Peace, Love, and Mandalas

When is a circle more than just a circle? Well, the short answer is, a circle is never just a circle. Did you know that according to the ancient science of Sacred Geometry, the configurations created by interlocking spheres – circles – form the matrix of all universal matter? Think about the circles in our environment like the sun, the moon, and the earth, and the circles of our bodies like our pupils and irises, and even our circle of friends. All are spheres of energy and power that can help us heal and create.    

Perhaps there is no better representation of wholeness, balance, and healing than that of the scared mandala. The term Mandala comes from the ancient Sanskrit language and means circle or center. Mandalas are often used as an art therapy tool to promote healing and positivity. And what better time for a little positivity and healing than Christmas.

circle of the

Come fall, we hit the ground running preparing for the upcoming holidays with family and friends and don’t stop until the New Year. And though the holiday seasons are a celebration of birth, life, love, peace, and togetherness, they can also produce stress and anxiety. By the time the season is over we’ve exhausted ourselves physically and emotionally. Creating a mandala can help you and your children wind down and mediate during the holidays and give a chance to connect with one another through the power of art.

One way to harness the power of a sacred mandala circle is through a mandala coloring book. You can find several options online or most likely at your local craft stores where the coloring books are found. Feeling creative? Sketch your own mandala pages to color. Through the power of mandalas you can:

• Be aware
• Be balanced
• Be creative
• Be mindful
• Be relaxed
• Be together

Mandala coloring books give you and your children a time out from the pressures of life to connect thru mindfulness at Christmas time and beyond. Make it your family’s new healthy and mindful Christmas tradition. 

From all of us at Movement Works, we wish you a safe, calm, peaceful, and joyful Christmas.  

Movement Works Presents Second Annual Holiday Variety Show in South Brunswick County

"A Dancing Christmas" showcases two of the best gifts on earth - music and movement.

Although only in its second year, "A Dancing Christmas" promises to be a Brunswick County holiday tradition.

It's a true holiday variety show featuring nearly 20 vignettes inspired by the passion for dance and music in the name of the season, and showcases tap dance ensembles, hip hop, jazz, and modern dance assortments, yoga sequences, samurai sword performances, Christmas Waltz and Tango pieces, juggling, and singing. And no southern variety show would be complete without a visit from its own spin on the traditional Santa...some crooning from an Elvis look-alike dressed in holiday finery.

The audience can expect to see programs set to classic holiday songs like "Sugar Plum Fairy", "March of the Toys", and the timeless piece from The Peanuts Gang, "Linus and Lucy" by world-famous composer, Vince Guaraldi. In addition, fun and contemporary pieces like James Brown's "Go Power" from his one and only Christmas album, "Funky Christmas", a hip hop remix of "Jingle Bells", and North Carolina's own Squirrel Nut Zippers "Carolina Christmas" round out the evening.

A production of this size, over 50 cast members, is something you might expect to see in a well-seasoned professional show, but Nancy Smith, artistic director and lead choreographer isn't intimidated.  "It's our plan to hold at least two performances each year, one for our winter and spring seasons," she explains.  "Eventually, as we grow, we'd like to offer even more performance opportunities. It's my job as an artist to not only share my craft, but to produce work, and this is how you promote the arts. By making art."  Nancy, a Brunswick County native, is no stranger to considerable dance productions. Her work has been seen at venues in New York City like Fredreck Lowe Theater, Skirball Center for Performing Arts, Aaron Davis Hall, the Tank, and Peridance Capezio Center, to name a few.

"A Dancing Christmas" offers something for every audience member - families, children, and seniors. Performers range in age from 3 to 75, which means everyone will be inspired to keep moving. The ballroom dancers range from 50 to 70. "They move across the stage with such agility and grace," says Nancy. The ladies tap ensemble is composed of dancers ages 25 to 75. Talk about tapping across the generations! For the tweens, teens, and in-betweens, Modern dance performers improvise, bringing their own unique flair to the art.

In harmony with the show's title, "A Dancing Christmas", Nancy hopes to give the gift of music and movement to everyone who attends, and hopes residents of Brunswick County and beyond make the holiday show an annual family tradition.

"Numerous venues roll out their holiday performances from Myrtle Beach to Wilmington. Somehow, Brunswick County, lying in between, is easily overlooked," Nancy says. "We are simply starved for the arts and culture. Beginning here, at this time of the season, we have an opportunity to support and promote an understanding in the arts."

"A Dancing Christmas" will be held at South Brunswick Islands Center, 9400 Ocean Hwy. 17 W. Carolina Shores, on Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and are available at the Movement Works studio or at the door on the day of the show. A portion of the proceeds will support Hope Harbor Home, a domestic violence center that provides around-the-clock comprehensive care to women and children in need.  For more information contact Movement Works at 910-579-4845.
 

