Thankful

Today I give thanks for the air that I breath,
The trees that I see and the life that I lead.

Today I give thanks for the friends that I have
... To my mom and my dad
and the Chances I’ve had.

Today I give thanks that the things that I see
Are opportunities for me to grow and succeed.

Today I am thankful for just being me
To grow and achieve
To live and believe

My 1sr trip ro the UK with BEAMING

Monday October 3, 2011

SO as we all know, life without DRAMA would not be very exciting ………Right?

Many weeks ago I shipped the BEAMFIT’S to the UK for this launch. All was well – they got picked up on time and were on schedule to be delivered on September 30 ….. With plenty of time. SURE……..

I get an email from Gill (in England) that the container the BEAMFIT’s are in quarantine because THAT container also contained food items – and all containers (and their contents) that are near food need to be “cleared”. They told Gill that “perhaps “she will get them on the 5th or 6th – and I am scheduled to do a MAJOR presentation on the 5th……YIKES.

So she continued ,frantically, to pursue this ( in the mean time plan “B” is painters tape on the floor and me SHLEPPING 2 BEAMFIT’S with me on the plane so at least they can SEE and FEEL a BEAMFIT)

This morning, 2 hours prior to my departure, she emails me that NOW they can’t find the shipment. SO, I get 2 BEAMFIT’S, box ‘em up, tape ‘em together, slap a label with my name, address and phone and prepare to go to the airport. RIGHT BEFORE I am ready to leave I get an email from her that they have released the BEAMFIT’S and we will have them on time……………………..So, as we all know, life without DRAMA would not be very exciting……..RIGHT?

So, at the airport, the plane coming in had an emergency – one of the flight attendants took sick and they had to rush her to the Hospital upon landing. What does that mean? They are 1 short now and can’t fly due to FAA regulation!!! SO we were delayed as we had to wait for the Dallas flight to come in so “we” could “steal” a flight attendant. 1 hour delay…….not a big deal…….So, as we all know, life without DRAMA would not be very exciting……….RIGHT?

The flight was empty and I was able to get a whole row “we” love that don’t “we”!!! So, the Universe threw me a bone!

IN Chicago I went up to the gate agent to see if I could get a GREAT SEAT on my flight to London. She gave me 22G ….. And blocked the WHOLE ROW for me so I had 5 seats. I was able to lie down and stretch out and SLEEP the whole way there. It wasn’t first class but it was FANTASTIC!

Tuesday October 3, 2011

All was smooth upon landing. Gill picked me up and off we went to her office where I got to meet her staff, husband and co workers and had the opportunity to see the Physical Therapy clinic. IT was then off to my hotel - just lovely on the River - and so quant and comfortable (see pictures). Dinner was at another hotel (where I will be staying in a few days) and then off to bed!!

Wednesday October 4, 2011

What a great night’s sleep!! I forgot to mention that I have every electric converter for every country in the world EXCEPT ENGLAND so I have been unable to get on my computer as I was SAVING my battery.

Today was a fantastic day!!!!! I did a 6 hour program for the Drummond Education Team (they will be the UK Beamfit™ Training team. For now, they will teach classes in several clubs across the UK in order to peak the interest. In December I will be returning to Train them and prepare them to give the training to UK instructors as we roll out the program here. My dear friend, Monica Linford, came today and I was thrilled to see her. I met her in 1997 when I was in Australia – I stayed at her home in Adelaide while there. SHE is the one who hooked me up with Gill here in the UK and set this all in motion!!

The program started today @ 10AM …….and the BEAMFIT’S finally arrived @ 11:30 – talk about a sigh of relief!!! There were 18 of participants and among them representatives from some of the TOP clubs here in the UK. What a fun, encouraging and exciting day!!! 6 hours sound like a long time but it just flew by and they were a super group to work with. As I suspected they fell in love with the BEAMFIT and all it has to offer. A day of Fun, inspiration and gratitude, and a dinner filled with laughter, good wine and great food!

