A Loving Tribute to My Mother-In-Law……Peg

21 Sep

Put on your boxing gloves and get ready to meet a powerhouse of a woman, my mother-in-law, Peg. Don’t let her petite physical size fool you.  She packs a heck of a powerful punch, strong, capable, tough and a fighter who always made remarkable sometimes even unbelievable comebacks!

My mother-in-law Peg, treasured her family, which meant the world to her. She never had to worry about juggling priorities as she knew her priorities, plain and simple, her family.  Never materialistic Peg didn’t care about things; her family is what she cherished most in life.

Peg’s life was full of challenges; she overcame those challenging times because
of her strength and endurance, characteristics of a fighter.  She attacked her opponent, (her illness) with the same one, two, three forceful punches.
Her humor was incredible, her memory, nothing short of amazing.  She enjoyed her occasional “Old Fashion Drink”, especially during the holidays.  We didn’t
always see eye-to-eye concerning food, as she would rather enjoy the delicacy of
meat and sweets.  Always turning down the offer of vegetables, she would respond, “I am certainly not going to start now eating my vegetables, pass the bread and butter”.  Many times checking to see if the butter was real.  Peg could not be fooled; she was way too smart for that.

A mother, the center hub, the glue that keeps a family together.  While living in
Chicago, every morning I would receive an e-mail from Peg, Subject:  Just Me.
We would chat daily, even if it were just a few sentences.  I initially found this absolutely astonishing that a woman in her mid-seventies then had efficient computer skills.  Peg was smart, she wasn’t even afraid of technology!

Peg endured so much in life, but always emerged a winner.  Her greatest accomplishment, her four wonderful, caring and compassionate children that carry her exceptional work ethic, her humor and her love for family.
Peg was fortunate to be able to enjoy (with great pleasure) her ten grandchildren
and thirteen great-grandchildren, a gift, maybe even a reward for how she lived
her life.

The fight is over now, you are in a better more tranquil and peaceful place. Rest in peace Ma, Nana, Peg, we will miss you more than you will know.    Our broken hearts overflow with loving memories as your spirit will always be alive in us.

Until we meet again, your favorite (and only) daughter-in-law,
Lynn

Core Power’s September Newsletter

6 Sep

Hi Everyone!

Hope you enjoyed the summer! Welcome to all of you who have been away, I hope to see you soon as you find your way back to your yoga practice and other fitness classes.

A special THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of you who stayed for the photo shoot a few Saturdays ago!

Please take a few minutes to check out this months newsletter.

Core Power Chick’s Book Club – Starting Oct 6th 6:30pm (my house)
Looking for a fun evening out with great wine, healthy food, friends and of course a good book discussion!  If you enjoy one or all of the above and you would like to be part of this book club, let me know as soon as possible.  Please forward to me a book you would like to recommend for the club, we will draw on Sat., 9/10 at the 8:15am class.

September Class Schedule

Monday, 5:30pm Gentle Yoga

Wednesdy, Noon Yoga ($30.00 for 5-weeks, starts 9/14), must pre-register, no drop-in, held at Wicked Z Dance/Fitness, 412  Crowmell Ave, RH.  Have received only two response thus far, so if you have an interest, please let me know immediatly.

Saturday, 8:15am Yoga Sampler (i.e., yin, core, hot/body cool mind, etc.).

**Starts 9/17** Saturday, 9:30-10:30am Barefoot Training (includes 20 minutes of:  cardio, core, strength(w/sneakers) all in one workout!  Please register for class by Sat., 9/10.  I have received a lot of positive response on this class.  This class will run for 6-weeks with a maxium of 12 per session.  Please bring a set or two of free-weights, we will use bands and balls as well.  Cost:  $48.00

Upcoming Trainings
The continue to promote wellness, the following opportunities are available, please feel free to pass along to others as they may have a desire to attend.  Pre-registration is required for all the classes!