How Gratitude and Willie Nelson Can Change Your Life

When it comes to words of wisdom and advice for living a grateful life, we typically find resolution from the likes of Buddha, Mother Teresa, Deepak Chopra, and Willie Nelson.  Wait, who?  Yep, here’s a brief but profound quote from the outlaw of country music himself:

“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around”  -- Willie Nelson

Short, sweet, and to the point.  But it’s also easier said than done; to be grateful that is. Most of us

generally think that gratitude is something you say out loud, like “thank you”, but gratitude is deeper than that.  It’s something you feel, but it must be practiced, recognized, and shared.  And the more you practice gratitude, the less effort it becomes.  Here are ten examples of gratitude:

·         Gratitude is a conscious effort to appreciate what you already have, not what you don’t have, and certainly not worrying about what others have.  

·         Gratitude is also about valuing what’s good in your life and not dwelling on the bad stuff. Most of us have had, or will have had misfortunes at some point in our life. 

·         Gratitude is about giving credit to others, but not discounting your own achievements. You can find gratitude in winning or succeeding without the burden of humility.

·         Gratitude drives your desire to do more – for yourself and for others – not to be complacent.  

·         Gratitude is listening to a story that’s been told and retold by a family member or friend, but listening just as intently this time as you did the first time.  

·         Gratitude is sieving sand through your fingers on the beach, appreciating each grain.

·         Gratitude is the quiet time you have to sit and appreciate something – a good book, a warm drink, a letter from a friend.

·         Gratitude is acknowledging a smile from a stranger you pass on the street.

·         Gratitude is an open mind and the ability to learn and grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally.

·         Gratitude is being alive, healthy, able bodied and able minded, and being thankful for whatever degree each is in, because it can always be worse.   

What’s your definition of gratitude?  How do you practice it?  How do you share it?   The fact is we have so much to be grateful for.  For example, this beautiful, mild climate we’ve been experiencing throughout the month of November.  It’s hard to believe we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving this week! 

So as you prepare to gather with friends and family on Thursday, take a long quiet moment this week to think about what it means to be grateful. And think about those pioneers of gratitude (Willie Nelson included) and the conscious decisions they made to care more about what they have than what they don’t. 

From all of us here at Movement Works, we wish you and your family peace, love, spirit, and mindfulness this Thanksgiving holiday.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Time for Change

Last weekend we set our clocks back an hour to accommodate for Daylight Saving Time.  Every year we change our clocks back one hour in the fall to, well, make good use of daylight.  There are many explanations out there for why we switch our clocks back, including accommodating farm work, conserving energy, or helping early morning commuters.  No matter the reason, think of the changing time as a time to introduce change in your life.

Don’t get stuck in the unstuckable. Everything is changeable. Transition is inevitable, and it’s necessary to keep life fresh. This is a great time of the year to take inventory of your life, your dreams, your hopes, and your fears.  To make changes in your life, you first have to be aware of what your goal is. According to Deepak Chopra, “Consciousness is the moving force behind all life changes, but it can’t help you until you offer a direction.”  Here, he offers 10 steps to get you

started: 

1.  Have a clear and focused intention.

2.  Meditate on your intention, and visualize what you want to achieve.

3.  Feel the resistance inside yourself in order to get a realistic, successful outcome.

4.  Let go of your intention and don’t try to predict the future.

5.  Don’t let insecurity, past failure, inertia, doubt, or anxiety hold you back.

6.  Plan what you need to do and what you actually can do, and share it with someone you trust.

7.  Act on what is truly feasible.

8.  Fix the small things first so you’ll quickly see the positive.

9.  Monitor what’s happening inside and don’t be too hard on yourself if you take a step backward.

10.  Connect with whatever makes you feel trusting and safe.

Whether it’s a change in careers, a change in lifestyle, a change in health and exercise, change is good and we should welcome it…even if it comes an hour earlier in the morning!

Did you know…that if you want to make changes in your life, the best place to start is with your body?  Dance, movement, and yoga can help you navigate emotional situations through moving,

stretching, strengthening, holding poses, and breathing, helping you create a more focused and disciplined pathway to change.  Movement Works offers many levels of yoga, dance, and martial arts for all age and skill levels.

Visit our website at www.mvmtworks.com for an up-to-date schedule with class descriptions, faculty information, and class times.

Why Not Yoga as an Extracurricular Activity for Your Kids?

Football, soccer, dance, music lessons.  These are all extracurricular activities most parents are familiar with to keep their kids active and healthy – physically, mentally, and socially.  But have you ever thought about yoga for their overall health and wellness?   

