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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

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

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

Life Interrupted

24 Apr

Our happy life is suddenly interrupted this weekend, as my family receives some unexpected heartbreaking news that will forever change the landscape of our hearts now broken.

Allow me to reminisce for a moment.  Several years back my family was transferred to Naperville, IL, a large suburb of Chicago. This transfer gave my husband the opportunity to “climb the corporate ladder”.    I personally was not too excited, being from Connecticut, I did not want to leave my family and friends.  On the positive side, this move enabled me to become a full-time mother, which I always wanted and leave my corporate job I didn’t love, but did help to pay the bills.

 We settled in a lovely neighborhood, the neighbors warmly welcomed my family into their compassionate and caring suburb.  This large suburb with a small town feel became home to my family for about 4 ½ years (a part of our hearts still belongs there).  We soon called our neighbors friends and our home Naperville.   I affectionately referred to this big suburb with a big heart as somewhat of a feel from Leave It to Beaver or The Andy Griffith Show.  My family soon blended into the community.  I was included in tennis matches (even though I am a lousy tennis player), my sons where younger back then, they soon too were included in playing with the neighborhood children, playing in the park and swimming in the clubhouse pool, going to sporting events (Cubs/Bears), etc..  We seem to fit right in.  I was sipping wine Friday evenings with the other moms whom I still refer to as friends.  They are always in my heart, though I don’t physically see them daily.

My son, Bryan quickly connected to his best friend Will, he was two years older and they would depart the bus together at the end of a school day.  Will and Bryan would come in the house, have a snack, then Will would go home (a few doors down) to do homework, then sometimes come back or meet all the neighborhood children outside.   Will had a huge colorful personality and was quite the comic!  He was always cracking jokes, his quick wit was amazing and we were always laughing!  

About 4 ½ years later, an unexpected job offer would send us back to Connecticut.  This was bittersweet, as we became to love our life in Naperville.  My family spent the last night of our life in Naperville on the floor of our family room.  The furniture was gone, the house was empty, but we wanted one more night there, before our early flight back to Connecticut.  At 4:00am, our friends/our neighbors brought fresh coffee, juices and goodies.  They came to say good-bye with their hearts, though we did have a big send off days before.  These special people let us into their lives as they allowed us into their lives.  Our lives have been positively changed by the generosity of our experience in Naperville. 

Back to my point earlier, we received unexpected heart breaking news that Will passed away very tragically.  My family is devastated; truly not able to comprehend this senseless tragedy.  My son, Bryan, just spoke with Will last month. Bryan is just overwhelmed by the news, shows his soft, caring and compassionate side at almost nineteen years of age.  It is actually heartbreaking to watch, at the same time, amazed at his level of sympathy. 

 Life sometimes takes unpredictable turns.  I know this tragic event will lead us back to Naperville to help us find comfort and soothe and console our friends.

 Many times in life, we get caught up in trivial meaningless things.   Cherish your family, cherish your friendships, as that what truly matters most in life.  Re-connect with a loved one; don’t wait, as time does not wait for any of us.   I am reminded of that now as I remember Will and how this world will miss such a funny, wonderful and caring person. 

 There are no more words, just tears and fond memories.

Recipe for Success

15 Apr

Food for thought…..What motivates you to exercise?  Do you think you can maintain your current weight and muscles mass without exercise?   Have you lost weight, but just look like a smaller version of yourself?  Do you want to take back your body?

 Join me in this life changing Take Back Your Body interval-based training program that will get your heart rate up, burn fat, sculpt, tone your muscles, strengthen and chisel your core!  This program uses alternating intervals of cardio, core (pilates and yoga) and functional strength moves (balance included).  By all means, push up’s, planks, downward dog’s and forearm planks are the ingredients that are blended into crunchless ab challenges. 

