By Caitlin Kerfin
ckerfin@ydr.com @ckerfin on Twitter
Community members gather for a free pilates class as part of No Sweat in the Park at the York Daily Record/Sunday News in West Manchester Township. No Sweat York offers a free fitness class each Tuesday beginning in May through the summer. (File)
You know warmer weather is on the way when you get the No Sweat in the Park schedule. So here it is, a promise that summer is not too far ahead.
If you don't already know, the York Daily Record is committed to helping our community get stronger and feel better, and we do that with our No Sweat, York initiative.
Along with the blog that we feed with healthy things all year, we hold free and open community fitness classes during the summer on our lawn. We call it No Sweat in the Park.
We've had great participation in previous years, which included classes like yoga, Zumba, Pilates and boot camp. But we are expanding our class offerings this year and getting more of the fitness community involved.
Alysia Dickens with Lifestyles Fitness & Weight Loss Studio leads a No Sweat in the Park boot camp class outside of the York Daily Record/Sunday News building in West Manchester Township. (File)
We will have 11 different fitness experts and organizations involved, bringing you a variety of activities to try Tuesdays at 6 p.m. from May through September on the lawn behind our building, at 1891 Lucks Road in West Manchester Township.
Without further ado, here's what we have lined up for May:
Lotus Moon Yoga: May 5 and 12Owner and yoga instructor Megan Donley will be teaching an all-levels class to make sure to include everybody. If you have practiced yoga before, she will give you options for advanced postures, and if you're new, there will be various modifications.
The class will be a mix of Hatha and Vinyasa, meaning different poses will be held with a flow between. There will be a focus on mindfulness and practicing relaxation.
What to bring: A yoga mat or towel/blanket if you would like, although some people just practice on the grass without one. Bring water, and wear comfortable clothing. It may still be chilly, so bring layers if you need. Shoes will be taken off for practice, and bring an open mind.
Kickboxing with Jen Kuhn: May 19 and 26Kickboxing is designed to push your cardio and strength into overdrive, Jen Kuhn said in an email. She is a group fitness instructor at My Fitness Quest, Heritage Hills Athletic Club and York College.
Kickboxing is a martial arts training format designed to give you a simple workout with fantastic results. But don't be scared, no experience is necessary, the class is for all fitness levels, she said.
For more information about the season schedule, check our blog at www.yorkblog.com/nosweat, and follow us @NoSweatYork.
What to bring: a mat or towel, plenty of water, and dress in appropriate workout clothing and sneakers.
TipsHere are some tips for taking part in yoga or kickboxing.
Yoga:1.Listening to your body. Make sure that whatever you're doing isn't hurting or straining the body. The purpose of yoga is to be in an aware relationship with our bodies, so honor the body and back off or work harder if you need to.
2. Breathe. Keep a steady, even breath and practice deepening your breath more than you normally do. Doing so calms us down and keeps us focused.
3. Have an open mind. Bring a sense of playfulness, it should be fun, too, so tension can be released.
Kickboxing:1. Be willing to try new moves and be patient with yourself.
2. Give the class a couple of tries to decide if it's something you like to do.
3. Be sure that the instructor is visible to you. Never hesitate to ask the instructor for help before or after a class.
4. As you are punching and kicking, imagine you are actually connecting with an opponent.
5. Relax and have fun!
Related No Sweat York: Freestyle swimming
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