Yoga isn’t just for moms or dancers, or big sisters.  Anyone can participate in the practice of yoga, and that goes especially for kids.  Kids deal with stress and distractions in life just as adults do.  Those stresses can come in the form of peer pressure, school work, bullying, and over-stimulation in this extremely technology-driven world.  Yoga offers children both physical and mental benefits that:

·         Encourage positive thinking

·         Helps promote a healthy body image

·         Increases strength and flexibility

·         Improves balance and coordination

·         Develops concentration

·         Boosts self-esteem

·         Fosters social interaction 

Your kids don’t have to be athletic or already in shape. Yoga is a very inclusive, supportive, non-competitive exercise program that has immeasurable benefits.

Looking for the right time to introduce your kids to yoga?  Well, we've got the perfect opportunity coming up!  On Friday, October 30th, 2015, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Movement Works Yoglow Halloween Extravaganza.  There will be yoga, dance, arts and crafts, and of course, a costume contest.  Space is limited for ages 6 to 14 years of age, so please email or call us soon to sign up your little goblins!  The cost is $20 per child or $30 per family.  Drop your kids off for a safe, fun, and healthy pre-Halloween experience and take a date night for yourselves! 

Prevention is Key to Building Healthier Communities

Did you know that heart disease kills one in three women? In fact, it kills more women than all types of cancer combined. That's why prevention and education are key to treating heart disease. Staying active is such an important part in styling heart healthy. Physical activity can improve not only your heart health, but it can reduce the risk of developing several diseases like diabetes and cancer. In an effort to educate and build awareness of fitness and heart risks for the people of our community, Movement Works is hosting its second annual Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, October 10th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. On hand will be local holistic and health practitioners who will provide free screenings and offer lifestyle information and self-care education. Also, we'll be offering free fitness classes, giveaways, and vendors with magnificent products and services to help you get focused on your mind, body, and spirit.

Prevention is key to building healthier communities, and at Movement Works, community is at the heart of everything we do. By offering our Health & Wellness Expo, we hope to encourage the sharing of information in an informal, supportive setting where you can gather and interact with peers and health professionals for a fun, educational opportunity. So please join us next Saturday and experience all things health, fun, and fitness.

Have you ever wanted to try Tai Chi or yoga? Been curious about Zumba or Tap dance? During our Health & Wellness Expo you'll have the opportunity to be good to your body and try these classes, and more, absolutely FREE!  We'll have the following class demonstrations and activities to add some interactive fun and interest to your day.

• Barre Blast
• Flow Yoga
• Funk Fit
• Gentle Yoga
• Kids Yoga
• Kids Jazz Dance
• Pilates
• Piloxing
• Pound Fit
• Self-defense
• Tai Chi Qi Gong
• Tap Dance Basics
• Zumba

Reconnect with Yourself at the Fall Health & Wellness Expo

Free fitness classes, health screenings, giveaways, and vendors galore!  It’s time to focus on your mind, body, and spirit at our annual Fall Health & Wellness Expo. On Saturday, October 10th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, visit the Movement Works studio and try out free classes and talk with practitioners  and a variety of holistic marketplace vendors for expert advice and tips to improving your health and inner peace. 

  

Our Annual Fall Health & Wellness Expo will feature local holistic and health practitioners, including Family First Health Center of Shallotte, North Carolina, and True Health Chiropractic in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, offering health screenings and information to promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle.  We’ll also host a variety of vendors like Jeunesse Global and Issential Infusions showcasing a wide array of health, beauty, and lifestyle products.  Throughout the day we’ll also host free demo classes for youth and adults.

This half-day complimentary expo is dedicated to wisdom, fitness, wellness and health for people of all ages.  Come immerse yourself in a collaborative, creative environment! 

Fall 2015 Youth Programs

As the new school year begins, the importance of academic success is on every parent and student’s mind as they play less and study more.  But let’s not forget the significant role that extracurricular activities play in a well-rounded education.    

It’s no secret that children who participate in dance, movement, music, and stillness acquire benefits that enrich every aspect of their lives and improve their personal mind and body growth and development.  According to the National Dance Education Organization, dance helps children mature physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. The physical benefits of dance are widely accepted, but the emotional, social and cognitive attributes have only recently begun to be appreciated.

Movement Works is dedicated to inspiring young students to express themselves authentically through a wide variety of classes in our fall youth program for every age – toddlers to teens and everybody in between.  Our classes cover all the classic disciplines including creative movement, toddler dance, jazz dance, creative yoga and tumble, choreography and improvisation, modern, tap, ballet, hip-hop, yoga, karate, and Musikgarten.