Resotrative Yoga -Coming in October!
Feeling stress, tired, going through major life changes, need to revitalize your body, mind, spirit, this is for you!  Spoil yourself as you sink into blankets and bolsters to support your bodyweight as you relax, release and let go.  Just do nothing, the magic of this practice will take over.  Max. no. of 10.  Book your spot now!
Cost:  $15.00(tax included)
Strength Training 101– Sun., 10/16   1:00-2:00pm
New to fitness or want to start adding the strength component into your workout routine?  Look no further, learn the basics of strength training each major muscle group including the core!  Learn how to totally resculpt and reshape your body!
Cost:  $12.00  Location:  Wicked Z Dance/Fitness, 412 Cromwell Ave.
Yoga 101  –Sun., 10/23  1:00-2:00pm   
Have you thought about trying yoga, but felt intimidated?  Get a flavor for yoga and feel at ease in this basic yoga session that outlines the benefits of yoga, breathwork, standing and seated poses that will allow your body to stretch, open, release tension/stress and feel the magic of yoga!
Cost:  $12.00 Location:  Wicked Z Dance/Fitness, 412 Cromwell Ave.

As always, Core Power is open and welcomes any feedback you may have!

Looking forward to see you!

Lynn

August Newsletter

1 Aug

Greetings!

I hope this newsletter finds you well and you are enjoying the nice warm weather! A warm welcome to all of you who are new to yoga!  A regular consistent yoga practice is essential in leading a healthy lifestyle!

Please take a moment to check out the August Newsletter.  If you have been away from yoga for a while, find you way back, your body, mind and spirit will thank you!

Fall Book Club:  Core Power Chicks:  Sept. 29th
Great response/feedback on starting the fall book club.  If you love to read, enjoy wine and great healthy food (ok, not necessarily in that order), you are a candidate for the club!  A few non-complicated details are unveiled as follows:

-Club will meet monthly at someone’s house, restaurant, etc.  If the club is held at someone’s house, everyone brings a healthy dish and/or a bottle of wine.

-Book club pick will be based upon a drawing, enter in your book that you would like to share with the club, we will draw and see who the book winner is!

There, that is about it, simple, not many rules (you know I am not a big rule person).  Also, Michelle, from Rooted Wellness has offered to share her healthy food dishes.  Details will follow when we are ready.  I will offer my house as we roll out the first book club meeting on Thursday, Sept. 29th 6:30pm.
In the meantime, please forward me your book club suggestions, by Friday, Sept. 2nd we will draw at yoga class on Sat., Sept. 3rd! 

Yoga Class Offerings:  August
Classes for the month of August continue to be limited to the following:

Mondays at 5:30pm –Gentle Yoga
Saturdays at 8:30am –A variety of yoga, check flavor weekly on www.getcorepower.com.
Note:  Sat., August 13th there will be no class, as I will be in Boston all weekend for a Psoas Workshop.  Looking forward to sharing this fabulous info in upcoming yoga classes.

Note: RH Parks&Rec Strength TrainingNEW session has just started!  There are still a few openings at  noon (11:00am is sold out) classes on Tues/Thurs!  If you are available at the timeslot, check out this total body sculpting class, give yourself 45-minutes and you will love the results!

Friend to Friend Promotion
Bring a friend to yoga this month and receive your class free!  Offer runs until August 27th!

www.RockyHillPatch.com
Check out the Patch, Rocky Hill’s new online newsletter!  Check out Core Power’s Blogs and upcoming info on the benefits of strength training as several participant’s have shared their feedback on the powerful benefits of this training!

Fall:  Looking Ahead
Looking at planning the fall schedule.  The second yoga class will be back in the fall in the 9:30am time slot.  The class will be Hot Body/Cool Mind.  Class has been redesigned to offer full strength training with weights/bands/bodyweight and incorporates yoga/pilates moves for core!  This will be a great addition to your current workout routine, but make no mistake, nothing will be routine here, you’ll see, come and check it out!

willPowerandGrace http://www.willpowermethod.com/
As always, Core Power tries to keep classes, fresh, new, fun, creative and non-routine!  Attending a certification workout on Sunday, August 21st, check out the willPowerandGrace website.  This is barefoot training with core, cardio, balance and so much more!  Look for upcoming classes!

