Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Video: The Most Enjoyable Conversation I've Had in a Long Time


Just Me and My Body
It felt so good to move again...
...to move in order to answer some very important questions

Below is the video to the 23 minute warm up of the 60 minute workout/conversation between me and my body.
:)
The remaining workout can be viewed on 

Since I've been back in school, I haven't taken much time to practice what I preach...to move, for the sheer joy of it...to move with intention yet without expectation..to move where my body leads me...to listen to my body...to have that conversation with my body that it deserves...
...the conversations that starts with me asking my body:

"What do you need?"
and leads to:
"How can I make you feel better?"
"What will make you happy?"
"What can we do to make this morning as physically enjoyable as humanly possible?"
and my body answers:
"Move me."
"Make me sweat."
"Take inventory."
"I will tell you what I need."
"I will make us feel good."

Prior to beginning my summer semester, I chose to take some time off from teaching group fitness classes, spin classes, and going to dance classes in LA; as well as committing to not taking on any new personal training clients.
The time commitment involved to enjoy any of those things would have required too much time and would have kept me from completing my Math Final, my Writing for Liberal Arts Course, my Critical Perspectives Course, as well as the Music in Performance Challenge...yep, all that withing a few months.

:/

Since the end of May, I have only been moving my body to stay alert through my studies, and to stay somewhat fit (as fit as someone can be while sitting in a library for hours on end). 
I've been doing the most time-efficient things to work up a good sweet and exhaust my body enough in the shortest period of time so I wouldn't be too fidgety while sitting at the library or in class.
I found myself going on trail runs, attending not-so-inspiring indoor cycling classes, and registering for random 5ks and trail races.
I was barely kayaking, which brings me the most joy other than dancing. I was no longer teaching my Controlled Burn Fitness Classes which have always afforded me the opportunity to at least keep my body fine tuned and injury-free. And I was not dancing at all, which really bummed me out.
Not good.
:(

This morning, I had an early morning spot that wasn't filled so I decided to take advantage of  it and was able to give myself  a wonderful workout.

It was the perfect conversation starter for me and my body.

As with any relationship, neglect it long enough, it becomes harder and harder to start a conversation...resentment, that grows from neglect, builds up...things unravel.
I knew it was time I had a conversation with my body. Time to let my body know I still care for it. To let it tell me/show me how the neglect has created weakness, making our foundation a little less secure. How the neglect has made us less flexible, more rigid, less graceful. To remind me how great it feels when we move with freedom, yet with purpose. To let me show us that we must not ignore each others needs any longer...we must make time...make a date if needed...to move, to sweat, to breathe, to be appreciative of our gift of mobility.
:)

It felt good to do the workout I designed exactly for that reason...it felt even better because for the first time in so long, I had the opportunity to move for ME! To move without having to consider the limitations of clients. To move without having to correct anyone other than myself.

Yes, it was the most enjoyable conversation I have had in a long time.

I encourage you to get moving! Have that wonderful conversation with your body!
Enjoy!

-Melissa Adylia Calasanz
of
Controlled Burn Fitness




1. Video: My Morning Workout: Warm Up


Warm Up 
The first 20 minutes of my 60 minute, solo, non-impact workout
Click Picture for the Video of My 23 Minute Warm Up

I wasn't just born with these legs...I had to earn them!
Click Picture for the Video of My 23 Minute Warm Up
or click the video below

This morning, I had an early morning spot that wasn't filled so I decided to take advantage of  it and give myself  a good workout.

Since I wasnt teaching anyone this morning, I modified the movements to suit my needs. 

I have several half marathons, trails runs, a full marathon, and Bike the Coast event coming up, and I know how important it is to build the best foundation for high-impact endurance training.

Many of these movements are from my Controlled Burn fitness class, and Runners Conditioning workshops.

Includes
Slow and fluid movements that address the flexibility and mobility of the upper, middle, and lower back, as well as the feet, obliques, hamstrings, adductors, and abductors.
Plenty of  slow spinal articulation; articulation of the toes and feet; first position demi plies, as well as deep/grande plies in 2nd; parallel tendus/pointing and flexing for the feet.