Designed to uplift the spirit while strengthening the body, our Fall Youth Program classes are the perfect creative outlet that not only exercise the body, but stretch the mind beyond belief.  Through our classes we teach: 

• fundamental gross motor skills
• balance, coordination, and posture
• teamwork
• individual expression
• self-awareness
• confidence
• control
• musicality
• syncopation skills
• strength and flexibility
• character development
• self-discipline
• self-empowerment
• positive self-talk 

As if that’s not enough, our classes help kids tune into their inner strengths and discover a sense of calm.

We invite you and your children to share this experience with us and welcome you into our community as we celebrate the youth through movement, music, and stillness.  Check out our Fall Youth Program schedule and see our full course descriptions here. 

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Did you know… that in just one brief daily session of yoga, babies get as much physical activity as if they were handled for a few hours?  The same benefits that adults and children receive from the calming, fluid movements of yoga are the same for babies. Movement Works is adding Yoga Flow and Play on

Mondays this fall for families to enjoy with their children of all ages.  Yoga Flow & Play is a creative adult flow class for all skills levels allowing bonding time with your loves ones.  View our schedule for times and information.  

5 Reasons You Should Try Pilates

So just what is Pilates and why should I being doing it?  We’re glad you asked!  Pilates is similar to yoga, but the movements concentrate on your body’s core – abs, obliques, lower back, inner and outer thighs, and your booty.  The system of exercises was created by Joseph Pilates to improve  

strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, coordination, balance, and posture and can significantly transform the way your body looks and feels. Using your body’s own weight to perform most of the exercise, Pilates builds muscle and definition without the bulk, giving you a long, lean, toned body.  If that’s not enough to try Pilates, check out these other reasons:    

1.  It's kind to your body
Most of the exercises are performed lying down or sitting, and are low impact, making Pilates safe and gentle. 

2.  It gives you variety
Pilates offers so many different exercises and progressions, that just as you think you’ve mastered all of the moves, there’s a harder version to keep you challenged and engaged without getting bored.

3.  It develops a strong core
The “core” describes the center of your body which includes the deep ab muscles and the muscles along the spine.  A strong core enhances balance and stability which can help improve the way your entire body works. Not to mention the added benefits of flat abs!  

4.  It gives you a long, lean look
Unlike the bulky results from traditional weight-bearing exercises, the movements in Pilates improve muscle elasticity, flexibility, joint movement, and posture, which means you’ll stand taller and appear longer and leaner. 

5.  It improves your mind-body connection
Pilates requires you to focus on multiple functions at one time:  your breath, your body, and how they interact together. By concentrating on these things, you’re less likely to think about chores, work, and kids to give your mind a rest and your body a great workout.  

Of course, there are so many more benefits than these five. So come on out and try it!  You’ll be amazed at the transformation in your well-being without taking a toll on your body.  Movement works offers Pilates on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 and Friday mornings at 9:30. 

Barre Blast Instructor Barbie Milliken Kinlaw gets up close and personal with Movement Works about the benefits of Barre class.         

                                                                                        

Barbie has spent years developing her passion for fitness and dance into a lifestyle reality. You may already be familiar with her Zumba classes where she infuses the positive power of dance with a calorie-burning, body reshaping dance fitness party. But did you know that Barbie also teaches Barre Blast, a combination of postures inspired by ballet, yoga, and Pilates. Don’t worry, you need never to

have stepped into a pair of ballet slippers to participate in Barre Blast. Here Barbie walks us through the Barre philosophy and why it’s so beneficial as an exercise routine or any age and athletic-level.

MW:  First things first… Barre Blast is NOT a dance class. Tell us what it is exactly.

Barbie: No, it’s not a dance class. I think people get scared off by the “barre” name and automatically think ballet.  It is a highly effective full body workout that fuses Pilates and ballet postures to strengthen and tone your entire body. Each class consists of a warm up, an upper body work with hand weights, a combination of high intensity sequences of thigh, seat and core exercises at the barre, mat work involving planks, push-ups and abdominal exercises. We finish each combination with a releasing stretch to lengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.

MW: How did you get interested in Barre fitness, and where did Barre Blast come from?

Barbie:  While searching for my next fitness routine, I came across a barre class and was hooked. After completing a training course I teamed up with friend and fellow instructor, Rhyne Page, to create Barre Blast Fitness. We don't follow any particular barre method, but pull from her extensive dance background and my group fitness experience. I am a licensed Zumba and certified Barre instructor. 

MW:  What are the benefits of Barre Blast?

Barbie: Barre blast has many benefits, a stronger core which results in better posture, a lifted and toned backside, more muscle definition in the arms and thighs, and the overall feeling of peace and serenity that the Pilates elements bring to the workout. I have many students tell me they feel tired, but more grounded and relaxed after class, the long stretch at the end is nice way to finish.

