"like you want to hit something.."

It looks like we had fun--and we did--but it was more than just a killer fun class. IE/ID decided to do a Piloxing teacher training. Piloxing is the creation of Vivica Jensen and it's a rock- out class that combines Pilates, boxing and dance. IE has been taking the class at Bay Club Marin for the last year and even subbing periodically.

So while IE/ID has a pretty good handle on dancing, and to some extent Pilates, boxing is a complete stretch. On top of all, that learning how to structure a class combining all those elements seamlessly and making it a realworkout is a complete mystery. The more IE subbed the more she really wanted to know how to teach a class, and the only way to do that was to take the training.

Senior Master Trainer Jordan Ballard  loves what she does and it certainly shows.  She had us Piloxing 


from 9-5--with 45 min for lunch and a few sit-down minutes to write anatomical or musical tips and then she would say, “Ok, let’s get up and do it.”  Her favorite refrain was "booty back," to which we would all giggle, then relax and enjoy the process.

It made IE/ID think though: What does it mean to fearlessly stick your butt out?  Or to throw that punch “like you want to hit something.” It means dropping completely into the moment, and  being in the movements that are familiar as well as those that feel awkward, strange and even a little scary.
 

Here’s to learning new moves and finding them refreshing and fun.Then turning around and figuring out how to teach them, making it even more fabulous!

Thanks Vivica!!

IE/ID

kickbox mania

Ever wondered about those kickboxing classes? Bay Club Marin has several with various names: Kickbod; KardioKickXpress. This entry is a "memorial" for Heather's  last Tuesday 915am Kickbox class. (dont worry she's not gone--just teaching other places--read on!!)

We're assembled in the gym. Looking up, I see several basketball hoops and lots of banners with team names and championships gained hanging down from the ceiling. The floor is shiny oak with red circle markings: half court, free throw etc. These don't apply to us though, 40 women of various ages. The old modern dancer in me is overjoyed: "yeah--no mirrors, yeah--lots of space, lets goooo."

Heather hits the music tower and magically the first song is: "let's get it started..." At first its jumping jacks and jabs. We all try our best to imitate her. When she is boxing the air, it's a real punch. For most of us some punches are real, and some are just hanging out, trying to be tough. But the important thing is, as I throw a punch, and lean forward to kick back, I'm waking up parts of my body and letting them loose. I look around and its the same for  everyone. Our hearts pump, our bodies glow while arms and legs furiously punch and kick. For an hour we are freed and allowed to play with aggressive moves, and depending on the music and however much energy we can throw ourselves into that punch; that kick.

Most of us are working so hard to keep up and remember the sequences: jab--hook-uppercut-retreat--kick front-kick back, that we aren't watching anyone else, or thinking about anything else. That's when we slip into a trance state, an endorphin high.The "work out" becomes a "work in" as you let out-- get out--whatever it is that you didn't even know you were holding in.

Give it a try. Wear some good shoes and let your inner Rocky go. We all have a little of the commando in us. Why not let her out to play?

Check out Heather in her new incarnation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJE8WPqdZpw