NALAMAG February 0218 by NALAMAG

F E TH

S S E N IT

E U ISS

E TOP H T S+ FITNESS PLU 8 S FOR D N E R T 018 2 R E T A FIT

RFECT E P E TH E: T H E S I C R ST EXE BELL HOTTE S ETTLE K S E N T FI RS & WING E S K C A TR ETS GADG

February 2018 | New Orleans & The Northshore | NALAmag.com

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letter from the publisher

elcome to The Fitness Issue! I thought I would do a fitness issue in February to help keep us all motivated. I know despite my call not to do resolutions last month that myself and everyone probably still did them or at least felt the excitement of a new day and for many of you, one of those resolutions or thoughts was probably to get into better shape. So, I present to you a bit of motivation to keep us all moving. Fitness has been many things to me in my life. When I was younger, I was not a fan of “working out” per se, but doing active things in which exercise was a natural byproduct. I took dance all through college, surfed when I lived in California, took martial arts to learn to defend myself. The thought was to learn a new skill and have fun. Then as I got older, I began to focus on working out to get in better shape and lose weight and would go to the gym more. Quite frankly, my motivation was simply to look better in a bikini. I’m coming into a new stage now. Fitness for me has become something I realize I need not for only for my physical health, but for my mental and emotional health as well. It just makes me

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feel better. I told my son the other day, “Mommy needs to go for a run and do her meditation or Mommy’s going to get a little cranky.” Haha. Next, I can feel myself moving into a mix of all of the above. I know that I need it in my life to feel better—it makes me feel strong and confident. I know that one of main motivations is still to look better physically and I’m okay with that—I don’t have to always do it for some larger meaning in my life. And I now, as I focus on ballet and boxing at the moment, I know I still love to make it about doing something fun and learning something new. I’m learning balance—that I don’t always have to do an hour workout and can feel better with 10 minutes a day if that’s all I can squeeze in. And that’s okay. It’s even okay if I just take my boys to the park and run around with them for a half an hour and call that my workout for the day. I’ve learned getting outside for 20 minutes can do wonders for myself and my family. Just be kind to yourself. Go hardcore in your fitness if you like, or not. Take a day off or just go for a walk. Work out for 10 minutes or 2 hours. Do it to look better. Do it to feel better. Have a little fun. Bring a friend or a loved one. Always, always, always smile while you move, and laugh a little too. Put some music on. Feel the sunshine on your face. Here’s what I’m learning it comes down to—it doesn’t matter what you do for fitness or why you do it—as Nike says, #justdoit.

Melissa

FOR ALL THINGS NATURAL IN NOLA

contact us Publisher Melissa Burbank Editors Lauren A. Pirosko Marc LaPorte Layout Design Laura Sanders Graphic Design Vanessa VanDaele Distribution Big Art’s Distribution Metro Distribution Contributors Julie Holman Carla Robertson

Eat Fit NOLA Fit NOLA

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© 2018 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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natural awakenings

February 2018

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

Contents 12

14 5 6 6 7

DIS ’N NAT SEASONED LIFE Fit & Fabulous over 50 —Facial Aerobics

QI-GYM

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS TO REACH THE PUBLISHER Contact Melissa R. Burbank at publisher@nalamag.com. HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact Melissa Burbank at 504-872-3919 or email advertising@nalamag.com. Deadline for ads: the 14th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: submissions@nalamag.com. Deadline for editorial: the 7th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: calendar@nalamag.com Deadline for calendar: the 7th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

Rewire Brain & Body Health

MEL’S TAKE 5

FOODS OUR HEART WILL LOVE

ECO TIP WITH LIFECITY

ASK THE LIFE COACH

BE ON THE BALL

HEALTHY HERO

#ALCOHOL FREEFOR40

Putting Extra Fun into Fitness

BEST FITNESS TRACKERS & GADGETS

Top Tech Accessories

KETTLEBELL SWING

DEPARTMENTS 6 health briefs 7 recipe for success 8 conscious eating 10 fit body

Work Out for Free

Staying on Track for Fitness

Top Ten HeartHealthy Choices

2018 TOP 8 FITNESS TRENDS

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Skinny Protein Velvet Ice

Teddy Harkness

18 calendar 19 lagniappe 20 ongoing calendar 23 the marketplace

Dis â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Nat CLASSPASS IS FINALLY HERE NOLA! One pass, any class, all over the city. www.classpass.com

Another great way to book classes and discover new studios?

MODERATE EXERCISE GUARDS AGAINST DEPRESSION In Exercise and the Prevention of Depression, a study of 33,908 adults in Norway by the university of New South Wales, researchers found that one hour of exercise a week reduced depression in 12 percent of the subjects.

DOWNLOAD THE MIND BODY APP!

The purpose of the study was to address whether exercise protects against new-onset depression and anxiety and if so, what was the intensity and amount of exercise required. They concluded that regular leisure-time exercise of any intensity provides protection against future depression, but not anxiety. Thus, increasing the population of people exercising may provide public mental health benefits and prevent a substantial number of new cases of depression.

DO YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT? READ. THIS. BOOK.

SWEAT is just your fat crying. natural awakenings

February 2018

health briefs

SEASONED LIFE

Fit & Fabulous over 50 —Facial Aerobics by Julie Holman

acial-fitness is nothing new, but Murad Alam, M.D., professor of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, recently published a study in JAMA Dermatology targeting folks over 45 and revealing that facial exercises can reduce facial sagging and wrinkling. Facial exercises work by building muscle that fills out the face, counteracting wrinkles that come with age. If you want to look 3-5 years younger in about 12 weeks, why not try facial aerobics—its Free, Fun, and only takes at most 20 minutes a day. Best of all you’re not putting toxic products into your body and you don’t work up a sweat! Check out Facercise, Yoga Face or check out the Happy Face Yoga, a program that Gary Kikorski developed. This series of facial exercises he taught to thousands of folks during the study. Rumor has it that Gary, 60, can pass for being in his mid-40s! Facial fitness can be done in your car, work, or during your morning face-care routine. Wink, Wink, Smile, and repeat!

Julie Holman CHLPN, CTT, and E-RYT loves sharing the benefits of mindfulness and Yoga. When not movin’ ‘n groovin’ she’s working with 501c3 Arts/Cultural & Wellness organizations or hunting dandelions in City Park. Contact Julie.bonafide@gmail. com if you would like to share your story.