Please share with me any thoughts/suggestions for upcoming classes as your feedback is essential in continuing to provide quality classes!  Once the fall schedule  is completed, I will share that with you!

Just wanted to let you know, I love this “job”,  I am so inspired by each and everyone of you!  It is extremely rewarding and humbling to witness all the emotional and physical transformations!  There is one particular transformation that I hope to share with you shortly from my strength class!

Enjoy the rest of your summer, be safe, have fun and remember to breathe!

Stay Well,

Lynn

Take 10!

25 Jul

Become healthier by sitting quietly and doing nothing!    Join Core Power and Take 10, (10 minutes of meditation daily for 10 consecutive days) find 10 quite minutes, turn off the TV, phone, computer or any other electronic device. Escape into your internal world, leave behind the external world and enter into a place of peace and tranquility!

Find a comfortable seated position, spine long, shoulders rooted down away from the ears, arms/hands on your lap, palms up or down, then lightly close your eyes.
Notice your heart beating, could be fast or slow, usually correlates to your state of mind, notice the sounds around you, feel the temperature of the air on your skin.  Begin to bring awareness to your breath, just observing the inhales and exhales, watching as each one comes and goes.  The mind will continue to have thoughts, just notice the thought, let it go without being attached to it.  Continue to focus on your breath.  After 10 minutes, gently soften your gaze, begin to notice your state of mind and notice if something has positively shifted for you.

The following is a list of benefits resulting from meditation (many of these benefits have been researched and verified):

  • Reduce heart hate
  • Lowered blood pressured
  • Helps with weight loss
  • Reduce breathing rate
  • Drop in cholesterol levels, lowers risk
    of cardiovascular disease
  • Leads to a deeper level of relaxation
  • Reduced oxygen intake
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Improved relationships
  • Improved digestion
  • Reduces activity of viruses and
    emotional distress
  • Enhances immune response

Oh, one more detail, most people who meditate are happier, healthier, more mindful and less stressed!

If you are so inclined to Take 10, please share with us your results!

Lynn/Core Power
www.getcorepower.com

Pretzel Bodies: Not Required

19 Jul

When was the last time you stretched your muscles?   As you know, flexibility is an important piece to the workout component puzzle.   Your workouts should consist of cardio, different types of cardio to continue to challenge your muscles, strength training, that too, should offer a variety of moves including core (crunchless only) and flexibility.   Better yet, try yoga, yes, yoga.  Regardless of what you are thinking, you do not need to have the flexibility of a pretzel to practice yoga.  A regular yoga practice will help to increase your flexibility and so much more.  Check out what you have been missing if you lack a regular yoga practice (see previous blog 40 Ways Yoga Heals) http://getcorepower.blogspot.com/, you’ll be surprised on what yoga can truly do to increase your quality of life!

Treat yourself to the gift yoga, you deserve it!  Your first class with Core Power is complimentary.

Lynn MacDonald
Core Power, LLC
www.getcorepower.com
Become a fan: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Core-Power-LLC/109781075766705

Read Any Good Books Lately?

2 Jul

Balancing nutrition, exercise and mindfulness……….these words are music to my ears. Recently, during an in-home personal training session, a client of mine mentioned a book about combining nutrition, exercise and mindfulness.  My ears perked up!  Three key components to living a healthy lifestyle.  I could not wait to get my hands on this book.    Interestingly enough, this book is titled TriEnergetics, authored by Sanford Severin, MD and Todd Severin, MD.

