Barre, ballet and tap at Fit for Life Jenkintown
Barre, ballet and tap
Mary Jo teaches barre, ballet and tap at the studio, here is one student’s perspective.
Barre
Barre can be a gentle, strengthening exercise. You can achieve improved balance and posture.
Perhaps you have never tried a barre class. Come join us for an easy introduction to this genre.
Mary Jo demonstrates where and how each leg and arm will go, as well as in which sequence and finally, in what tempo. Contemporary pieces accompany the actual performance of each barre sequence and- get this! -Mary Jo now again performs the sequence with you providing a beautiful model to follow as you execute the sequence. She also, carefully keeps an eye on your execution of the steps and sequences and effectively pinpoints improvements and variations as needed.
The barre classes are small enough, so you receive individual, specific suggestion for modifications and almost effortless progress. You can be a beginner and still feel your performance is noteworthy. Just follow the pro!
Mary Jo’s Barre class is now offered virtually Thursdays from 6:00-6:45pm.
Ballet
Mary Jo demonstrates the sequence of ballet movements she has choreographed for each piece of music. She then plays the accompanying music and carefully follows the students’ execution of the ballet moves, gently correcting if required. She spots good renditions and notes them with encouraging compliments.
In practice, the class is geared to participants. I myself had 2 years of ballet instruction prior to attending Mary Jo’s class. Nonetheless, I can follow the class and, thanks to Mary Jo’s observations, progress. This is a fun ballet class in which you can also grow!
Advanced Beginner/ Intermediate Ballet class is offered virtually on Mondays, from 6:30-7:00pm.
Tap
So let’s talk about Tap! I thought Shirley Temple was adorable on The Good Ship Lollipop. Personally, I had never tried tap before. I love folk dancing, ballet and of course Zumba. How do you even move toe to heel and back, and how do you know when to do so? Besides, I never owned a pair of tap shoes! So of course I was intrigued with the possibility of trying a tap class. Elizabeth, Fit for Life Jenkintown’s owner/director even leant me a pair of tap shoes! P.S. I’ve now graduated to my own!!
Although Mary Jo is an experienced dancer and teacher, she understands a beginner’s hesitation and is often checking back with me,” Sarah, did you get that?” She will then, as needed, patiently demonstrate the sequence of steps again. I often feel like a beginner, but hey, I am! Moreover, guess how great it feels when I get the sequence!!
Please do join us for Virtual Adult Beginner Tap Mondays at 7:30 PM.
Benefits of barre and dance
So we know the teacher is a plus.. what about the material? How does it figure in improving your figure? Yes, dance and barre can help burn fat, reduce stress, increase flexibility and strength, challenge and define muscle, improve posture and stability. All excellent, healthy goals. Okay, here comes the punch line: It is fun!
These barre, ballet and tap are a great way to add movement to your day, please join us! https://fitforlifejenkintown.com/programs/
To supplement your classes, if you would like guidance with nutrition or diet planning reach to us at info@fitforlifejenkintown.com
Fit for Life Jenkintown Goes Virtual
FIT FOR LIFE JENKINTOWN GOES VIRTUAL
Fit for Life Jenkintown : current schedule for a unique yoga/dance studio beginning its second year.
Why so essential now?
As I am sure many/all of you know, social distancing has temporarily closed many (all) gyms and studios. This will be true for at least some of the prescribed distancing time. But wait! This has not stopped Fit for Life Jenkintown. It continues to offer wonderful sessions to assist you in improving and keeping healthy. This is of course very desirable. However, be aware, being a part of a friendly, energetic group, and receiving exercise instructions from a lively, upbeat group of professional teachers has an additional benefit. I find attendance to be of great mental and emotional assistance! So you may work off some of that one tempting treat you indulged in, but you will also leave your class refreshed and in better form and mood. Above all, you probably will also be more upbeat, something quite desirable these days.
What are the available classes?
There are currently many classes you can join via Zoom.
Please review the current Zoom schedule.
Sunday 11:00 AM Zumba
Monday 10:00 AM Mat Pilates
12:00 PM Tai Chi
6:30 PM Ballet
7:15 PM Tap
Tuesday 9:00 AM Cardio Sculpt
6:30 PM Zumba
Wednesday 7:00 AM Yoga
9:00 AM Chair Yoga
11:00 AM Mat Pilates
Thursday 8:15 AM Hatha Yoga
9:30 AM Barre
6:00 PM Barre
6:45 PM Zumba
Friday 10:30 AM Chair Yoga
12:00 PM Tai Chi
Sat 7:00 AM Vinyasa Yoga
10:30 AM Adult Beginner Contemporary
11:30 AM Afro-Jazz Technique (starts June 6th)
One group of Zoom classes I would like to highlight today is:
ZUMBA
With
LINDA
Time: Sunday 11:00 AM VIA: ZOOM
Tuesday 6:30 PM
Thursday 6:45 PM
I love to dance. I particularly love to dance with a talented dance teacher who wants her students to easily follow her lead and enjoy a class well done.
Please meet Linda.
Who is Linda?
Linda is an excellent, upbeat teacher who clearly exhibits all sequences. Moreover, her choreography repeats several times. This, in addition, makes her a teacher who is very easy to follow. This, in turn, makes for increased fun and a great feeling that you “got” it and are experiencing a great, fun, and productive workout.