QI-GYM

A new, simple, fun, and profound way to help rewire brain and body health!

i-Gym is an amazing new way to restore mind, body, and emotional health and strength. Qi-Gym draws its principles from Brain Gym and the ancient art of Qigong. Qi-Gym is the brain-child of Tanya Simmons, an Educational Kinesiologist who teaches and practices Brain Gym privately and in schools all over the region. The drop-in weekly classes held at Broadmoor Arts and Wellness Center were designed to offer an affordable way for anyone to learn how to think more effectively, strengthen the brain and body through specific movements, and receive weekly golden nuggets of Brain Gym and neuro-science to master a more centered, positive, and conscious way of being in the world in these changing times. The classes appeal to all as they are fun to do yet calming and adaptable to individual levels. Qi-Gym is an exercise class with a difference. Brain Gym helps with learning challenges like ADD, dyslexia, anxiety, depression and difficulties in coordination. Qigong calms and strengthens the sensory-motor system.

See Calendar section and www.brainheartbalance.com for details. 6

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recipe for success

EAT FIT NOLA

PJ’s Coffee Skinny King Cake Protein Velvet Ice

J’s Coffee’s Skinny King Cake Protein Velvet Ice is also Eat Fit approved, with 230 calories, 21 grams of protein, and less than 3 grams of added sugar in a medium 20-ounce serving. Not only does it help to satisfy a hankering for king cake, PJ’s Skinny King Cake Protein Velvet Ice also multi-tasks as a caffeineboosted pick-me-up, a meal or snack on the go, pre-workout fueling or post-workout recovery. Don’t have a PJ’s Coffee nearby? Make your own version at home with this DIY King Cake Protein Velvet Ice recipe.

MAKES 1 SERVING

3 ounces PJ’s Coffee King Cake blend—made as coffee concentrate (recipe to the right)

Blend first three ingredients, then add ice and blend until smooth and creamy.

3 ounces unsweetened vanilla almond milk

To make King Cake coffee concentrate, grind the coffee coarsely (you can do at home or where you buy the beans). Combine the grounds with water, then let it steep approximately 12 hours to create a strong, concentrated brew. Strain and use. Refrigerate unused coffee concentrate.

2 tablespoons sugar-free vanilla syrup or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ½ scoops vanilla or chocolate protein powder (e.g., Designer Whey Natural Protein Powder) 1 scoop ice

For more ways to spice up your table, check out Ochsner Eat Fit recipes at EatFitNOLA.com

Per serving: 180 calories, 4 grams fat, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 190 mg sodium, 4 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 4 grams sugars (0 added sugar), 29 grams protein.

natural awakenings

February 2018

consciouseating

Foods Our Heart Will Love

TOP 10 HEART-HEALTHY CHOICES by Judith Fertig

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning once penned this unforgettable line to her husband and fellow poet, Robert Browning. Let us also count the ways to improve our loved ones’ heart health. Lower blood pressure. Modulate irregular heartbeats. Avoid plaque build-up in arteries. Improve blood flow to the heart. We can love our hearts with 10 superfoods that just might make perfect ingredients for a Valentine’s Day meal, starting with dark chocolate. 8

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3. Salmon.

1. Cocoa powder.

Cacao’s flavanols lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke and act as antioxidants to prevent inflammation. Dr. JoAnn E. Manson, a physician, doctor of public health and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, confirms, “Between 400 and 900 milligrams (mg) a day of cocoa flavanols may favorably affect several mechanisms and pathways related to cardiovascular disease prevention.” Not all chocolate is created equal. Manson recommends chocolate with cocoa or cacao as the first ingredient, not sugar. She and her colleagues are currently conducting the Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study, a large-scale, randomized study of 18,000 U.S. men and women testing the benefits of ingesting 600 mg per day of cocoa flavanols.

2. Raspberries.

Just one-half cup of berries a day can provide plenty of phytonutrients and antioxidants for decreasing inflammation and preventing heart disease, says Wendy Bazilian, a doctor of public health and registered dietitian in San Diego, and author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet: Lose Weight with the Power of SuperNutrients. “Whirl them into a breakfast smoothie, add them to a green salad or combine them with dark chocolate for a tasty, heart-healthy dessert,” she advises.

Full of omega-3 fatty acids, wild-caught salmon (about two six-ounce weekly servings) helps reduce systemic inflammation and risk of developing atherosclerosis, hypertension and stroke, according to Dr. Josh Axe, of Nashville, Tennessee. Beyond prevention, omega-3s in oily fish are also widely known to treat atherosclerosis, normalize heart rhythms and help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as significantly lower the risk of stroke.

4. Pumpkin seeds.

High in magnesium—about 764 mg per cup—roasted pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, top the list of heart-healthy nuts and seeds. Magnesium is an important electrolyte that helps the heart fire on all cylinders and not skip a beat. Improvements in lipid profiles can occur with a daily intake of 365 mg, or about a half-cup, of pepitas. Enjoy roasted pumpkin seeds as a snack or scatter them in a salad, bowl of chili or soup for a delicious crunch.

5. Avocados.

Fresh avocados supply magnesium, plus they’re a good source of potassium, another electrolyte the heart needs for optimum functioning. “You probably know bananas and citrus fruits are top sources of potassium, but I like avocados because they also supply heart-healthy fats,” says Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, a board-certified cardiologist with the HeartMD Institute, in Manchester, Connecticut.

6. Almonds.

Sinatra recommends a handful of almonds a day to raise HDL, a form of “good” cholesterol he likens to a “lipid garbage truck” that picks up oxidized “bad” LDL in the bloodstream and carries it to the liver for processing.

7. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil.

Cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil with a high phenol content can help lower blood pressure (via about two tablespoons daily), make more efficient and protective HDL cholesterol, and protect the inner lining of arteries.

8. Beet Juice. A 2015 study in

the journal Hypertension found that two daily eight-ounce glasses of beet juice can help reduce high blood pressure. Beets contain a natural dietary nitrate found in previous studies to lower high blood pressure. Enjoy beet juice in smoothies, as a tart drink known as a “shrub” (beet juice with raspberry vinegar) or in soups like borscht.

9. Garlic.

Allicin, the sulfur compound that gives garlic its distinctive aroma, helps keep blood thin and flowing optimally, says Sinatra. The freshest chopped garlic offers the best benefits, according to a study from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.