Thursday October 6, 2011

Today was a day of Meetings……yes sitting at a desk……at a computer…….meetings, meetings, meetings. Then checked into a different hotel FANTASTIC (see pictures). Dinner with my friend Monica……and then off t bed. TODAY the weather changed!!! FALL is here in England – cold, windy, fast moving grey clouds….blowing leaves and long sleeves. BRRRRRR and tomorrow I am off to MANCHESTER!!

Friday October 7.2011

Off we went to Manchester with a Van full of BEAMFIT’s which took about 4 hours. The weather has been really mild so far, however, when I stepped out the door to load the car “fall” whisked by and brushed across my face, It reminded me of those days in Chicago when I was young when I just knew the season had made its change ….and there Was no turning back

The English countryside is beautiful with its rolling hills dotted with sheep and cows, the green grass contrasts the recently harvested fields and the trees are beginning to change from their vibrant green of summer to crisp shades of brown, yellow and orange all in preparation for winter, and my return in December.

Driving was really fantastic as Gill and I talked about every topic under the sun, and this gave us the opportunity to get to know one another on a personal as well as professional level. It was truly time well spent.

I taught the program to a group of 10 instructors who represent significant clubs in the Manchester are , and as suspected, they loved the beam and are excited to get them in their gyms and begin to implement the programming. It was a Win!!! Pack up the BEAMFIT’s and off we go.

And now it is 9pm ….. And we have to drive three hours as tomorrow mornings program is in Cornwall which is about 6 hours from here. So 3 hours of the drive was completed tonight. We wound up staying the night (midnight – 6am) at a Days Inn off the motor way……..and as Betty Davis would say “WHAT A DUMP.” But one adapts - head hits pillow @ midnight, Ass hits car seat @ 6:00am …..Can’t even remember I was in that hotel!

Saturday October, 8, 2011

6am IN THE CAR for another 3 hour drive!!! This reminds me of FITOUR which I did 9 times in the 1990’s….. IN the car ……teach ……..sleep fast ……in the car…….. Teach……. And so on “Memories …….light the corners of my mind!”

We arrived in Falmouth in Cornwell at 9:50 just in time to teach the 10 am program. In grand FITOUR style we “schlepped” the 40 BEAMFIT’s up 3 flights of stairs to the studio. Helen Tite (friend her on FACEBOOK so you can see ALL, ALL, ALL of the pictures, video and posts she added to her wall) was there with a grand smile and a group of “eager BEAVERS” ……….. The class was so fantastic I can’t even describe it here. We had members, and staff, representatives from the press and even a neuropsychologist who is a physical therapist. The reception was grand and Helen will be piloting the program at her club which is very exciting.

The location of Falmouth in Cornwell is at the south-west tip of England. It reminded me of a cross between Cape Cod ( fishing, and the English country side and buildings) Southern California Beach towns ( surfing and that whole feel of , slow paced relaxed atmosphere) and San Francisco ( the hills and winding steep streets) The town is quaint and the scene is picturesque. It is an area where the English go on Holiday or retire. Truly a Beautiful place and I am so glad I got to see it, meet some of the locals and just be able to “be” there. We walked around a bit amongst the winding streets and visited some of the local shops. LOVELY I tell you!

On a side note, Helen’s Husband is in the Royal Navy and he will be Knighted by the Queen next month …….so they get to go to the Palace, meet the Queen and other Royals while he Becomes “SIR” Tite and she becomes “LADY Tite ……….I guess this is about as close to “THE QUEEN” as this queen will ever get!

Following lunch …… off we went for the 4 hour drive now back to Hensley ……. ON the drive we stopped for “petrol” and Gill insisted I eat a Cornwall Pasty – It is like a giant pocket of Dough filled with beef stew and baked. IT tastes good, blew up in my stomach and filled me for the rest of the evening. We FINALLY ARRIVE AT THIS HOTEL where I get to be for 3 nights!!!! YAY I think I was awake all of 30 minutes before I just CRASHED.

Sunday October 9, 2011

I just have to make a quick mention that there are 12 SHOPPING channels on the TV here. When you run the remote – every other channel is shopping. AND you all need to know that Gasoline is $10.21 A gallon HERE IN THE UK SO STOP COMPLAINING IN THE USA – GET A SMALLER CAR – TAKE A WALK – RIDE YOUR BIKE.

