Weekly Schedule 9/19/2022 — Exercise for Brain Strength
Please be prepared to provide updated proof of vaccination when visiting the studio. Here's a useful link to have on hand when you've forgotten your paper vaccination card, or don't have an updated copy with you:
https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/
Although the CDC has downgraded their recommended COVID-19 protocols, we require a negative COVID-19 test after traveling or being exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 before returning to in-person appointments and classes. We are also continuing to wear masks indoors. Online appointments are an option if you cannot provide a negative test and/or cannot wear a mask indoors. Thank you for considering our community as a whole and respecting these health and safety protocols.
LAST WEEK WAS DONATION WEEK!
We raised $369 for this local San Francisco organization helping SF youth ages 12-24 years old. Thank you for signing up to have your class fee counted toward our donation to 3rd Street Youth!
If you missed signing up for class to have your class fee donated, head directly to the 3rd Street Youth donation url to make your own contribution:
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E352969&id=1
With the intention of gathering strength for the new generation of the Black community, our donation class recipient organization for 2022 is Third Street Youth Center and Clinic. Please read more about this clinic and the variety of programs they offer San Francisco youth between 12-24 years old: https://3rdstyouth.org
We donate 100% of class fees from classes attended the second full week of every month to the annual organization. We also encourage you to make your own donation directly if you are able.
Week 132 - Did you think I was going to give you specific exercises to strengthen your brain that you can do without moving your body? Not my specialty.
What I WILL share with you is that by learning to follow verbal and visual instruction during our workouts you're already doing neuromotor exercises. There is preliminary research that suggests that "[h]unting animals and foraging for plant foods required a combination of spatial navigation, memory, motor control, and executive function. ... As a result, our bodies and brains might have evolved to require exercise." (Exercise Smarter (Literally), Lora Shinn, Prevention - link via Apple News+ or subscription).
Both Pilates and Gyrotonic exercise utilize these multiple mental skill-sets within the workout. I often joke that I can't count beyond two repetitions of an exercise because I'm watching your form and alignment. But what if you counting your own reps is helping improve your memory? I'm hopeful that what I perceive to be my trainer weakness might turn out to be by super power.
Shinn continues, "[s]o the key may be to sync up activities and mental stimulation, much as our ancestors did. You could add spatial navigation by altering your routes, or try activities that incorporate multitasking (following along in aerobics class), focus (playing tennis), decision-making or strategy (soccer), or navigating terrain (following a map)."
Gyrotonic exercise's similarities to Tai Chi, Yoga, and dance highlight the skills of proprioception (an awareness of the body in space), choreography (recognizing patterns), movement quality (muscular control), and imagery, which provokes the mind to connect the image provided with the movement being executed.
Yes, weight training, and moderate and more intense aerobic exercise are still an important part of overall fitness (in addition to sleep and food), but a human cannot survive on beautiful biceps curls alone. Interested in learning more? Here's a deeper look at the cognitive benefits of exercise via a study entitled "Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Functioning and Wellbeing: Biological and Psychological Benefits" (Frontiers of Psychology):
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00509/full
Here’s what’s on the schedule this week:
Tuesday, 9/20/2022
9:30am PST - ONLINE Mixed Level Pilates Mat (Harriet)
We are using the fitness ball (55-75cm) and long resistance band (6-ft plus) this month, working cardio intervals weather-permitting, and functional core connections. Video available if you can't attend live.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=13574506
1:00pm PST - IN-PERSON Posture Focused GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Sophia)
A 50-minute group equipment class exploring Gyrotonic exercise on the Pulley Tower. No previous experience required. The class is ideal for those who are working on improving posture with the goal of maintaining a healthy and active life. Space for four (4) individuals.
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® is a form of deep abdominal strengthening, focusing on the body’s natural movement in three dimensions, breathing, as well as continuous motion that is smooth and uninterrupted.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=11540424
Wednesday, 9/21/2022
10:30am PST - IN-PERSON Prenatal and Postnatal GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Harriet)
A 50-minute group equipment class open to new parents and birthing people using Gyrotonic exercise on the Pulley Tower as well as additional props to help support the body. Pre-crawling infants welcome. Space for four (4) individuals.
Focusing on the ability of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® to increase circulation, mobilize and strengthen joints, and increase proprioceptive awareness, this in-person class focuses on connecting participants to their bodies as the demands upon it evolve and change.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=34790781
Thursday, 9/22/2022
9:30am PST - ONLINE Balance and Flow GYROKINESIS® (Harriet)
We are focusing on breathing to support our necks and shoulders, and continuing our hip mobility work to support moving to the floor. Please have a long foam roller (36-inch), and bath towel ready for class. Video available if you can't attend live.
Focusing on the ability of the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® to increase circulation, mobilize and strengthen joints, and increase proprioceptive awareness, this Zoom class prepares the body for more confidence in standing balance work.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=13778332
6:00pm PST - IN-PERSON GYROTONIC® Pulley Tower Class (Sophia)
A 50-minute group equipment class exploring Gyrotonic exercise on the Pulley Tower. Space for four (4) individuals.
The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM® is a form of deep abdominal strengthening, focusing on the body’s natural movement in three dimensions, breathing, as well as continuous motion that is smooth and uninterrupted.
Sign-up: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=16934439&appointmentType=11540424
Looking forward to seeing you online and in-person in September! Until then, breathe deeply, get your booster, stay socially distant, healthy and sane.
Warmly,
Harriet
2022 FOCUS: Firmly deciding, after reducing an abstract problem into its components, to proceed on a journey toward harmony.
Read the first email of 2022 here to understand how this became our resolution for 2022.
