD6FOlWsmJIBEa/s1600/Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkgyt_zvVjtoQlzO11wShc0DQcsl0eru1DpWCFTrQa0rUguQcy87rKn9H4rAHfiIXr3mBZ0TK8BkKtL6WG6nB5pnd5UqJpGFA0emcGe1piRBLitbb-izd9kuxKH8cKRJD6FOlWsmJIBEa/s320/Image-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I promise that yoga is for everybody
but not every yoga class is. When you connect into your own practice
you will start to build something amazing from within yourself and it
will shine through until one day you can ride your bike all the way
down the street without falling off.
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-1803377667004832642016-04-13T20:13:00.001-07:002016-04-13T20:13:40.952-07:00The Curious Case of Creative Movement - Part 2 - Carissa Laitinen - Kniss<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Curious Case of Creative Movement</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Part 2</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What It Is</i></span><br />
<div class="def-set" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; padding-bottom: 17px; text-align: start;">
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px;">
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdbWfcmTR0Akp8i5iiV2IH8zXnajXTG44rKdTERcjRXXmF3bHQMHpRVvWcWaTq8TzoPpTtN8rDlLnBTgiEZgNfwOy1O-Yeh9ZNobzMZ8HftTSws5U1e7H84Ndm9oqbuOW14P2bPzUJbiv/s1600/ck+gdac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdbWfcmTR0Akp8i5iiV2IH8zXnajXTG44rKdTERcjRXXmF3bHQMHpRVvWcWaTq8TzoPpTtN8rDlLnBTgiEZgNfwOy1O-Yeh9ZNobzMZ8HftTSws5U1e7H84Ndm9oqbuOW14P2bPzUJbiv/s200/ck+gdac.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As an incoming freshman at TWU, I thought I knew what movement was, what dance was, and how to create it and perform it. I thought wrong. I had excellent training growing up, far superior to most young girls going to dance studios. We were required to take Pilates, taught good foundational elements, excellent technique, and I had some of the best teachers in the nation. I was afforded opportunities to take classes from world renowned teachers and artists of dance. I attended classes with professionals from Joffery, American Ballet Theater, The Royal Winnepeg Ballet, and former prima ballerinas from the Russian Ballet Academy. I went in a strong confident dancer that freshman year and was knocked flat on my ass with knowledge that made my brain melt and my heart hurt. I was attending one of the top ten universities in the nation for dance and felt I had made a huge mistake. Then a comment from one of my professors made me rethink my challenges and pushed me to find my true home in movement.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<i><b>"You're NOT a ballet dancer, your short and your strong, people underestimate that, use it to your advantage and I promise you, you will go farther." </b></i><i><b>- Jay H.</b></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtJsCU1ak1gYPoxxZSNkU_WGpu-Vzfl5IXcuB7dyPJl00a19QUdOYADh9rfJNot2W1pKZ4i7zXp13qOfHzkT5O0kBKnpVHcpUUV5yvoBojICUhFA3A4B0JB5Un_9ZOkawENvr5JLxOyR5/s1600/jayh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtJsCU1ak1gYPoxxZSNkU_WGpu-Vzfl5IXcuB7dyPJl00a19QUdOYADh9rfJNot2W1pKZ4i7zXp13qOfHzkT5O0kBKnpVHcpUUV5yvoBojICUhFA3A4B0JB5Un_9ZOkawENvr5JLxOyR5/s320/jayh.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
So with blind faith and trust, I jengaed my heart out in his class. My quads got stronger, I learned why walking backwards up and down stairs is so important, I took his physical challenges as a personal challenges and began to really grow as a dancer. The day he challenged me to balance in a spread out X on my fingers and toes and I felt myself basically levitate away from the floor was the day I knew he was right. I wasn't a ballet dancer and people did underestimate my strength. The fear in my classmates eyes when he told me to lift someone twice my hundred pound size and frame will forever be burned in my memory, but the look on Jay's face when I launched Summer halfway across the DGL gray marly studio was AWESOME! I had certainly found my home and it was not within the restraints of ballet or the rules of society. Thanks Jay! I cartwheeled, rolled, flipped, and found a love of creative movement I had lost from age 3 to 17, abandonment was back and it was back with vengeance. Sure, ballet gave me a foundation and I still love it, but I was always a defiant child and rules were made to be broken.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So what is creative movement? Look it up in Webster's and you find this:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Creative:</b></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">adjective</span></div>
<span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">having</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">quality</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">power</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of creating.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2.</span></span></span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">resulting</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">from</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">originality</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">thought,</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">expression,</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">etc.;</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">imaginative:</span></span></div>
<span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span class="dbox-example" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;"></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="dbox-example" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">creative</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">writing.</span></span></div>
<span class="dbox-example" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;">
</span><span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">originative;</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">productive</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">(usually</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">followed</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">by</span> </span><span class="dbox-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-style: italic;">of</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Movement:</b></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">noun</span></div>
<span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1.</span></span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">the</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">act,</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">process,</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">or</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">result</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">moving.</span></span></div>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</span><span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2.</span></span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">a</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">particular</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">manner</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">or</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">style</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">moving.</span></span></div>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</span><span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3.</span></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Usually,</span> </span><span class="dbox-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-weight: bold;">movements</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">. <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">actions</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">activities,</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">as</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">person</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">body </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">persons.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6ZQ-oQ1jTeY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ZQ-oQ1jTeY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Stephanie Beauchamp's Choreography was always the most unexpected, interesting, and creative. Elizabeth drew in the audience from go and you wonder what exactly she is looking at. </i></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>One of my all time favorite choreographic works.</i></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #222222;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Creative movement, is a way to explore the body through movement, in conjunction with music. The movement may or may not having meaning behind it, however, the intent or purpose of movement is clear to the viewer. Creative movement stimulates the imagination, and is used to communicate an image, idea or feeling. The best creative movers will take you on a journey and cause raw emotion to be felt by audience members. As choreographers, it is our job to come up with something that is unique and different. Throughout my years of studying dance, as strict as my ballet training was we were always encouraged to explore movement and the physical aspects of the body. How, those things come together as a whole, where technique, skill and trick meet creativity is something totally different. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BB_V7hsNmhe/?taken-by=twistedcarissa" target="_blank">Creative Movement On Pole Click Here!</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As I ventured in to the world of Aerial Arts and Pole Dancing, I was excited to blend dance and gymnastics with other movement studies in my life. When our studio began choreographing for other performers and competitors I was excited to create purposeful and creative works for them. Then, I started watching some of the competitions and my heart broke. What happened to the creative movement? Actually what happened to the movement at all? I began noticing that instead of choreographing, people were formulating recipes of tricks. Stringing together trick after trick after trick. Worse, it was predictable and noticeable, and my heart broke. Aerial Arts and Pole Dance had become the new floodgate of self indulgent narcissists, simply slamming every trick they could into 3 minutes and 30 seconds. You could actually watch these performances and go, and now they are going to handspring, and here they are going to fonja, and here comes the meat hook. Anyone can be trick pony, or a sideshow act, but it takes a great artist and truly proficient movement artist to choreograph a piece where a beautiful trick is pulled off with grace and grows organically out of the movement before and after it. Shock and awe is great for certain settings, but shock and awe all the time becomes redundant and boring. It lacks creativity and purpose and therefore is the death of movement and dance all together. Think about it, when you watch someone like Marlo Fisken perform, you keep watching from the first step around the pole to the most beautiful invert, she blends everything together so seamlessly you never know where she is coming from or where she is gonna go. Marlo's movement keeps you on the edge of your seat enjoying a journey. The best part is, some of my favorite Marlo clips have no tricks at all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/skV2KsKgv0A/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/skV2KsKgv0A?