Lovely day at Gill’s home with her Husband Alex and daughter Freddie ……. Home-made dinner, great hospitality, great conversation. I am so fortunate to have made this new business connection……but more importantly these new FRIENDS!! Was also nice not to have to teach today a day off is a good thing!

Monday October 10, 2011

Today I started out earlier than usual with a class for Physical Therapists as well as Personal Trainers at the clinic. They REALLY got it and we will be talking with ALEX about creating module programs for Physical therapy and a Program Workshop for them. IN addition they had some excellent feedback on a 2 day Personal Training course…….( Linda Shelton will be grinning from ear to ear as these two areas are really right up her alley). After that class, Gill and I finalized all the plans and “paperwork” and as of Today, Drummond Education is the official representative for Beamfit™ in the UK. Watch for a Beamfit™ UK page on face book as well as Beamfit™ UK web site. This is such a positive step and a great opportunity for both of our companies.

And now we are OFF to LONDON to teach a Master Class at a Virgin Active Club (huge chain in the UK). TRAFFIC and CONSTRUCTION landed us there 10 minutes prior to the start of class ……. But no worries the participants were ready to grab a Beamfit and try and I was ready to teach. The class was full and FANTASTIC!! This was the last class on this trip and with the finishing of this we had a 100% POSITIVE response everywhere I taught! Here at this club Virgin Active will be piloting the BEAMING Program and will roll it out system wide in March 2012 – very exciting. Beamfit™ has definitely found a home here in the UK with Drummond Education and Gill and her staff will excellent representatives as we move forward.

Following my shower, Gill and I walked around a bit so I could see a bit of London and then met with Greg Sellar ( a presenter here in the UK) we wanted to show him the BEAMFIT and talk a bit to him. And then it was off in the traffic…….past London Bridge, Big Ben, The Palace and Harrods - back to Henley for dinner.

At the Little Angel we had Kate (our waitress) and a great meal………..then whooosshhh off to bed!

Tuesday October 11, 2011

Wake UP + Breakfast+ shower+ packing = TIME TO GO HOME.

Heathrow is chaotic and we took off a bit late and as the plane lifted from the runway I calculated the time and realized my connection time is going to be as tight as Tupperware…….but instead of a “burp” I will sigh and let the Universe handle it. It seems all of my connections this week from the arrival of the BEAMFIT’S to my close-call arrivals at some of the venues (and now this) all seemed to work out just fine. So as I sit here and type I am hopeful the Universe will once again grant me the opportunity to have a positive outcome.

WELL “hopeful” was the word. I did get a whole 3 seat row to myself which was GOOD …….BUT the plane was delayed 1 ½ hours and the food was unusually poor ……at any rate we landed late in DALLAS. 45 minutes to get through customs, claim my bag, re check it through and rush from the “D” terminal to the “A” terminal. I made it there exactly at 6:15 ( which was the departure time) – the door was closed and I was S.O.L!!! There were several people from my London Flight going on to Palm Springs so we all shared the same fate.

So I had to take a flight to Ontario. On the flight I was stuck in the very last row 32B next to the engine…..and in the row across were 2 men that looked like hoodlums…….and the third { against the window) was in HANDCUFFS………AHHHHH marshals dressed like “tough guys” in flannel shirts and Baseball Caps guarding the prisoner……I wondered – Did he murder? Rape? Burgle? HMMMMM

I had to have Perry pick me up @ 10:30 and then drive the 1 hour back to my house. I met a nice lady at the gate who was in the same boat (she can from London too) so we gave her a ride to Palm Springs with us…….But the saga still has a mystery - where was my bag????

I hoped it was on this flight and ----------- no dice. I was told it will arrive tomorrow @ 11 in Palm Springs AND IT DID so all is good!

