That’s right, I said cirque. I’ve added a gravity free workout to the mix of classes to make sculpting your body a whole lot of fun too. Using a yoga swing with three handles, my clients are learning the benefits of these systems while doing inversions, plank while suspended in the air, and using their own body weight to tone up their bodies.

Cirque Sculpt is the latest offering at the studio and it’s giving clients a new challenge for their bodies. Come check it out!

Kids can get in on the fun and they sure have been in our kids classes now being offered at the studio. I think it is very important to keep your children active during the summer with some activity other than television or nintendo. Zumba incoporates fun, lively, rhythmic music with simple steps to make the perfect marriage between dance and fitness.

The classes also incorporate hoopnotica, our hula hoop classes. It’s fun, it’s affordable, and the kids are definitely enjoying themselves.

Adults can also do Zumba and Hoopnotica at the studio.

Downtown’s 1st Annual Get Fit Walk was a lot of fun! Thanks to those who came out for the event and to those who participated.

I think the main objective of the Walk was to help participants find a comfort level for achieving fitness. There are so many avenues to explore in finding the type of exercise that works for you.

For example, my husband would prefer to run the same distance, for the same time, only on a treadmill. He likes consistency and routine in his workouts and he has found a comfort zone in a home gym atmosphere.

I enjoy changing things up on a daily basis with different dance routines, working different muscles, changing the playlists, and keeping things fresh with hula hoops and belly dancing. I am always interested in trying something new to get my workouts.

Whether you find your comfort level in a gym, studio, swimming pool, or hiking trail, the important thing is finding something will motivate you and keep your interest. Working out shouldn’t be such a drag!

Finally, a dance class for kids that is focused on fitness. Zumba encompasses many different styles of dance to include hip hop, salsa, latin pop, and more. It is being offered through the Zumba Corporation and will be offered to Black Hills Children at Stretch Studio.

Unlike many traditional dance classes, Zumba is choreographed to the music. Zumba kids will develop rhythm, coordination, and become physically fit. Zumba Kids begins with free classes in the month of May! It’s about time the kids got in on some of the fun!

Go to my website for more information at www.stretchstudiofitness.com.

I’m so excited to be planning and participating in Downtown’s First Ever Get Fit Walk that opens 3 downtown fitness centers up to the public to try free classes and see what is going on in the heart of the city. Downtown has three great outlets for fitness with Stretch Studio, Dynamic Martial Arts, and Ultimate Fitness. Each business has their own appeal and class offerings.

It will be a great chance to see which environment works best for you, and get started on a summer fitness program. There is no cost to attend the event. The only requirements are proper fitness gear and registration prior to participating. There will be excellent incentives and discounts on memberships, as well as a few giveaways. If you have been hesitating to try out some of our classes, this will be a great opportunity to check us out and be in class with a bunch of beginners. Visit www.stretchstudiofitness.com for more information.

More snow falls in the Black Hills and we lose another day in the studio. The first snow day was a relief, to have another day to rest and relax after the weekend. But, now, it seems to be getting old. Dont get me wrong, I love the look of fresh fallen snow laying untouched, and the feeling that your house is the only safe place on the planet.

There is relief knowing that spring is here, and summer is near, and so I am trying to enjoy the last bit of winter that will quiet the town and keep everyone inside, relaxing and resting.

Soon enough, the days will be longer, and the weather warmer, and there will be no excuse to stay inside and do nothing. Enjoy it while it lasts!

What a beautiful day in the Black Hills! Hope you are enjoying the weather and getting out for some fresh air and warm sun.

As the weather improves, the gyms often clear out for the summer as people are spending more time outside and less time in their gyms and classes. However, chances are that unless you are spending the day hiking Harney Peak with ankle weights, you are probably not burning the same amount of calories as you do in your workout classes.

Although the summer is a great time to be doing outdoor activities, you may find yourself frustrated at the end of August when you have experienced weight gain.

I encourage you to keep up with your current workouts at least 3 days a week, and 2 days a week with weight training. The muscles in the body have a use or lose mentality, if you take a 3 month break without lifting a weight you will lose the tone and strength that you spent the winter and spring building.

Working out needs to become a part of your daily routine. Use the outdoor time to stretch, clear the mind, and enjoy relax time with your family. Don’t think it is a substitute for 600 calorie burning fitness classes.

The last couple months have been so busy in the studio I haven’t had time for much else. Hope you are finding yourselves healthy and happy as we head closer to spring! If you didn’t get the memo about starting a fitness program in January as we were bombarded with all the commercials, television programs, and fad diets, then here it is:

It’s time to get healthy.

Given the down times, the economy, and our stress levels, it’s so important to be taking care of yourself physically. I am a firm believer in different strokes for different folks and I don’t encourage someone who can’t swim to jump in a pool, or someone who can’t dance, to hop on in a fast paced aerobic class, or a poor college kid to afford a personal trainer.

But, there is no cost for our sidewalks, gym memberships can be very reasonable if you are willing to make a long term commitment, and there are abundant resources on internet and television that offer a personal trainer at your service for a small financial sacrifice.

What is your excuse for not finding 30 minutes a day for physical activity?

Happy Holidays,

It has been a crazy, wild year and now we are in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but the season just isn’t the same with the poor economy. The stores are empty, shelves are full, and we are so stressed and hopeful that 2009 will be a better year.

For many people, they are looking to the future and struggling through the present. However, we cannot put such weight on only time to make changes in our lives while we tap our feet in anticipation. While money may be tight,  we can still find ways to improve our health and attitudes.

Here are a few ways to stay active without spending much or any money:

• Go for a winter walk through Storybook Island under a blanket of twinkling lights.
• Go out dancing at the Sport Rock on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Turn on Fit TV and do one of their great workouts such as Shimmy or All Star Workouts.
• Come into Stretch Studio for your free day of classes.

In trying times, it is important to keep a fresh outlook on life and a hopeful heart. The holidays are quiet and cautious this year, but they should still be merry and bright!

 

 

 

So, the holiday season starts in October now! It seems that the retailers can’t get chocolate and pepperidge farm on the counters fast enough. The temptation to eat and overeat during the holiday is unbearable for even the most disciplined. With all the food and parties going on in a 3 month period, you’re bound to pack on a few, ten, fifteen pounds.

This is why it is so important to stick to your workouts. Although is may be tempting to hang in bed and watch an entire day of “The Office,” episodes, you will benefit from 40 mins of exercise, at least 4 days a week. Your workouts will help curb the extra calories from packing on the pounds.

Why start your workout plan in the New Year? This year, give yourself a headstart and run along side the holiday season, instead of draggin behind, and trying to play damage control. Get Movin!