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">As my sadness for this new art I loved so much grew, I began to explore my own movement further. I questioned those I respect the most in the dance world for their views on this topic. During my undergrad at TWU, there was one grad student I HATED taking class with. I hated taking class with her, because even the tiniest movement, the simplest transition, became transformed into a beautiful performance in her body. I hated taking class with her, because I just wanted to sit and watch her move. Even now, years later I still find her to be one of the very best performers I have ever had the pleasure of watching. Joylyn Bateman has a long professional wrap sheet from performing with the Graham company, to owning a dance studio and inspiring young dancers. I sent her several questions about meaningful movement, tricks, and creative movement. What stood out to me most was when she said:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>"Meaningful Creative movement is movement that comes from an authentic/raw place, that has a purpose for the creator." - Joylyn Bateman</b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUip87fndw17ss-mweI2sy4R5b6Ka6MG2kwIaYIiLb653YFZlBIaxBu_hltHn6zHMTcB1XrvAAeFlGNB8RTtQAJseboiK4meqs97F938UBLokYbdIqJFSQvC5beHIjUpOFayr_OKBUf3m/s1600/joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUip87fndw17ss-mweI2sy4R5b6Ka6MG2kwIaYIiLb653YFZlBIaxBu_hltHn6zHMTcB1XrvAAeFlGNB8RTtQAJseboiK4meqs97F938UBLokYbdIqJFSQvC5beHIjUpOFayr_OKBUf3m/s320/joy.jpg" width="189" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #222222;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">She is small but mighty! Maybe 5ft tall but girl has ups!</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>So when you're spinning around that pole, or rolling in your fabric, ask yourself; what is my purpose?</b></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-82387335426212678112016-04-08T20:48:00.001-07:002016-04-08T20:48:12.932-07:00The Curious Case of Creative Movement - Part 1 - Carissa Laitinen - Kniss<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Curious Case of Creative Movement</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Part 1</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Back Story</i></span></div>
<br />
Before we get into the deep parts of what creative movement is, why it's important and so on. I feel it's necessary to share a little personal history, in hopes it will help others better understand why this is so important to me and quite possibly you as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFeq2FD0PYo5p-y7BD1xd-HnNOpRTjEFbW2X37G-OypZtqq1H7lnRnnKHY0sJ2__FpwGcjfFaC-zDPBQG6R_VhMg4dNKhkVYfJ6QuEy_5dnHK-cIoNGuOfYJAg7rvhXyIXiIf1T7IsXkZ/s1600/goodship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFeq2FD0PYo5p-y7BD1xd-HnNOpRTjEFbW2X37G-OypZtqq1H7lnRnnKHY0sJ2__FpwGcjfFaC-zDPBQG6R_VhMg4dNKhkVYfJ6QuEy_5dnHK-cIoNGuOfYJAg7rvhXyIXiIf1T7IsXkZ/s320/goodship.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>I can still rock the Goodship Lollipop!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
Throughout my entire life I have danced. In the beginning it was movement for movements sake. I was a young child and simply enjoyed moving. I enjoyed the way it felt to spin, roll, flip and sway. I enjoyed how the music moved inside me, the vibration, and how it became an extension into the physical world. After a few years of incessantly bothering my mother everyday all day with "Me go to dance school mommy?", she finally enrolled me in private studio to study dance. She thought it would be a short lived 3 year old's adventure in movement, little did she know that 30 years later that exploration and adventure in movement would still be going strong.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As the years went by, my love for dance and movement evolved as I grew and changed. During those "awkward" years, dance was frustrating and difficult. There were many days that I didn't want to go to rehearsal or technique class. My body wasn't cooperating, I didn't quite understand what the hell was going on with me, and movement wasn't as pleasant as it had been. Yet, I would still go and never once after a rehearsal or class did I regret being there or being in the moment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlNxYCjvkQeiVi_GSi8aPQOPCFv9yJd2Mx3OdQJtIuGls9Hv8ejKdJRkQx4ttP9gtbdjcqkHy6z5YKz4ssHhsHk2TcxABN0s5rni-ksutdSssjnMdN5evC8nNN378cRnrqCPE7IRTAIzY/s1600/pointe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlNxYCjvkQeiVi_GSi8aPQOPCFv9yJd2Mx3OdQJtIuGls9Hv8ejKdJRkQx4ttP9gtbdjcqkHy6z5YKz4ssHhsHk2TcxABN0s5rni-ksutdSssjnMdN5evC8nNN378cRnrqCPE7IRTAIzY/s320/pointe.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The first dance I created from vision to performance. </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>I made that doll come to life, my mom made the costume reality, </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>and my ballet teacher Mrs. Susan whipped me in shape!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
In high school, dance and movement became an escape. It was my safe haven, the one place where I felt free. I became much more serious about studying dance, yoga, and Pilates. I knew it was taking me somewhere, I wasn't sure where, I just knew I would eventually find peace if I kept on the path dance was leading me on. <br />
<br />
Then college hit. I was an early graduate of high school. 16 years old and I was being asked what I presumably wanted to do for the rest of my life. So I went with the one and only thing that felt right and the one and only thing I knew…DANCE! While attending Texas Woman's University my views of movement, real true purposeful movement, were challenged beyond my wildest expectations. There were days where I thought man I have seriously fucked up, there is no way I can make a career or a living out of this, I don't know a damn thing about dance. There were days where I thought I have wasted 15 plus years of my life. Years wasted spinning in circles and leaping across stages, to hell with it. Halfway through my college career I was forced with a heartbreaking decision, quit dancing and change careers, or live with chronic pain. Call it stupidity, call it Finnish stubbornness, or maybe it was my opposition defiance disorder kicking in, either way I dug deeper, pushed harder, and switched my focus from performance to bodywork by necessity. 2003 came, and I found myself graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts focusing on dance, kinesiology and education. What a mix, can we talk about a seriously confused undergraduate?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFR3HEoBWUSGpeVfLiXHKoT98Y1rmSjxqlqnsfl5UFkxXqltJOvd005rGJyez3riplb9h9WQIe5cgiAiCF0LwzWjCtQVSzOkduTAb371D1IM0kPkNHTstT7Rv6OkQp2RZcWgSfs32ulYD/s1600/college.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFR3HEoBWUSGpeVfLiXHKoT98Y1rmSjxqlqnsfl5UFkxXqltJOvd005rGJyez3riplb9h9WQIe5cgiAiCF0LwzWjCtQVSzOkduTAb371D1IM0kPkNHTstT7Rv6OkQp2RZcWgSfs32ulYD/s320/college.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>It was my first step toward flying!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
The summer of 2003 I received a cardboard tube in the mail that made it's unopened home in the back of a dark closet in my house. I went on to work the societal expectation of the cooperate American career. As one of the youngest people working for this Fortune 500 company I was very successful and moved my way up the ranks rather quickly. I HATED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! Sure I made some good friends and I will never forget those crazy town hall meetings or McCracken Plumbing (thank you Marla), but something was eating at my soul and I slowly began to become the very thing I despised. A few years in, while doing a great yoga flow in my office on a conference call, I decided to make a major change. I was 22 years old and didn't know what the hell I was doing. Add to that I just found out I was pregnant and really hadn't even figured out how to function inside this thing called marriage. So what does any rational person in this place do? Enroll at a private university for online courses to complete a Masters Degree in Education! So for the next couple years there I sat, working 40 plus hours on little sleep, going home typing research papers with a kid hanging from my tit, praying I didn't get shit on, and still trying to figure out what in hell being a wife meant for a self proclaimed feminist. It was a very difficult few years, then I received in the mail another cardboard tube that found it's home at the back of my dark closet with it's previous mate. I still had no fucking clue what I was doing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AXLbN0MburLW2G8nJONb1Ge6qtr_S7ieTdcuRONSyKACPeIn0VZDDFTEPWq3m7NSSinfXORn-g2iv6Fe9-BQZOCxNQL2eI66lujmnkmPZaf35qvPZUGwFBTiLOW9Fq3jvz-8MK5wc4QQ/s1600/pta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AXLbN0MburLW2G8nJONb1Ge6qtr_S7ieTdcuRONSyKACPeIn0VZDDFTEPWq3m7NSSinfXORn-g2iv6Fe9-BQZOCxNQL2eI66lujmnkmPZaf35qvPZUGwFBTiLOW9Fq3jvz-8MK5wc4QQ/s320/pta.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Still don't bake! That's what my bestie is for!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
2008 came, I was working for one of the smartest women I have ever met. I learned more about business and human resources than you could ever imagine working under her. She challenged me and helped me grow in my career and my personal life. Then on a beautiful spring day, with the sun reflecting off the water from the stanky Las Colinas canal our offices overlooked, this awesome mentor gave me one of the biggest raises she had ever handed out during an annual review. So here I sat, by all accounts a young, successful business woman with a cute little family, hardworking husband (he's cute too), a nice home, nice cars..... BLAH BLAH BLAH! I still felt empty and unfulfilled. About a week from the date of my raise, I sent an email to my mentor that sent a gasp through our entire office, I quit.<br />
<br />
Now I knew what I was doing, now I had figured out my life and was on my way to living the dream. I was going to teach dance and cheerleading at a very prestigious North Texas High School. Only, it wasn't my dream at all. I had hoped to inspire young adults to move, appreciate their bodies, and enjoy life; and a part of me feels like I accomplished some of that. However, as with any school the bureaucratic bullshit hit the fan and I realized really quickly I traded corporate America for a much different, often times more awful beast. I was still chasing my dream I just had a really shitty map on how to get there. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4-pKChFtf_d7YO_KR7J6X3FGMJr46zORT_Eng_5Gzv7pLcd3mYCu1ltcQsNM-He_kGf3nDuUQJVs6tBR7T3emDygvjH_w-gPUNbEI-w2Ry3F0fCJoPykvKbgu514ag7hPDugCH8-Enzg/s1600/life.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4-pKChFtf_d7YO_KR7J6X3FGMJr46zORT_Eng_5Gzv7pLcd3mYCu1ltcQsNM-He_kGf3nDuUQJVs6tBR7T3emDygvjH_w-gPUNbEI-w2Ry3F0fCJoPykvKbgu514ag7hPDugCH8-Enzg/s400/life.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