MW:  What age groups and skill levels does Barre benefit?

Barbie: Barre Blast is very inclusive. We have all ages and skill levels in our classes, and there is no need to have a dance background as this is a fitness class not a dance class. There is zero impact on the joints and everyone can move at their own pace. We are here to help and love what we do, all questions and concerns before, during, and after class are welcome. Don't be afraid to ask for help! 

MW:  So what can someone expect from the first class?

Barbie: I would suggest arriving about 15 minutes early for the first class so you can speak with me and I can explain how to hold your body and perform the exercises correctly. It is important to have correct form in Barre Blast for the movements to be effective and safe. You will need hand weights and mats, we have these available or you can bring your own, I also suggest grippy socks, but they are not required - barefoot is acceptable.

MW:  Any final words of wisdom you can give us?  

Barbie: I have so many people tell me they are intimated to try this class! Please be assured you will not be walking into a class full of ballerinas doing pirouettes. You will however get a great workout and meet some awesome, supportive people in a judgement-free and caring environment. Come by and see me, I can't wait to help you achieve your fitness goals! 

We hope you’ll come check out Barbie’s Barre Blast fitness classes Movement Works in Calabash on Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Let Barbie help you get over your fear of the barre and have a blast!    

5 Reasons to Practice Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a centuries-old Chinese practice entrenched in Chinese meditation, medicine, and martial arts, designed to exercise the mind and body using gentle, fluid postures that create an orchestrated dance, that benefit both the mind and body. Here are 5 reasons you should practice Tai Chi.

1. Increases strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Research suggests that tai chi participants are twice as likely to have no trouble performing moderate to rigorous activities as nonparticipants.

2. Improves heart function and decrease blood pressure. Researchers at Harvard Medical School and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center revealed in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine that patients with chronic heart failure experienced a better quality of life and mood if they regularly practice Tai Chi.

3. Heightens Sleep.  Researchers have found that tai chi participants had improved sleep quality and duration. The benefits are similar to those gained through medication or cognitive behavioral therapy.

4. Fights stress, anxiety, and depression.  Tai Chi is all about relaxation. The gentle, slow postures

release tension in the body. As you continue your
practice, you’ll instinctively use the practice to release tension.

5.  Gives you enjoyments so you’re more likely to stick with.  One of the best reasons to practice Tai Chi is that it’s enjoyable, which means you are more likely to continue to practice long enough to see results. 

Tai Chi is a low-impact, weight-bearing, aerobic, but relaxing exercise that benefits participants of all ages.  Movement Works offers Tai Chi classes as well as other martial arts related classes. Check out the schedule at Movement Works. 

Did you know… That extreme heat is responsible for an average of 658 deaths in the U.S. ever year – that’s more than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and lightening deaths combined, according to the National Center for Environmental Health.  Little League, beach volley ball, kid’s day camp, runners, joggers, and even dog walkers, no matter the activity, everyone is susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and the most serious, heat stroke, which can lead to organ failure and death if not treated immediately.  Career athletes have the luxury of a personal trainer and medical staff to help them monitor their performance and their health, but anyone, young or old, who plays a sport for school, company function, or just for fun, should know the warning signs of heat-related health illnesses.  Be mindful of these signs and protect yourself while at play or work.

Early Warning Signs of Heat Exposure

•             Headache, dizziness, faintness

•             Irritability, anger, mood change

•             Fatigue

•             Heavy sweating

•             Heat rash, prickly heat

•             Muscle cramps

•             Changing to breathing and pulse rate

•             Dehydration

As Heat Stress Worsens

•             Trouble catching breath

•             Strong rapid pulse changes to weak rapid pulse

•             Severe headache

•             Sever muscle cramps

•             Disorientation

•             Skin feels hot and dry

•             Severe dehydration

•             Cessation of sweating

•             Exhaustion

•             Coma or possible death

Freedom…To Do, To Be, and To Renew

The sights and sounds of fireworks, the dogs and burgers on the grill, the family and friend gatherings, and

those amazing red, white, and blue colors showing up everywhere. You know summer has officially arrived when we kick-off the Fourth of July festivities, thanking those fabulous forefathers of ours for giving British rule the boot, and declaring our independence in 1776!  But July 4^th isn’t just a day to celebrate our freedoms as a country. Think of it also as a national holiday to commemorate YOU. Give yourself a pat on the back for being who you are, and give yourself the freedom to let your own unique light shine through. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in negative chatter – either external or your own berating internal voice – and let the perceptions and opinions of others persuade you to doubt who you are, or hamper who you want to be.  Allow yourself the freedom to just be.