This week was amazing. Met great people, laid the foundation for Beaming in the UK, made some good friends and established good business relationships. My sincere thanks to Gill and Drummond Education for bringing me, to Monica Linford for the introduction and to all those who took my classes and workshops for trying something “new”. I know some times a “new” thing can be intimidating, scary or bring up feelings of “ will this REALLY be good” I am sincerely thankful that all who crossed my path and walked the BEAMFIT this week found it to be just as amazing and exciting as I do. So I thank ALL OF YOU for your warm reception and hospitality. I am looking forward to seeing you when I return in December.

China Trip August 2011

China Trip Log

Wednesday - August 17, 2011

As the alarm rang gently at 4:30am here in Palm Springs this morning, the sun is just setting in Shanghai at 7:30pm….and in fact, 24 hours from NOW I should be arriving Hangzhou – my first city of the trip.

ü Flying from Palm Springs to LA happens as fast as one blinks.

ü Sitting in LA for 4 ½ hours just plain stinks.

ü And sitting on an airplane from LAX to Shanghai for 14hours gives one much time to ponder, asses and think.

The flights were fine and FULL. Samantha (a friend in CHINA) and a driver picked me up, whisked me off to eat and then on to the train station to catch the BULLET train (375 Kilometers an hour). Upon arrival in Hangzhou David Valez and his Wai Han met me. So many PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE crowding, pushing and shoving to get to the taxi line and then to get the taxi. And finally to the hotel 24 hours after I left my home in Palm Springs. The room is “nice” – no alarm clock, no view, no TV and a bed that is so hard it is like a King Size ironing board. Finally 11:30 pm Thursday here 8:30 am Thursday in Palm Springs 29 hours since I left home and NOW I can go to sleep.

Friday - August 19, 2011

What happened to August 18??? I lost it somewhere in the Pacific as I crossed the International Date Line yesterday.

Me and my internal clock. 5:30am this morning …. And I am up. FOG, RAIN, HUMIDITY UGLY OUT THAT WINDOW today!

Watermelon, cookies, rice, broccoli and coffee for breakfast – I could recognize those things on the buffet!!! A day of preparation for workshops and meetings, then lunch with David and Wai Han at a place that was playing CHRISTMAS MUSIC as I ate dumplings and noodles. Felt really good today BUT at 630pm jet lag began to set in. BUT I did not nap!!! Went to dinner (Japanese food) and went to sleep @ 10pm.

Saturday August 20, 2011

Awake 6:30 GREAT REST!

Broccoli and rice and coffee for breakfast….. Then to Starbucks. On the way there I stopped to watch a group of Women with GIANT red fans dancing in the park to music. It was like a Chinese Tai Chi/Ballet – something to see. I love to see all of the elderly walking with their packages….on bicycles and motor bikes. Determination and pride has wrinkled their faces and hard work has toughened their spirits. People and more people EVERYWHERE. Makes New York look like a small town.

I spent the whole day with 2 trainers that came in from Shenyang (NINI and HALLE). They worked with me in December, have been teaching Beaming since I left and will now be ready after this trip to go out and conduct trainings for the YOGA WAVE chain. They will work with me again all day tomorrow and will team- teach 10 master classes with me in three cities PLUS they will assist me in leading a Training in Harbin.

Dinner - walked a good mile in the HOT HOT STICKY HUMIDITY to a place called “grandma’s kitchen”. The place was packed with people and like most in China the ambiance was NON existent. We ate “family style”, most of the food I could not recognize except for the CHICKEN FEET which I did not eat. So I stuck with rice, noodles, broccoli and several other vegetables. YES we walked back. By the time I got to my hotel I was SOPPING WET WITH SWEAT. But all of these experiences are just fantastic reminders of how wonderful it is to be alive and have the opportunity to experience and explore the world we live in!

Sunday August 21, 2011

Another GREAT NIGHT SLEEP!!! My usual breakfast at the buffet of things I can identify! Off to starbucks – they know me there now and know what I like and I know the price is “31 RMB” $4.85.