2010 came, and so did my second bundle of joy. Life was awesome, until it wasn't. That same year I was diagnosed with a very rare connective tissue disease. To which I said FUCK YOU WORLD, you don't get to ruin my happiness and my love of life and dancing. So I wrote a bunch of shit down in a journal, I cried, I drank lots of vodka, and then woke up like a rockstar ready to tear down the walls of a fancy hotel. I got out my pretty collection of colorful expo markers and I went to town writing a list of to do's and goals on my mirror. If I had to see them every day, I would be held accountable to my word. Then came the famous bike ride (read how the Twisted Twosome came to be) and many more journals and expo markers, which manifested into our pink palace Twisted Bodies. Thankfully I had an awesome best friend (Khristen) who looked me square in the eye and said, "Quit being a pussy and let's do something about our lives!" High Ho Silver, Let's Ride!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIg2pk9TdDWeaQsLXP-lMBp_x1LkB7QekRsFoPZtyta66VWXYRrkDzB0zx6o8mEjaralFPRZzmQNmG0ihlgq7nl2Toa4meAurMzfQhOTAAZe4xbMP97zEYAuO8BAZVtP_BLHuKZjcmMg8/s1600/bicep+hold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIg2pk9TdDWeaQsLXP-lMBp_x1LkB7QekRsFoPZtyta66VWXYRrkDzB0zx6o8mEjaralFPRZzmQNmG0ihlgq7nl2Toa4meAurMzfQhOTAAZe4xbMP97zEYAuO8BAZVtP_BLHuKZjcmMg8/s320/bicep+hold.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Now that's trust!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
So our wild ride into entrepreneurs, performers, aerialists, moms, partners, and more began. In a way, my life of movement had moved, it had come full circle and transformed into exactly what it should be. Movement, every day. Creating it, learning about it, teaching it, loving it.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-57461057047343323772015-06-16T14:13:00.003-07:002015-06-16T14:13:13.804-07:00You Are NOT Too Legit To Quit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7uwbSbldjcEiH2_RSG7eMg3UAYWZAhpdHOU5YLDyFD1jI6Mk6K4QgtpIX7LJqH3a3nGGvkqGMPuYnEdcP3EvyNfxIiMZLhyphenhyphensV44e5GXszmwtlmRp4pv8MlCOqHpiWVkrTDmO5lDB5MTR/s1600/tired-dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7uwbSbldjcEiH2_RSG7eMg3UAYWZAhpdHOU5YLDyFD1jI6Mk6K4QgtpIX7LJqH3a3nGGvkqGMPuYnEdcP3EvyNfxIiMZLhyphenhyphensV44e5GXszmwtlmRp4pv8MlCOqHpiWVkrTDmO5lDB5MTR/s320/tired-dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last time we checked no one was rocking balloon pants or signing the last name Hammer to their receipts. That being said there is NO ONE in the studio who is Too Legit To Quit! You have to know your limits and when it is time to walk away and rest. Here are the Top Ten Reasons Why:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>When you take too many classes back to back your body fatigues and puts you at risk for injury.</li>
<li>You need to give your body time to recoup and rebuild, we wrote another blog on that you should probably read it.</li>
<li>Hydration doesn't just mean drinking water, it also means helping the fascia work out kinks so the body can hydrate correctly.</li>
<li>You start to smell.</li>
<li>We know the Twisted Twosome are cool and all, but don't you have better things to do than hang out with us all day?</li>
<li>IF you hang out all day….we will put you to work scrubbing toilets, we hate that stuff.</li>
<li>You suck in class cause your tired, and that make us angry and you won't like us when we're angry.</li>
<li>Your body needs time to absorb the good nutrients you put in without burning them off. It's called feeding smart, it helps your brain and stuff.</li>
<li>When you push your body too much you won't sleep well and/or you will get sick. We don't want to share those germs.</li>
<li>We would like to add some advanced level classes on and well we just can't do that if you always TIRED!</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-88061930373563601062015-04-13T10:50:00.007-07:002015-04-13T10:50:53.531-07:00Donation Based Classes - A Deceptive Practice<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>What Has Your $$ Done Lately?</u></span> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj55346zfyzpkbXRFaHYxlb-aeYkkhyr_XT54Bx6gf6j_78p1gzGNE0DovUFcF44NS1urH6xtzH1h85hPbqZS1HAlb6f7GNZAhhaxRwQTe1_MoHTrFVXkiZAkJW4r83B5C4jC1qhEzmvs/s1600/money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj55346zfyzpkbXRFaHYxlb-aeYkkhyr_XT54Bx6gf6j_78p1gzGNE0DovUFcF44NS1urH6xtzH1h85hPbqZS1HAlb6f7GNZAhhaxRwQTe1_MoHTrFVXkiZAkJW4r83B5C4jC1qhEzmvs/s1600/money.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<b>When you hear the word donation what comes to mind? When your asked to donate to a cause, do you research where your money is going?</b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Recently we saw an article about the growing trend of donation based yoga classes in the DFW area. The article was very vague and did not give much description as to where the donations actually went. Upon researching further and asking what the money was being donated toward, we found a very unexpected and troubling answer. In most instances the money donated was going directly into the pocket of the instructor. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Learning that donations went to the instructor was very unsettling for us here at Twisted Bodies. We believe that the studio is a physical space that embodies a respectful and supportive atmosphere, in which respect and support are exchanged by everyone. This means we also believe that donations are an exchange that happens out of support and respect for a worthy cause. Instructors are to be paid out of the overall business model and budget, not from the hand outs of clients. Asking for a donation and not completely informing the donor as to where funds will be allocated is not only deceitful but also disrespectful and goes against the very grain of what mind body fitness modalities are about. While the act of giving on part of the donor may be altruistic, this type of practice diminishes the value and integrity of mind body practioners across the nation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94WjKDNa7SNKB6wef46DhwFr4TTN-tF7VECIqGEM508ZL971M6JTYrdOFBKzi0PsPYdiB04MXowEAdg7SGyV-8iAPX08ZYXskr4rDMuQ0b-HP1ig1oczt9zLWn3rxxO3zOtFwu0F2czQL/s1600/yoga+money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94WjKDNa7SNKB6wef46DhwFr4TTN-tF7VECIqGEM508ZL971M6JTYrdOFBKzi0PsPYdiB04MXowEAdg7SGyV-8iAPX08ZYXskr4rDMuQ0b-HP1ig1oczt9zLWn3rxxO3zOtFwu0F2czQL/s1600/yoga+money.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Giving is as an act of kindness. Completing acts of kindness are often rewarding in an intangible way to most people. We give because we feel compelled to help and our hearts then become full. Ask any Yoga or Pilates instructor what their motive for teaching is and the answer will almost always be "I want to help people." Teaching others how to take care of their mind and body in tandem fills our hearts, it's the reason we get excited to see others accomplishments. We share our knowledge with love and respect for those in front of us and expect nothing in return. So why then are studios calling classes "donation based" when the money goes to the instructor? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Some donation based studios are set up to resemble what many might refer to as pyramid scheme. For example a local studio has their donation set up designed as such:</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The instructor collects donations for classes and then pays a fixed fee per time slot to the studio. The studio then pays from the collection all of the financial responsibilities: rent, maintenance, utilities, taxes, and loans from the bank. This is no different than having each participant pay a flat rate for classes, therefore it is no longer a donation. A donation is generally tax deductible, and those accepting donations must be set up as a non for profit in order to accept funds in accordance with federal and state law.<br />
<br />
Others refer to themselves as a cooperative organization. However, when you dig down through the dollar signs, regulations, and decimals; what you find is a business. The instructors are making enough to get by and the studio and studio owners are profiting. Profit is realistic for a business and for a business model that is set up well. In order to keep doors open, lights on and classes functioning a studio needs to make a profit to continue. It's simple business and the bottom line for small business. The consumer expects this and takes part in it knowingly, there is no need to falsely advertise or drive people into classes under creative marketing schemes. Simply set your business plan up accordingly and create an environment people enjoy and they will keep coming for the service and product you are providing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Through our continued research we found that other studios refer to their donation based classes as "pay what you can" because they feel "yoga should be free for everyone". This is a great concept, which would allow people of any class or background to attend with out the monetary pressures of a regular membership. However, after researching further "pay what you can" really meant pay what the studio suggests, with the suggested donation being $10 - $20. Currently the average cost of a yoga class in the U.S. is between $10 - $20. Would they turn someone away if they said they could only pay $2? Additionally, it states on the website of many Yoga studios that donation based does NOT mean FREE. It further states "we require some form of payment be made per class to compensate the teacher." Call me crazy but I thought that's what my class fee was for? So my donation is going where exactly?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The more research we did on donation based classes, the more we felt let down by people in our community. On a public forum we read where one individual asked "is it okay to leave nothing one day and leave a larger donation the next time?" The studio replied back with "Unfortunately, this is not a desirable option as each teacher is compensated based on the donations for each class taught." Donation based classes at Twisted Bodies are taught by instructors who volunteer and donate their time to a worthy cause. The instructor is compensated through their act of kindness and their regularly scheduled classes, not through the donations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLH_Sq-dB2z0DtJ4pgfsHfxGPVUVcbu-ew4UMMgmAk5QnF6BEmifVbZXVHQgInX8kPHUMykOMhN58dGjPoCKETsZZ9B_luZ5jKLUIbyJYEiPbuW0EhE-aNjodBE8F8KqA5Xoo0FjOgVM-/s1600/pink+ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLH_Sq-dB2z0DtJ4pgfsHfxGPVUVcbu-ew4UMMgmAk5QnF6BEmifVbZXVHQgInX8kPHUMykOMhN58dGjPoCKETsZZ9B_luZ5jKLUIbyJYEiPbuW0EhE-aNjodBE8F8KqA5Xoo0FjOgVM-/s1600/pink+ribbon.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Twisted Bodies will always label their classes accordingly, if it is a FREE class it will state FREE, meaning we expect no monetary reward just the enjoyment of your company in class. If it is a donation based class, we will state where the funds are designated to go. Because of our partnership with Susan G. Komen of North Texas, a large majority of our fundraising goes directly to support breast cancer research in the North Texas area. At different times through out the year however, we will hold classes where all funding goes to a specific cause such as a school, an organization we identify with, or an immediate need such as an individual who has been through a tragic event.<br />
<br />
The deeper we dug, the more we called and asked, the more unsettling the answers became. This weighed heavy on our hearts and after much prayer and meditation we felt an urgency to share this information with the public. With this new found information the community can then ask where their money is going specifically and choose accordingly where they would like to donate. It creates a transparency between studio and community. The more we looked for answers the more we had questions. In an effort to answer our own questions on this topic, here is the information we found, we ask that you just let the information soak in and resonate with your inner voice before deciding how you feel on what a donation based class should be.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What is a donation?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="vk_ans" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large !important; margin-bottom: 0px;">