Rigorous but FUN and DOABLE!!
Recently, I experienced Linda teaching a new dance. This too was great fun. Linda patiently indicates an alternative step if the one she just demonstrated proves too challenging. I find this very encouraging!
Yet that is not all!
Linda also provides a section of her class that allows light weights and mat working to some appropriate, fun music. It is almost like dancing on the floor!
Do come a few minutes earlier than class begins. Linda is happy to acknowledge your presence and smoothly add you to the participants.
Come zoom to Linda’s Zumba!
Why is nutrition such an engaging subject? by Sarah Duker
Nutrition. Why is nutrition such an engaging subject? Obviously, health concerns prompt interest in proper nutrition. Aesthetic concerns (weight loss) and epicurean delight are probably a good choice for second place impetus. I have usually been in what I would term a “normal” weight range. However, at one point in my life, I realized I was somewhat heavier than my healthy range. I actually joined a weight loss group. I am not writing about this group’s method. The take home is it worked and, importantly, it educated me about the importance of sage food choices (no pun intended).
What works for you should naturally include good food choices from the essential food groups. People, including those in government, tinker with precise amounts and periodically produce new charts. By all means, consult same, BUT and this is a big BUT-use your own idiosyncratic discretion. Meaning?
What things should you consider when improving your diet?
For your diet and health, taste matters
Your taste buds have a role to play. If you don’t love – or at least, like a food choice, you’ll naturally shy away from it. The trick is to pick a food that for some pragmatic, nutritional reason (eg. Fulfills requirements from one of the recommended items of the food groups) keeps you on the right track. Include foods that are very pleasing to your palette!
Snacks can be helpful when used sparingly
Another good tool is always having a pleasing, but nutritious snack with you at all times. Personally, I favor nutritious granola bars (read low sugar, high protein). I usually carry a low fat and low sugar yogurt and / or stick cheese, but be mindful not to have it out too long from refrigeration. Low sugar crackers can also tide you over and for a treat, a swipe in peanut butter may reflect judicious planning and preparation. (It could also, likely keep you away from those scary readily available fast snacks). Finally, an assortment of nuts with maybe just a sprinkling of raisins or other dried fruit are also easily transportable. These snacks can take the edge of your hunger till a full meal is available. Some find celery and raw carrots crunchy and somewhat filling. Personally, I prefer the nuts and raisins.
Is it okay to indulge while improving your diet?
By the way, if you have weak defense against an unhealthy treat, you should judge whether you NEVER indulge in it. Or if you feel you can, enjoy it, occasionally, and so, so slowly eat it- in order to SAVOR it. This is an individual choice. Personally, I generally prefer the latter, but again, it is probably a personal decision.
Go at your own pace, it takes time to make changes in your diet
Having said this, unless for G-d forbid dire circumstances (requiring emergency changes) I think slowly moving to your new regimen (nutrition plan?) may be advisable. Formulating a plan with some minimum details, while delineating choices and amounts is great preparation.
Keep yourself open to new possibilities
Finally, always be on the lookout for new ideas to make essential nutritious foods more palatable. It keeps things interesting and strengthens your ability to “eat healthy” read: While still enjoying your good choices.
Nutrition such an engaging subject and a subject we can all use help with.
To supplement your classes, if you would like guidance with nutrition or diet planning reach to us at info@fitforlifejenkintown.com
Barre and CardioSculpt Instructor Kate
If you are looking for a Barre and CardioSculpt instructor let us introduce Kate. Kate seriously commits to her fitness. She is a friendly caring friend, to your fitness, as well. She clearly recognizes the importance of proper eating and exercise for herself. Kate is an energetic and informative trainer for you! Whether taking CardioSculpt (Tuesdays at 8:30-9:30 AM currently virtually 8:30-9:00 AM) or Barre (Thursdays at 9-9:50AM, currently virtually 9:30-10 AM) she will put you through your paces, paces you never knew before you could achieve. However, have no fear because Kate offers toned down alternatives as needed. Her encouragements make you smile! She clearly demonstrates moves as she carefully evaluates yours. Kate will help move you to a stronger, shapelier, muscled you. With more muscle to your frame, you may see weight loss as well.
Firstly, in CardioSculpt, Kate offers a series of both standing weight- lifting and mat exercises. Secondly, in Barre, her moves appear graceful and effortless, and you will feel the joy of the effort.
Kate’s commitment to healthy, effective eating and exercise is inspiring. She intersperses her classes with comments about her own, personal adjustments to her nutritional and physical health. Her comments are thought provoking, and will make you consider their efficacy to you.
Her carefully well thought out classes and her excellent monitoring of your progress offer a well-calculated program for increased strength and health. To learn more about this class and other classes see https://fitforlifejenkintown.com/programs/
To supplement your classes, if you would like guidance with nutrition or diet planning reach to us at info@fitforlifejenkintown.com
Welcome to our new website!
We will be writing about a variety of informative topics to help you achieve your health, weight management, and fitness goals. Be sure to check back often and let us know if there’s a specific topic you’d like for us to include. Here are some of the topics we will be covering – hope you’ll enjoy it!
- Expert Advice,
- Health & Fitness,
- Motivations,
- News & Events,
- Nutrition Tips & Strategies,
- Recommended Books,
- Supplements,
- Weight Loss Strategies,
- Workouts & more!