Do you ever wonder about how the fitness industry works?
Have you ever thought about gyms, health clubs, and gyms as an industry?
I love movement. I love that it's always been part of me. Over my life, I’ve been a dancer, cheerleader, fitness class teacher, personal trainer, kickboxer, runner, yogi, yoga instructor, and collegiate rower.
I believe that movement is sacred. I know it in my bones.
In my last blog (SoullessCycle: The Pack and The Pact), I wrote about my mixed experiences at a SoulCycle fitness studio. Over the last two years, I’ve done lots of embodied/somatic research for the book I’m writing about exercise addiction and the fitness industry.
Today’s blog describes my latest SoulCycle visit.
Ten years ago, I tried SoulCycle in New York City. In a dark studio with loud music, I got lost in the crowd for a rhythmic, freeing, and sweaty workout.
I liked the no metrics/no screens method and choreographed workouts, but was less fond of the cliques. I didn't like how SoulCycle promoted their instructors like products–or used celebrities to manufacture a reputation as the newest and coolest place to “trendercise.” Turned off after a few classes, I didn’t go back.
In our past blogs we have voiced our clinical opinions regarding the need for increased screening for disordered eating. Who should be screening? Primary providers such as pediatricians, therapists and dietitians come to mind. In the news this past week it was reported that there is no clear evidence at this time to recommend specific guidelines for or against screening for eating disorders (HealthDay, 2022).
Translation:a Sanskrit term and compound composed of two words: Isvara (or Ishvara) (ईवर) and pranidhana (णधान). Ishvara translates to “owner of best, beautiful”, ruler of choices and blessings and “chief of suitor”. Pranidhana is used in sanskrit to mean applying or giving attention to by way of meditation, prayer or desire. Together they encompass the last niyama which embodies the theme of surrender to the divine. Another term used to describe Ishvara Pranidhana is “the special self”.
Translation: Tapas is based on the root Tap (तप्) meaning "to heat, to give out warmth, to shine, to burn. Tapas, the third Niyama widely translates into the concept of self-discipline, inner energy or austerity. Tapas reminds us that to stay on a path towards wholeness we need self-discipline, self-accountability and the desire to keep going.
For 2020 we are changing it up! We are going to take our Mindful Movement with Maria blog/vlog and explore the yamas and niyamas through mindful movement, breath and meditation. Each month, get to know one of these ethical yogic guidelines or moral codes. This month we start with the first yama-nonviolence.
Today we thread the theme of gratitude into our yoga practice. When we are present to our breath, body, thoughts and emotions we paved the way for connection to these parts. When we can address their needs (ie we honor our edge a pose, move our body authentically they way it enjoys, or acknoweldge a challenging emotion) they thank us!
Today we introduce twists. These are grounded and fluid postures that are included in some yoga flow. The magic ingredient is awareness. What would it be like to bring your awareness to the mat? This fourth installment guides you to move your body with while noticing what’s happening in the present moment. What is it like to twist your body? What do you notice about your breath, physical body and emotions as you bring these poses into your body with awareness.
Today we introduce the Crescent Lunge Series. These are structured, grounded and strong postures that are included in some yoga flows. This pose allows exploration of opening and receiving. The magic ingredient is awareness. What would it be like to bring your awareness to the mat? To what extent are you opened to receive? This third installment guides you to move your body with while noticing what’s happening in the present moment.