For those of you who know me, I am a health nut and a nerd when it comes to both fitness and nutrition.  Being in the fitness business, I constantly meet wonderful people who are seeking weight loss, muscle tone and 6-pack abs. The most popular question I am asked (actually almost daily) “how do I get rid of this” as they point to abdominal fat. I always respond the same, healthy nutrition, not technically a diet, exercise and mindfulness (meditation). Over the years, I’ve heard all sorts of stories (sometimes horror stories) on countless “diet” attempts for weight loss.  I’ve heard promises “with this specific weight loss program, you will be in a size 6 by December”.  What????  I try not to show my emotions, but can’t help but think, what kind of program or person makes those promises.

Anyway, back to the book!  TriEnergetics is everything I personally believe in and is how I live my life.  This book is easy to understand with testimonials on how people have transformed their lives with this program.  By the way, this is a 6-week program to yes, change your life.  This is not a loose promise, the only promise is to yourself, because you deserve to live a healthy life!   This book is about creating specific changes that lead to a healthier lifestyle, by blending high quality ingredients of healthy nutrition, exercise and mindfulness.

How do you become mindful your thinking? Incorporate a few  minutes daily of mediation (not easy, but if you do daily, it becomes a habit).  Have you experienced your body in stillness?  We go all day long 90-miles an hour.  Sit, chill for a second, close your eyes, just  be with yourself.   Relax your face, jaw, shoulders, feel your heart beating, feel the air on your skin, notice the sounds around you.  Just sit, do nothing and watch your breath.  Your thoughts will come and go, replaying a conversation from the other day or reviewing your grocery list.  All normal, I do it too.  But now, connect back into your breath, notice moments of no thoughts, thoughts, then no thoughts.  Open your eyes after a few moments, experience the difference.

Another way of becoming mindful is through the magic of a regular and daily yoga practice!  Ok, I am partial here, but it works! I’ll come clean, I have a small yoga/fitness  business( www.getcorepower.com).  I am the best example, as I never was mindful in my life, until I incorporated yoga into my lifestyle.  The biggest advantage about mindfulness,  you become aware of how you are feeling, your thoughts, emotions and how you feel after you eat certain foods.

It’s the 4th of July weekend, experience mindfulness as it relates to food.  Notice your body over the next few days after eating. Experience your body on how it feels when eating good healthy foods.  Notice if you have more organic energy (no caffeine needed), you may feel lighter, more energetic and your clothes may fit a bit looser!  Check out how your body feels after eating heavy fattening foods, ice cream, cookies or just an absolutely delicious fattening meal you love to eat!   Wait a bit, notice how you feel; maybe more tired, less energy, craving for sugar, maybe your meal is not complete until you eat something sweet.  I used to be that way, always craved the sweetest dessert I could sink my teeth in.  When you dramatically decrease sugar in your life, cravings magically disappear!

TriEnergetics will explain the physiology of stress, how your body uses food, understanding what foods are healthy, good carbs vs. bad carbs, diet myths, how your body digests foods, specific exercises(no gym required!), deep breathing for health/vitality and so much more.  This book is absolutely the real deal, nothing fake, just down-to-earth plain vanilla facts and no gimmicks. The best part of this book, advocates a healthy “diet” with exercise.  This is a marriage that can not be separated, you need one with the other, otherwise maintaining your weight is nearly impossible, especially as you age.

If you are looking to trade up to a healthier lifestyle, I would highly recommend this book filled with a wealth of health knowledge!

By the way, if you are so inclined to try this program, please share your transformation!

Lynn
Core Power, LLC

Tax News, New News and Yoga in the Park!

29 Jun

 

Happy Summer!  A warm welcome to those of you who are new to our yoga practice!    I hope this newsletter finds you well and hope you are enjoying the summer as well as some type of physical activity.  Speaking of physical activity, there are two opportunities that I wanted to share with you.  On Sat., July 9th, there is a 5K Red Dress Run/Walk sponsored by The Hartford Marathon (ladies only). There is a group of ladies doing this if you would like to join.  Join under the Glastonbury Chamber Chicks, walk/run for a great cause, have fun and be active!  Below is the link to the website.(http://www.hartfordmarathon.com/Events/Red_Dress_Run_for_Women_Presented_By_United_Healthcare.htm).  The other opportunity, Dragon Boat Racing, I was set to do this and have paid my $100.00, but that is the day my son goes back to college.  If someone would like my spot, the $100.00 is paid, contact me for details!

