Four Fabulous Fitness Functions by Fierce Females

Hello blogosphere!

Let me introduce myself: My name is Em and I am the Community and Cultural Programs Coordinator here at Center on Halsted. I’m excited to introduce some of the rad happenings going on each week.

We have a great set of women-led recreational offerings. Want to learn the sultry steps of tango? How about stretch it out with yoga? Need some motivation to get fit? Do you want to try Feldenkrais (or learn how to pronounce it)?

All four of these fabulous fitness functions are led by fierce females. Alliteration aside, these offerings provide a great opportunity to get moving, stay healthy and socialize. The classes offer unique opportunities for fun, fitness and recreation. But don’t just take my word for it! Hear a bit from the instructors below.

Queer Yoga will be offered every Tuesday from 6:30 – 7:50pm. The six week series is great for both beginners and those who have done some yoga before.

Instructor Susan Virginia says, “When I first started talking about “queer yoga” a number of people asked if that was a particular style of yoga. Like – if there were different poses. There are no specific “queer” yoga poses, although I’m open to the idea. Queer yoga is a yoga class with a particular focus on self-care, but it’s not the poses that make it queer, it’s the community and the intention. As a queer person, yoga has been an important self-care tool for me. I have experienced yoga to be a transformational practice and yoga can be its most transformational when you’re able to bring your full self to the mat and to your practice.”

  

Here is her website, with some more info: susanvirginiayoga.com/queer-yoga/

Work It Out is offered every Wednesday from 7:00 – 8:00pm.  Instructor Chrissy says, “The format for Bootcamp is designed so that everyone can go at their own pace, based on their own personal fitness level. The class lasts for 45 minutes and we do a warm up, body weight exercise drills and stretching at the end.” The Bootcamp is certainly a fun way to get moving!

 “I'm really excited to be working with Center on Halsted because it's so connected to the community and helping people,” says Chrissy. “So far they have been very supportive and helpful in working with me to get Bootcamp off the ground. I'm really looking forward to continue building this program at the Center and make it a long running program where people can come and have a good time exercising.”

And, if that doesn’t excite you, there’s food involved! “I'm also excited that we are partnering with My Fit Foods, across the street, and they are coming each month to bring food for after the class.”

Queer Tango is offered every Thursday. There are two classes offered: the beginners class is from 6:30 – 7:30pm and the intermediate class is from 7:30 – 8:30pm. Instructor Paola Bordon says, “Queer Tango allows individuals and couples to explore the different roles of "leading" and "following" within Tango. This gives the dancer the power to choose any role that they prefer and the teacher the opportunity to demonstrate both the leading and following positions. The classes are a fun and casual way to learn a new dance and meet new people!” Check out her awesome interview with Groupon! groupon.com/articles/queer-tango-twirls-dips-and-tangoing-tips

Want greater comfort? Ease of Movement? Pain Free Living? Feldenkrais will be offered starting in September.  Awareness Through Movement® with Sarah helps make this possible. Instructor Sarah Welborn says, “I believe everyone is entitled to affordable, sustainable and beneficial self care and that everyone deserves: “Living Life with Greater Comfort and Ease.” Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® is for anyone looking for new ways of dealing with the familiar, unlocking further growth potential or wanting to bring greater ability to their life in movement, thought, feeling and sensation. It is a powerful tool for healing, recovering and growth.”

Awareness Through Movement® lessons are verbal instructed series of movements designed to enhance sensation and create a greater awareness of behavior and movement. By introducing new movements and behaviors, limiting patterns begin to fall away.

Sarah describes the possible results of Feldenkrais shared in the community: “To share a space of quality self care with fellow members of our LGBTQ community in feeling and living better improves our community as a whole. I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting experience at Center on Halsted.” The class will be offered every Thursday at 6.00.

We also have a new Ballroom Dance Series beginning at Center on Halsted! This series will begin on Oct. 6th and then continue on Oct. 13th, 20th, 27th and Nov. 3rd. The class will be from 7:00 – 8:00pm. This is an introductory five week series. Dust off those dancing shoes and learn in a fun, affirming environment!

As always, you can join us for Co-ed Volleyball offered on Monday and Thursday from 6:00 - 9:00pm.

I’m feeling more fit by just thinking about all that’s offered at Center on Halsted! There are so many ways to get involved in fitness and recreation here. Also, many of these classes have sliding scale fees. If you have financial concerns, or any other questions, send me a note at evanderlinden@centeronhalsted.org.

See you soon,

Em