10. Pomegranate.

Drinking about one cup of pomegranate juice a day for three months can improve blood flow to the heart, reports a study in the American Journal of Cardiology. The ultimate reason of all to keep our hearts in good working order was voiced by Helen Keller: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”

Judith Fertig writes cookbooks and foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com). natural awakenings

February 2018

fit body

BE ON THE

BALL PUTTING EXTRA FUN INTO FITNESS by Marlaina Donato

CORE STRENGTH WITHOUT STRAIN Stability balls are recommended by fitness trainers and chiropractors for their ability to build core strength and increase flexibility of pelvic muscles without putting unnecessary strain on the back. “The core is a series of muscles used in almost all functional movement; tailored exercises focus both on abdominal and back strength and pelvic and hip stability,” explains Linnea Pond, an exercise instructor at the Pocono Family YMCA, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Using an exercise ball also promotes full body conditioning. “Swiss ball training connects the brain with stabilizer muscles, improving gross motor skills and upper body strength, as well,” Fuchs elaborates. “These versatile training balls help equip an individual to handle the functional demands of sports and everyday life.”

RECOVERY FROM INJURY AND ILLNESS

heir playful appearance as a beach ball look-alike makes exercise balls welcome props in home workouts, gyms and yoga studios. “They’re a fun training tool for every age, from children to maturing Baby Boomers,” says Dennis Fuchs, CEO of TheraGear, in Sumas, Washington. “Exercise balls are affordable and offer many benefits, from enhanced mobility to reduced risk of injury and increased athletic performance.” Originally developed by Italian plastic manufacturer Aquilino Cosani in 1963 as a toy called the Gymnastik and then used by British and Swiss physical therapists to help orthopedic patients, the ball has since come a long way to serve fitness needs. Also known as Swiss, stability, balance, physio- and Pilates balls, this colorful piece of equipment can range in size from 14 to 34 inches to be appropriate for a user’s height (Tinyurl. com/RightSizeExerciseBall). 10

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Exercise balls are used in occupational therapy for stroke patients and those recovering from injury. “A stroke deadens part of the brain, and to regain movement in an affected arm or leg, an unaffected part of the brain must take over the lost function. The goal of the therapist is to establish new neural pathways through repetition and visual reinforcement. We have patients do simple exercises with the ball hundreds of times so these pathways start to form,” explains Bob Schrupp, a physical therapist and founder of Therapy Network, in Winona, Minnesota. One goal for physical and occupational therapists is to help clients perform rehabilitation exercises that also motivate them to continue exercising. While the ball is an excellent tool in clinical settings, Schrupp cautions, “After a stroke, or if you’re older or in poor health, it’s always best to check with your doctor or physical therapist to determine if stability ball exercises are appropriate.”

PREGNANT WOMEN AND SENIOR FITNESS Balance balls, when used properly, can offer a safe way for pregnant women, children and seniors to stay fit. Exercising with a ball can help older individuals increase flexibility, especially in the hips, with cardiac strengthening as a bonus. Pregnant women can safely increase and maintain abdominal strength as the baby grows, and in doing so, care for muscles that will help them through labor. “Pregnancy can throw a woman off balance, and a growing baby puts pressure on internal organs. Pressing the back on a stability ball against a wall offers support for squats. Sitting on a ball helps maintain good posture, and pelvic mobility and reduces low back pain,” explains Pond. Incorporating the ball into yoga or Pilates routines prompts different muscles into action because it calls on the body’s learned ability to sense and respond to movement, termed proprioception. Pond says, “Proprioception is challenged just from sitting on the ball; there are immediate physical adjustments made to maintain posture and stability. In yoga, the ball is another tool to increase flexibility and balance.”

SCHOOL AND WORKPLACE Exercise balls are increasingly replacing traditional chairs in classrooms and offices, and teachers are reporting better grades and attention span as a result, while workers appreciate bettertoned muscles and enhanced balance. Maintaining good posture by sitting on the ball also increases blood circulation throughout the body, including the brain. Regarding the equipment’s eyecatching appearance, Schrupp sees a helpful bonus: “The ball is a big, colorful reminder to perform your exercises.” Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, author and multimedia artist. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.

THE KETTLEBELL SWING

he kettlebell swing has been called the perfect full body move. It works the muscles in the hips, glutes, hamstrings, lats, abs, shoulders, pecs and grip. It’s a simple and fast way to incorporate a very athletic movement into a routine safely while building muscle and burning a ton of calories.

STEP 1: Stand with your feet

shoulder-width apart with a kettlebell about a foot in front of you on the ground. Bend at the waist and grasp the kettlebell handle with both hands. Your palms should be facing your body, and your torso should be nearly parallel to the ground.

STEP 4:

Forcefully drive your hips forward to propel the kettlebell into the air. Control the kettlebell with your arms, but don’t pull it up. The kettlebell should travel no higher than your shoulders.

STEP 5:

STEP 2: Pull your shoulders down

Allow the kettlebell to swing down and back through your legs. Control the descent by keeping your core engaged. As the kettlebell lowers, move immediately and fluidly into the next rep.

STEP 3: Lift the kettlebell off the

On your final rep, allow it to swing back through your legs, and then place it a foot in front of you on the ground.

and back and brace your core before starting the exercise. Maintain these form cues throughout the entire set.

ground and allow it to swing between your legs. Your knees should bend slightly during this movement. Keep your back flat and neck straight.

STEP 6:

Look up videos on YouTube to see the form. Women can start with as low as 10 lbs while men can start with as low as 35 lbs kettle bells. Work up to 75 swings 3x/week for abs and glutes of your dreams!

natural awakenings

February 2018

THE TOP 8 FITNESS TRENDS FOR A FITTER 2018 By Tiffany Ayuda

hese days, your workout routine might not involve a big box gym. And if you’re up on the latest fitness trends, it might look a little something like this: sled pushes and battle ropes before work, mindfulness meditation during your lunch break, and a cryotherapy appointment before dinner. Because when it comes to wellness, it’s more than just a routine; it’s a lifestyle. And the numbers say it

all: According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness industry is a $3.7 trillion business. It grew 10.6 percent from 2013 to 2015, and is expected to grow 17 percent in the next five years. But it’s not just the feel-good effects of exercise that keep us coming back for more. It’s also the appeal of training and living like an athlete. Pete McCall, MS, CSCS, former exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise and director of fitness programming for Vicore Fitness, says, “More people want the athlete experience and that’s why we’ll continue to see athletic-based training workouts.” That’s right, people aren’t just interested in working out like LeBron James. They want to eat and recover like him, too. So if you, too, want to train like an athlete, check out our list of the biggest fitness trends for 2018.