Training today consisted of each trainer (NINI and HALLE) giving portions of the lecture (and of course Wai Han was there to give feedback regarding what they were saying) and I was able to help them with presentation style, body language etc. Then each one taught a 1 hour Beaming class to “our small group (David, Me, Wai Han, Nini and Halle). Both of them did a really great job at teaching, cuing and their form ant technique – impeccable (both are dancers, gymnasts and Pilates and Yoga teachers). After the lunch break, we sat for HOURS and HOURS working on translation of all of the materials………53 pages to be exact as well as the time schedule for the 2 day workshops they will be conducting to “ready” instructors to teach Beaming here in CHNA. We had most translated already – BUT……the translations were done by two different sources and Nini and Halle said that some was GOOD and some was NOT SO GOOD. So there we were from 2pm till 7pm going through the materials line by line to make sure we have 1 SOLID translation of all the material. This was also helpful as they asked many questions and this process helped them to internalize and really “own” the content.

Dinner with David and Wai Han ………price “200 RMB” $31.00 for ALL THREE of us (same price as last night) you can literally eat here 3 meals a day for less than $18.00 a day!

Monday August 22, 2011

I am amazed at how well I am doing on the time zone. No adjustment at ALL. Sleeping perfectly!

What a GREAT DAY! I taught class today to members in the morning at 1 location and then another one at another location in the evening. The clubs I am working with here are called YOGA WAVE and they are predominantly Yoga studios with “some” Fitness. Most of the members shy away from the fitness programming however NOT from Beaming. Both classes today were sold out with people standing and watching.

In the morning, Halle did the introduction and explanation and then taught the beginning of the class (awaken and align) then she handed the microphone off to Nini. I taught the middle of the class (experience and explore section) while Nini cued and then Nini finished the class with rejuvenate and reframe…..she taught mostly Pilates based moves as she teaches Pilates as well. The class was a huge success and I could not have been more proud of these 2 trainers!!! They really did a FANTASTIC JOB and I am very comfortable with them. In the evening class, the 2 of them switched rolls and Halle ended with rejuvenate and reframe utilizing more bridging and Yoga as that is her expertise. Once again a HUGE SUCCESS. Over the course of the next 6 days we will do this same format 8 more times (twice tomorrow here and the moving on to Shenyang and Harbin)

Meanwhile, between classes we had the day. We took the BUS yes the BUS from the first club over to the second one. Sardines in a can = people on the bus standing hip to hip swaying back and forth and jerking from side to side as the driver swerved , slammed on brakes and did everything he could to make it seem like we were on a ride at Disney land. Nini and Wai Han actually were nauseated when we got off!! Here in Hangzhou there is a famous tourist place called West Lake. It is a beautiful lake surrounded by weeping willows, flower beds and ancient Chinese buildings and statues. That is where we got off the bus as the club we taught at in the evening is close by. We had Korean food for lunch and then went to the open air (touristy) market to walk around. It was really a lot of fun, interesting and I will have video to post on Face Book when I return to the states.

Sigh……………………..long day but GREAT DAY!

Tuesday August 23, 2011

2 more Master classes here in Hangzhou. Both sold out with many, many MORE people watching. Once again Halle and Nini did an excellent job and the classes went SMOOOOTH as silk! The BUZZ about Beamfit™ is definitely HERE in Hangzhou! People are excited for the classes to begin next week with David Valez teaching several at each club each week!

In between we ate lunch and then went walking around the West Lake. Although cloudy and foggy, it was bustling with people and I was the only Caucasian in the bunch! It is very beautiful and peaceful there and was a nice way to spend the afternoon.

For dinner, one of the personal trainers at the gym (Golden is his name) took us to a place. We pulled up in a taxi and climbed out and then climbed up a rickety staircase to a place I would have never walked into in a MILLION YEARS………but when you are in the hands of a local, you TRUST! We had our own private dining room – don’t picture the Waldorf, picture a soup kitchen. The food (flavors) was amazing although I did not eat much of “what” was in these giant bowls as I had no idea what it was. I used the sauces and soups from these bowls over my rice and ate vegetables (and god only knows what animals and animal parts were used to flavor those). Sleep now.