While you’re at it, give yourself permission to do nothing as well. These hot, languid lazy days of summer are so tempting to stay inside and hibernate. That’s not only acceptable, it’s encouraged! Did you know that resetting your brain is just as important as resetting your body. If you’re taking a summer vacation, take it to the fullest and expand and rest your mind. You can:

• Read a book
  
• Write a book
• Write in a journal
• Listen to music
• Put a puzzle together
• Sew a dress
• Paint a picture
• Mediate

No matter what you do, just be. Be with family, be with friends, be with nature, be by yourself, be mindful, and most of all, let yourself be free to enjoy the experience of rest, relaxation, and renewal. Your brain will thank you!

Happy Fourth of July!

Fitness Instructor Denise Galiano shares advice from her personal fit file – just in time for her Women of Power workshop

You’ve probably seen Denise around the Movement Works facility – beautiful, raven hair, fit body of a twentysomething, you can’t miss her.  But I’ll let you in on little secret… Denise is 50 years old. Yep, 50. And not that that’s old by any standards, but you’d never know her age by looking at her…or trying to keep up with her in Piloxing and Funk-Fit classes. On Saturday, June 27^th at 11:00 a.m., Denise is holding a two-hour Women of Power workshop at Movement Works in Calabash, North Carolina to let you in on her secret for staying young and healthy. She'll talk about the benefits of strength training using your own body weight, free weights, barbells, and different techniques.  Here Denise gets up and close and personal with Movement Works about growing older healthier and happier, eating healthy, and teaching others how to strive for fitness for life.  

MW: What’s a typical day like for you?

Denise: I hit the floor running at 5:30 a.m. until 10 at night. I typically work a 50-hour week, and I

teach classes every night Monday through Friday, and some Saturdays.  In between, I find time to choreograph my routines, take classes to learn new training and fitness programs, and research fitness and nutrition. Oh yeah, let’s not forget the family – a home, kids, and a grand baby. 

MW: Whew, that’s a busy schedule! What keeps you motivated to keep it up?

Denise: My students are my passion and my drive. It is because of them that I keep doing it. Don’t get me wrong, I would still do my workouts either way, but to see my students change in attitude, appearance, and just get physically stronger is what drives me every day.

MW: Obviously staying active is a big part of what makes you look so great.  Do you have any advice besides staying physical you can share?

Denise: I eat very healthy… but I do cheat here and there.  I eat 6 to 7 times a day, very small healthy amounts. This keeps my blood sugar and metabolism in gear. I am a vegetable girl. I eat meat maybe 10 times a year, but then I suffer for it the next couple of days. You don’t realize how good you feel until you eat the wrong foods.

Food and fitness go hand-in-hand. You will have great success with this combo. My suggestion is start by replacing one unhealthy snack with one healthy snack a day, once a week. Fit for Life is the goal here.  Not a fix for a month. Please remember, this works for me and I am not a nutritionist. Everyone is different.

MW: So you’re holding a strength-training workshop at Movement Works on June 27^th. Can you tells us how strength training can benefit women in particular?

Denise: First of all, there are so many benefits to strength training. Did you know you start losing bone density at the age of 20? Lifting weights helps keeps your bones strong, along with helping reduce or eliminate knee and back pain. It makes you physically stronger to help with everyday functions like balance, depression, internal health, and of course, weight loss – all of which makes you look and feel stronger. Remember this:  muscle burns fat!!!

Everything you do – from Zumba, which is a great start, to weightlifting, HIIT, interval training, tabata, to Plyometrics – has different benefits for your body. It’s a natural instinct to just stick with cardio, but don’t sell yourself short and settle for just cardio. We as women owe it to ourselves to move forward, try something new.  We’re all worth it!  Remember, get fit for life!

MW: What can participants expect from the Women of Power workshop?

Denise: I’ll teach proper form and different styles of workouts so everybody can see what works for them individually.  You’ll be surprised at what your body can do if you just try.  I’ll also introduce Piloxing Knockout, a whole new way of performing high intensity core strengthening exercises influenced by boxing, functional training, cardo and plyometrics. at the workshop.  You’ll love it, it’s one of the greatest workouts for women.  The best advice and motivation I can give is to remember that anything worth doing takes time and commitment, and it may not always be easy, but it will always be worth it.

We hope you’ll come check out Denise’s Women of Power strength training workshop at Movement Works in Calabash on Saturday, June 27^th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The cost is $15 if you pre-register, and $18 the day of.  Let Denise inspire healthy habits for a lifetime!  

Get Up and Move this Summer to the Beat Ya'll... Hip Hop Anyone?

The temperatures are soaring and so should your motivation! Nothing inspires us to get outdoors more than the warm weather of the early summer. Crisp mornings, birds singing, and of course, the beckoning beach! Take advantage of this beautiful time of the year to free your mind, enjoy this amazing space we call home, and get outside and improve your health and happiness.