1. BOUTIQUE BOXING

2. FUNCTIONAL TRAINING 2.0

3. REVVED-UP RECOVERY 4. GOING HOT…OR COLD

Muhammad Ali fans aren’t the only ones hopping in the ring to train “Thrilla in Manila” style these days. Celebs, models and everyday athletes are shuffling into new studios like Rumble, Everybody Fights and Box Union in impressive numbers. And when people can’t hit a bag, they can do it at home with programs like Daily Burn’s Undefeated kickboxing program. One reason boxing is the knock-out workout of the year? Sandy Todd Webster, editor in chief of the IDEA Fitness Journal, says, “We’re all living with an incredible amount of stress in our lives and hitting a bag or throwing forceful air punches using the torque of our whole bodies is an amazing release!” And since most boxing studios offer the experience of training like a true boxer with strength training and conditioning components in each class, you get the performance benefits, too. Rick Richey, MS, LMT, NASM-certified trainer, says, “Exercise can seem boring when only focusing on physiological outcomes, but sports conditioning classes provide us with performance-based outcomes that make the exercises more engaging and fun.”

While functional training is nothing new, McCall says there’s going to be greater focus on enhancing strength in all planes of motion. Think about the daily activities, like pushing, pulling, lifting, bending and twisting, you do. “If you’re going to live a healthy, active and injury-free life, functional training needs to be the baseline for everything else you do,” Webster says. Barbells have become more popular for functional training, but McCall thinks, “We’ll see a re-birth in using medicine balls, resistance bands and plyometric training.” On the other hand, Richey says since more educational courses and trainers are trending toward weightlifting modalities themselves, their clients and classes will soon follow. “There will likely be an uptick in weightlifting, Olympic lifting and kettlebell classes that focus on building strength.” According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association 2017 report, the use of barbells rose 4.3 percent last year and kettebells 3.2 percent.

Over the past decade, workouts like HIIT and CrossFit have encouraged us to dial up the intensity, but 2018 is going to be all about slowing down. “Instead of killing ourselves with extremely intense workouts seven days a week, we’ll see more intelligent programming that includes recovery,” McCall says. “Highintensity workouts are just one part of the equation for better performance. The other half is recovery,” he explains. But recovery goes beyond taking a 30-second water break in between circuits or supersets. Webster notes, “Recovery is multifaceted and includes taking short breaks from exercise, active rest, myofascial release, sleep…they’re all a huge part of overall health.”

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Speaking of chilling out between sweat sessions, cryotherapy is continuing to gain popularity for post-workout recovery. Proponents of cryotherapy believe that sub-freezing temps can help speed up muscle recovery and reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels. Post-session, you should experience improved blood flow and less pain overall. “Cryotherapy is something you see more professional athletes who train at a high level doing,” McCall says, but with ClassPass offerings and flash sales, cryo appears to be making a cold dash for the mainstream. Meanwhile, some fitness studios believe heat is a better way to relieve pain and reduce stress. Sky Ting yoga studio in New York City has a built-in infrared sauna, and the Fhitting Room recently partnered with HigherDOSE to offer a sauna session post-workout. But are these recovery methods just a smoke show? Richey, who is opening his own recovery facility in early 2018, says, “There’s a lot of theoretical reasoning and rationale, but little empirical research [about these recovery methods].” That will all change once science starts catching up with the trends, he says. “Research in fitness is often not pioneering. Research tries to measure, validate and quantify outcomes of what is already being done in the field.”

5. EXERCISE IN 3D

6. AT-HOME WORKOUTS

7. MINDFUL MOVEMENT

8. BREATH WORK

Basic, one-dimensional fitness classes won’t cut it in 2018. Studios are going immersive with their experiences. That means yoga studios with sound baths, and spin studios leveraging virtual reality into their classes. “Change and experimentation are inevitable in an industry with super creative minds, and necessary to keep offerings dynamic for exercisers who want to stay motivated through change,” Webster explains. These immersive experiences also provide perspective on how to use fitness to overcome life’s challenges. Webster says. “The instructor takes you on an amazing journey through imagery, storytelling, varied tempos and inspiring music.”

This year, we saw FlyWheel and ClassPass expand their businesses online with live streaming workouts, joining the likes of Daily Burn and Peloton. “I think this is the next generation of exercise DVDs. Some people just prefer to work out in the comfort of their own homes,” Webster says. McCall says this is also another way for trainers to connect with their clients when they can’t make it to the gym. “It will be interesting to see how people start to re-create a live experience. We’re going to see how technology can change fitness,” McCall says.

Meditation hit it big in 2017. And it incorporated HIIT, too. Nike Master Trainer Holly Rilinger’s Lifted class, for instance, infuses a meditation pre- and post-workout. But McCall predicts meditation will be baked into other types of workouts in the new year. “We’re going to see mindful movement as part of strength training to improve cognitive function and mental acuity,” he says. Think: Workout apps and audio workouts with five-minute meditations. Webster says since we’re constantly glued to our screens, meditation can give us the headspace we need to truly focus on the push-up at hand. “If it’s five minutes before or after a class of guided meditation, it might be the only personal quiet time a person gets all day,” Webster says.

OK, now that we’ve learned how to be more present, what’s the next step in fueling our workouts from within? That’s where breathing classes come in. “Meditation classes may turn the corner this year and start offering breathing techniques,” Richey says. The Valsalva maneuver is a method used in many weightlifting workouts. It involves taking a deep breath before lifting and holding that breath while you lift. At the release, you exhale. And if you’re new to meditating altogether, perhaps simply sitting and breathing could be the first step. “We are distracted by our screens and devices 24/7,” Webster says. “Emphasis on being more present and mindful in our lives — for however long we can manage — is an important way to regroup with yourself.”

natural awakenings

February 2018

Best Fitness Trackers & Gadgets By Jeff Parsons

Top tech accessories to help get fit in 2018

f you’re planning to start pounding the pavement, these are some of the best fitness gadgets to get now. As the new year is in full swing, most people made a pledge to try and get a bit healthier. There’s a lot of fitness-based gadgetry out there designed to make you harder, better, faster and stronger. But it’s not all worth your hard-earned cash.

Whether it’s for you or for a friend or family member, knowing which products to go for can be tricky. So whether it’s a wrist-based tracker or a sweat-resistant pair of wireless headphones, we’ve taken a look at the best gadgets for getting in shape. Here’s our pick for the best fitness gadgets of the year:

Apple Watch Series 3

Fitbit Ionic smartwatch The first smartwatch from Fitbit has finally arrived and it’s got all the essential features you’d expect. There’s GPS for running, waterproofing for swimmers and, as ever, a 24/7 heart rate tracker. It’s got a 4-day battery life and will also give you detailed feedback on your quality of sleep. It doesn’t have all the gizmos we’d expect from a smartwatch, but when it comes to fitness it checks all the boxes.