<span data-dobid="hdw">do·na·tion</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<div class="lr_dct_ent_ph" style="font-size: large;">
<span class="lr_dct_ph">dōˈnāSH(ə)n/</span></div>
<div>
<div class="lr_dct_sf_h" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<i>noun</i></div>
<div class="xpdxpnd vk_gy" data-mh="-1" style="-webkit-transition: max-height 0.3s; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<b></b><b></b></div>
<ol class="lr_dct_sf_sens" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;">
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig" style="margin-left: -20px;">
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
something that is given to a charity, especially a sum of money.</div>
<div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
"a tax-deductible donation of $200"</div>
<div>
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">synonyms:</td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+gift&sa=X&ei=AiYoVYPiBsb1oATH34GoCg&ved=0CCAQ_SowAA" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">gift</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+contribution&sa=X&ei=AiYoVYPiBsb1oATH34GoCg&ved=0CCEQ_SowAA" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">contribution</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+present&sa=X&ei=AiYoVYPiBsb1oATH34GoCg&ved=0CCIQ_SowAA" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">present</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+pledge&sa=X&ei=AiYoVYPiBsb1oATH34GoCg&ved=0CCMQ_SowAA" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">pledge</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+handout&sa=X&ei=AiYoVYPiBsb1oATH34GoCg&ved=0CCQQ_SowAA" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">handout</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+grant&sa=X&ei=AiYoVYPiBsb1oATH34GoCg&ved=0CCUQ_SowAA" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">grant</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+offering&sa=X&ei=AiYoVYPiBsb1oATH34GoCg&ved=0CCYQ_SowAA" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">offering</a>; </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: -32px;">
<ul style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; font-size: xx-small; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px;">
<div class="_Jig" style="font-size: small;">
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
the action of donating something.</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some might argue that people attending these classes are donating to the instructor for their shared knowledge. This would be acceptable if the studio stated in writing that donations made for the class go to the instructor. Most often what we found is a class labeled "donation based" with no description of who, what or where the donated funds would go. Labeling a class as donation based and not designating where the money is going publicly is very misleading. Additionally, this misleading and manipulative practice hurts studios that are giving back to charities and the community. Utilizing the ideas of Yoga to manipulate financial gain is morally, ethically wrong and defies the code of conduct that many Yoga Instructors promise to live by. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If funding from donations are being placed into the pockets of instructors it would be more appropriate to call these Tip Based Classes or Collection Based Classes. Thus giving way to the needed transparency between instructors, studios, and clients.<br />
<br />
<b>What is a tip or collection?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="vk_ans" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large !important; margin-bottom: 0px;">
<span data-dobid="hdw">tip</span><sup class="lr_dct_ent_hi" style="font-size: small; position: relative; top: -8px;">3</sup></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<div class="lr_dct_ent_ph" style="font-size: large;">
<span class="lr_dct_ph">tip/</span></div>
<div>
<div class="lr_dct_sf_h" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<i>noun</i></div>
<div class="vk_gy" data-mh="-1" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
noun: <b>tip</b>; plural noun: <b>tips</b></div>
<ol class="lr_dct_sf_sens" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;">
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="float: left;">
<strong>1</strong>.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
a sum of money given to someone as a reward for their services.</div>
<div>
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">synonyms:</td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&biw=1280&bih=738&q=define+gratuity&sa=X&ei=WykoVajNN4jloAS_7oCIBw&ved=0CEsQ_SowAA" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">gratuity</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&biw=1280&bih=738&q=define+baksheesh&sa=X&ei=WykoVajNN4jloAS_7oCIBw&ved=0CEwQ_SowAA" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">baksheesh</a>; </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="vk_ans" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large !important; margin-bottom: 0px;">
<span data-dobid="hdw">col·lec·tion</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<div class="lr_dct_ent_ph" style="font-size: large;">
<span class="lr_dct_ph">kəˈlekSH(ə)n/</span></div>
<div>
<div class="lr_dct_sf_h" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<i>noun</i></div>
<div class="xpdxpnd vk_gy" data-mh="15" data-mhc="1" style="-webkit-transition: max-height 0.3s; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; max-height: 15px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
noun: <b>collection</b></div>
<ol class="lr_dct_sf_sens" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;">
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="float: left;">
<strong>1</strong>.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
the action or process of collecting someone or something.</div>
</div>
<div class="_Jig">
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
A tip is something given in return for service well done. Calling these classes Tip Based Classes, would be much more appropriate, if you feel the class was good you can pay the instructor accordingly for their service. Calling them a collection based class, is also more descriptive of the practice. For example a studio could say "At the end of each class there will be a collection of funds to cover the cost of instruction today." This would be similar and familiar to most anyone who has or is attending a church service. This would correctly identify the classes in their true financial standing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Calling a class a donation based class misleads the person who is attending to believe that the funding is going to a cause outside of the instructor and studio. Why would you make a donation to something you already pay a fee for? It would be understandable if the studio stated "We are collecting donations to cover the cost of new mats." With a clear description the donating party knows exactly what their money is being used for. Properly labeling classes and funding creates an honest and transparent atmosphere for everyone and allows for a level of integrity that will be much more respected.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If continued and accepted by the community using deceptive descriptions such as "donation based" for classes where money goes to the instructor damages the value and integrity of studios who do not engage in this practice. Yoga, Pilates, and all other boutique based fitness is a business. There are fees that have to be covered, bills that must be paid, operating expenses and budget needs to stay open for people to enjoy. So label classes accordingly and correctly. If you are seeking payment to cover the instructor then call it a tip or collection based class. Let donation be used to only describe those classes to which a true donation is really being made. For example "This Sunday at Noon is Donation Based Acro Yoga class, all proceeds to benefit [Insert Charity Name Here]". Don't mislead people into paying for your services. If they enjoy your instruction, the environment your create, and feel appreciated they will value your time and knowledge and pay you accordingly. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiraAJWx00Sxg48T7V-II-7dQofXrq9ucXBJ_o8Z71V9W0QSbIDnn9R5HviIGQ328xMBGM56FYDFyb2Z7Zfl4oRlsTmnUXMrvFs2QfsHAs2xXEc3CywsqFBsCIlghExq5fl5cWxpesjCy/s1600/yoga-reflections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiraAJWx00Sxg48T7V-II-7dQofXrq9ucXBJ_o8Z71V9W0QSbIDnn9R5HviIGQ328xMBGM56FYDFyb2Z7Zfl4oRlsTmnUXMrvFs2QfsHAs2xXEc3CywsqFBsCIlghExq5fl5cWxpesjCy/s1600/yoga-reflections.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What do donation based class offerings do for the industry?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If they are labeled accordingly and utilized for the correct intention, they will help build respect within the industry and blaze a path for a greater good. However, if we aspire for yoga teaching to be a career path that allows for a sustainable income there must be boundaries placed on how these classes are presented. Additionally, labeling things as donation opens up the door to legal ramifications on all levels from local to federal. Studios across the nation are already in the hot seat with the IRS on how they are defining their instructors and how they are processing payroll. Audits by the IRS are already ongoing and many studios are being forced to pay hefty penalties for tax evasion and more. The "donation based" practice opens the door for more investigations and more penalties. Especially if the studio or instructor uses this for tax purposes. Additionally, how about the penalty for a client who uses this as a tax write off? As studio owners, we feel it is our job to always protect our clients and have their best interest in mind when they are in our care.<br />
<br />
We feel it is our duty within our profession to insist upon and be leaders in raising the professional standards among mind body practioners. It is important that we relate to and care for those among our community and extended community. Global change only happens with personal change, it's a domino effect and our job is to keep that inertia moving. Compassion is a wonderful and beautiful thing when channeled appropriately and honestly. As instructors who want this to be a sustainable and respected career path, we must choose when, where, and how to donate our time. With donated time the funding can go to a more appropriate source. As business owners we must also strive to pay our instructors accordingly, most people do not have the luxury to make a meager wage for their time and knowledge. We have seen countless times where instructors teach a multiple locations or hold various jobs to make ends meet doing what they love and enjoy. In a society dependent on commerce financial stability is a must and a studio with good financial stability will be better able to serve and on a much larger scale.<br />
<br />
