Video

Intuitive Bodywork

One of the first studios I visited here on the West Coast was at Chanda Fetters Core Sport. I was thrilled to find a studio who actually seemed a bit like my own back in Oslo. Not because I am longing home, but because I truly find this way of working out the best, for body, health and mood! Chanda is an experienced girl, pilates studio owner and instructor. As a former professional Ballet Dancer she knows how to choreograph classes with great tune, rhythm and challenge. She has been in fitness since 1991 and opened Core Sport in 2007.

I have tested all her classes, reformer, mathwork, Barre and Trx. I really enjoyed it all.

What can we expect at core sport?

Highly trained staff, creative workouts, great quality of instruction, a welcoming environment. We strive to offer everything you need in one space – Functional Fitness / Cardio / Strength & Flexibility

Why do you think TRX is such an effective tool to a stronger body?

Due to the leverage the ropes allow you. You can move in all planes of motion while adding additional equipment to encourage options for more or less challenge. In this program, it’s really hard to cheat so you tend to get more bang for your buck!

How do you build up the sequences?

I typically use a layering method. This allows for a longer set, modifications/challenges to be added in along the way. The result, you end up with more reps and ones that are most affective to your body and needs.

Where do you think the fitness trend is heading this year?

Hard to say, it seems to change so rapidly. I see a big gap between big box gyms and boutique studios. There definitely seems to be greater gains in a smaller environment, so the boutique studios are sure to stay! I see more sports focused programs being popular so will be interesting to see how equipment manufacturers follow!

What is a perfect workout week for you (maintain, health, energy)?

Since I train at my own studio my week consists of – 3/4 Cardio (Spins), 2 Reformer, 1 Circuit (for heavier weight and fast twitch conditioning), 1 Barre and 1 TRX. My body seems to never fully acclimate to one therefore giving me optimal results!

What are your workout values?

Train SMARTER not HARDER

So Chanda did a sequence with the TRX together with me which we actually filmed and YOU can practice at home, here you GO! Enjoy, I just love it!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyRH3x1VRGs

Best wishes,

Monica

4. February 2017 0 comment

Spirituality Video workout

chakral cleansing before workout

written by Monica Øien

After 1/2 year of working with Lani Reagan where she is teaching me how to understand the Chakras and incorporate them into my work- It`s time to get more practical and even include you in the world of spirituality. It is helping me find deeper peace and more fulfillment while living a very busy life. I know you are all so busy so our videos are short and designed for easy practice. Heres to creating more harmony and greater connection with ourselves, our families our communities and with the world.

What is the purpose of this sequence, Lani?

All parts of the body need access to clean prana-chi, not just the areas where the main chakras reside. Energy veins called meridians run throughout the body, including the joints and the delicate areas like the eyes, sinus passages and the brain. This sequence helps to dislodge congested energy that slows down the flow of prana which decreases the body’s natural regenerative powers. Removing this energy creates space for more life force to revivify and revitalize these areas.

How often should one practice this cleansing?

This can be practiced daily as a means to get the overall energy flowing through your body. While it’s recommended to do before a workout or a meditation session, it’s also great for a little mid-day booster along with your favorite dance song. I have also used this to quell light headaches, as headaches can simply be a little too much congested prana around the head and solar plexus.

What would you say to people who cannot feel any energy, does it still work and how?

Most of us are not that aware of gravity or other unseen natural forces. Much like our cell phones we cannot detect the forces behind the material form, but it doesn’t keep us from using the technology to benefit from it. So too, even if one cannot feel any energy, using the practice can render results if one pays attention. Practice awareness and intelligent evaluation when doing the exercises. Since I already have case after case of these principles working, I can say, even if you cannot sense it, using the techniques has already helped many people, including myself. So practice and experiment for fun and keep it light. As well, stay open and receptive.

If you would like to learn more about Lani Reagan check here:

http://www.dynamichealingtherapies.com

Follow this easy to do routine preparing you for the best workout:

Hope you found this meaningful to do before any workout, pilates, yoga or body training,

Best wishes Monica

22. January 2017 0 comment

Spirituality Video workout

Stress? Run off or Lead off?

written by Monica Øien

How much do you stress about your own stress? And what do you think happens when you change your thoughts about stress? Recently I came over a film from Ted Talks, and it is really worth watching. Health psychologist Kelly McGonigal recommend us to put more effort in exploring experiences which gives us meaning.

Is it this easy? Focusing on how to avoid not focusing on stress, and rather accept it and approach good relaxing experiences, will this make you feel better? Is the secret actually in our mind?

I am often thinking about stress of something to avoid, something that should not be a part of my life. It seems quite impossible, I have changed my mindset to consider stress as a part of a chaotic lifestyle filled with sudden changes, updates, pressure maybe, even expectations from oneself and others. Its feels like its a physical and mental stress happening because life is too fast. But this stress could actually be a power for us, and a place to learn from. Examining the stress could actually lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and eventually contribute to life changes. Because if we accept stress as a part of our lives instead of repressing feelings, we might feel its getting less negative. Another form of stress is the happy-stress feeling, the stress that actually leeds you to do some major changes, following your heart and your dreams. The one that makes you dive into your emotional library and pay attention to whats going on. To be able to make a positive change in your life.

Accepting stress is balancing your life. Following Kelly McGonigal suggestions telling ourselves that this is my body helping me to understand and handle the stress. The stress hormone oxytocin is also the cuddling hormone. This hormone kicks in when we hug people (nice to know), physiologically the same way as when we feel stress. Kelly recommends us to pursue more emotional stimulating situations.

Well, the most incredible thing about our body is the stress response we have built in and which actually increase the resistance. This mehcanism is human contact, talking to people, socializing, cuddle.. In fact by accepting stress and approaching people you, tell your body that this is something you can deal with. You are not alone.

In other words it is more meaningful to search for content because it is better for your health, than trying to escape from whatever makes you feel uncomfortable. Trust yourself that you can handle whatever comes out from that place.

This is a little excercises I use whenever stress and worries domintae me. Turn on some nice, relaxing music which triggers your senses. This is a favorite.

So – take a deep breath!!!I am sitting on a chair. Closing my eyes, lowering my shoulders, turning the palms of my hand forward. Thinking about my tailbone reaching the ground, the crown of my head reaching the sky. Lengthening. Chin in and creating a lengthening in my neck. Sitting silently focusing on my breath. Inhaling I am thinking about that beach waves washing my body in the front from toes to head. exhaling continuing to wash from the top of my head on the back towards the toes. Repeating this breath 5 to 10 times or until the songs is finished.

monica

I am hoping you can embrace you stress with a friendly care

Big hug Monica

14. December 2016 0 comment

Video workout

Feelgood strength training for girls

written by Monica Øien

Would you like to do some strength training? Well, I have to do it once in a while even though it´s not my favorite kind of workout. But it´s good for me. And this on stakes about 30 minutes and I promise you will feel the work.

Good luck, in fact you can do this class every other day if you wish!

The class I have done for www.webtrening.no -tap the link if you want to do more home workout!

Big hug, Monica

13. December 2016 0 comment