Apple’s third-generation smartwatch may not look very different from its predecessors, but it includes one game-changing feature - it connects to the internet over 4G. That means you can leave your iPhone at home and make calls, receive texts, stream music, and check your location on a map directly on the watch while you’re out and about. For runners, this is the holy grail - finally it will be possible to go for a run, listen to your favourite tunes through wireless headphones, and track your workout without having to strap your iPhone to your arm.

Jaybird X3 wireless headphones These wireless headphones are built for outdoor cycling and running trails and are fully sweat and water resistant with a battery that lasts for eight hours. An in-line remote has chunky buttons for controlling your music even with gloves on and they come with a variety of tips and wings to fit your ears. It is an extremely well-designed and powerful pair of sports headphones offering good value for money.

Nokia Steel HR

Beeline Beeline is an intuitive, compact handlebarmounted navigation system for bikes that strips back navigation to the bare basics, resurfacing your natural instincts to find the way and providing adventure. Instead of dictating every single turn, BeeLine enables you to explore new routes while giving you just enough information to guide you on your way. You decide which path looks most attractive, while BeeLine keeps you on course.

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If you’re looking for a smartwatch that doesn’t look like a smartwatch, then the Nokia Steel HR may be the best option. It’s water resistant, has a 25-day battery life and will continuously measure your heart rate. The watch features hand dials that show the time, and a sub-dial that shows the percentage achieved of the personal daily activity goal, such as 10,000 steps.

Lifebeam Vi This is no ordinary pair of wireless headphones. Inside is “Vi”, an “artificially intelligent personal trainer” that learns your workout and evolves over time to help you achieve goals. Throughout a workout, Vi trains you with a human voice and acts as a workout companion that also responds to your voice commands. It monitors heart rate, elevation, cadence, speed, time and location.

MEL’S TAKE 5

YOUR PUBLISHER’S GUIDE TO ALL THINGS #NATURALINNOLA

5 WAYS TO WORK OUT FOR FREE. 1. RUN/WALK/RIDE A BIKE | When things get tight, I remind myself that exercise is in fact, free. All I have to do is lace up my Nikes, get outside, and move around. Go for a run, walk my dog, run around with my son, bring my boys to the park, or the levee, ride my bike to run local errands or to just feel like a kid again. And, if you’re going to hit up one of our local parks, you can make use of the fitness “playgrounds” or equipment that are along the running path in Audubon or clustered throughout City Park.

2. STRENGTH TRAIN IN YOUR KITCHEN,

BEDROOM, LIVING ROOM, PORCH, BACKYARD, OR DECK | Stick to the classics: push-ups, sit-ups, planks, squats, lunges. Google “body weight exercises” if you need ideas and tips for good form.

They say consistency is the key and with my busy schedule, I’ve found simply doing 10-15 minutes every morning in my kitchen or on my back deck works more for me than an hour at the gym right now. Tim Ferriss, author of the 4 Hour Body, writes about MED, or “minimum effective dose,” which he defines as “the smallest dose that will produce a desired outcome.” Anything beyond MED he says is wasteful and actually potentially doing more damage than good. I’ve decided on some days 10 minutes is my MED…haha. It’s free, convenient, and you can even do it in your pajamas.

3. YOUTUBE VIDEOS OR FITNESS APPS | If you would like a longer workout and more guidance, there are no shortages of fitness videos out there for free. And with your smart phone, you can take them anywhere!

4. NORD/FIT NOLA | Only recently did I find out just how many fitness classes NORD (New Orleans Recreational Department) offers and man, was I impressed with the city’s offerings! Dance, yoga, Pilates, boxing, you name it. All free and all over the city. You can go to their site and use the interactive calendar to find a class near you. www.nordc. org/calendar. We also recently partnered with Fit NOLA, the mayor’s initiative to get NOLA healthier, and they host many classes in partnership with NORD for free and all over the city. Download the Fit NOLA/Eat Fit app for a great local calendar with all the classes that are available and get your Zumba on! 5. FITNESS POP UPS | This is the greatest thing to happen to fitness in a long time. I just looooove fitness pop ups. Fitness pop ups are classes that pop up all over the city in super cool locations and can be anything from yoga to HIIT. You’ll find most of them on Facebook. Pick your events, bring a friend, and go! Pop up fitness classes are great because they are usually collaborations of local fitness studios and instructors and a great way for them to get themselves out there. They’re a fun way to try something new, a great way to meet a new workout buddy as they are often part class/part event, and you guessed it, they’re usually free!

FEEL FREE TO REACH MELISSA AT PUBLISHER@NALAMAG.COM AT ANY TIME.

natural awakenings

February 2018

ECO TIP WITH LIFECITY

ur relationship with water here in New Orleans is such a touchy one! Every downpour of rain is met with at least one New Orleanian’s cringe. LifeCity wants to change that cringe into a grin by showing that creative rain solutions can make all the difference in reducing flooding and reducing your water bill. You have the opportunity to capture storm water by investing in rain barrels. This will reduce flooding around your house and you can use it to water your plants! In this month’s tip, we want to remind you that elevating your rain barrel will increase the water pressure and make it easier to use.

New Orleans

with Carla Robertson

Carla is a master certified life coach in New Orleans. Have a question for Carla or want to learn more about her programs, events or services? Contact her at carla@ livingwildandprecious.com or 504-507-0687.

ELEVATE YOUR RAIN BARREL

ASK THE LIFE COACH

I’m so tired of setting a plan for fitness and then not following through. How can I stop letting myself down?

—Eleanor

LifeCity Client Greenman Dan offers this and many more creative drainage solutions. Here are a few rain barrel tips and tricks: • To set up a rain-barrel system in your yard, you have to choose a location with a gutter you can shorten and reroute. • If you don’t like the look of standard rain barrels, you can decorate them, paint them, or surround them in ivy and potted plants. Try spray-painting silhouettes of native leaves and branches. • Don’t drink rain-barrel water. The bacteria formed in a barrel of rain water can make a person deathly ill if consumed. • Cover and screen to prevent insects from entering or any roof debris • By investing in a rain barrel, you are helping us build a more sustainable New Orleans! Thank you for doing your part.

nalamag.com

leanor, what might be helpful to you is an odd concept called the Paradoxical Theory of Change. It basically states that we are more able to make lasting change when we start at peace with ourselves in our current state. If you believe you will love yourself more when you are “good” and stick to your fitness goals, then you are promoting the belief that withholding love and acceptance of yourself is the best way to motivate yourself, and you get stuck in a loop of reward and punishment and disappointment. We think if we accept ourselves as we are and begin from there, that we will remain sluggish good-for-nothing couch potatoes, but it’s a real surprise to learn that may not be true. Fierce selfloyalty no matter what can actually be exactly what you need to maintain the courage to keep taking steps toward change. Try being unconditionally compassionate and caring towards yourself and see what happens— love can be an incredible fuel for change!

