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.
"It's that time of year!" can be a tired phrase, but I must admit to being a sucker for all things holiday: cooking and/or stringing cranberries, lighting Christmas trees and menorahs and end-of-year "best of" lists. So, here's the start of my "Best Exercise Trends of 2014 That You Should Keep In 2015" list. First up: Water classes. I took two "Liquid Force" classes at Cranwell Resort and Spa in Lenox, and believe me, these are not your mother's water aerobics. What Is It? “Liquid Force" is a 50-minute class that’s as good a workout as any class on land. I was fortunate to take two classes with two different instructors: Heather Nataro, whose class focused on aerobics with high-intensity bursts, and Tom Connolly, who emphasized calisthenics. Both incorporated dumbbells and noodles and led a thorough yet lighthearted class. Activity LevelBeginners to intermediate. Other water classes I’ve taken have been geared to the senior population. While seniors and anyone with joint or back problems would feel comfortable in the Liquid Force classes, younger folks could find themselves challenged. In fact, Heather recalled a few teenagers who had to make their way to the side of the pool and take a break. Perhaps they were guilty of what I did: underestimating the dumbbells. When I first picked one up, even the heaviest felt as light as a Styrofoam cup, but once submerged, the dumbbells became a whole different thing.
BenefitsWhen you exercise in water, resistance is 12 times that of air. Just kicking contributes to increased heart rate and muscle, balance and core development. I noticed the importance of an engaged core immediately as I attempted to switch direction. If I didn’t pay attention to my navel-to-spine connection, I flopped around like a – yes — fish out of water. I also worked myself from calves to shoulders with less impact on my joints than in traditional aerobics classes. Oh, one more thing, I had fun! Tom turned noodles into sea horses and I found myself competing in the “Sea Horse Downs." One regular in Heather's class hit it right on the head by saying, “This is the only workout you smile your way through!" Instructor InformationHeather Nataro trained at FiTOUR. She says she grew up in the water, but when the pool she worked at as a lifeguard closed, she took a banking job and gain weight. Having lost an impressive 125 pounds, she thinks of her class as one step in a lifelong journey toward wellness and self-acceptance. Tom, a certified Water Aerobics Instructor, says the purpose of water classes is to use the water’s resistance to increase body tone while exercising in ways you can’t on land without injuring yourself. Most importantly, he wants you to have fun. While Heather and Tom have their own styles and engaging personalities, one thing they have in common is that they plunge right into the pool with you While Tom stays put, guiding you with enthusiasm and reminders that you're “beautiful," Heather gets out now and then to demonstrate leg movements, then jumps right back in. Either way, they’ve both made a splash in my exercise book.
Facility/AmbienceWhether you're a Berkshire resident or visitor you’re probably aware of the majestic Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Course. Its regal surroundings are outdone only by its accommodating and unstuffy staff. For instance, teachers aren’t time sticklers; they know people arrive late or leave early but their philosophy seems to be “it's better to move some than not at all." And although faces change as hotel guests do, there’s a community feeling in “Liquid Force" classes. I met three gals enjoying a spa day, a busy mom treating herself to a me-day and a lively bunch of "regulars," all of whom shared genuine smiles and conversation with me. Moreover, floor-to-ceiling windows offer dazzling views of the Berkshire Hills and Cranwell’s rolling terrain. CostA $45 day pass allows you to take “Liquid Force" and any other class you like. For resort guests, individual classes are $15. Spa memberships that include all classes are also available. Cranwell Resort and Spa55 Lee Road Lenox, MA (413) 637-1364
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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)