Our coastal area offers a ton of options for exercising outdoors, like running, hiking, biking, walking, surfing, paddle boarding, swimming, outdoor yoga, or kayaking. You name it, there’s no end to what you can do in the great outdoors to keep active and healthy. But in addition to the variety, did you know there are specific benefits you get from being in the open air that you don’t get from an indoor workout? 

Exercising outdoors means you exert more energy due to the wind or hilly terrain, particularly if you are a runner or participating in an alfresco boot camp because these situations add more resistance to your workout. Not only do you spend more physical energy, you reap the spiritual and psychological benefits like a natural mood lifter, gratification, enjoyment – all of which can help increase your self-esteem and reduce stress.  And hey, let’s not forget that little thing called Vitamin D!  Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

Of course, there’s never anything wrong with a great indoor workout. As the summer progresses it’s always nice to have a climate-controlled indoor facility to exercise in. But working out indoors can often become predictable, which means you can easily get bored with your same-old-same-old routine. But Movement Works has got a cure for the common indoor workout blues…something that’s a little unpredictable and will get you out of your comfort zone and into something new to keep your summer-time exercise motivation going. Can you say hip hop?

Join our resident Hip Hop Instructor, Ashlea Sovetts for a 4 week introduction to Hip Hop Jazz! ^rd from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and concludes on Wednesday, June 24^th.  Pre-register for $45 at Movement Works.  No experience required, just a willingness to try something new and step out of the box when it comes to your fitness routine!  Adult participants will learn the foundation of traditional hip hop dance progressing to jazz dance techniques and power moves, while exploring and honing their unique individual expression. This class focuses on rhythm, musicality, style, choreography and individual and collective growth. Students gain strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination. This four-week session begins on Wednesday, June 3 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and concludes on Wednesday, June 24^th.  Pre-register for $45 at Movement Works.  No experience required, just a willingness to try something new and step out of the box when it comes to your fitness routine! 

Calling all Shaktis: Let’s Shimmy, Shiver, and Shake

Enticing, fluid movements. Colorful veils lifting and bouncing. Seductive hip drops. Beguiling hand gestures springing from the wrists. No ladies, these moves aren’t meant to titillate men into a sexual frenzy, but rather celebrate the cosmic energy of the divine female through the art of dance – performed for women by women. It’s time to rethink…Belly Dance.

Belly dance is a great way to connect to your inner great Goddess, or Shakti as she’s known to the

Hindus. Shakti is thought to be the innermost animating soul of man or god and is translated as cosmic energy that “implies power, ability, capacity, strength prowess, regal power, power of composition, poetic power of signification of a word or term; the power inherent in cause to produce its necessary effect.”  To sum it up, women rock!

Belly dancing expresses these quintessential feminine qualities through sacred movements like hip drops, vertical hip rocks, outward hip lifts and twists, infinity loops, horizontal or tilting hip circles, undulations of the hips and abdomen. And don’t forget the fluid shimmies, shivers, and vibrations. Belly dance isn’t just for physical fitness or entertainment, but an outlet for women to express and share their feminine power and experiences.   

So whether you’re looking for a way to connect with the other Shaktis in your community, or your

family, come experience the cosmic power of belly dance and worship your divine feminine power at Movement Work’s Belly Dance Soiree on Thursday, May 21st from 7 to 9 pm. Come early and join us for wine and hors d’oeuvres. Pre-register for a discounted rate of $20, or pay $25 at the door on the day of the event. We can’t wait to see you!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy mother's day mommies!!

This time of year is always special as we honor mother's everywhere and all the love and work that they put into caring for their families. Of course being a mother doesn't only mean a woman has birthed a child but that a woman nurtures and cares for another. This can come in the form charity, animals and of course children. It is the natural instinct of a woman to care for another and that is worth celebrating!

Here at Movement Works we understand the bond between a mother and her child and just like a mother we enjoy nurturing that relationship. Ask Nancy (the mother of our wonderful facility) about Mommy and Me classes to bond with your little one through Yoga in a creative and playful way.

 

If your looking for a different way to connect and explore with your mama join us for our Hoop FXP Workshop this Saturday May 16th at 12:00 pm! It's a perfect way to connect with mama with fun and classic play with the HULA HOOP!! We promise it will be a memorable experience and it's one you will cherish forever if you share it with your mama. 

We would love to hear from you! Comment below and tell us what makes your mama special? What women in your life are you honoring today as a mother? Remember mamas come in lots of forms. Share with us about the special women in your life who have made a difference in the world with their motherly instincts!