FIT NOLA'S

HEALTHYHERO TEDDY HARKNESS

eddy Harkness has taught Adult Fitness exercise classes at various New Orleans Recreation & Development Centers (NORD) for several years. On Tuesday nights, you can find him leading a fun filled invigorating class filled with cardio moves and core strengthening components. He encourages his members to go at their own pace and push through. Mr. Harkness emphasizes fitness as a key part of a healthier lifestyle for active seniors and all who take his class. Through his work at NORD, Mr. Harkness continues to be a health advocate for New Orleanians of any age.

Fit NOLA & Whole Foods Market together launched Healthy Heroesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a program to celebrate community members leading healthy efforts across New Orleans. Each month, residents are invited to NOMINATE A HEALTHY HERO ONLINE before the designated deadline for a chance to be selected as that monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sole winner. Nomination questions focus on the environment Healthy Heroes create for themselves and others.To learn more about the Healthy Hero initiative or apply to be a Healthy Hero, please visit: nola.gov/health-department/fit-nola/healthy-hero/.

natural awakenings

February 2018

calendarofevents

TELL NOLA WHAT YOU’RE DOING! All calendar events must be received via email by the 7th of the month. Email calendar@nalamag.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

markyourcalendar Blue Cliff College, Massage Therapy Department, Continuing Education, CEUs for LMTs

FEBRUARY 7, 2018 Mardi Gras Flow & Watch Party

February 23-25, 2018

Ortho-Bionomy Basics: Focus on Spine & Pelvis, Peggy Scott, Associate Advanced Instructor of Ortho-Bionomy

5:45-7pm. Free to Be Power Yoga, 4609 Magazine St, New Orleans. FreeToBePowerYoga.com

March 3-5, 2018

Ortho-Bionomy Basics: Focus on Extremities, Peggy Scott, Associate Advanced Instructor of Ortho-Bionomy

March 17-18, 2018

Hot Stone Massage, Derrie Bergeron, LMT

March 24-25, 2018

Reiki I & II, Toshii Cooper, LMT & Reiki Master Teacher

May 26-28, 2018

Ortho-Bionomy: Chapman’s Reflexes, Debby Benson, Advanced Instructor SOBI

June 23-24, 2018

Atoning Chakra Massage, Toshii Cooper, LMT & Reiki Master Instructor For information: 504-293-0972. PeggyS@BlueCliffCollege.com

FEBRUARY 1, 2018

Mother Love Wellness Challenge – 9:30am. Baby Boot Camp, 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans. BabyBootCamp.com.

Swedish Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:30pm. Also February 15. Help a student with their education at our student massage clinic. NMT is a deep massage that targets a problem area such as low back pain. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info or appointment: 504-293-0972.

Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program – 12:30pm. Dr. Debbi Hannan presents: The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program at Hannan Wellness. Free. 101 Clearview Pkwy at Airline Dr, New Orleans. 504-454-2000.

Neuro Muscular Therapy Clinic – 6:15 & 7:30pm. Also February 15. Help a student with their education at our student massage clinic. NMT is a deep massage that targets a problem area such as low back pain. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info or appointment: 504-293-0972. Save Our Sponge Concert – 7:30-9:30pm. $3035. New Orleans Jazz Market,1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans. For more information, call 504-433-4000.

FEBRUARY 2, 2018

Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Also February 7, 16 & 21. Help a student with their education at our student massage clinic. Deep Tissue is a full body massage that really works out the kinks. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info or appointment: 504-293-0972. Barre3 Happy Hour – 4:30-5:30pm. Barre3, 5235 Magazine St, New Orleans. NewOrleans@ Barre3.com.

New Orleans

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FEBRUARY 5, 2018

Eat, Recover, Live Better Challenge 2018 – 5am. Lagniappe CrossFit, 2168 Agriculture St, Unit A, New Orleans. LagniappeCrossfit.com/ Start-Today.

FEBRUARY 6, 2018

FEBRUARY 8, 2018

Fit After 50 Tour – 6-7:30pm. Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Dr, New Orleans. BoomersLifestyle.net.

FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Swedish Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Also February 23. Help a student with their education at our student massage clinic. NMT is a deep massage that targets a problem area such as low back pain. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info or appointment: 504-293-0972.

FEBRUARY 13, 2018

Happy Mardi Gras!

FEBRUARY 14, 2018

Happy Valentine’s Day, Y’all!

FEBRUARY 17, 2018

Saturday Morning Massage Clinic – 9:15 & 10:30am. Also February 24. Help a student with their education at our student massage clinic. February 17- Swedish, February 24- Neuro Muscular Therapy. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info or appointment: 504-293-0972.

FEBRUARY 18, 2018

Uptown Classic 2018 – 7-10am. Audubon Park, 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans. RaceRoster.com. Mardi Gras Detox Day – 10am-12pm. $20/Day, $10/ Session. Longue Vue House and Gardens, 7 Bamboo Rd, New Orleans. LongVue.com. Qigong and Tai Chi Basics – 3-4pm. Also February 25, March 4, and March 11. Ancient methods with modern sensibility for stress relief, heightened immune function, lowering blood pressure, healing headaches and other pain, anxiety, insomnia, addiction, and inflammation. $15 drop-in, $45 class package. Amma Center’s Watercourse Way Studio, 432 N Anthony St, New Orleans. 504-9316725. NOLAChiKung.com.

FEBRUARY 20, 2018

Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program – 5:30pm. Dr. Debbi Hannan presents: The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program at Hannan Wellness. Free. 101 Clearview Pkwy at Airline Dr, New Orleans. 504-454-2000.

FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Peaceful Mamas Monthly Yoga Class for Moms – 7:459:15pm. Wild Lotus Yoga Uptown, 4842 Perrier St, New Orleans. 504-899-0047. WildLotusYoga.com. Yoga at City Park – 10am. Location TBD. Contact BlueArrowFitness.com for more info. 9th Annual Recycled Fashion Show – 3-6pm. Mid-City Lanes, 3000 S Carrollton Ave, New Orleans. BridgeHouse.org.

