NEW CLASS AT LAKE CHAPALA BALLROOM!

CHAIR AEROBICS WITH JAMES!!!!

You'll be surprised at the workout you get!

This workout is suitable for all ages, all levels of fitness, and excellent for people ( like me) who are getting back

into exercise after surgery or illness. But don't let it fool you! By intensifying the moves you will get a full body  work

out with no stress on your joints. Try it in June!

James Wayne as Guest Speaker at Lighten Up in Ajijic

And aren't we always interested in everything that has to do with health and fitness? Barbara runs a unique group that was once Weight Watchers. It has morphed into a popular meeting for all things weight loss and health. Here's an overview of the topics James covered, along with some pix from Christine Bott and Patti Orsinger!

James has enlisted Patti and Christine to demonstrate the
use of ordinary household objects in getting and staying fit.

Paulette and Ricardo demonstrate dancing off the calories!

The topic of our meeting was - ACTIVITY -VS- EXERCISE - is sweating REALLY fun?
What is Activity-
A physical activity that is part of your daily life - lifestyle.
Example - household work, gardening, walking a dog daily. 

What is Exercise - 
A physical activity that is planned, structured, and done to improve at least ONE aspect of physical fitness = 

STRENGTH - FLEXIBILITY - AEROBIC ENDURANCE  
Example - Tennis, Golf, Swimming, Dancing, Zumba, Dancefit.

How can you turn an activity into exercise -
Walk to WalMart (physical activity), put your shopping in a backpack or bags in your arms, walk home with added weight (strength), put away groceries - reaching, bending, stretching using your right and left arm (aerobic & flexibility).  Walking your dog up a mountain for a minimum of 20 minutes.
  
When it comes to exercise, it is a personal choice, you determine how much you can and should do.  We all exercise at different levels. In a group setting try not to  compare yourself to others - they are not you.  We all have different abilities and strengths.    

I made comment of - LESS IS MORE/MORE IS LESS, and explained:  If I didn't exercise yesterday and did today, I did more than yesterday. If I exercised yesterday and today, that's more I have done and less I did not do. If do not exercise, that's less I should have and more I should have.    

We reviewed the Abdominal Muscles (ABS), Diaphragm, and Core of the body (with a picture chart).
ABS - The abdominal muscles provide postural support, protect internal organs in the abdominal and pelvic regions, and perform other functions.

James is working these girls pretty hard!

Diaphragm - helps in respiration and/or breathing,  is involved in non-respiratory functions helping to increase intra-abdominal pressure for elimination of wastes and preventing acid reflux by exerting pressure on the esophagus as it passes through the esophageal hiatus. Hiccups are an effect of the diaphragm having spasms.

Core - refers to the Pelvis, Rib Cage, and Spinal Region.  A person’s CENTER OF GRAVITY where all movement begins.  A strong Core can reduce the amount of stress a body encounters, which reduces injury.  

Lake Chapala Ballroom (owned by Lighten Up! members Elliott Joachim & James Wayne) located across from Bruno's Restaurant, was present to give a demonstration (by James Wayne) of Dancefit and Latinfit by Ricardo Gomez, also Latin Dance Instructor. Elliott who is on hiatus,  is our Ballroom Dance Instructor and Dancefit Instructor.
  

The group was offered a FREE CLASS to Dancefit, classes at Lake Chapala Ballroom M-F at 8:30 a.m., and given Ricardo's schedule: Latinfit Tue/Wed/Fri at 4pm.  Learn more about Lake Chapala Ballroom here:  http://lcballroom.blogspot.mx/

I demonstrated using a chair versus a floor/mat for exercising. Another option is working out at home with weights of water bottles,i ncreasing the weights by filling the water bottles with sand, beans, or rice. Or, try taking plastic bags (doubled/tripled) filled with potatoes or grapefruits/melons to use as kettle bells! 

 
Here are links to more information on exercising in chairs and at home.

Lake Chapala Ballroom Introduces the DANCE CLUB!

 Well, it just goes to show you that Lake Chapala Ballroom doesn't slow down when the snowbirds fly home! Although Ricardo hosted the event, James party planning skills were very much in evidence at Friday night's inaugural Lake Chapala Dance Club party!
          It's a social event that for folks who share an interest in dancing...and I feel as though it really fills a vacuum here. As an instructor, I'm amazed at how many people want to learn some more ballroom or latin couple dancing, but are  disappointed by the fact that there's no place to use their new dancing. Lake Chapala Ballroom is just the place to change all that!

Many Guests brought botanas to share!

Watching one of the surprise performances

Yes, there ARE men who like to dance at Lakeside

 

Many guests also brought botanas to share, adding
to the festive atmosphere. And nothing livens up
 a dance party like guest performers! Here's Val
with her quinceanera and her chambelanes. Isn't that wonderful? There was plenty more, which I'll post about as the photos come in.  The feed
back has really been positive, though.
     The event was held from 6:00 to 9:00 and interested guests were asked to sign up in advance, as a large turn out was anticipated. The cover was 25 pesos, or 30 pesos at the the door,
     How about you? Do you think a club like this is a good idea?If you like, give us your ideas and what you'd like to see on our Facebook page  or right here in the comments section.

See you at the next "meeting" of Lake Chapala Dance Club!

Dancefit and Latinfit Take over Ajijic!

There is so much going on at the ballroom, I barely know how to fit it all in! First, James' summer schedule will be Monday THROUGH Friday at 8:30 in the morning. Nice and cool! Also special pricing...Dancefit Retro with James classes are $30 pesos OR if you buy a 10 class pass, you can get it for $250 pesos! If you already have your class passes, they will be honored at 2 for 1, 2 classes, 1 punch!  Expiration date June 30.

  

-LATINFIT with RICARDO-

Ricardo's classes continue for May and June on Tuesday, Wednesday and Frid at 4:00 on TUE PM
He has a special class fee if you pay in advance = 10 Group Classes for 250. pesos.
and on Fridays only,if you bring a guest, it's two for one!RIDAY 
Ricardo is the most in demand private dance teacher at Lakeside You can contact him regarding fees and with any questions regarding his curriculum and Latinfit.(email above) if you have any questions regarding Latinfit. 
  

I am super excited about Lake Chapala Ballroom's new Dance Club, on Friday, May 22 from 6:00 to 9:00. Let's make this a huge success, and we'll have a place to meet other people who share a love of all kinds of dancing with Ricardo and special guest dancers. 

IT IS A *B Y O B* event - bring your drink of choice and if you like a Botana/snack to share.

Cover is 25. pesos in advance and 30. at the door.  Please see Ricardo or James to sign up.
Word of mouth is the best way to build a club of like minded people, so spread the word!..
It will be a mix of music featuring all forms of Dance, Latin, and some Swing (I might sneak in a little Disco too).
LCB will provide cups, plates, napkins & utensils.
We expect space to be limited: Reserve Early!
-in addition we hope to have a few vendors who will be selling dance related items

Check calendar for updates!

Please let me know if you have any questions - see you on the dance floor - keep fit

-please share email with your friends-

James Wayne 331-323-0907
Elliott Joachim

Ricardo Gomez 331-574-2583