Literally Moving My Community through Fitness Classes
I took my first fitness instructor training my last semester of college, in 1997. For the last 20 years I have regularly taught a variety of fitness classes at colleges and community center. I have completed trainings in yoga, Pilates, strength training, cardio kickboxing, step, and Group Groove. I have also taken classes in Nia, belly dancing, 5 Rhythms, and Zumba and have incorporated techniques from these forms into my teaching. I also recently completed my RYT 200 and am now certified with Yoga Alliance.
My academic and fitness life have become completely intertwined. I regularly teach AME/WGS 306: American Fitness: Culture, Community, and Transformation, face-to-face and online and students read my book, Women and Fitness in American Culture. My fitness life keeps me happy and productive and reminds me of the importance of self-care.
So The Fitness Instructor offers theoretical perspectives (my blog, my book, resources) on feminist fitness as well as opportunities to practice feminist mind/body fitness! Move and Be Moved.
My academic and fitness life have become completely intertwined. I regularly teach AME/WGS 306: American Fitness: Culture, Community, and Transformation, face-to-face and online and students read my book, Women and Fitness in American Culture. My fitness life keeps me happy and productive and reminds me of the importance of self-care.
So The Fitness Instructor offers theoretical perspectives (my blog, my book, resources) on feminist fitness as well as opportunities to practice feminist mind/body fitness! Move and Be Moved.
Yoga for Every Mind/Body
In all of my yoga classes I offer a flow that uses the breath to create space and movement in each pose. I encourage all participants to find their own flow and pace, to take the options best for them that day, to listen to their bodies and to do what feels best. I offer a variety of options as we flow from one pose to the next building strength, extending flexibility, exploring balance, challenging ourselves and finding ease and relaxation. Each class is different as I connect the pieces and build the class in/for the moment.
Every class also includes "football" (a myofascial release technique I learned from Bo Forbes) as well as an eclectic mix of music from Janelle Monae and the Gorillaz to Ani diFranco, Stic.Man, and MC Yogi to more traditional instrumentals. Every class also aims for a full-body workout that is relaxing and rejuvenating.
I also offer a mix of safe fitness practices and non-threatening yoga wisdom.
Slow Flow Yoga is an hour and 15 minutes and we take longer to warm and up and cool down. Offered regularly at the Bangor YMCA. On hiatus until August.
Rest and Relaxation (R&R) is a class that includes stretching and myofascial (self-massage) using foam rollers, yoga blocks, and tennis balls.
Gentle Yoga is a version I offer regularly on the UMA-Bangor campus. These classes are free and open to the public. No classes Spring and Summer 2018.
Hiking Yoga is a series I have offered for the last two summers on the Bangor waterfront. A mixture of yoga and gentle hiking as we make use of the natural features around us and enjoy the weather and community.
Join my Yoga for Every Mind/Body Facebook group
In all of my yoga classes I offer a flow that uses the breath to create space and movement in each pose. I encourage all participants to find their own flow and pace, to take the options best for them that day, to listen to their bodies and to do what feels best. I offer a variety of options as we flow from one pose to the next building strength, extending flexibility, exploring balance, challenging ourselves and finding ease and relaxation. Each class is different as I connect the pieces and build the class in/for the moment.
Every class also includes "football" (a myofascial release technique I learned from Bo Forbes) as well as an eclectic mix of music from Janelle Monae and the Gorillaz to Ani diFranco, Stic.Man, and MC Yogi to more traditional instrumentals. Every class also aims for a full-body workout that is relaxing and rejuvenating.
I also offer a mix of safe fitness practices and non-threatening yoga wisdom.
Slow Flow Yoga is an hour and 15 minutes and we take longer to warm and up and cool down. Offered regularly at the Bangor YMCA. On hiatus until August.
Rest and Relaxation (R&R) is a class that includes stretching and myofascial (self-massage) using foam rollers, yoga blocks, and tennis balls.
Gentle Yoga is a version I offer regularly on the UMA-Bangor campus. These classes are free and open to the public. No classes Spring and Summer 2018.
Hiking Yoga is a series I have offered for the last two summers on the Bangor waterfront. A mixture of yoga and gentle hiking as we make use of the natural features around us and enjoy the weather and community.
Join my Yoga for Every Mind/Body Facebook group
After 13 years of teaching yoga and taking YogaFit trainings, I finally completed my 200 hours and am now RYT 200! Click the icon for my Yoga Alliance Directory page
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When I have to be away from my classes, participants ask me to record classes ...
In this blog I offer an introduction to yoga as well as a few videos: Yoga Is for Every Mind and Body: An Introduction In these blogs I further reflect upon my teaching: Discovering Authenticity at Yoga Journal Live!? YogaFit Full Circle: An Evolving Teacher Training (part one) YogaFit Full Circle: Developing Teaching and Personal Practice (part two) Yoga for a Cause: Self-care and Community |
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Dance Fitness
In addition to my own Mind/Body Fitness Dance or Organic Dance "brand" of fitness I teach a variety of other fitness classes including yoga, cardio/strength mixes including step and kickboxing as well as belly dance, and the MOSSA program, Group Groove.
Bangor YMCA Class Schedule Group Groove/MOSSA Group Groove Local News 
Organic Dance or Mind/Body Fitness Dance has far fewer rules than ordinary fitness classes, offering structure and freedom.
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National Dance Day, 2011. Photo by Kathy Rice. The Bangor YMCA crew team-taught an extra-long fitness dance class, combining a variety of styles. We even dressed the parts!
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