Wednesday August 24, 2011

Today was a travel day. After breakfast the 5 of us …off to the airport BYE BYE HANGZHOU …..On to SHENYANG. This is the city where NINI and HALLE live. The flight was delayed due to weather but only for about 45min. Up we went and 2 hours later we landed in SHENYANG. The cab ride from the airport to the hotel was an experience in survival. NO ONE follows rules. NO ONE drives in one lane. NO ONE stays in a lane. On the FREEWAY there are people on bicycles, there are people WALKING and CROSSING yes CROSSING the freeway. It just can’t be described – you just have to be in a cab experiencing it as you pray you will live to reach the destination. There are SO MANY PEOPLE and cars!!!

HALLE and NINI took cabs home and David, Wai Han and I arrived at our hotel. We immediately went on a hunt for the place we needed to buy TRAIN TICKETS as the 5 of us will be taking the four hour train ride to HARBIN on Saturday morning. THIS was an ordeal but thank god for WAI HAN because without her I would be lost. We walked around a bit and then went to dinner at the place I had my last meal when I was here last December. The food was SO SO good……..on e note: we had a cold spinach and garlic dish that was delicious. It tasted a bit like cilantro, a bit like mint, a bit like garlic and a bit like spinach. But what made this unique was that the after taste and EFFECT on my mouth was like nothing I had ever eaten before. After chewing and swallowing, my mouth felt a bit tingly, then a bit numb it was a weird sensation……it was very strange, yet the more I ate the more the sensation increased and the more intrigued I was………………..definitely something I will never forget. And then we walked back to the hotel……off to sleep. Tomorrow I teach twice.

Thursday August 25, 2011

Nothing so different today - 2 GREAT CALSSES one in the AM and one in the PM! Nini and Halle were very excited today as these classes (today and tomorrow) are taught in their home city in their home clubs where Halle is the Group Exercise Manager. Oh …. And once again had GREAT FOOD!!! Oh I almost forgot - I HAD 2 media INTERVIEWS WITH 2 Chinese magazines. Interviews plus photo shoots with members from the club standing around watching……they think I am some celeb from the USA “very funny to me” ….. Little do they know I am just some kid from Morton Grove Illinois J who followed his dream!

Friday August 26, 2011

The trip is winding down. We had today here in Shenyang and the off to Harbin for the finale! We had to run off CHINESE manuals. IN the states I would go to Staples or Office Depot………but HERE ….. (See the pictures attached!)

There is the fall festival coming soon and it is CHINESE Tradition to buy MOON CAKES (little individual round cakes with different fillings to celebrate this season change) We bought some today to eat on the train tomorrow.

2 GREAT classes AGAIN!! At home, Sometimes I have issues with members coming in after class has started …….. And even worse, they come RUSHING IN for the next class before I have finished, Well here in China; here is how it works and I LOVE IT.

Before each class the room is locked down during preparation and a sign is put up on the door that prevents people from entering... 2 people come in and set up the equipment needed (in my case they lay down a toga mat and then a BEAM on top) When the door is opened to let people in, a door monitor is present with a clip board. They greet and count the people entering the class. ORDER!!! After the class has begun, a sign is put up which stops people from entering the room. After the class is over 5 people come in and CLEAN each, mat and each BEAM as well as the floor and mirrors. This cleaning procedure happens after EVERY class EVERY day of the week! LOVE THIS……..

Nini and HALLE treated us to Chinese Bar B Q ……..unlike America all the foods come on sticks and have minimal sauce YUM YUM YUM!!!

Saturday August 29.2011 NO INTERNET ACCESS HERE IN HARBIN

Well today is a travel day. It started with the hotel check out and then a cab ride to the train station. This experience just cannot be described well here. THOUSANDS and THOUSANDs of people pushing and shoving in a place that reminded me of the UMSHLAGPLAZ ( Gathering area) In the old Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland during WWII. Shoving, pushing, dirty, poor lighting, poor ventilation, scary………schlep the suitcases up some staires,,,,,,then down some stairs………then stand, gather, wait…..walk more down dark dingy tunnels , schlep more and then up the final staircase to the outside platform to board the train ( VIDEO will be on FACEBOOK SOON)

The train was VERY NICE and we had comfortable seats …..really …..It was like a 4 hour flight with food and beverage service and everything. The train holds 1,000 people!!! And then we arrived in Harbin 4 hours later to enter ANOTHER TRAIN STATION …….just like the one we started with this morning in Shenyang.