Make no mistake; if you are looking to make a lifestyle change and transform the shape of your body, this program is for you!  I do not say that lightly, I’ve put this program to the test.  My core specifically, has dramatically improved, my upper body strength, shape and tone has increased.  I was stopped last week when someone (ok, he was a guy, kind of handsome not to mention), witnessed me in my Take Back Your Body Workout.  I was doing several rounds (80 to be exact) of decline push up’s after alternating sets of shoulder presses, he could not believe the number of repetitions I completed. 

 If you are looking for variety, fun, non-muscle bulking, group support and creativity in keeping your workouts fresh, consider Take Back Your Body, you will be ecstatic at the results.  Please note, no athleticism required, choreograph excluded, just a can do attitude that will keep your body and mind fit, healthy and strong!

 Program meets Mon/Wed 6:00-6:45am for 45 minutes, includes online discussion/support with a personal trainer (me) on tips for other workout routines, healthy recipes, etc.

To register, please contact me at www.getcorepower.com.

Blog by:  Lynn MacDonald, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, since 2002, Registered Yoga Teacher/Yoga Alliance

Take Back Your Body!

13 Mar

Take back your body…..got your attention, right?  This innovate new creative program inspired by my own workouts to do just that, take back your body!  As a yoga/fitness instructor, I meet many people who are quick to say “I am too busy to workout”.  Making the time for health/fitness is vital; consider it an insurance policy on your health.  Just like many other annual tests we endure, dental visits, yearly check up’s, etc.  Fitness should fall under the “preventive maintenance” category to help reduce the chances for diseases or unexpected illnesses.  Being healthy puts you in the driver’s seat; you take control and responsibility for what you can change along with the exception of things you can not change.

 As an avid exercise person and health nut, I personally crave variety.  This workout program consists of many of my favorite “things”……Yoga, Pilates, functional moves, swiss balls, cardio, bands, body weight exercises, free-weights, etc.  Speaking of yoga, creativity flows like a river with yoga breath work (alternate nostril breathing is responsible for this program) it really does work!   This workout is based upon interval training, yes; I am an interval training junkie!  In my opinion, interval training is the best way to train for efficiency, effectiveness, burns fat, gets the heart in shape, etc. 

 If you think you don’t have the time to exercise, think again, you do!  This is a 45-minute, NO GYM REQUIRED interval workout that can be done at home or anywhere!  Keeping workouts fresh and new will prevent boredom and your muscles will get stronger and learner!  Only constant variety of exercise will make this happen!  This workout is about a lifestyle, a way of life.   This workout is not about “I need to lose weight for my daughter’s wedding” (I always ask what happens after your daughter gets married?) or “I want to where size 2 skinny jeans” type of talk.  This workout will give you the skills necessary to incorporate fitness into your life, get healthy and keep you focused so you can enjoy life to the fullest.  

 Details….Details
This creative, dynamic, fast-paced interval class (non-choreographed) incorporates alternating energizing short bursts of cardio with functional strength, balance and core moves.  Class will begin with a mini meditation to promote focus and mind preparation.  Blended into these intervals are yoga flows and pilates core exercises to build heat, strength, endurance and flexibility!  One workout, so many flavors in a short time!  Each class is different, nothing is “pre-canned”.  Options offered for everyBODY.  The results, nothing but amazing!

 Coaching/Support
In addition to the class, participants will receive motivational tips, thoughts, exercise suggestions for the off days from class, healthy recipes and chat with the trainer for ongoing questions and support.  This information will be private and only available to class participants.

 Participant Commitment Level
Class meets two times per week for 45-minutes for 6 weeks.  Show up on time; work hard, have fun and be mentally prepared for an awesome workout that will energize your for the day! The best part, working out with a group is motivating, promotes encouragement, friendship and support!  

For more information, on dates, times, location and cost, please contact me directly via www.getcorepower.com

 How valuable is your health to you and what do you do to stay healthy and fit?

Join us on Facebook!

11 Feb

 I’ve created a new Facebook page for Core Power, and I hope you’ll join the discussion! I post recipes, class information, fitness tips, quotes, and answer any questions you have about yoga! So join the Core Power Facebook page today!