The Rural Intelligence region offers a plethora of fitness and healing modalities, but it can be hard to know which is the one that fits your needs, your body type and your schedule. Enter Paula Boyajian, a yoga instructor certified in Interdisciplinary Yoga and Yoga for the Special Child, who has taken on the role of RI’s fitness contributor to sleuth out the details of the many health and wellness options in our area.
You may know that Boxing Day, celebrated in Great Britain on December 26, is when Brits exchange gifts. Yet I enjoyed a “Boxing Day" in January and still received amazing gifts, only one of which was a wonderful workout. At Litchfield’s Athletic Club, Kareem Blue’s Boxing Class filled me with encouragement, laughter and inspiration. All these, from a group of strangers including a few who use Kareem’s class to knock out the intensity of Parkinson’s related symptoms. What Is It?An hour-long boxing class. That could sound like a long time to don gloves and beat a bag. And it is, which is exactly why it’s a great overall workout. I emphasize “overall" because no boxer can get by with just upper-body strength. A completely toned and coordinated body is what a boxer needs and what you can achieve with a robust warmup, intervals of jabbing and punching and intense ab work.
Activity LevelIntermediate to advance, but I eagerly encourage everyone to take this class, as its students are as diverse as a 64-count of crayons. Students range from long and lean teens to middle-aged gals like me, the previously mentioned individuals with Parkinsons and a young girl with Down Syndrome. Kareem’s 1:1 attention is exquisite. As he says, “I can see you all the time — that’s why I put mirrors in here!" Seriously, his passion for fitness and dedication to his students is obvious as he pushes you enough to challenge you, but he doesn’t leave you feeling defeated. This is what makes his class so inspiring. Everyone was incredibly supportive. In fact, my partner, Joan Tekula, and I hit it off so well, Kareem mentioned that I did some major “aerobics of the jaw." BenefitsWhat that “completely toned and coordinated body" means is you’ll build a strong core. I was told — and quickly learned — that you punch with your whole body, and that means core, core, core! Developing the proper footwork also means developing balance and firming buttocks. Body awareness increases too; I don’t know how many times I was reminded to return my glove in front of my face. Of course, it’s all a great cardio workout. Mike also shared that boxing is a big stress-reliever. But it was the stories related by the two men with Parkinson’s that really stayed with me. After just two months in Kareem’s classes, their symptoms, including decreased coordination and muscle control, have improved.
Instructor InfoKareem Blue, who has been boxing for more than 20 years, is USA boxing certified. He has competed in tournaments like the Golden Gloves and holds a purple belt in Chinese Goju Ryu. And he's one of the few athletes who can proudly answer “Yes!" if he’s ever asked “What are you, some kind of a comedian?" — not only because of his infectious humor that keeps you going during class but because he actually does do stand-up comedy. My one fear: I will be fodder for his next act! Facility/AmbienceBoxing class takes place in the large and bright “Aerobic Room" that has every prop necessary. No need to worry about special footwear or gloves. There’s a bi-level fitness area with motivational words like "Courage" and “Inspire" scrolled across walls. The Cardio Deck, with a plethora of cardio machines, occupies the upper level. The lower level claims a boxing ring for 1:1 sessions. From either level, you can survey the peaceful woods that surround the club and house a workout area used during warmer weather. LAC even has childcare to help make getting to class a bit easier. But it’s the people at LAC that make me want to return; trainers, staff and members alike are down-to-earth, open and kind. CostDrop-in classes are $15, but there are plenty of other options: day passes ($18), five-class packs that don’t expire ($60), and longer term memberships. To help members and nonmembers keep health-related resolutions, free Turbokick classes are being offered throughout February. Litchfield Athletic Club599 Bantam Road, Litchfield, CT 860-567-3510
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A rendering of a proposed sign by Norm Magnusson.
- Norm Magnusson
Pam Ellis performs at the Bercshire South Community Center.
Alicia Johnson and Catherine Zack preside over a Buried Treasure workshop at Village Yoga. (Photos Provided by Alicia Johnson)