As instructors we spend numerous dollars and ridiculous hours on our education. We continue with courses even after certification to stay on top of the newest scientific research and to deepen our knowledge of the body. This allows us to better serve our clientele and share with them our unending knowledge. Instructors must be compensated appropriately for their education and time. If we continue to offer yoga and pilates on a tip or collection basis it effectively begins to drive down the value of instruction. It equates to the quality of instruction being sacrificed for economy. Classes become over crowded and instruction begins to dwindle. In the end it all boils down to respect, an unequivocal equal exchange of respect by all parties and to self.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx5dYPt3C4iKz7ONxX2KFGbjlosSDY3aR84tco8NMBfqSMylgXHN0CQ6PuvoGOebPdzx1jxitk3KTdOPLsn9AaY2Z9tMQALXkPWLNX9c0O_ZatKdoa2208tAxBTyNORbHcpOn-d615iwA/s1600/Promise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizx5dYPt3C4iKz7ONxX2KFGbjlosSDY3aR84tco8NMBfqSMylgXHN0CQ6PuvoGOebPdzx1jxitk3KTdOPLsn9AaY2Z9tMQALXkPWLNX9c0O_ZatKdoa2208tAxBTyNORbHcpOn-d615iwA/s1600/Promise.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b>Our Commitment and Our Promise </b><br />
<br />
Twisted Bodies will always label their classes accordingly, if it is a FREE class it will state FREE, meaning we expect no monetary reward just the enjoyment of your company in class. If it is a donation based class, we will state where the funds are designated to go. Classes that are covered by payment will always be quality educated instruction delivered by someone who cares. We strive to train bodies intelligently and we care about our community. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As a participant in a donation based class you have a right to ask where your money is going, so please ASK! As instructors we feel it is our duty to always be up front and honest with you, we promise that money from donations collected will ALWAYS go to the charity to which that money is designated before hand. Twisted Bodies donates regularly to Susan G. Komen, Denton Schools, School Organizations, Argyle Schools and Organizations, Habitat for Humanity, Denton Animal Shelter, and more. We will also respect your choice to not donate. Donating is a choice, what you donate to should match your values and beliefs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-46697534970077205052014-11-02T18:09:00.002-08:002014-11-02T18:09:43.109-08:00Sniffles, Sneezes and Sore Throats…Oh My!Cold and flu season is upon us yet again and while we at Twisted Bodies work hard to keep your bodies fit and strong there are still those sneaky germs out there just lingering around waiting for you to unknowingly pick them up. You're going to get that tickle in your throat or that sniffly nose and once you do it's time for action! The sooner your put your germ warfare plan of attack into action the better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJg7oBZ-33m6Tcn1C_yb0tj7X5_tgMsVnue6eMkwbTVvB1RRLw_v2-uQnJScg6wjmWdQ6IkYKxQHm769N_96wwsmHHbvPsD2gTR9mdVfBSg9U9soynJoQTzeFN9HunkYTZ9idsjZVekWz/s1600/lrgscalecoaster-I-hate-to-waste-sick-days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJg7oBZ-33m6Tcn1C_yb0tj7X5_tgMsVnue6eMkwbTVvB1RRLw_v2-uQnJScg6wjmWdQ6IkYKxQHm769N_96wwsmHHbvPsD2gTR9mdVfBSg9U9soynJoQTzeFN9HunkYTZ9idsjZVekWz/s1600/lrgscalecoaster-I-hate-to-waste-sick-days.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Many of you know Khristen as the Twisted Bodies witch doctor. She as well as Carissa much prefer natural remedies to those chemical concoctions that often leave you feeling fuzzy headed. So here are a few of our favorite remedies for this time of year…<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<b>Sore throat?</b> Mix one tablespoon of honey with 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. This mixture will coat the throat and help to open your nasal passages.<br />
<br />
<b>Congestion? </b>Mix 3 drops of eucalyptus oil into a vaporizer or in a hot shower to help open your sinuses. Stay hydrated with warm liquids!<br />
<br />
<b>Headache? </b>There are several essential oils that can be applied to your temples depending on the scent you prefer - lavender, peppermint or basil (basil is also a muscle relaxer). A good ol' kick of caffeine is also helpful so brew up a cup of coffee and enjoy a side of chocolate.<br />
<br />
<b>Nausea?</b> Try replacing your saltine crackers with gingersnaps or ginger lozenges. If you typically purchase ginger ale try the all natural ales as they contain more ginger and less sugar. Ginger is also great for morning sickness and motion sickness.<br />
<br />
<b>Rash? </b>Draw a warm bath and add tea bags and even a few drops of coconut oil. Relax and soak. Also helps alleviate poison ivy and poison oak.<br />
<br />
<b>Year round staples in our homes…</b><br />
<br />
<b>Chai Tea</b> is a black tea blended with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise, nutmeg and ginger. The spice blends found in this tea help to alleviate many of the symptoms from sore throats, nausea, gas, menstrual cramps, heartburn and even aid in digestion.<br />
<br />
<b>Coconut Oil </b>is a natural anti-fungal and digestive aid among many other things. In our homes we keep a jar to cook with and a jar for topical use. Topical uses in our homes include eczema/dry skin, dandruff, make-up remover, lice, athletes foot and yeast infections. We also use it as a cooking oil for stir fry dishes and will incorporate a teaspoon of it into our tea for tummy troubles and help to combat urinary tract infections.<br />
<br />
<b>Oregano Oil</b> has natural anti-biotic properties and helps to protect you from internal parasites. It can be used effectively for bladder infections, sinus infections and cold sores.<br />
<br />
<b>Witch Hazel</b> is used in our homes as a topical astringent for cuts, scrapes, sunburns and bug bites. It can also be used as a toner for your face to clear up acne and shrink pores. Try it on those pole bruises and silk burns as it helps to shrink broken capillaries.<br />
<br />
<b>Tea Tree Oil</b> is used to clean our studio equipment on a daily basis. Because of it's natural antiseptic and anti-fungal properties it's a perfect non-chemical cleaning agent for the home. It also gets rid of those pesky zits and blemishes overnight!<br />
<br />
<i>***Please keep in mind that we are personal trainers NOT doctors. Just like over the counter drugs, herbal remedies can have side effects, allergic reactions and complications when taken with other drugs/remedies. These are remedies that we use in our own homes but may not be suitable for you.***</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-64628209444582891472014-08-10T07:29:00.000-07:002014-08-10T14:31:27.172-07:00Why we hold SGK so dear to our hearts...<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As most of you already know, Twisted Bodies is closely associated with Susan G. Komen. We are an official donation center and participate in the Denton Race for the Cure every year by donating our time, services and funds. Khristen is a certified Pink Ribbon Therapeutic Trainer and works to promote therapeutic Pilates training for women pre and post-op mastectomy. What you don't know is why we hold this charity so near and dear to our hearts. Khristen's mother, Sharon Stanley passed away from breast cancer in 2009 at the age of 52.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is her story...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On September 26<sup>th</sup> of 2009 my
sister got married. My mom, Sharon helped her plan every detail of
her special day. She drove from Sanger to Victoria to scout and book
locations, went wedding dress shopping and made countless trips to
Hobby Lobby. We had many late night phone calls discussing catering,
centerpieces and whether to throw rice or blow bubbles at the
sendoff. I remember my sister insisting that my mom not wear her wig
because she finally had a nice head full of hair again.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3cEW7OkU7YPgOIZt8DA0mVDROrz3Q8SDxoWJ5fhnqBAIs_YYb_pqrhK7RSPpieCgFXmU6oL3wDcikpLVNc4111B3qYHLWtmdE-XUu0v2nOh0QdBVUH8EbOhjmfbdctvWwyiHLQB3GHgL/s1600/1913626_10100147762200244_254800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3cEW7OkU7YPgOIZt8DA0mVDROrz3Q8SDxoWJ5fhnqBAIs_YYb_pqrhK7RSPpieCgFXmU6oL3wDcikpLVNc4111B3qYHLWtmdE-XUu0v2nOh0QdBVUH8EbOhjmfbdctvWwyiHLQB3GHgL/s1600/1913626_10100147762200244_254800_n.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wedding was beautiful. My sister
looked gorgeous and my mom was beaming with pride, there was nothing
that could remove her smile. That day we were all surrounded by love
and family and friends. It was perfect. It was also the last day they
would see my mom truly alive. While she knew this, it was in her
nature to make sure everyone was carefree, happy and well taken care
of. This was exactly how she wanted everyone’s last memory of her
to be. On October 15<sup>th</sup> she passed away.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer
at the age of 42. She underwent a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery
and months of chemotherapy. Just before her 5 year “all-clear”
appointment she discovered another lump. The breast cancer had
returned and it had metastasized into bone cancer spread throughout
her spine and pelvis. Even with the lumpectomy and more chemo her
diagnosis was now terminal. She and I had weekly chemo lunch dates
where I would bring Chick-Fil-A and we would sit and laugh and tell
jokes while she knitted baby afghans, scarves and hats. She always
kept us warm. After lunch she would return to work. She was
incredibly dedicated to her position as an executive assistant to the
president of the company. Many of the people she worked with didn’t
even know she had cancer and it wasn’t something she broadcasted. I
remember her telling me when I asked her if she was going to quit
working “No, it’s just a condition that needs to be monitored,
almost like diabetes. “ And she worked until her body could no
longer carry her.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKOGOwCCplRXZyWybcHb7JfjSwCFNDce0X742dLOEsKPacAoWtYGVlmFKjIKWKlDvTT_GiI7iy2n2laiPosylxQO7GeXcDbUtkhafeRxBCmEcv9S9XKxSg9IrtnwgF7QVlWgpyXAH4N5i/s1600/199019_1032968141762_8647_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKOGOwCCplRXZyWybcHb7JfjSwCFNDce0X742dLOEsKPacAoWtYGVlmFKjIKWKlDvTT_GiI7iy2n2laiPosylxQO7GeXcDbUtkhafeRxBCmEcv9S9XKxSg9IrtnwgF7QVlWgpyXAH4N5i/s1600/199019_1032968141762_8647_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She lived with breast cancer for 10
years, 5 of those years being a terminal diagnosis. During that time
she welcomed two granddaughters into the world and they adored her.
She attended every birthday party, performance and holiday gathering.
She still came over to take care of me while I was sick, helped to
move my sister into her college dorm, my brother into his apartment
and me into my house. She traveled to the Caribbean, Hawaii, England
and Ireland. She traveled the US with my dad on the back of a Harley.
A little cancer diagnosis was not going to hold her back from living
her life.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyljNhEAw57cKxc6GZtR1lPQqjXtCug5hIyskAxWTqXy1ow3t9ScD1Kg3yBZ7Jj1rUJzM350KrmYPGqGjrbLQkNcegctiGtERSKmkM_Us4BCCOcp1vxvBzPdWLhut2gqhlyPhyphenhyphenebheMtf/s1600/1935827_1204308953012_3884435_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyljNhEAw57cKxc6GZtR1lPQqjXtCug5hIyskAxWTqXy1ow3t9ScD1Kg3yBZ7Jj1rUJzM350KrmYPGqGjrbLQkNcegctiGtERSKmkM_Us4BCCOcp1vxvBzPdWLhut2gqhlyPhyphenhyphenebheMtf/s1600/1935827_1204308953012_3884435_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mom was my very best friend and I
have to admit that I probably spent more time with her than my own
husband. She lived and loved greatly and in return was loved more
than she could ever know. Because of her I strive every day to live