Find Controlled Burn Fitness  on Facebook to keep up to date on the latest classes, workshops, and specials








Dance Fitness, Warm up, Controlled Burn Fitness, Runners Conditioning, Shin Splint Exercises, Heel Rises, Flexibility Training, Toes, Feet, Legs, Calves, Ankles. Full Body Warm Up, Stability Training, Balance Training, Fitness, Morning Workout, Stretch, Melissa Adylia Calasanz, Personal Trainer



2. Video My Morning Workout:Dynamic Range of Motion 08.29.13



Moving On to Dynamic Flexibility & Stability Training
Continuing where my 23 minutes of warm up left off, here I am progressing from the Warm Up, into the next 9  minutes of my 60 minute, solo, non-impact workout


This 9 minute section includes
4 minutes and 30 seconds of dynamic stability and flexibility provided by long lunges, modifies down-dogs, planks, and side planks. 

5 minutes of Stability Training for Ankles and Feet followed by one more plank & down-dog series.


This morning, I had an early morning spot that wasn't filled so I decided to take advantage of  it and give myself  a good workout.

Since I wasnt teaching anyone this morning, I modified the movements to suit my needs. 

I have several half marathons, trails runs, a full marathon, and Bike the Coast event coming up, and I know how important it is to build the best foundation for high-impact endurance training.

Many of these movements are from my Controlled Burn fitness class, and Runners Conditioning workshops.

Includes
This section includes 4 minutes and 30 seconds of dynamic long lunges, modifies down-dogs, planks, and side planks.
Remaining 5 minutes includes Stability Training for Ankles and Feet followed by one more plank & down-dog series.

Find Controlled Burn Fitness  on Facebook to keep up to date on the latest classes, workshops, and specials








Dance Fitness, Warm up, Controlled Burn Fitness, Runners Conditioning, Shin Splint Exercises, Heel Rises, Flexibility Training, Toes, Feet, Legs, Calves, Ankles. Full Body Warm Up, Stability Training, Balance Training, Fitness, Morning Workout, Stretch, Melissa Adylia Calasanz, Personal Trainer

3. Video: My Morning Workout: 3 minute Lunge and Run Drills 08.29.12


3 minute Lunge and Run Drill
This section continues
where the 9+ minutes of Lunges, Planks, & Stability Training left off


View the Warm Up Here

This morning, I had an early morning spot that wasn't filled so I decided to take advantage of  it and give myself  a good workout.

Since I wasnt teaching anyone this morning, I modified the movements to suit my needs. 

I have several half marathons, trails runs, a full marathon, and Bike the Coast event coming up, and I know how important it is to build the best foundation for high-impact endurance training.

Many of these movements are from my Controlled Burn fitness class, and Runners Conditioning workshops.

Includes
This video includes faster progressions of the Lunges, Planks, & Down Dog series

Find Controlled Burn Fitness  on Facebook to keep up to date on the latest classes, workshops, and specials



www.ControlledBurnFitness.com



Dance Fitness, Warm up, Controlled Burn Fitness, Runners Conditioning, Shin Splint Exercises, Heel Rises, Flexibility Training, Toes, Feet, Legs, Calves, Ankles. Full Body Warm Up, Stability Training, Balance Training, Fitness, Morning Workout, Stretch, Melissa Adylia Calasanz, Personal Trainer





4. Video: My Morning Workout: Standing Thigh Series 08.20.12



Slow, Controlled, and Subtle Exercises
This series is especially useful for endurance conditioning
of the abductors, pelvic stabilizers, ankles, and feet.


This section continues where the

This morning, I had an early morning spot that wasn't filled so I decided to take advantage of  it and give myself  a good workout.

Since I wasnt teaching anyone this morning, I modified the movements to suit my needs. 

I have several half marathons, trails runs, a full marathon, and Bike the Coast event coming up, and I know how important it is to build the best foundation for high-impact endurance training.

Many of these movements are from my Controlled Burn fitness class, and Runners Conditioning workshops.

This video includes
Very slow, controlled, and subtle exercises especially useful for endurance conditioning of the pelvic stabilizers and abductors.
The intrinsic and extrinsic muscles are especially taxed during this slow and subtle series, especially if it is done correctly.
The more subtle, focused, and controlled the movements, the greater the benefit.
This section also provides slow, yet dynamic flexibility, along with a gentle cool down.

