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Fitness Newsletter | January 2012 | VBgov.com/Parks 
Registration Changes Coming Soon! Starting with the Spring 2012 Programs & Activities Catalog, you can register for classes as soon as the catalog is posted online! The Spring Catalog will be online (VBgov.com/Parks) and registration will begin at 9 am, Saturday, February 11.
What's for Dinner? Try Some Soup!
 
Mulligatawny SoupWhen it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, it's important that you reach for healthy meal and snack options that are relatively low in calories, but also leave you satisfied. One type of food that fits this description well is soup.
The combination of liquids and solids often found in soups works well to suppress the appetite, and the high water content makes our stomachs feel full with a lower calorie count. Depending on the type of soup you choose, it can be an excellent source of vegetables, lean protein, and natural herbs and spices.

This month we're featuring a homemade Red Lentil Mulligatawny Soup with Apple-Celery Salsa. The red lentils in this soup provide a good source of protein, fiber and iron. Use vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian. Enjoy! 
Get a Free Fitness Assessment!

Saturday, February 4 | 10 am - 2 pm | Bayside Rec Center

Fitness AssessmentStart the new year with a FREE fitness assessment! An assessment with a certified fitness professional can assist in identifying your strengths and weaknesses, so a fitness program can be developed specifically for you. Our certified personal trainers will be at Bayside on February 4, 10 am - 2 pm doing body fat testing, measurements, strength and flexibility assessments and more.  

 

A fitness assessment normally costs $40, so don't miss this opportunity to get one for free! Registration is required and a membership or day pass is needed.  

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Need New
Work Out Music?

 Headphones

Do you work out with your iPod or MP3 player? Need some new tunes?  

 

You can download 3 songs per week, yours to keep, FREE, from Virginia Beach Public Library!  

 

All you need is a library card, which is free to Beach residents. Download audiobooks and e-books, too.  Find out more here

Expand Your Mind with New Meditation & Chakra Classes


MeditationWe're all familiar with the benefits of a balanced workout plan to include cardio, strength and flexibility training. You've probably implemented these formats into your own routine or take a combination of group classes to get this variety. However, many gym-goers underestimate the benefits of consistent mind and body training. Whether it is used for stress reduction, an understanding of the mind / body connection or a search for inner peace, these types of classes have their place in any well-rounded fitness and wellness routine.

Our department has a history of offering quality Yoga classes and over the past year we have brought Tai Chi to our members at a variety of locations. We are now excited to expand our offerings to include Meditation and Chakra Exploration.  

 

Meditation Exploration
Meditation is a self-directed practice for relaxing the body and calming the mind. It is practiced through concentrated focus upon a sound, object or visualization in order to increase awareness of the present moment.  

Meditation reduces stress, promotes relaxation and enhances spiritual and personal growth. Studies have shown that regular meditation can reduce health care use and increase longevity and quality of life. It can also reduce chronic pain, anxiety, high blood pressure, substance abuse, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. In general, people who meditate regularly have been shown to be more at ease, less anxious and experience more enjoyment and appreciation of life.

In this six week series, you will learn to create a personal meditation practice or devotion to yourself. We will cover the basic forms of meditation, including guided meditation, candle, silent, walking, purpose and chanting. We will also practice centering and grounding techniques.

This class will be held at Great Neck and meets Tuesdays from 10-11 am starting February 7 or Thursdays from 7-8 pm starting February 9. Register! 


Chakra Exploration

Would you like to experience balance and increased vitality? Would you like to better understand more of who you are and how you function as an energy system?

MeditationIn this seven week series, you will learn about yourself and techniques to keep your energy vital and balanced, while reducing fear and stress. We will do this by exploring the seven energy centers in the body known as chakras. Chakra is a Sanskrit word for wheel. This wheel represents movement. Each of the seven chakras in the body have a purpose, a rite, a function and an action and relates to the systems, organs and qualities in the body to support physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Each week we will explore and gain an understanding of the function of each chakra. This awareness opens up unlimited possibilities to health, prosperity, peace of mind and joyful living.

This class will cover the following:
*    Grounding and centering using color, visualization and breath.
*    Setting the tone for each day by calling in the energies you wish to experience.
*    Implementing a spiritual practice such as meditation, mantra or visualization.
*    Chakra balancing and guided meditation exercise.
*    Utilizing the power of your mind and thoughts to create health, joy and balance.

Chakra Exploration meets on Thursdays at Great Neck from 7-8 pm starting March 22. Register!  
Meet the Instructor: Carylanne

 

CarylanneCarylanne is a life coach, hypnotherapist, consultant, licensed esthetician & Yuen Method practitioner. She is also a teacher and practitioner of the Raindrop Technique and instructor of personal growth seminars. Her integrated mind-body approach facilitates the deep release of lifelong fears and limiting beliefs, fostering the courage to initiate positive changes in one's life. She is well known for her intuitive, peaceful nature, guided meditations and transformative seminars. Carylanne's extensive training in a wide range of modalities and her commitment to wellness have helped clients fulfill lifelong dreams and guided them to the creation of an authentic, healthy and prosperous lifestyle.

Carylanne teaches locally here in Virginia Beach as well as across the country. We are excited to have Carylanne lead our Meditation and Chakra Exploration classes starting in February.
Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures 

 

The pool at Great Neck Recreation Center will be closed February 17 through March 1 for filter replacement.

 

The pool at Bow Creek Recreation Center will be closed March 5-15 for valve replacement.

 

Seatack Recreation Center will be closed March 12-18 for annual maintenance.  

 

Don't forget that your membership is good at all six Virginia Beach Recreation Centers! If your usual center is closed for maintenance, take the opportunity to visit another center. Use this locator to help you find one!

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If your child requires additional support, we can help.  Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.
We welcome your comments and questions.  Feel free to email us at [email protected].
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Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.