my life to the fullest, without complaint. Her diagnosis was not
without struggle. I stood by her while she recovered from painful
surgeries which stripped her womanly form, held her hand while we
shaved her head and sat on the bathroom floor with a cold cloth
pressed against the back of her neck after her chemo treatments.
Through it all she spent her time comforting those she loved. She is
my reason for giving back to all of the women living with cancer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love and miss you always mom - Khristen</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltMhrt8Y3dHbNMlJKVJ1xq1A3jryQiVc7oMsPqtUnuOaF23UnWtFKfqQCmrfPurM_Y9TpCWsl7Z4gmUMtuXR1TeiVAsbvDu2Aj0Ghz171EN5lndgL_w8coL7l3LLHfW1MbRSVuyR8PZeH/s1600/320474_427815853944360_1142545839_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltMhrt8Y3dHbNMlJKVJ1xq1A3jryQiVc7oMsPqtUnuOaF23UnWtFKfqQCmrfPurM_Y9TpCWsl7Z4gmUMtuXR1TeiVAsbvDu2Aj0Ghz171EN5lndgL_w8coL7l3LLHfW1MbRSVuyR8PZeH/s1600/320474_427815853944360_1142545839_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“I don’t want people to remember
that I died of breast cancer, I want them to remember how I lived
with it.” – Sharon Andersen Stanley</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A note from Khristen…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whether you have a family history of breast cancer or not please do not forgo your regular check-ups. My mother was the first in her family to have breast cancer. Both times she found the lump herself through self examination. For all of you small breasted women out there please know that a sonogram may provide better detection. My mom found her first lump after getting an "all clear" mammogram (she was a 34A) and was already stage 2. We have self examination shower cards in the studio if you would like one, just ask. Take care of them boobies!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-872499981472953532014-06-17T22:07:00.001-07:002014-06-17T22:08:42.891-07:00Head-Shoulders-Knees-and Toes! OH MY!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGX1UwvDixyk3KvWPH5wIv_9p3YrYI02p5KqQlKPhyphenhyphensn1nAVe7_0CVYLiERflIiq7L307xNt1OjD1EapWZ2Jzb0ihnjwWJng85jwTqmotdfPjT6c_jWhQYMEf3wMkGP2k_slbtPPbdgrW/s1600/IMG_3143.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGX1UwvDixyk3KvWPH5wIv_9p3YrYI02p5KqQlKPhyphenhyphensn1nAVe7_0CVYLiERflIiq7L307xNt1OjD1EapWZ2Jzb0ihnjwWJng85jwTqmotdfPjT6c_jWhQYMEf3wMkGP2k_slbtPPbdgrW/s1600/IMG_3143.PNG" height="284" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So you come to your first Pilates class and all of a sudden you start an inner dialogue that goes something like this:<br />
<br />
<br />
What the hell are they talking about?<br />
CV connection, is that a STD? Crap, will I catch it from the mat?<br />
Pelvic floor, I have one? <br />
What in the world have I gotten myself into?<br />
Foundation? Why would my body need a foundation, I am not building a house!<br />
<br />
<br />
Don't worry, at some point or another we have all been there. Overwhelmed with the anatomy talk, confused by the choreography of movement, and dumbfounded by how difficult it is to do something that looks so easy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUifrXF1lYRvMl27PfGzcqVmnguFFCq6FC_EnsW9fMJwwqWrsveCyQGXfQ9jOQmKLhbk6BahQmnUiHRZThM6vidmFxHckiZsoY_tWx3kgQLLDV247EIY9RRGU7q1bNN07mMkYIEhqbjFhyphenhyphen/s1600/IMG_3126.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUifrXF1lYRvMl27PfGzcqVmnguFFCq6FC_EnsW9fMJwwqWrsveCyQGXfQ9jOQmKLhbk6BahQmnUiHRZThM6vidmFxHckiZsoY_tWx3kgQLLDV247EIY9RRGU7q1bNN07mMkYIEhqbjFhyphenhyphen/s1600/IMG_3126.PNG" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Pilates is not a treadmill, you can't just jump on and go for quick run or figure it out by pushing a few buttons. Pilates is a forward and evolved way of thinking about functional performance and movement. Once you surrender yourself to the vocabulary, choreography and breathing you will begin to see your body move and work more like a top notch machine rather than an everyday humanoid. (Not only are we anatomy nerds, but we wouldn't mind going to a comic-con convention either!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOoWhdtRcc0PwEn4NH90eohiSz6IuVFE9onOWUm5C0Vs0okxpT0BW47sBXS9dctpm7i_SjdKXO2AJlNQGHKTsnRvw_8t_22_oC4YNhkJeDMe76WQKKFxInkymaDBdy71OkUlBRTw0_a_S/s1600/IMG_4284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOoWhdtRcc0PwEn4NH90eohiSz6IuVFE9onOWUm5C0Vs0okxpT0BW47sBXS9dctpm7i_SjdKXO2AJlNQGHKTsnRvw_8t_22_oC4YNhkJeDMe76WQKKFxInkymaDBdy71OkUlBRTw0_a_S/s1600/IMG_4284.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes! That is our beloved KP in her TMNT Jacket!</div>
<br />
<br />
You hear Khristen and Carissa say it all the time "Just let it marinate, only focus on one thing today!" If you try to focus on all aspects in a reformer or mat class chances are you will become mentally and physically exhausted and that leads to defeat. We don't want you feeling defeated, we want you to feel empowered and recharged. So...…let it all marinate and choose to focus on only one thing at a time in class.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0w9tg3Glj3VQJQhbwKcHWLonyDBu1zwkpf2ZlsyUR5sL_LAAZypeTz-XSGBJ6UPblSh-eEnX1NiX8YtwBRl02uLeM6vPzYuwRVPoYZtOp17lTQbT88gdYVMdWTO_3JqUC3Nq5guGXAFjh/s1600/IMG_4492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0w9tg3Glj3VQJQhbwKcHWLonyDBu1zwkpf2ZlsyUR5sL_LAAZypeTz-XSGBJ6UPblSh-eEnX1NiX8YtwBRl02uLeM6vPzYuwRVPoYZtOp17lTQbT88gdYVMdWTO_3JqUC3Nq5guGXAFjh/s1600/IMG_4492.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Not sure where that focus should be? As a general rule and the foundation for all Pilates exercises, choose one of the 5 Basic Principles! If you choose to focus on one of the 5 principles listed below during each class, you will never go wrong. Before you know it your gonna be a Pilates Rockstar or a Twisted Groupie like Eleana and Kayla!<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>BREATHING</li>
<ul>
<li>Inhale and Exhale allowing the rib cage to expand in all directions. Think about the inhale filling the backs of the lungs against the mat and then radiating to the remainder of the rib cage. Exhale when you flex your spine and inhale when you extend, now your breath is assisting the movement. The breath should come IN through the nose and OUT through the mouth, as if you were blowing into a straw. WE SHOULD HEAR YOU BREATHING! But, not in an annoying Darth Vader way.</li>
</ul>
<li>PELVIC PLACEMENT</li>
<ul>
<li>Stabilize before you mobilize! Work on finding stability in both neutral pelvis placement and imprint. Neutral is the position in which your pelvis has a natural curve at the lumbar spine region and the sacrum resting on the mat. Transversus engaged! You will never escape that, sorry folks! Imprint happens when you bring the pelvis into a slight tilt, sacrum still on the mat with the pubic symphysis reaching back toward the belly button. DO NOT press the lower back to the mat!!! Imprint is often used during the hundred and other exercises where the feet are off the floor. Imprint helps most people find better core stability!</li>
</ul>
<li>RIB CAGE PLACEMENT</li>
<ul>
<li>The rib cage often wants to lift off the mat extending to the ceiling. We are not twerking the chest people! Utilize your obliques to draw the rib cage toward the hips slightly. Allow the back of the ribs to soften toward the mat. The sides of the ribs should expand and contract on the inhale and exhale with out the ribs lifting off or pressing into the mat. Save the chest popping for MTV music videos!</li>
</ul>
<li>SCAPULAR MOVEMENT & STABILIZATION</li>
<ul>
<li>Stabilization, your gonna hear that a lot! When you lose stability you tend to overwork the muscles around the neck and shoulders. We love our massage therapist Carrie Zala, and we want to keep her in business, but let's do it for the right reasons instead of the wrong reasons. Find a neutral position with your scapula and shoulders. First reach your shoulders up to your ears and then press them down as far as you can, do this several times and then allow them to rest somewhere in the middle. Next, squeeze your shoulder blades together like your squeezing a coke can, then draw the shoulders together in front, again several times until your find a middle range. Shoulders should be relaxed, broad and tension free, allowing for greater stability.</li>
</ul>
<li>HEAD & CERVICAL PLACEMENT</li>
<ul>
<li>Cervical spine placement is the placement of your neck. Laying on your back your eye gaze should be straight up to the ceiling, not behind you and not forward in front of you. Your neck should hold it's natural curve while supporting the head. The head is heavy people, don't give yourself more work than necessary. Some people may need a small pad or two...or three....or more to keep the head and neck neutral. When you begin to come into a flexed position, like in the hundred make sure to nod that head first. HEAD NOD HEAD NOD HEAD NOD, you will hear us say that a million times just like TRANSVERSUS! You are not jamming the chin to the chest or reaching the chin forward. You are simply lengthening the neck to tilt the head slightly before lifting it off the mat.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
Now what will you be focusing on in class next?</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsLlp-UoOnu52lV9pNa3fbb23-jX_s8Xdc4Ax0OYcPRNnk4hsGxfaMObToWhSSJ3VlIByMQzHjG5jSNp58eI4klPuO42rzC5rmTVWfXJM3FuZ1lJ1mNl8prnLfh1GIkf2B_PVMbhs2HeE/s1600/IMG_3164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsLlp-UoOnu52lV9pNa3fbb23-jX_s8Xdc4Ax0OYcPRNnk4hsGxfaMObToWhSSJ3VlIByMQzHjG5jSNp58eI4klPuO42rzC5rmTVWfXJM3FuZ1lJ1mNl8prnLfh1GIkf2B_PVMbhs2HeE/s1600/IMG_3164.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Because only you have the power to be great! Or to prevent forrest fires…..your choice!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-23004843580601430352014-05-01T12:46:00.000-07:002014-05-02T12:17:30.107-07:00Exercise ~ Rest ~ Recovery ~ What you need to know!The Twisted Team loves that everyone is so eager to come to class and bust your rear to see success! However, did you know that REST & RECOVERY are essential parts of your workout routine, just as important as what you eat, how you hydrate, and those dreaded push-ups and cardio days?<br />
<br />
People often overlook and underestimate the importance of muscle recovery. Skipping this essential part of your routine can have damaging effects on your body. Here is what you need to know to keep your body at top performance, safe and healthy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrF4SVcZQfcXLvU5EKjj8t48s_b_PgXXUrgkI-XkVp2nt96ptOzgEbufas8MBhDR69OzcaDm7RvymA5hK4B2gN4op1soML05C4cucTg0kwys1TTR8rDeJkMDlTkDvVF8GepAyXl0eGL4Xj/s1600/planning.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrF4SVcZQfcXLvU5EKjj8t48s_b_PgXXUrgkI-XkVp2nt96ptOzgEbufas8MBhDR69OzcaDm7RvymA5hK4B2gN4op1soML05C4cucTg0kwys1TTR8rDeJkMDlTkDvVF8GepAyXl0eGL4Xj/s1600/planning.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><u>PLAN</u></b><br />
It is scientifically proven that rest and recovery enhance performance. As with anything in life, if you want to be successful you have to plan for it. It may sound crazy, or overly type A (Khristen and Carissa don't mind, type A personalities is how we got here) but, planning for recovery and rest is critical to a successful training program. If you carve out time in your busy schedule to kick ass in class several hours per week, then you also need to carve out time to properly rest and recover from those classes. So reach over right now, pick up a big fat pen, or open your smart phone calendar and put in big bold letters "REST TIME HOMIE" on your day planner. WHAT?! Don't have a day planner or calendar? Then stick a post it on your computer, mirror, anywhere you will see it regularly to remind yourself to plan for rest and recovery! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgVvP2fplEkIak-jG8yp4aYaHokZhS-8A13Qg5fpy1lJNl89Ckq-xXJCogjHPT6AjVEZI_LoAeDNwblQ0iepPVW5t89uC17OA2-PTcUCbewzeC0dclhQU_1JeVTud1wtesYVy5fUetmnd/s1600/Homer+Simpson+Sleeping+Images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgVvP2fplEkIak-jG8yp4aYaHokZhS-8A13Qg5fpy1lJNl89Ckq-xXJCogjHPT6AjVEZI_LoAeDNwblQ0iepPVW5t89uC17OA2-PTcUCbewzeC0dclhQU_1JeVTud1wtesYVy5fUetmnd/s1600/Homer+Simpson+Sleeping+Images.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><u>DO IT CORRECTLY</u></b><br />