FEBRUARY 23, 2018

Collective Trauma Asks for Collective Healing – 7:30pm. Dr. Riedel will present personal experiences, clinical vignettes, and mytho-poetic amplifications to shine light on the power of deeply ingrained individual and sociocultural memory patterns that can propagate cycles of trauma and violence. $15, Students $10, Members Free. Parker UMC, 1130 Nashville, New Orleans. JungNewOrleans.org.

FEBRUARY 24, 2018

A Human Ecosystems Approach and Analytical Psychology Workshop – 10am-1pm. With understanding of this synergy between our inner and outer worlds, Dr. Riedel will demonstrate a human ecosystems approach to healing the collective trauma relevant to the New Orleans community. After, Dr. Reidel is available to meet with psychotherapists for Case Consultation on working with clients who are struggling with trauma issues located at the interface between the personal and collective realms. $45, Students $25, Members $35. Parker UMC, 1130 Nashville, New Orleans. JungNewOrleans.org . Conscious Connected Breathing w/ Jack Fontana – 2:30-5pm. Wild Lotus Yoga Uptown, 4842 Perrier St, New Orleans. 504-899-0047. WildLotusYoga.com.

FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Community Boot Camp & Yoga – 9:30am. Free. City Park, 61 Friedrichs Ave, Metairie. GirlsGoneBuff.com or NOLASeva.org. Forty Day Focus: Realize Your Calling Through Mantra & Meditation – 4-5:30pm. Wild Lotus Yoga Uptown, 4842 Perrier St, New Orleans. 504-899-0047. WildLotusYoga.com.

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

Raising Dough for the Alliance for Affordable Energy! – 11am-8pm. Blaze Pizza, 5001 Freret St, New Orleans. All4Energy.org.

FEB 2018

#AlcoholFreeFor40 K I C KO F F PA R T Y W H AT :

The free #AlcoholFreeFor40 kickoff party at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum will feature $5 lab screenings by Ochsner Health System, Ochsner’s Eat Fit-approved mocktails and food from Eat Fit NOLA partners, such as Dick & Jenny’s, Seed and Big Easy Bucha.

W H E N :

Thursday, February 15, from 5 to 8 p.m.

W H E R E :

Southern Food & Beverage Museum, 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70113.

D E TA I L S :

The event is free for anyone to attend. If you’re planning to have your labs checked, please RSVP at Eventbrite. com. Availability for $5 lab screening is limited to the first 150 attendees.

Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program – 12:30pm. Dr. Debbi Hannan presents: The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program at Hannan Wellness. Free. 101 Clearview Pkwy at Airline Dr, New Orleans. 504-454-2000.

natural awakenings

February 2018

ongoingcalendar 1009.

TELL NOLA WHAT YOU’RE DOING! All calendar events must be received via email by the 7th of the month. Email calendar@nalamag.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday

Tai Chi in the Park – 8-8:45am. Last Sunday of the Month. Peristyle in City Park, 42 Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans. OchsnerFitness.com. Introduction to Zen Meditation – 8:30 am (except the first Sunday of the month). By donation. Midcity Zen. 3248 Castiglione St, New Orleans. MidCityZen.org. Community Hot Quickie – 9-10am. Sixty minute, Bikram-inspired hot yoga. Same therapeutic practice, less time! All levels welcome; no class package required – by donation every week! Yes, Yoga. 8338 Oak St, New Orleans. YesYogaNOLA@gmail. com. YesYogaNOLA.co. Sunday Morning Meditation – 9am. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390. UnityNewOrleans.org. A Course in Miracles – 9:30am. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390. UnityNewOrleans.org. Science of Being – 9:30am. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390. UnityNewOrleans.org. The Yoga of Jesus – 9:45am. Class based on the Yogananda book The Yoga of Jesus. All are invited. Free. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center Sunday Service – 11am. 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390. UnityNewOrleans.org. Strength Palace – 10-11am. No-pressure group exercise class for real people promoting positivity and strength for all. 4210 St Claude Ave, inside Shaolin-Do Kung Fu & Tai Chi, New Orleans. Sunday Celebration Service – 11am. Unity of Metairie. 3939 Veterans Memorial Blvd, 504-885-7575. UnityOfMetairie.com. Eckankar – 11am-12pm. Discover what Eckankar can do for you to enrich your life with Divine Guidance. NO Healing Center, 2371 St Claude Ave, 4th floor. Basic/Beginners Aikido Class – 3:30pm4:30pm. Practice the art of peace. First class free. NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville St, Ste. 103 in Mid-City, New Orleans. 504-2084861. Info@NOLAAikido.com. Yin Yoga – 5-6pm. Gentle, restorative yoga: Long holds. Deep stretching. Props. Yoga newbies encouraged! Yes, Yoga. 8338 Oak St, New Orleans. YesYogaNOLA@gmail. com YesYogaNOLA.co.

New Orleans

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monday Compost NOW – 4-5:30pm. Free. Accept fruits and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, nut shells, seed shells, plain bread, grains, and rice. No meat, bones, or dairy. Bring in a paper or compostable bag or a reusable container and freeze your scraps. Children’s Resource Library. Beginners Karate Class – 5:30-6:15pm. Also Wednesday and Friday. First class free. LA Karate Association Dojo, 706C Phosphor Ave, Metairie. 504835-6825. LKAKarate.com. Basic/Beginners Aikido Class – 6:15pm-7:15pm. Practice the art of peace. First class free. NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville St, Ste. 103 in Mid-City, New Orleans. 504-208-4861. Info@NOLAAikido.com.

tuesday Qigong/Dao-In – Noon. Tues & Thurs. Bring a mat. $5/class. New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St Claude Ave, 4th flr, New Orleans. 985-467-0900 or dc@affordablehealingarts.com. Connected Warriors Yoga – 12-1pm. Higher Power Yoga and Cycle, 514 City Park Ave. Free Yoga for Veterans, Service members, active, military, and their friends and family. Yoga in the Cathedral – 5:30-6:30pm. Bring your own mat. Free (donations accepted.) Christ Church Cathedral, 2919 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans. HIIT at the Peristyle – 6-7:30pm. All levels. Bring a water bottle and a friend. Free. Peristyle on City Park. Relax, Release, and Renew – 6:30-7:30pm. Weekly series to build coping skills, create deep relaxation, nourish your mind/body/spirit, and enhance life. $10 Suggested Donation. Affordable Healing Arts. 2372 St Claude Ave, Suite 220, New Orleans. AffordableHealingArts.com. Northshore Table Tennis Club – 6:30-9:30pm. $5 per session. Abita Recreation District #11. 22517 Hwy 36, Abita Springs.

wednesday Qi-Gym -10-11am. $10 Donation. First Class Free. Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center. 3900 General Taylor St, New Orleans. BrainHeartBalance.com or 504-309-0002. Gentle Yoga – 10:30-11:30am. Free. Lyons Rec Center, 624 Louisiana Ave. Prayer and Healing – 11am. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave. 504-899-3390. UnityNewOrleans.org.

