The foundation of any great work out is quite simply the foundation on which you stand. Your feet will impact every component of your quest to be fit. Take note of some common foot difficulties of which you should be aware in order to prevent injury and stay on track.

PRONATING
Pronating occurs when the foot rolls inward excessively when walking or running. This causes the weight to be improperly distributed and can lead to over use injuries in even young exercisers. When this improper alignment is present in someone who is over weight, ankle, knee and hip problems are far more common and often deter continued exercise adherence. Other risks from this condition include Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, and leg pain. Choosing shoes carefully to match the support required by a given activity are critically important for those who tend to over pronate. That means use walking shoes for walking, not running. Running shoes are for running, not tennis. Orthotics from a podiatrist can often assist in correcting this difficulty.
(www.podiatry.net)

SUPINATING
In essence, supination is the exact opposite of pronation. If you wear out the soles of your shoes from the outside in, you may supinate. This can put a lot of undue tension on both you Achilles tendons and illio-tibial bands. Typically, this issue relates to both the improper weight distribution on the foot and weak piriformis muscles. Again, a podiatrist, chiropractor, or physical therapist can assess and recommend appropriate foot wear and/or corrective devices and exercises to improve function. Pain from the middle of the arch to the ankles to knees to hips to low back can indicate this difficulty. Consulting a medical professional is necessary to avoid long term consequences from such a foot pattern. (www.webmd.com)

PLANTAR FASCIITIS
The plantar fascia connects the heel to the toes and is the single most common cause of heel pain. Having a heavy heel strike and disproportionate weight born on the back of the foot can cause this tissue to become inflamed resulting in intense pain and soreness in the sole of the feet. There are treatments to address the common causes of this ailment…special shoes to prevent over pronating, anti inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling, and stretches and exercises to release tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons. Occasionally, stress fractures and tarsal tunnel syndrome are mistaken for plantar fasciitis. Be sure that if treatment does not provide relief you insist upon x-rays and additional diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis. (www.plantar-fasciitis.org)

These complications of the feet are, of course, not the only issues you may face. Just be aware of your foundation and do not ignore prolonged soreness or pain as it may indicate a misalignment or muscular malfunction that needs to be corrected. Everything from dark toenails to warts to cramps should be promptly treated so that you do not create a faulty foot pattern and sideline your exercise routine. Take care of your feet and they will take you where you want to go.




Education for instructors is now easier, more accessible and will help you teach in an even more inspiring way!

New innovations to the way education is delivered on the Masterclass DVDs, in Quarterly Workshop sessions and in the choreography notes aim to make it a lot easier for instructors to learn new releases.

“After talking with many of our training teams around the world, I believe we can do a more inspiring job in the way we deliver our education to instructors" says Jackie Mills, Les Mills’ Head Creative Director.

Starting from the 4.2009 release, the following improvements will be made:
  • All education will be within the Masterclass. Rather than having to stop the Masterclass to receive education tips, you will be able to watch the Masterclass with onscreen graphics that highlight important details. If there is specific information for a track, a pop-up will come up on the screen in the beginning of the track. This way, all education relevant to teaching the class will be instantly available to you when watching the Masterclass.

  • Each program will have two program-specific education sessions a year. There will be four to five program-specific education sessions every quarter, with the exception of BODYJAM® which will have a ‘dance school’ session each quarter instead. On the DVD, the sessions will be short and easy to learn from. These will be expanded into interactive, fun and engaging sessions for the Quarterly Workshops. There will also be two generic sessions a year, both on DVD and delivered by Trainers at Quarterly Workshops.

  • Any education relevant to teaching the release better will be available in the choreography notes, making it a complete, detailed resource for instructors.
Look out for these improvements in the next release!




Help Wheeling kids while getting a "super" workout on Oct. 17, at the Wheeling Park District Community Recreation Center.

The event coincides with the new releases of both BODYPUMP® and BODYFLOW® in one SUPER class. The $25 fee includes the two-hour class, a T-shirt, and a donation to the M.E. campaign, which provides "Memorable Experiences" scholarships to children in the community who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend camp, learn new skills through a park district program, or participate in athletics.

The fund addresses the growing need for free recreation for area youth. A receipt for the donation will be issued to participants.

Choose one of two time slots: either 7:15-8:15 a.m. for BODYPUMP® and 8:15-9:15 a.m. for BODYFLOW®; or 9:30-10:30 a.m. for BODYPUMP® and 10:30-11:30 a.m. for BODYFLOW®. Register online at wheelingparkdistrict.com or at the Guest Service Desk at the Community Recreation Center.

Super Saturday is designed to jump-start indoor activities and make moving in from the cold a bit more inviting.

Those new to exercise, or the Wheeling Park District Group Exercise program, and "participating pros" will benefit from these LesMills workout classes.

BODYPUMP® is a full-body, barbell strength-training class that challenges every muscle group in the body. BODYFLOW® is a yoga-, Pilates-, and tai chi-inspired workout that lengthens muscles and improves flexibility. Together the classes offer a one-two punch that increases allover strength and balance - all while helping a great cause.

For details call the Wheeling Park District Fitness Center at (847) 465-2943. The Wheeling Park District is at 333 W. Dundee Road.




Do you long for more creative aqua choreography? Do you need a larger music library for less money? Do you love to teach but dread preparing new material? Are you an AEA, SCW, or YMCA certified aqua instructor? If you answer yes to any of these questions, read on to discover the wonder of WATERinMOTION!

WATERinMOTION: the next wave in aquatic exercise

Based on the Principles of SCW Fitness Education’s Aquatic Fundamentals program, WATERinMOTION is a pre-choreographed, vertical exercise program that meets the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal training needs of your aqua participants in under an hour. WATERinMOTION focuses on the unique properties of water and how this environment enhances and elevates one's exercise experience. The WATERinMOTION WAVES are released quarterly and include a music CD, specially designed for water participants in 64 count, 140 BPM arrangements, a DVD featuring underwater camera shots and on-deck teaching techniques, and an instructor training guide complete with choreography, cuing and performance guidelines. Dive in and experience the next wave in water exercise! for more information go to www.scwfitness.com/wim.




AUGUST

NEW CLUBS:
Gold’s Gym- Madison in Fitchburg, Wisconsin... BLASTS off with 5 programs: BODYPUMP®, BODYJAM®, BODYFLOW®, BODYCOMBAT®, AND BODYSTEP®!

St. Luke Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri is standing strong with BODYPUMP®.

Now stepping it up with BODYSTEP® is Lady of America Fitness for Women in Canton, Michigan.

BODYVIVE® has come to Greenfield, Wisconsin at the YMCA South West Branch.

Bodywrx in Washington, Indiana is now more calm and centered with BODYFLOW®.

Wise heads and hot bodies have arrived with BODYVIVE® in Davenport Iowa’s Davenport Family YMCA.

JULY CORRECTION: We erroneously listed The Health Fitness Corporation- ARAMARK club as being in Minneapolis. It is actually located in Downers Grove, IL. Our apologies.

STAND STRONG TRIBE…AND TURN IT UP!