Wha-what? There is a wrong way to rest? And how the heck do I recover? Can't I just veg out on the sofa and watch 8 hours of The Walking Dead? NOPE! There is distinct difference between what rest and recovery actually are, and there is a way to properly implement them into your exercise program. Yes, we know, we are super picky about technique and execution on everything, but hey that's what makes us good at what we do. So what is rest and recovery and exactly how do you make it beneficial?<br />
<br />
Rest - is easily understood as time spent sleeping and not training. How you do this is very critical.<br />
<br />
Recovery - this is how you help maximize your body's repair. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrU1IKzDsXlfQD_HN7-lSmmdhrVjYv_eqmRkSei0LeBTSSGNJikvgeiSP-zPVxYJSeMJsNKSjhFfG_lFhE_9lJZab77fr7NzYCD8gdEG6nLq0mR5aGHAbSj4yRDqIQCfmwSnRJZRTT9u2m/s1600/nerd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrU1IKzDsXlfQD_HN7-lSmmdhrVjYv_eqmRkSei0LeBTSSGNJikvgeiSP-zPVxYJSeMJsNKSjhFfG_lFhE_9lJZab77fr7NzYCD8gdEG6nLq0mR5aGHAbSj4yRDqIQCfmwSnRJZRTT9u2m/s1600/nerd.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
***Intellectual Badass Alert*** aka NERD! The human body is one super fascinating machine, it repairs and rebuilds itself and comes back better each time if you implement the recovery techniques correctly.<br />
<br />
Recovery is complex system with many components. Don't get overwhelmed! Here is a list of items recovery encompasses:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Nutrition</li>
<li>Hydration</li>
<li>Ice/Heat</li>
<li>Stretching (quit missing Natasha and Katie's yoga classes)</li>
<li>Stress management</li>
<li>Time standing vs. sitting (do you listen to Carissa's rants about proper sitting and standing?)</li>
<li>Time lying down</li>
<li>Compression</li>
<li>Myofascial release (there is that crazy word again fascia, we'll save that for another nerdy blog)</li>
<li>Then there is the whole biology part of it which includes hormonal balance, chemical components, your nervous system, mental state, oh man the list keeps going! </li>
</ul>
<div>
Because our body is one major complex machine, we have different operating systems that need recovery and in different ways. Much like changing the oil on your car and taking it in for regular tune ups, we have to be the mechanic for our body and do routine maintenance also.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Muscles will recover and repair faster than tendons, ligaments and bones. So don't ignore minor aches and pains, they can become major pains later due to over training stress (ugh…cough …cough Khristen's shoulder is a good example of in need of recovery).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So….How exactly do I recover? Do I need to test hormone levels, count my calories, carry a gallon of water everywhere, take an ice bath then jump in the hot tub…..? Only if you want to! The goal is to work rest and recovery into your regular schedule without having to sacrifice enjoyment of everyday life. Look to achieve balance. It's quite alright to enjoy a fun evening with friends and/or family, have the occasional adult icy cold beverage, and give up a night of veggies and protein for a big fat nasty burger every now and then. In fact, evenings of letting your hair down so to speak may be better for you mentally, than stressing about the next inversion on the pole or that damn roll up on the mat your trying to conquer. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Simply strive for a harmonious balance of happiness in your life, that includes some rest, recovery, exercise, proper diet and good hydration.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YpBC_kx_Pa_WvY3vgbDYLglVZnpReyGkdb1ELsgftTDLx-0TsIOOxGSbjk-yAv83MCE0Iqz-IqOnCEugfSzqvQlp6AtFNoU1ZIttinaewkHRyqZglQPBDQhie9O2F3EIOIVQfkZpuQVK/s1600/help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YpBC_kx_Pa_WvY3vgbDYLglVZnpReyGkdb1ELsgftTDLx-0TsIOOxGSbjk-yAv83MCE0Iqz-IqOnCEugfSzqvQlp6AtFNoU1ZIttinaewkHRyqZglQPBDQhie9O2F3EIOIVQfkZpuQVK/s1600/help.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>ENOUGH NERD TALK WHAT DO I DO EXACTLY?</u></b></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4R87LwfXUMAKU7c8YRtUIrlVV9d8rDdbQG0DhkofKFqi1bYTDKEjfZ84bbnT_aAvgjUjvZ3YoYoVKPScDmiXuu3bCQ0vWq3E7BT8aeGZiC_QNT-ZT95WvPuhVa_BdHWOM-5dd5j9_W-K/s1600/1950s-family2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4R87LwfXUMAKU7c8YRtUIrlVV9d8rDdbQG0DhkofKFqi1bYTDKEjfZ84bbnT_aAvgjUjvZ3YoYoVKPScDmiXuu3bCQ0vWq3E7BT8aeGZiC_QNT-ZT95WvPuhVa_BdHWOM-5dd5j9_W-K/s1600/1950s-family2.jpg" height="198" width="200" /></a></div>
<ol>
<li>EAT - you can heal or poison your body with nutrition. So research and educate yourself on proper nutrition and what will work best for your body and lifestyle. EVERYONE is different. What you eat and what you avoid will depend on you and not what your friends and family do. So make a simple meal plan for yourself, include healthy snacks, and give yourself a break once and awhile. You don't need to punish yourself for enjoying the occasional chocolate or glass of wine. If you decide to eat the whole chocolate aisle at Atomic Candy and then put Wine Squared out of business in one evening, we may need to have a little chat and a good run around downtown Lil D! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzCkxI2ONguqCbtI-98f0KID8ZGBmgVqayxbOMoI2jIMkV1y9B2OalR0LqJCktFNs7SHVV3gig15LgFhUPoDVNfRyu0ET51_SWHeiU4byBah3ZSsj89RpoVlR-GBg-wb7Zz0RP7V7eiZP/s1600/funny-dog-likes-water-picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzCkxI2ONguqCbtI-98f0KID8ZGBmgVqayxbOMoI2jIMkV1y9B2OalR0LqJCktFNs7SHVV3gig15LgFhUPoDVNfRyu0ET51_SWHeiU4byBah3ZSsj89RpoVlR-GBg-wb7Zz0RP7V7eiZP/s1600/funny-dog-likes-water-picture.jpg" height="200" width="183" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>DRINK - water is the key to life! Much like oxygen. You breath without thinking about it to stay alive. Water has the same effect, with out going into too much science cells NEED and CRAVE H20! Start by being aware of how much water you are actually taking in. So realquick go take a good long pee and then look at it! Yep, take a look a that lovely yellow puddle of bliss. In fact take a picture of it and text it to Carissa, she's super dorky like that! Just don't tell her Khristen told you to! HA! The color of your urine can be a good clue to whether or not you are hydrated. Clear to pale yellow is GOOD, the darker and more saturated with color the more water you need to drink! If you start seeing anything other than shades of yellow….call the doctor! What about sports drinks and water additives like Propel and Mio? Truth be told, water is really all you need. In fact, flavorings and other additives can cause your body to work harder and strain to process all that unnatural junk such as aspartame! So if you don't like plain old water try adding fresh fruit like lemon, strawberries, kiwi, etc. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTeQn4ifkO_D6kVUx6Y5xQqEichzjQZ3VspQtOBwrU7Mugkx9MrZ5MZNDjMDaGFfAEgYKbDNCsqSr8evfVK9K9N1FR1iqFk2LAohvyFSqtQ6InFn0WRa9gTEbOXmT0O2LPIbU8NnV0uaT/s1600/6Na-dont-judge-it-works-in-action-movies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTeQn4ifkO_D6kVUx6Y5xQqEichzjQZ3VspQtOBwrU7Mugkx9MrZ5MZNDjMDaGFfAEgYKbDNCsqSr8evfVK9K9N1FR1iqFk2LAohvyFSqtQ6InFn0WRa9gTEbOXmT0O2LPIbU8NnV0uaT/s1600/6Na-dont-judge-it-works-in-action-movies.jpg" height="163" width="200" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>STRETCH - Not just we these crazy ladies make you but on your own too! Not sure how to do it properly or correctly, take a class with Natasha, Katie or Carissa. Not just because we say so, but because Denton Record Chronicle voters said, we have some of the BEST Yoginis around! They will be happy to share with you how to lengthen those muscles, tendons, ligaments and more. Flexibility is key to being able to move well and stay pain free. Good rule of thumb dynamic stretching before a workout and static stretching after ALWAYS! And make sure you move through all planes of movement! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySV-kr7Y7mZN1exVUE5SP3Qty8qsjhwpfGDKxYOCWQ7P4swxB1Wh5io6lRBedADeW-3P-brD2m0IXyp-fysdX9h0e854OfwmKL7ZT89nVkRYBH_dHCHsCjhuKlbOgi9ofWCaYxGKvEeEU/s1600/posture-charts.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySV-kr7Y7mZN1exVUE5SP3Qty8qsjhwpfGDKxYOCWQ7P4swxB1Wh5io6lRBedADeW-3P-brD2m0IXyp-fysdX9h0e854OfwmKL7ZT89nVkRYBH_dHCHsCjhuKlbOgi9ofWCaYxGKvEeEU/s1600/posture-charts.gif" height="200" width="198" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>STAND UP SIT DOWN - Don't be lazy! You hear Carissa talk often about posture, what it does to your body, and many times she sounds like a crazy old bat ranting about how you sit, stand, and those big ugly purses we all carry. But, there is absolute truth behind the craziness. Most people spend more time sitting than moving, and generally with bad posture at a computer most likely trolling Facebook! Uh-huh, think about it, what are you doing now? and how are you doing it? If you sit for most the day, utilize tactile props to make sure your alignment is correct and try to sit up on something like a wedge to help open those hip flexors. Bad posture can lead to numerous problems and that make us send you to Dr. Twila next door! Why? Because it throws everything off! And we can tell when you have been lazy with your posture, just try reformer class with Carissa and I bet she points out how you sit, stand, or what shoulder you carry your purse/back pack on! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKBvOxEuHL16x1enKuBHYBMSf9R0USvPU6-BOHedp2bkifZagBsC8XeFdUrqOF4efr9td2hp57rKldK_HMe5H5nZP3QKE5vN-DEmis1Vq8XF1mu9KbIYp5feOnR2bDdFt4AJEPHBNWZeW/s1600/heat-miser-and-snow-miser-christmas-keepsake-ornaments-qxi2871_1470_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKBvOxEuHL16x1enKuBHYBMSf9R0USvPU6-BOHedp2bkifZagBsC8XeFdUrqOF4efr9td2hp57rKldK_HMe5H5nZP3QKE5vN-DEmis1Vq8XF1mu9KbIYp5feOnR2bDdFt4AJEPHBNWZeW/s1600/heat-miser-and-snow-miser-christmas-keepsake-ornaments-qxi2871_1470_1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>FIRE AND ICE - We aren't talking about a Texas and Canada smack down. Properly icing and heating the muscles can help repair time. But, don't wait for an injury to start practicing these methods. One simple way to start implementing is to go home after a hard work out, turn on your shower and get in while it is still cold. YES COLD! Let the water heat up while you stand there, then alternate between the hot and cold, always starting and ending with cold. Try it out, we promise it is not as bad as it sounds and your recovery time will increase! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7njVoeo_Fwv-SuitE9alDAKb7LHHzG8Ryh2Q3BVbRqqOoKiKBalYIarSy-1WLg0O5R4R4zxldXnNWah9tmFTcuTr_f5JUuhhJ_R5lWUF15M2OIckFjIL6QitJ887WRao2tHTYX1vrjXBS/s1600/funny-back-massage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7njVoeo_Fwv-SuitE9alDAKb7LHHzG8Ryh2Q3BVbRqqOoKiKBalYIarSy-1WLg0O5R4R4zxldXnNWah9tmFTcuTr_f5JUuhhJ_R5lWUF15M2OIckFjIL6QitJ887WRao2tHTYX1vrjXBS/s1600/funny-back-massage.jpg" height="141" width="200" /></a></div>