Compost NOW – 12:30-2pm. Free. Accept fruits and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, nut shells, seed shells, plain bread, grains, and rice. No meat, bones, or dairy. Bring in a paper or compostable bag or a reusable container and freeze your scraps. Behind Latter Library/ Friends of NOPL. Wellness Wednesdays: Ideal Protein – 5-5:30pm. Majoria Drug Store, 888 Terry Parkway, Terrytown. 504-392-1551. melissa@majoria.com. idealmajoria.com. Community Meditation – 6-7pm. Love Offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. 504-885-7575. UnityOfMetairie.com. Compost NOW – 6-7:30pm. Free. Accept fruits and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, nut shells, seed shells, plain bread, grains, and rice. No meat, bones, or dairy. Bring in a paper or compostable bag or a reusable container and freeze your scraps. Mid-City Library. Basic/Beginners Aikido Class – 6:15-7:15pm. Practice the art of peace. First class free. NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville St, Ste 103, in Mid-City, New Orleans. 504-208-4861. Info@ NOLAAikido.com. Free Spirited Yoga – 6:30pm. Free. Join NOLA Tribe Yoga for Free Spirited Yoga every Wednesday night. Warm up 5K at 5:35pm. The Tchoup Yard, 405 Third St, New Orleans. Inner Flow Yoga – 6:30pm. Enhances lymphatic flow, digestion, immunity, balance, and relaxation. Great for beginners! $10. The Esplanade at City Park Yoga Studio, 3443 Esplanade Ave, 2nd Fl, New Orleans, LA. A Course in Miracles – 6:30pm. Facilitated by Mary Beth Ellis. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504899-3390. UnityNewOrleans.org. A Course in Miracles Discussion – 7pm. Join Rev Jack Fowler. Love offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. 504-8857575. UnityOfMetairie.com. Level Up! Intermediate Yoga- 7:30-8:30pm. A challenging practice to bring you to the next level! Arm balances. Backbends. Inversions. 95 degrees. Come be playful and learn to fall in style! Yes, Yoga. 8338 Oak St, New Orleans. YesYogaNOLA@gmail.com. YesYogaNOLA.co.

thursday Uptown Hot Vinyasa – 9-10am. New class time! A dynamic, heated flow practice. Come sweat and move like you! All levels welcome. Yes, Yoga. 8338 Oak St, New Orleans. YesYogaNOLA@ gmail.com. YesYogaNOLA.co. Qigong/Dao-In – Noon. Tues & Thurs. Bring a mat. $5/class. New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St Claude Ave, 4th flr, New Orleans. 985-467-0900 or dc@ affordablehealingarts.com. Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 6-7:15pm. Free. Popp’s Bandstand, in front of Morning Call in City Park. 56 Dreyfous drive. Bring a mat, a water bottle, and a friend. Compost NOW – 6-7:30pm. Free. Accept fruits and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, nut shells, seed shells, plain bread, grains, and rice. No meat, bones, or dairy. Bring in a paper or compostable bag or a reusable container and freeze your scraps. Alvar Library. Northshore Table Tennis Club – 6:30-9:30pm. $5 per session. Abita Recreation District #11. 22517 Hwy 36, Abita Springs. Peaceful Mamas Monthly Class for Busy Moms – 7:459:15pm. Wild Lotus Yoga Uptown. 504-899-0047. TeamLotus@WildLotusYoga.com. WildLotusYoga.com. WildLotusYoga.com. WildLotusYoga.com

friday

Happier Hour Wine Tasting – 5-7pm. Free. Spirit Wine, 3500 Magazine St, New Orleans. Jammin’ Community Hot Quickie – 5:30-6:30pm. Bikramstyle class to music. Live DJ and Oak St. Happy Hour on the fourth Friday of every month! Donation suggested. Yes, Yoga. 8338 Oak St, New Orleans. YesYogaNOLA@ gmail.com. YesYogaNOLA.co.

New Orleans Spiritual Awakening Group – 6-9pm. New Orleans Spiritual Awakening Group sponsored by Homeward Bound Services. May Wen. Broadmoor Arts and Wellness, 3900 General Taylor St., NOLA. https://facebook.com/ neworleansspiritualawakening. Beginners Yoga / Level 1 Vinyasa – 6-7pm. Free. Broadmoor Arts and Wellness Center, 3900 General Taylor. Bring a mat, a towel, and a water bottle along with any other props you wish to bring. LotusYoga.com. WildLotusYoga. com

saturday

Yoga on the Bayou – 8:309:30am. Yoga Lagniappe, 3700 Orleans Ave, New Orleans. YogaLagniappe.com. Northshore Table Tennis Club – 9:30am-12:30pm. $5 per session. Abita Recreation District #11. 22517 Hwy 36, Abita Springs. Yoga and Guided Meditation – 10-11:30am. Yoga nidra with Katrina Zech. $15 donation. Unity of New Orleans Spiritual Center, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. UnityNewOrleans.org. Inner Flow Yoga – 10am. Enhances lymphatic flow, digestion, immunity, balance, and relaxation. Great for beginners! $10. The Esplanade at City Park Yoga Studio, 3443 Esplanade Ave, 2nd Fl, New Orleans, LA. Compost NOW – 10:30-12pm. Free. Accept fruits and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, nut shells, seed shells, plain bread, grains, and rice. No meat, bones, or dairy. Bring in a paper or compostable bag or a reusable container and freeze your scraps. Rosa Keller Library. Level Up Intermediate Yoga – 11am-12:15pm. A challenging practice to bring you to the next level! Arm balances. Backbends. Inversions. 95 degrees. Come be playful and learn to fall in style! Yes, Yoga. 8338 Oak St, New Orleans. YesYogaNOLA@gmail. com. YesYogaNOLA.co. First Position Adult Beginners Class – 11:30am-12:30pm. Live Oak Dance, 8204 Oak St, New Orleans. ChristynLiveOakDance@ gmail.com.

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February 2018

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Healthy Food Issue! CONTACT ADVERTISING@ NALAMAG.COM TO ADVERTISE TODAY! 22

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PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL NEW ORLEANS SMALL BUSINESSES AND SERVICE PROVIDERS. CONTACT THEM TODAY AND TELL THEM NALAMAG SENT YOU!

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natural awakenings

February 2018