Free Classes & Website Update

Keeping fit should be fun!

Hi All!

Just a quick entry to say that I'm still putting energy into new routines etc. even while on holiday.  Today was spent working on the website.  There are still a few bugs to iron out but at least I did manage to upload information about the new routines and, even better, news about free classes that will be on offer 18 - 21 September. 

The free classes are my way of encouraging people to come and find out more about the new exercise classes on offer.  I would be happy with a good turn out for this first week of the new term and I believe that people will really like what I have put together.  There is absolutely no obligation to join up or pay for extra sessions.  This really is a rare opportunity to get something for nothing.  I'm not asking people to register for these sessions but I wouldn't mind a text, call or email to let me know what class you are interested in trying out.  This is only because of room size.  If I get a real interest in a particular session I can always arrange for a larger room in the sport hall.  Of course, because I like to keep classes small, the final sign-up for the full term will be limited to 12 people per session but for this first week I'm willing to let more people come just so everyone gets a chance to sample the new classes.  

What if the class you want is fully booked and you don't get a spot?  Well...I'm not going to make any commitments until I see how things go but I do have space in my rather busy schedule to squeeze in one more class during the week so I do hope that I can accommodate as many people as possible.  

If you are interested in the sessions but have questions or concerns please do contact me.  All of the information about the new routines, free classes and how to contact me can be found at www.bydelana.com.

Enjoy the rest of the summer break!

Delana  

EXERCISE...the real stress buster!!!

Many people exercise to control weight and get in better physical condition to become more healthy or physically attractive, but exercise and stress management are also closely linked. Exercise can be an extremely effective stress reliever for several reasons:

Exercise for less stress:

Exercise can decrease ‘stress hormones' like cortisol, and increase endorphins.  This has the effect of giving your mood a natural boost. (This is the chemistry behind a ‘runner's high’.)

Give your mind a mini-holiday:

Physical activity can take your mind off of your problems and either redirect it on the activity at hand or get you into a state very much like meditation.  Exercise usually involves a change of scenery.  Just getting out of your home or office will help you to forget all of the little distractions that, over the course of the day, tend to increase your stress levels.

Exercise is good for what's bugging you:

When life’s annoyances or frustrating situations build up, you can feel stressed or experience low-grade anger.  High-energy forms of exercise like kick-boxing,  can provide an effective release of negative emotions.  In another light, Pilates, Yoga and other mind-body forms of exercise can calm the mind, helping you to relax both mentally and physically.  The little 'tricks' learned with mind-body exercise methods can be used in the office or home during times that normally trigger stress.

Lookin’ Good:

Of course you already know this!  That's probably the main reason you're interested in exercise in the first place.  I don't need to tell you that it helps you lose weight, tone your body, and maintain a healthy glow.  When your clothes fit better, you see results in the mirror and you have more energy you will have more confidence. This of course has a positive impact on your mood and can help relieve stress for those who are concerned with their appearance and worry that they don’t look as healthy as they could.

Social Support:

Exercise and physical activity can often involve others.  WOW!!  So you can enjoy a double dose of stress-relief with the combined benefits of exercise and fun with friends?  What more could you want to up your mood and get your day off to a great start?! Whether you’re in a class with others, working out in the gym with a friend, playing your favorite team sport or taking a walk or hike with a friend, having others work out with you can make you feel good as well as help motivate you to push harder to get a better workout without it feeling so much like ‘work’.

Increased Health:

Improving your overall health and longevity with exercise can also save you a great deal of stress in the short run.  The 'now' benefits of exercise are: strengthening your immunity to colds, the flu and other minor illnesses, just to name a few.  In the 'long-term' exercise helps you stay healthier longer, and enjoy life more.  I've always said that Pilates is an investment in your future that you get to enjoy now...That really goes for all forms of healthy exercise methods.

Resilience To Stress:

Simply put, those who get more exercise are less likely to be affected by the stress they face. So, in addition to all the other benefits, exercise may supply some immunity toward future stress as well as a way to cope with current stress. If that's not a great reason to get more active, I don't know what is!

Cleaning up my act!

Hi All!

The last class of the 2011-2012 season was held this morning.  So...now I am officially on holiday....or not!  Actually this period marks the start of more focus on and a real push to putting together the September term.

So what will I be so busy with over the next several weeks?

This blog....I've not used it much in the past but am willing to give it another go.  Of course my main priority is to work on class structure but I thought folks may like an update or two now and then.

Facebook.....pretty much the same story as the blog but I welcome you to sign in to the page...this way you can catch up with each other as well.


All classes will be located in the Diependal sports hall.  This has many advantages.  First of all it will be less confusing for people doing make-up sessions.  Trust me!  You have no idea how many times I've had someone turn up at the wrong venue for a make-up session!

One location makes it possible for me to have a locker filled with our usual 'toys' and (OH JOY) I'm busy now looking at new equipment and music to use in class!  (I just love shopping, don't you?) ;-)


The website is in serious need of an over haul so this is another item on my rather long 'to-do' list.  Keep checking back to my class information page regularly for updates.  If you aren't on my email list yet you can subscribe for the latest news as it unfolds.


As far as the classes themselves go...well...I'm still working on them and I won't give too much away at the moment but trust me I am keeping with the 'mind/body' approach that I believe in so strongly.  


If you are new to the classes:

Those people who attend my classes will tell you not to read 'mind/body' and translate it to 'not challenging'. ;-) 


If you have questions, concerns or suggestions about what you're looking for in a fitness session don't hesitate to contact me.  I welcome your input and I am happy to answer your queries and address your concerns.   My aim is to provide classes suitable to a wide range of fitness levels.  I promote a healthy, balanced and positive approach to fitness.