</li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
MASSAGE - We know it is a love hate relationship with that foam roller. But, learning to use it correctly will pay dividends in the long run. Not sure what to do with that black foam tube of death? Ask Khristen or Carissa, they will be happy to torture you with some release work on the foam roller. While foam rolling may not be the most pleasant place to spend your time, the after effect of even just a couple minutes will make your body feel so much better. Or, if you are simply a foam roller cry baby, visit a massage therapist and let them beat up on you for awhile. Activating specific trigger points can help the tissue return to a normal healthy state! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVfoBtH-33tEdtq-yQ9PbaOP2A5eBSJHTxBZaYZzX75Z7EwEAmedufiJDe-P11-JFXzSz77hifS1RIJKemMn_DZEGAxaJ5Wq2ZectkAmW45BUBWTIzWLcMTeZbbUEGOOpGKniaZIbRPn2/s1600/a-funny-sleeping-quotes-300x210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVfoBtH-33tEdtq-yQ9PbaOP2A5eBSJHTxBZaYZzX75Z7EwEAmedufiJDe-P11-JFXzSz77hifS1RIJKemMn_DZEGAxaJ5Wq2ZectkAmW45BUBWTIzWLcMTeZbbUEGOOpGKniaZIbRPn2/s1600/a-funny-sleeping-quotes-300x210.jpg" height="140" width="200" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>SLEEP - Yes, sleep and get plenty of it. It kind of sounds silly coming from two crazy insomniacs who complete business meetings via text at 1:00 AM; but it is vital to successful <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
function in everyday life and performance. Aim for about 7 to 10 hours each night, for some you may have to train this into your body and routine like other things. Also read about ways to improve your quality of sleep such as, fresh air, cooler temps, and the most optimal hours for sleeping. I mean really who ever said sleeping was a bad thing? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PzONSuRUqmTCTys2_hf8XzNH0qGEQRm6AwD3jZFzh7qBR984Y1GCvqmS5gsd0W_1TG8fMFy7q7ypkjac3SXsSra6OlIY7R4615UN2twkNx_y-kRlPdKj8hIe68Swcf_UzQxcCVH97u8G/s1600/IMG_5147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PzONSuRUqmTCTys2_hf8XzNH0qGEQRm6AwD3jZFzh7qBR984Y1GCvqmS5gsd0W_1TG8fMFy7q7ypkjac3SXsSra6OlIY7R4615UN2twkNx_y-kRlPdKj8hIe68Swcf_UzQxcCVH97u8G/s1600/IMG_5147.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>ENJOY LIFE - Sounds kind of self explanatory. Yet, we often get caught up in the stress of day to day life, the things that irritate us, and can quickly fall into a rut. So, take a few minutes each day and find time to enjoy the simple things, like sunshine, clouds, the yummy food in front of you, the water that quenches your thirst, or the goofy friends that make you laugh. You have heard it a million times, Life is too Short, but it is true. Even on the worst days you can find enjoyment if you look for it! For Khristen and Carissa it's in those precious moments of craziness with their kids. Natasha takes to nature hiking, biking, and camping. Becca cuddles that fat wrinkly thing known as Maddie, and Katie hugs her girls tight. We all have something to bring us enjoyment everyday, so cherish it!</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And by the way….get ready Carissa has anatomy charts coming! So no more excuses for not knowing what the erector spinae is or how the trap plays an essential role in Pilates movement. You have been warned!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-81051597211074430702014-03-24T06:51:00.000-07:002014-03-24T06:51:09.355-07:00Transversus, transversus, transversus!Engage your transversus! You hear us say it a million times in every class, but why? What is it and what does it do?<br />
<br />
The transverse abdominal muscle is the deepest layer of muscle within your abdomen and is located under your inner obliques. It is responsible for helping you maintain pelvic and thoracic stability while you're working your twisted body.<br />
<br />
So, while you're on the mat doing double leg stretch your transversus is keeping you from scooting off of it and out the door. If you're on the reformer pumping out the hundred, the transversus keeps the carriage stable. And if you're working the pole transversus keeps your legs up as you spin into the chair.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxgFvCqlTcuz9efBvEE1YS-UsypjZ7j7vHd081i3ReuZD0LGjoFL2DoRCqQuIQ-Kktr2xcccrXYNi4ibqMcB0vppB6353Z0FRszPxQNUpD3uo1hFbKie4GHqjr0ZvLMOeogUSJ-P27-3k/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxgFvCqlTcuz9efBvEE1YS-UsypjZ7j7vHd081i3ReuZD0LGjoFL2DoRCqQuIQ-Kktr2xcccrXYNi4ibqMcB0vppB6353Z0FRszPxQNUpD3uo1hFbKie4GHqjr0ZvLMOeogUSJ-P27-3k/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Keep it engaged…yes, we say this a lot too. Engaging this super fabulous muscle is not the same as sucking it in. To properly engage start with an inhale, taking the breath through your rib cage and on the exhale gently bring your belly button away from your shirt towards your spine. While engaging you should not be pushing down through your pelvis or tensing through your shoulders. You should be able to breathe comfortably while maintaining your engagement. Still having trouble? While laying on your back, place your index and middle fingers on both sides of your abdomen about an inch in from your hip bones. You should feel a tensing of the muscle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There, you've done it! Now remember to breathe and enjoy the burn!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-1736048077015613342014-02-24T14:03:00.000-08:002014-02-24T14:03:51.043-08:00How we became the Twisted TwosomeA lot of people ask us how this Twisted little business came together and how we met, so here's our story...<br />
<br />
Once upon a time there was a little boy and a little girl. They both had feisty mommies that wanted the very best for them everyday so they were enrolled for preschool at a prestigious Baptist church. Both children were rare in their breed with glistening golden locks and the bluest of eyes, they had an instant connection. They played together at every recess, sat together in class, drew each other pictures and even snuck into each others cots at nap time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ7OPbXrGILvrURPDXkaBOZKGnB3hKFetGrallne9-p35Awrg2kVJK6PhGnFMgXJqUqyTy7G8YBtrCzfhhsRlXJasLrZXiCpsA4dEeJsGwBOL41fDH62CnzgHCJz5_NfBYvFAXoQG08zJ/s1600/IMG_1290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ7OPbXrGILvrURPDXkaBOZKGnB3hKFetGrallne9-p35Awrg2kVJK6PhGnFMgXJqUqyTy7G8YBtrCzfhhsRlXJasLrZXiCpsA4dEeJsGwBOL41fDH62CnzgHCJz5_NfBYvFAXoQG08zJ/s1600/IMG_1290.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Their mommies didn't know of their special bond until one day they were each called into the directors office. There sat their beautiful babies with grins on their faces. Their infraction, kissing and snuggling at nap time.
While their mommies thought it was funny, the church did not. Try as they might the children could not be separated. This led to the exchange of numbers and many play dates. Watching their children play together the moms formed a strong sisterly bond, each child considered one of their own. They also had many "play dates". One day, Carissa (the blonder of the two) asked if she could use Khristen as a body to practice her Pilates training on. Khristen obliged and their bond was strengthened.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaowdFwrvB5YIA4WlEP5t-2h5hnQ6FBxPynJT_tI6RfOiz-zjmvUFIJONXh5mIIKX6uE6ZJGeqMLdy1oI1-ihEJGeQ3McN0JcyqP7QVrWrSgdyx2FxLS00BTxDffiILUFhwq3U4XguC1US/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaowdFwrvB5YIA4WlEP5t-2h5hnQ6FBxPynJT_tI6RfOiz-zjmvUFIJONXh5mIIKX6uE6ZJGeqMLdy1oI1-ihEJGeQ3McN0JcyqP7QVrWrSgdyx2FxLS00BTxDffiILUFhwq3U4XguC1US/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Never ones to let a fitness routine bore them they decided to try out pole fitness and aerial arts. Both modalities were a perfect fit with their Pilates, yoga and dance training. They continued to train together, learning and challenging each other with new routines and knowledge. They were asked by friends and family to train them and slowly their client base grew and then they became Twisted. Twisted with the idea of spreading their love of fitness in Denton in a new and motivational way.
And they did and it has been an awesome journey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3zEgH1hbnUx4BCPbZoywPNNjfh9UmXPfDJ6p9elVt1DOYtVSCxWbINE7dZTg2hGDAzomSIt87IwSOlHtX9PG0MVClbyNGQJHLeNQl4ZD90YkRRrZK0TeA9DCp6ZQzYe9RrgsH9wwT1eh/s1600/1613936_647882901937653_512064803_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3zEgH1hbnUx4BCPbZoywPNNjfh9UmXPfDJ6p9elVt1DOYtVSCxWbINE7dZTg2hGDAzomSIt87IwSOlHtX9PG0MVClbyNGQJHLeNQl4ZD90YkRRrZK0TeA9DCp6ZQzYe9RrgsH9wwT1eh/s1600/1613936_647882901937653_512064803_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740153578180979926.post-84217098026775423392014-02-03T19:00:00.000-08:002014-02-03T19:00:55.900-08:00Stilettos, Sneakers, and Boots OH MY! Here at Twisted Bodies, we LOVE shoes! KP has over a hundred pair in her closet, under her bed and in her shelving unit. Carissa has a knack for finding shoes that are as unique as her personality. However, in the studio we HATE shoes and here are several reasons why!<br />
<br />
1. COMFORT<br />
We want you to be comfortable. The more comfortable your are, the more open you will be to instruction and the faster you will see results. Shoes, no matter how cute, inhibit comfort so just take them off at the door and enjoy your time with us.<br />
<br />
2. TOXINS<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">An EPA study, reported in Environmental Science & Technology provided the first proof that pesticides can be tracked into residences on shoes. People and pets who walk on pesticide-treated lawns can pick up pesticides like the herbicide 2,4-D, for up to a week after application, the study showed. The study found that “track-in” exposures of pesticides may exceed those from the best-known source–pesticide residues on non-organic fresh fruits and vegetables. Another study showed that 98 percent of lead dust found in homes is tracked in from outside as well.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We lay on the floor, we roll around, we stretch and breath, how about if we DON'T do it in toxins! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. GERMS</span><br />
Think about it, what is on that sidewalk outside? Really what is out there? Do you want your face in it during chataranga? Out there we are prone to walking through dog feces, human body fluids, rotten food, GUM, and who knows what else! Pretty sure Joseph Pilates did not write out and exercise that involved removing car oil from your face before going into a thoracic curl. <br />
<br />
4. DIRT<br />
We work very hard to keep the studio tidy and clean. Please do your part to help minimize dirt! Shoes track in all kinds of dirt, leaves, and other nonsense. Remove them at the door and we can focus more on new choreography and less sweeping and mopping.<br />
<br />
5. CUBBIES<br />
There are black cubbies at the front of each entrance, they were specially made and hand crafted in America by a veteran of foreign war (also happens to be Carissa's Daddy). They were made with love for each person who walks through our doors. It's our first step at showing we care when you enter. So do us a favor and pass that love along, pay it foreword in one small act and remove your shoes when you enter, don't wear them on the studio floor, and help those cubbies they're lonely!<br />
<br />
Forever Yours<br />
The Twisted Bodies StaffUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0