Arts Showcase, the First of Its Kind in Brunswick County

Contortion, tap dance, hip hop, Flamenco dancing, modern dance, ballroom dancing, and a Piloxing fitness demo. It's a variety show like no other, and it's coming to Brunswick County!  For one night only, Sunday, May 17th, Movement Works presents Once Upon a Story, a variety show featuring a diverse group of performers - ages 4 to 80 - showcasing their talents across all genres of dance and movement. The show will feature ballroom dancing by Brunswick County's three-time Dancing with the Stars winner, Mrs. Dinah Gore, along with her partner Paul McTaggert, as well as student performances showcasing Movement Work's interdisciplinary dance and movement classes. 

This type of show is a first for Brunswick County. It brings together community - audience and performers - through art, which is so important for an up-and-coming county like Brunswick. According to the National Guild for Community Arts Education, community arts education programs build social capital, foster democratic decision making, advance economic growth, and generate a sense of shared culture and community belonging. The role of the arts in our community gives everyone an opportunity to participate - whether an artist or an art-lover. 

A recent article published by John Hopkins School of Education sums up the importance of art succinctly: The arts define and celebrate all aspects of our lives. They are the universal language that communities to all peoples. That is why the arts continue - they are values and beliefs. Values and beliefs are the very essence of who we are and how we behave. The arts capture our essence, our purpose, our world, through multi-medium experiences that communicate and transcend to all cultures in all languages.   

So help us celebrate the importance of art in our community and be part of this groundbreaking experience in an inviting, collaborative, inclusive setting, and experience movement and dance in a variety of disciplines. 

Happy Earth Day to You!!

This past Wednesday we celebrated Earth Day! Of course everyday should be a celebration of our dear planet but it's nice to dedicate a day on the calendar too.



There are many ways we can care for our home planet on a daily basis but here are a few easy ideas to incorporate into your daily life  if you haven't already.

-Recycle
Waste as a negative impact on our environment by releasing toxic chemicals and gasses into the air we breath. By recycling we reduce the amount of pollution as well as re-use materials for brand new products that may other wise take hundreds of years to break down naturally.

-Use natural cleaning products
Not only are chemicals lingering in the air we breath after we clean but the toxic chemicals may also poison the water supply in the water we drink as well as harm wild life and the environment.

-Use re-usable shopping bags
Plastic bags are non-biodegradable and annually the world uses 4-5 trillion plastic bags are used. Each re-usable bag saves 700+ plastics from being used. By using re-usable bags we also help save water, trees, gas, oil, our oceans and sea creatures as well as help reduce air pollution. Not to mention it's also so much easier carrying groceries with re-usable bags.

-Do not litter!
When we litter not only does it dirty up our environment but it also harms a variety of animals that eat it. It only takes a moment to properly dispose of your trash in a recycle bin or garbage can.

-Car pool
Each year it is said each car omits it own weight of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. By car pooling you cut that in half or more. It can also be a fun way to connect to other while reducing your carbon footprint.

Our planet is the only home we truly have. Let's provide the nurturing care for her as she does for us.

We would love to hear from you in the comments below. What are some of the ways you care for our beautiful planet?

Don't forget to check out this week's class of the week!

Celebrate you with Zumba Gold!!

Zumba Gold makes the Zumba workout accessible for seniors, beginners or others needing modifications in their exercise routine. Zumba Gold is a 60 minute dance workout that builds cardiovascular health by challenging the heart and working the muscles of the hips, legs and arms with sassy dance moves!

When: Tues, Thurs & Sat at 9 am

Wed at 10:15 am

The Family that Yogas Together....

In a world gone busy with work schedules, school functions, meetings, homework, soccer practice, doctor appointments, dance recitals, music lessons, and on, and on, and on….maybe it’s time for a family rewind.

When we think of family bonding, we typically think of family dinners, bike excursions, or bedtime stories. But why not think outside of the box and create an active connection that you can all enjoy together – like family yoga?

Yoga isn't just for moms. Anyone can participate in a yoga practice, that means moms, dads, and kids. You don’t have to be athletic or already in shape. Yoga is an accessible exercise program that provides mental and physical benefits including relaxation, increased strength and flexibility, weight loss, and decreased pain. Here are some other benefits of doing yoga together as a family:   

• it encourages dialogue
• it helps promote a healthy body image
• it connects the mind and body
• it increases flexibility
• it improves balance and coordination
• it develops concentration
• it boosts self-esteem and confidence

Yoga practices vary in levels and abilities, so it’s easy to find a class that everyone in your family can enjoy. And there are always modifications for poses so you and your children can challenge yourself as your practice and abilities grow.  

Let Movement Works introduce your family to the practice of yoga. Come try out family yoga on Saturday, April 25 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Movement Works and see how yoga can benefit you and your kids.