Deborah Harris
Studio Owner

    

1. Commit to the change - Take a piece of paper and actually write (using a PEN - typing is too easy) what it is that you seek to accomplish in the new year. By actually writing it down you are actively taking charge and commit to a written contract with yourself that you can always look back on. Place the paper in a clearly visible place as a constant reminder of the goal you have set.

2. Make it easy  - Do not pick an activity you know you will not enjoy. Without someone standing over you to make sure it gets done, the new exercise will soon be a thing of the past. Rather pick something that you will actually look forward to. An example might be a relaxing stretching Yoga class or a muscle-toning Pilates class. If the activity is fun, you are more likely to stick it out and make more of an effort to be consistent with it.

3.  Remove all obstacles -  Pick a class that you know you will be able to make every week. Especially when you start a new exercise program, consistency of the routine is key. See if there is a class that would fit into your current schedule and not require you to make major schedule changes. Add the class right into your planner for the next three months. This will achieve two goals: reminding you of your commitment and reducing the likelihood of you being unavailable for class.

4. Double the pleasure, double the fun - Odds are your husband or your best friend is as interested in being more fit as are you. See if you can do a class together. This will further reinforce your commitment to your new exercise routine. You are less likely to skip a class if you know someone is counting on you to make it there.

5. Place markers on the path to fitness - It is absolutely crucial to chart your progress. Once the goal is set you need to see how your are doing with regards to the path. Rather than just focusing all attention on one marker (i.e. "How many pounds did I lose this month?") focus on how consistent you have been with your new exercise program, how the program has affected your sense of well-being and what impact it has had on your every-day life. Are you less stressful when you exercise regularly? Do you sleep better, etc.? These markers are much more likely to be an accurate representation of where you are with regards to your goal.

Whatever your goal is for this year,
may you reach it successfully!

CLASSES COME &
    CLASSES GO - Schedule
    changes for December

      Anticipating the stress of the holiday season we introduced a new "Relaxing Yoga and Meditation Class" with Kristen Oels. This class meets Wednesdays 5-6PM. Stop by, relax, breathe!

    The Saturday Kundalini Yoga is, alas, no more. We will start another Saturday morning Yoga class if there is sufficient interest. In the meantime, please feel free to take Kristen's Saturday 8AM Yoga class.

    A fully updated scheduled is attached to this email and available for download here.   

INSTRUCTOR BIO: Erin O'Brien

Erin joins our family after a long stint in the mountains of the west, and is excited to have t he opportunity to back in her home state. She strongly believes in cultivating the passions that create a happy and meaningful day-to-day life, and supports this belief through her practice of Anusara Yoga, meditation and many outdoor pursuits. She feels most grounded and at peace while climbing a mountain, backpacking through the wilderness of Wyoming and breathing in fresh, crisp air!

For the past five years, Erin has split her time between teaching environmental education to elementary and high school age children in Olympic National Park and teaching and practicing yoga. She finds the two to complement each other quite well; the energy and vivaciousness required to keep up with children and the calm and mindfulness that comes with meditation and the practice of yoga.

Erin began her yoga practice as a luxurious escape from the cold, 40 degree air of Calgary into a hot Astanga studio. That began what has blossomed into a lifelong passion for movement, being in touch with the body and leading a healthful lifestyle. After practicing several methods the Anusara style of yoga struck a cord with her. Anusara, which means flowing with grace, is a heart centered, alignment based yoga that celebrates the unique qualities that we all share with each other as a kula, or community.

Erin is excited to share her evolving knowledge and playful, challenging practice of yoga with students!

PILATES TOWER CLASS:
     Ways to integrate this option
     into your workout routine!

     If you are looking for a new way to spice up your workout routine, why not try our Pilates Tower classes. This affordable option allows our client to gather the benefits of the Pilates technique and the expereince of using the Pilates equipment in a group class setting. One may choose to drop by occasionally ($30), get a Tower Class card ($250 for a pack of ten), combine it with Pilates Privates ($400 for 7 Tower and 3 Private sessions) or try our newest 10 Mat/Tower Class Combo Package which offers 5 Mat classes and 5 Tower classes for only $200. The same rules apply and the class card is still good for three months. These classes are very popular and require you reserve your spot in the class.

Because our Tower classes are physically challenging and do rely on some basic Pilates knowledge, we require that someone who has never taken a Pilates class at our studio, take at least 5 Pilates Mat classes or 3 Private sessions before participating in the Tower class. All private Pilates sessions are paid for separately. So, if you still haven't experienced the Pilates Tower Class come in give it a try!