Thanks to all those brave ladies who came out for the 6-week session to Take Back Your Body!  You are amazing at 6:00am! Lots of great energy, fun and encouragement!  Classes are so much more motivating when you are working out with a group!

If you have been away from yoga, find your way back, your mind, body and spirit will thank you!

Please take a few moments to check out the newsletter!

Taxes 7/1
As of 7/1, the Governor has decided to tax yoga and pilates.  The cost of the 10-class card is now $65.00  (equates to $.50 increase per class).  The rates are updated on my website (http://www.getcorepower.com/).

Looking Forward……Recharging Batteries
You’ll notice that there are less class offerings, I personally use this time to recharge my batteries and give my body a rest.   Though the mind is still going, I use this time for opportunities to learn new modalities of training, workshops, etc.   In August I will attend a two-day Psoas Workshop in Boston, can’t wait to share all that great info with you!  Be on the lookout for a class just for the psoas!  Another exciting opportunity, in August, is WillPower and Grace!  A company that trains instructors on barefoot training using a sticky mat.  The class format mixes cardio, strength, core and flexibility all barefoot!   A special offering will be available at the end of August or first week in September as we kick off the fall back to fitness season!

Yoga in the Park:  Sat., 7/2 8:30am(sharp)—Yogalates
Saturday in Park…..yes, weather permitting (if rain, class held at the church).  This class will be offered free of charge to jumpstart your holiday weekend!  Please feel free to bring a friend, yoga is way to good not to share!!  Be ready to move, sweat, strengthen your muscles, core and as always soooo much more!    P.S.  You may want to bring a towel to place under your mat as the grass is wet.  This will help to keep your mat dry.

Vacation—–Ahhhhhh!

I will be away Sat., July 9th thru July 16th, there will be no classes that week.  Classes will resume on Mon., July18th. 

Summer Classes—Yoga Body!
Mon. Gentle Yoga  5:30pm
Thurs. Hot Body/Cool Mind  9:00am
Sat. Mixed Yoga  8:30am

No class Monday July 4th!

No Admittance—Late Entrance
I can truly appreciate how busy we all are, but please try your best to arrive at least 5 minutes prior to class.  Late attendance is distracting, we want everyone who is in class to have a peaceful, wonderful and fulfilling yoga practice!  Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Meditation–Peace and Tranquility
My two favorite words peace/tranquility, impossible to find in today’s world.  Find 5 to 10 minutes of quietness daily, close your eyes and just bring your attention to your breath.  Meditation promotes mindfulness, which most people in the world do not practice.  Mindfulness leads to being in the present moment, aware of your thoughts, actions, how you are feeling, reduces stress, anxiety and leads to weight loss.  Give yourself 5 to 10 minutes daily, change your life, change your mind, YOUR worth it!

Please continue to LIKE Core Power on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Core-Power-LLC/109781075766705.

Looking at finally adding a few video’s on specific workout segments, that will be available on Facebook soon!  Please continue to check the website for updates!

As always, I appreciate any feedback and suggestions you have to offer, as the success of these classes depends upon you!

Enjoy the 4th!!  Hope to see you soon!

Lynn

Confessions

12 Jun

 

Confession…..life seems to have gotten in the way lately, my home yoga practice over the last two weeks has been minimal.  Boy, do I feel it!  My Type A  personality seems to at times, be creeping back up, my focus on certain things is not where it should be and my ability to be in the present moment (which is where my life runs much more smoothly) is lacking.    The powerful benefits of a regular yoga practice linger, you know how euphoric your mind/body feels on yoga!   This magical practice (and tool) will help you find your way back to becoming more present and more mindful.  Two key ingredients to living a fulfilling life as well as helping to deal with stress, anxiety, addictions, promoting mindful eating habits, being more patient, kinder, gentler and so much more! 

