Gym News | In Forma

Tai Chi in Orinda

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:04:24 -0800

We are very pleased to bring tai chi to Orinda and In Forma. Master Marilyn Cooper is leading classes Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6:30 to 7:30 am.

Cooper is an award winning tai chi master on the national and international level. Here's a video of Master Cooper in action.

Master Cooper's website describes t'ai chi this way:

T'ai Chi means "grand ultimate." The empty circle (wu ji) is divided by the yin/yang. The yin/yang, or T'ai Chi symbol represents the intersection of opposing forces resulting in perpetual change and motion in the universe. The main qualities that characterize T'ai Chi are: relaxation, light stepping, and slow, synchronized movements that radiate from the waist. T'ai Chi can be practiced at any age, young or old, and is very therapeutic. Practicing T'ai Chi improves circulation, balance, bone density, immunity, longevity and awareness. T'ai Chi has been called "martial qigong" because it heals and teaches fighting at the same time. The T'ai Chi program at Little River consists of: Yang style short form, and "Original" long form (or Guang Ping Yang form), left and right sides, shao lu, da lu, (little pull and big pull), the 88 move combat form (san shou), broadsword, solo and two person, straight sword, two person spear and spontaneous push hands or "natural boxing."

If you want to take a single class, it's $15, but buy a "10 Card" and each class is only $7.50, even cheaper for students! You do not have to be a member of In Forma to join Master Cooper's class.

Don't Keep In Forma a Secret

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:23:11 -0800

If you're a regular member of In Forma, we'd like to ask a favor: please take a moment and post a review of the gym over on Yelp.

Please add your voice and let the rest of Lamorinda know where they should go for yoga, Pilates, circuit training, step, personal trainers and all the rest we have to offer.

Of course, if you have some suggestions for how we can improve the fitness center, feel free to fill out the form to the left or leave a note at the gym.

New in 2010: Chi Gong, Tai Chi and More

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:40:45 -0800

Not only is this our 15th year in business, we're introducing a number of new offerings for our growing membership:

Chi Gong

The ancient art of energy movement for health and wellbeing.
Classes begin Tuesday, January 12. 7 to 8:30pm and the sessions are lead by Khaleghl Quinn, PhD. To join the class, stop by the front desk.

Pilates

Pilates reformer instruction is now available. Sessions for one to four people are available. If you'd like to be a part of one of the groups, just let the front desk know and instructor Jennifer Smith will contact you with available times.

Tai Chi

The martial art of balance and harmony for health, strength and well being is coming to In Forma in February.

Workshops

An extended six-session, stress-reduction workshop One Body, One Breath is starting in February.

December Workshop

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:06:36 -0800

Our first One Body, One Breath workshop was a huge success and sold out. So many members were interested that we're holding another session on Thursday, December 10 from 7 to 9pm.

Learn to manage your stress with mind-body techniques that give you the tools for:

Stress Reduction
Deep Relaxation
Restful Awareness
Restorative Breathing
Mind-body Integration
Restorative Body Scan

Anette Is Back, New Mat Pilates

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:49:03 -0800

Anette Returns

Anette is returning this week to her three step classes. Thank you, Kureen, for helping out and keeping Anette's students in shape. Please be sure to come by and welcome her back from maternity leave. We know she's eager to see everyone.

New Class: Mat Pilates on Wednesday

We are also starting a new mat pilates class each Wednesday at noon. This class is taught by our new pilates instructor Jennifer Smith.

Jennifer is also re-starting our reformer classes. There's still space available to receive a free 15-minute session with her on Saturdays. Just check at the desk for the remaining open times.

One Body, One Breath

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:04:19 -0700

As you know, the holiday season can be full of joy and love. But, it can also be stressful. Andrea Colombu will lead you through a two hour mind-body experiential workshop for the restoration of balance, harmony and inner peace. Drawing from science and ancient arts, you will learn time-tested techniques for:

Stress Reduction

Deep Relaxation

Restful Awareness

Restorative Breathing

Mind-body Integration

Restorative Body Scan

EVENT SOLD OUT

Reformer Classes Starting

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:31:25 -0700

We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Smith as our new pilates reformer instructor. Starting Saturday, Nov 7, we're offering a free 15 minute introductory session with Jennifer. All you have to do is sign up at the front desk for a time that works for you.

Find class times and review the fee schedule.