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Yoga & YOGA Activity Classes - michelle star & Joy Smith

Yoga is an ancient system of physical, mental/emotional and spiritual alignment of the individual with higher principles, discipline and integrity. These principles are attained through the practice of scientifically designed physical postures (Asanas), increased mental concentration and focus, release of blocked energy and emotions, and the recognition of and connection with all levels of the self, extending into awareness of spirituality and connection with the Divine. It distinctly promotes introspection and a compassionate, balanced approach to life.

Yoga Classes: Mid-day Momentum, Straight A's Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yoga Power, Rise & Shine Yoga, Cardio Power, Candlelight Yoga, Seniorsize Actif, Yoga Magic for Teens, End-of-the-Week Ease, Yoga Moves for Children, Yoga Dancer.

What to wear or bring:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows movement in all directions. Bring a mat and water bottle (We do have some mats to loan out.) Bring your Yoga blocks if you have them, we will use them from time to time, and do have some on hand to loan. For the restorative Yoga classes, you will need to bring a couple of blankets, we have some available, but for larger classes will need you to bring your own. For those new to Yoga, a small pillow to be placed under your head may be helpful during the relaxation (Savasana) at the end of each class until your body acclimates. See how comfortable you are without it

View pricing for the Yoga and Yoga Activity Classes

See the online schedule for class dates and times.

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T'ai Chi Chih - roseann heinrich

T’ai Chi Chih is another discipline whereby the student executes elegant moves and postures that have been known to promote and enhance the flow of vital life force energy or “Chi” within the body. It also is a moving meditation that induces a state of centered relaxation and concentration, and can help effect positive change in blood pressure and weight control. The program was created by a T’ai Chi master and is a new form of the Chi Kung discipline. (Note: It is not the commonly known martial art form called T’ai Chi.)

T'ai Chi Chih Classes: Beginner, Advanced and Practice sessions

View pricing for the T'ai Chi Chih Classes

See the online schedule for class dates and times.

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Meditation - various

Meditation is an ancient and powerful tool that helps bring a sense of calm, balance, peace and joy to life. Meditation consists of sitting in stillness and, among other things, quieting the mind or focusing on a visualization to bring positive results. One may also stand or walk in meditation, depending upon what one wants to accomplish.

The benefits of Meditation have been extensively researched. It is the most direct of all stress management training exercises, since stress begins in the mind. Some of the benefits derived from its practice, especially a consistent practice, include a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate as the heart works more efficiently. The respiratory rate decreases and lactic acid, a waste product of muscle contraction is decreased as well as the accumulation of carbon dioxide. Cholesterol levels fall and biochemical production changes as natural pain-killers, endorphins and enkephalins, increase along with the neurotransmitter serotonin. Psychological testing shows improved performance with decreased anxiety, depression and hostility, along with an increased sense of wellbeing. Meditation brings an increase in mental and emotional health and an improvement in concentration and focus. Communication improves between the right and left hemispheres of the brain and this integrated thinking enhances creativity. Additionally, there are other health benefits from meditation such as improved immune system function, a more relaxed approach to life situations and improved relationships. It is practiced by CEOs of companies, professional sports players, Olympic competitors, retreat facilitators, many celebrities including actors and actresses and is used by those recovering from addiction and quitting smoking, migraine sufferers, cancer patients, women with menopausal symptoms and those wanting balance in their lives.

Meditation creates a “hypo metabolic state” where the body slows its metabolic rate to such an extent that the cells actually need less oxygen because they are not working as hard. Meditation is necessary beyond the need for sleep since the body/mind reaches a deeper state of rest than in sleep (and during which we continue to tense muscles). The benefits and influence on the stream of thoughts become apparent in as little as five minutes of commencing meditation and a consistent program often consists of 20 minutes or more daily bringing even more benefits. In actuality, the purpose of practicing physical (Hatha) Yoga (asanas or postures) is to prepare the physical body to maintain stillness and to handle the energy that comes in and through the body during meditation. Meditation is a part of Yoga and is included during some of the Yoga classes at our Center.

Current Meditation Classes:

   Meditation with Mark: Our current Meditation program classes are intuitively inspired and guided by Mark Kaplafka. These classes are designed for individuals at any level of experience with meditation. Mark guides participants through experiences designed to help inspire healing, balance and individual as well as global transformation. He does this through channeling the wisdom of Angels, Ascended Masters and other beings of light. Come and enjoy the peaceful energy that is created in these classes and leave feeling refreshed.

View pricing for the Meditation Classes

See the online schedule for class dates and times.

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wellness Extraordinaire corporate wellness - michelle star, Angela Minelli, Dr. Bonnie Weston & Roseann Heinrich, Christina Poling

The mission of Wellness Extraordinaire Corporate Wellness is to provide education, motivation and hands-on application of a healthy lifestyle and approach to the work situation to offset the current epidemic proportions of obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stress related health conditions (i.e., cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders and psychological illness), all of which decrease morale, attendance and productivity, creativity, and profits of the company. The program will improve employee health, wellbeing and morale which will ultimately bring positive impact to the effectiveness of the company in its own mission.

What can Wellness Extraordinaire Corporate Wellness do for YOUR company?
Wellness Extraordinaire is a corporate wellness organization made up of experienced, educated and gifted practitioners. The team is made up of a Naturopathic Doctor, a Holistic Health Counselor, a Licensed Massage Therapist, an Integrative Yoga Therapist and a Certified T’ai Chi Chih Instructor and Energy Coach. Two are also Reiki Master Teachers. Wellness Extraordinaire offers a four-month program on and off-site (Yoga and T’ai Chi Chih instruction will be held at Michelle Star Yoga and Healing Arts LLC studio) that addresses the issues of nutrition and lifestyle, centering and meditation, stress management, energy and healing touch, environmental concerns, exercise (mind/body/spirit connection), and appropriate rest (sleep). An intake questionnaire will be completed as a baseline for the level of pain, stress, joy, exercise, etc. the employee is experiencing at the outset of the program. Representatives from Wellness Extraordinaire will provide a weekly thirty-minute lecture. Employees that choose to participate will be required to attend the lectures as well as either a Yoga class or a T’ai Chi Chih class once a week (at the participant’s convenience according to the studio schedule). Weekly wellness services such as chair massage, Reiki treatments or BioCranial Therapy will be provided for participants. At the end of the 16 weeks, employees will complete a second questionnaire for comparison. A report will be generated giving management the results of the comparison (respecting the privacy of the employees, so without names). After the completion of the initial four-month program, Wellness Extraordinaire offers a subsequent four-month follow-up program and then a monthly reinforcement program to help keep employees on track.

For more information on the Wellness Extraordinaire Corporate Wellness program, please contact Michelle Star at Michelle@MichelleStarYoga.com or call 1-216.789.3765.

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