BalaChandra

Resolution or Not?

12/30/2022

I absolutely love the promise of the New Year – excited for a fresh start for our hopes and dreams, or at least, thrilled to show 2022 the door!
Do you make a resolution for the start of the New Year? Year after year, I would repeat the same broad wish, for success with my dance business. But this year, I’m focusing on something specific, something I can do in large or small ways to keep me motivated toward my goals.
It all started with a quote I read recently: “Become more aware of what’s really worth your energy.” Lately I’ve been really focused on my time and how I choose to spend it. Part of it stems from my guilt when I see certain projects I’ve started but never finished, as well as less tangible actions, such as taking stock of time that I’ve wasted being focused on things/people/feelings that are negative or unhelpful. Over the past few years, I’ve had my share of worries and disappointments that I’ve let consume my energy and steal my focus. So with that quote in mind, my personal goal for 2023 is to be cognizant of my focus. Instead of wasting time on social media or stressing over past hurts, I want to work on redirecting myself to more productive and beneficial pursuits in my personal and professional life.
How about you? If you have any special goals for the New Year, feel free to share!

What’s on my Winter playlist?

You know I love a good themed playlist! I stumbled across this lovely album for Barre Stretch class, with Winter themed songs perfect for working out or even relaxing. I've had this on repeat since December 1st! Click on the link below to listen:

Pop and Classical Ballet Class: Songs of Winter by Trisha Wolf

And, the easiest way to maintain those goals is through CONSISTENCY! I’ve got exciting news for 2023:

First, Lupa Fitness Den strives to help clients keep consistent in their yoga/fitness goals. With the challenges of inflation and the cost of everything going up, we’ve made changes to our pricing options. We want to make it easier for clients to enjoy their membership, as well as be comparable with other online boutique studios.

Second, I’m thrilled to continue my partnership with Seminole County Public Schools in offering Barre classes both online and in person for the rest of the 2022-2023 school year! Whether you prefer taking classes with me at the ESC, online, or both, check out the remaining dates for the rest of the year. Note: these classes are for SCPS employees ONLY.

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Stretch into the Season

11/23/2022

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My Barre clients know firsthand how much I love a good thigh workout, but I often feel tightness afterwards. In my Thursday Barre Stretch class, I’ve introduced a new extension exercise to relive muscle soreness, as well as increase flexibility and open up the hip and thigh region. Follow the 2 easy steps as I've demonstrated in the photo:
Start by sitting upright, avoiding any roundness of the spine and upper back. Start with one leg extended in front of the body, toes pointed. The opposite leg starts in a passé position, knee bent to the side, parallel with the floor in a triangle position, and toe placed near the knee. Wrap your same hand around the heel of your foot, and as you exhale, extend the bent leg straight above the floor, at a 45-degree angle. Keep the toe pointed, then bring the foot and knee back into the passé position.
Remember, be nice to your body! Especially as we enter the bustling winter holidays. As you rush off to parties, trimming the tree, and battling the shopping crowds, try to carve out time just for yourself. Your body (and mood) will benefit from movement and exercise, so incorporate gentle stretching to keep limber and relaxed, or a quick cardio session to get the blood pumping and give you energy. Looking for inspiration? My Barre Stretch class is the treat I give my body each week, with stretches I crave when things get stressful. Join me on the livestream Thursdays at 6:30pm or watch the recorded class when your schedule allows. Most importantly, remember to treat yourself with love, care, and thoughtfulness this Thanksgiving!

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Happy Halloween

10/24/2022

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Banish those Bat Wings!

It’s my favorite time of year, and I get requests every class to tackle this specific “fright” – how to tone upper arms.
One exercise I love to target that specific section is Barre Pushups!
No equipment needed, just a sturdy surface that can hold your body weight, such as a ballet barre, chair, or sturdy piece of furniture like a countertop or dresser. Stand facing the sturdy surface with your hands flat. Lean forward into an incline, or plank, position, with elbows close to your sides. Like a traditional pushup, you’ll lower your body closer to the sturdy surface, then raise it back to the starting position, elbows staying close to your body. Take care that your spine stays straight, hips in alignment. Watch for arching your back or lifting your butt up in the air.

Complete a full set (or more!) of these incline pushups, working your triceps, as well as keeping your core zipped and engaged. Make this exercise a little more challenging by moving your hands closer together, making a diamond shape by touching your thumbs and fingers together on both hands. For best results, work out those arms at least twice a week!

Halloween Playlist:
Here are a few of my favorite tracks to get you into the spirit, whether you’re stretching or sweating!

Haunted by Poe
Goodnight Moon by Shivaree
Black Cat by Janet Jackson
Devil Inside by INXS
Maneater by Nelly Furtado
Fever by Devil Doll

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Resolution or Not?

Stretch into the Season

Happy Halloween

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