A TYPICAL WELLNESS SESSION WITH JEN
A typical wellness session with Jen looks something like this:
We stand in mountain pose with palms open and eyes closed. We breathe mindfully and gratefully into our healthy body, acknowledging all that we are, tuning in, becoming centered and grounded in the present moment. We take the first moments of our physical practice in stillness and gratitude. We open up to and receive energy from the source.
After a few moments we begin a dynamic warmup. This is a series of movement-based stretches involving rotation, balance and core. We use the muscle opposite of the stretching muscle to enhance the effect (this is a technique used by therapists and athletic trainers). At this point, our heart rates are already elevated and we are ready for our core fusion workout.
The bulk of the session includes a combination of mostly body weight exercises, which address all the important aspects of fitness: strength, agility, flexibility, core, balance, cardio. We alternate two to three different exercises that work lower/upper/core simultaneously. An example is a deep squat with a medicine ball toss, followed by upper back rowing with resistance tubes and core exercise on a physioball. As we cycle through several of these types of "tri-sets" for 30-40 minutes our heart rate is up, the attention is focused, the body is alive and resilient.
This type of workout is extremely effective in acheiving maximal fitness because in a short amount of time we are able to burn a lot of calories while building muscle and flexibility. As we wind down with yoga-based and assisted passive stretches, the mind is guided back to gratitude. We notice the blood coursing in our bodies, the oxygen in our lungs, the feeling of gladness that we are here on this day.
Stand with your feet rooted into Mother Earth.
Close your eyes and begin to focus on your Breath.
Notice a long inhalation and a longer exhalation.
Breathe with your mouth closed, your breath drawing through the back of your throat. Feel your feet Grounding you as you inhale length and tallness. See the Crown of your head lifting up to the Sky-to The Source. Keep your eyes closed and Breathe into Yourself. Know yourself as Centered and Grounded AND Open and Receiving. Stand with your palms Open wide, your Heart and Mind Open. Breathe into your Blessings. Acknowledge all that you are. Give Thanks. Know yourself as Strength and Balance.