If you have lost your way in life, consider a regular yoga practice, so fulfilling, so humbling, your life will depend upon it! 

Check out Core Power’s Summer Yoga Schedule at www.getcorepower.com, yoga is for everyBODY regardless of your shape, size, ability and experience!  Experience your mind on yoga, it’s addicting!

Exciting June News!

2 Jun

Hope you are doing well. Thanks to all of you who came out last Saturday for Yoga in the Park to help support my bike ride for the Jim Calhoun Cancer Ride! 

Welcome to June, summer is almost here!  Use the summer months to reconnect back to your yoga practice; you know how great your body/mind feels on yoga!  As always, feel free to introduce a friend to yoga!

Hot off the Press!  Join me on Thursday, 6/9 at 7:15pm at Wicked Z Dance & Fitness for a very special mix of yoga, pilates, strength and sooooo much more!  Get your mind and body ready for summer, short sleeves, shorts and swimsuits!  Please contact me at corepower@yahoo.com to register, cost is $5.00.  Spots filling quickly!

Please note Noon Yoga on Wednesdays will resume in the fall as well as the Saturday 9:30am Yoga with Weights

Take some time for YOU this month, never a luxury, but a necessity, check out happenings at Core Power:

Mondays 5:30pm Gentle Yoga

Thursdays 9:00am Hot Body/Cool Mind – NEW! 
Class combines blends of yoga, pilates and strength for a tight, toned and shapely body!

Saturdays 8:30am Yoga Melody

6/4:   Yin Yoga and Flows
6/11:  NO Class – Bike Ride Event
6/18:  Yoga Core
6/25:   Yogalates

Please note, when appropriate, Saturday yoga classes will be held at Sunnycrest Park in RH, in the event of rain, class will be held at the church (RH Congregational Church).  Please continue to check the website (www.getcorepower.com) for up-to-date information.

Let’s be friends, stay connected to Core Power on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Core-Power-LLC/109781075766705

 Stay well!

Lynn

Yoga Meets Pilates

15 May

Can’t decide which you prefer, Yoga or Pilates?  You don’t have to take sides, the wait is over.  Hot Body/Cool Mind marries the best of both Yoga and Pilates into one powerhouse of a workout!  There is so much synergy between the two that the combination is lethal!

 If you are a walker, runner, yogi, fitness or non-fitness buff, golfer or tennis player, you too can benefit from Pilates.    Pilates focus is on core exercises which are executed rhythmically.  The repetitions are low, but the intensity is high.   A regular Pilates practice strengthens the abdominal and back muscles, glutes (hips),  quads/hamstrings and improves posture immensely, essential for a healthy spine.  Back pain decreases because your abdominals and other core muscles are strengthened, improves flexibility and range of motion.  Pilates promotes symmetry between both sides of the body.  Symmetry decreases injury as your body will “work” more efficiently.  You will gain more confidence and ease at doing regular daily activities. 

There are so many healthy benefits to a regular Yoga practice as well.  Yoga promotes body awareness, weight loss, mindfulness, calmness as the parasympathetic system is activated, increases lung capacity, increases lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons, massages internal organs and detoxifies the body.

Personally, over the last several months, I have added Pilates (mat) into my workout regime.  If you are an avid “exerciser”, it is imperative to be open to new modalities, which helps your body become stronger, less prone to injury as different muscles groups fire up!  My Pilates practice also includes a weekly intense reformer session which I love! 

I’ve noticed an increase in my core strength; the biggest improvements have been a reduction in low-back pain and chronic knee pain.  The most unexpected surprise, aesthetically my abdominals appear to have more definition, though I will still pass on the bikini!

The list of benefits for both Yoga and Pilates are endless.  Combine these two powerhouses and experience the benefits for yourself!  Check out Hot Body/Cool Mind, Core Power’s hottest summer class!  For more information, check out http://www.getcorepower.com/.