Namaste at GiGi’s Get Fit

GiGi’s Get Fit is a fun-filled fitness program for teens and young adults that focuses on promoting strength, coordination and endurance through introduction to yoga, interval training and dance amongst others.

This session we have been learning about yoga and its role in promoting strength, endurance and flexibility. Some of our favorite moves to work on include: downward and upward facing dog, candle stick, pigeon, and warrior poses.

After four weeks of practicing at GiGi’s Playhouse-Chicago, we had a great opportunity to put everything we have learned to use while taking a class at Spring: Yoga and Fitness studio (www.springyogachicago.com). Alex Manov, owner of Spring, was gracious enough to let us use the space during prime class time. Spring, a beautiful, light-filled space just above the Chicago Playhouse, offers yoga classes, Pilates, private training, TRX, Kettlebell, Thai Massage, and Taiji Qigong.  Alex has also generously allowed us to borrow bolsters, blankets, blocks, and straps throughout the full duration of our yoga unit.

Being at the studio gave us the chance to complete a traditional yoga sequence being cued verbally—no pictures and very few demonstrations from the instructor. This required the students to remember the poses by name, some in Sanskrit, and complete the sequence with the correct flow of breath. The larger space also gave us the opportunity to try some partner yoga. This required a great deal of trust and care on the part of each partner. We mastered a backbend over a partner’s Child’s Pose and moved on to an assisted wide-legged stretch.  Utilizing the large wall at Spring, the yogis completed inversions and balancing poses, including wall-pigeon and handstand prep. As a group, our ultimate goal is to work our way up to a headstand.

The next session will focus on Interval Training where the participants of Get Fit will learn the proper techniques for strengthening and stretching exercises.  The exercises will be sequenced, meaning they will be performed in intense bursts with short recovery time after each burst.  The participants will get an opportunity to learn partner workouts, lead a round of exercises to the group, and set goals for strengthening, improving endurance, and speed.  And of course, there will be music and dancing.  After all, the stronger you are, the longer you can dance!

We are always looking for new participants and volunteers to join us! We meet every other week on Thursdays from 5:00 – 6:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to stay for TeenTastic from 6:00-7:00 PM as they cool down after Get Fit.

We hope to see some new faces join us next time!

Program Leaders:

Patti, Abbey, and Jenny

Program Volunteers:

Rikki, Kendall, and Adam

Program Participants:

Abigail, Adam, Ahmad, Emily, Izzy, Lucy, Quincy, and Ryan