Find Controlled Burn Fitness  on Facebook to keep up to date on the latest classes, workshops, and specials



www.ControlledBurnFitness.com


Dance Fitness, Warm up, Controlled Burn Fitness, Runners Conditioning, Shin Splint Exercises, Heel Rises, Flexibility Training, Toes, Feet, Legs, Calves, Ankles. Full Body Warm Up, Stability Training, Balance Training, Fitness, Morning Workout, Stretch, Melissa Adylia Calasanz, Personal Trainer

5. Video: My Morning Workout: Cool Down Core, Pelvic Stability and Flexibility 08.29.12

Cooling Down
while working on pelvic stability, core-conditioning, and flexibility


This section continues where the 4 1/2 minute "Standing Thighs" video left off
Watch more of My Morning Workout Videos on the 
Controlled Burn Fitness

This morning, I had an early morning spot that wasn't filled so I decided to take advantage of  it and give myself  a good workout.

Since I wasnt teaching anyone this morning, I modified the movements to suit my needs. 

I have several half marathons, trails runs, a full marathon, and Bike the Coast event coming up, and I know how important it is to build the best foundation for high-impact endurance training.

Many of these movements are from my Controlled Burn fitness class, and Runners Conditioning workshops.

This video includes
Very slow, controlled, and subtle exercises especially useful for cooling down while working deep core muscles, focusing on pelvic stability, all the while working on  flexibility
The more subtle, focused, and controlled the movements, the greater the benefit.

Find Controlled Burn Fitness  on Facebook to keep up to date on the latest classes, workshops, and specials



www.ControlledBurnFitness.com


Dance Fitness, Warm up, Controlled Burn Fitness, Runners Conditioning, Shin Splint Exercises, Heel Rises, Flexibility Training, Toes, Feet, Legs, Calves, Ankles. Full Body Warm Up, Stability Training, Balance Training, Fitness, Morning Workout, Stretch, Melissa Adylia Calasanz, Personal Trainer

Saturday, August 25, 2012

End of Summer School Celebratory Dinner

End of Summer-Semester Celebratory Dinner

All the veggies prepped!
at Chez Calasanz
I really love cooking dinner.
I especially love sitting across the table from my husband while enjoying a home cooked meal.
I had not had the opportunity to prepare one sit-down meal during my summer semester. 
I was so involved with reading 12 books in 2 months, along with writing interpretive and comparative essays, that I decided it was best to prep all our meals ahead of time.
It was more practical to have ACs dinners waiting for him in the fridge when he got home since I was not returning from the library til usually after 9pm.
To celebrate the end of the semester, Mister AC picked up a bottle of bubbly as I prepared dinner.

Shrimp!
Shrimp is ready for cooking!at Chez Calasanz 
Getting plates ready to accept the bounty!
at Chez Calasanz
Mmm, I love fresh and colorful veggies!
Mandolined raw golden beets, heirloom carrots and cucumbers
at Chez Calasanz

:)
Fresh and colorful veggies with a blend of brown and wild rices and mung beans, along with mandolined raw golden beets, heirloom carrots and cucumbers.at Chez Calasanz
:)
Dinner is served!at Chez Calasanz
:)
Spicy shrimp (garlic, ginger, shallots, chives, green onion, and chili flakes)
served with
Fresh and colorful veggies with a blend of brown and wild rices and mung beans, along with mandolined raw golden beets, heirloom carrots and cucumbers.
:)
My favorite view while eating dinner: My wonderful man enjoying his mealI love cooking dinner for this wonderful man!
Thankfully, he enjoys eating my cooking.
:)at Chez Calasanz

Time to eat!
:)
Spicy shrimp (garlic, ginger, shallots, chives, green onion, and chili flakes)
served with
Fresh and colorful veggies with a blend of brown and wild rices and mung beans, along with mandolined raw golden beets, heirloom carrots and cucumbers.
-Melissa Adylia Calasanz
Chez Calasanz

Hydration is essential!at Chez Calasanz
:)
Look closely and you can see Mister AC snagging some more shrimp!

It was such a treat to cook such a colorful, healthy, and delicious meal.
The best part was finally enjoying a meal and bubbly with my wonderful husband.
It was so nice to sit across from him and chat about life and shenanigans. 

:)