We got to our hotel YES YES another one of those CRAZY cab rides……but looking out the window here, I see less chaos, less pollution and less old-world China. It looks a bit more like an American city. The hotel is like one you would find in Japan – small room and very modern/high-tech. AT LEAST it has a GREAT SHOWER.

Off to the grocery store, then lunch and then yes…..you guessed it to teach another class! We have it down SO WELL now you would think the 3 of us were teaching from 1 brain. Once again the class was sold out to an enthusiastic crowd! Off to walk around the Streets and then to a Japanese place to eat. Food AMAZING!

Sunday – August 29, 2011 NO INTERNET ACCESS HERE IN HARBON LOOOONG day!

I gave the workshop today to instructors here in Harbin. Wai Han translated, they had the manual in Chinese and Halle and Nini assisted by presenting the materials on Breathing, Barefoot and Sensory. Wai Han listened very closely to how they presented the materials and she said they were just awesome…..using their own life experiences to exemplify many of the key points. So I taught 2 hour class in the AM, then the Base work 1 hour class in the afternoon along with ideas how “else” to use the Beamfit. Then more lecture and THEN Nini. Halle and I taught the last mater class together …the 10^th one!!!

Dinner HA HA - all the instructors plus the 5 of use filled a private room in another room in a place YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE!!! Pictures attached!!

Monday August 29, 2011

The day started with packing, coffee and peaches. Wai Han David and I went to the club to see NINI and HALLE as they were conducting the 2^nd day of training on their own…….we had to see them and say goodbye. And here we go……. Cab to the airport – delayed flight from Harbin to Shanghai…..and once in Shanghai I had to claim my bag and THEN check in with United! I was running and RACING with the bag to the United counter…..and then through immigration and security check,,, running and SWEATING to get to the plane……………………..by the skin of my teeth I made it on board!!! ! 13 hours later landed in LA and sat for a few hours waiting for my Palm Springs flight. Needs less to say cab+ 3 flights and 26 hours later I made it home at 9pm.

I don’t know how I do it but in each direction I get RIGHT ON the time zone!! Went to bed at 11pm and was up at 7am Tuesday – no nap – and off to bed at 10….as if I had never been 6,000 miles away and living on a 15hour time difference for 12 days.

Just a few notes to mention about CHINA

1) No diapers. The little kids wear shorts that are slit in the back so they can pee and poop – and they do it right out in the streets

2) No Tampons or G strings

3) No tipping and No TAXES on anything

4) Dessert is brought out with the meal and served at the same time…….example Tomatoes COVERED in hard grain sugar

5) Napkins – lucky to get any and when you do you either get cocktail sized napkins or what looks like small pack tissues

6) Entrances to businesses have a small “curb” you step over. Why? It is believed it keeps the ghosts and bad spirits out

7) Chinese people are EXCELLENT at Beaming

8) Eating black and white fungus tastes good and is excellent for your health and digestion

9) ½ the time you have no idea what you are eating

10) Here are some American names of some of the people here I met – King, Ice, iPod, Lulu, Lemon, Smile, Happy

11) The bullet train is very cool VERY cool America WAKE UP!

12) There are several smells you will smell when here : Sewage, car exhaust, cigarettes, the smell of Chinese food – always a scent in the air

13) Women wear ankle high nylons

14) People are clamoring in the streets wearing Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel,Dior and Prada – and it is ALL FAKE

15) People in the clubs are paper thin and have no body fat and like the exercise rooms to be SO SO SO HOT!

16) Nike and ADIDAS rule – never saw Reebok or Puma

17) Very surprised to see so many BMW’s, Mercedes, Cadillac’s and Audis

18) The elderly are just fabulous and strong. Riding bikes, walking, dancing in the streets, working, carrying heavy loads

All in all I just LOVE CHINA and the Chinese people. There’s no place like home but WOW what an experience!

The FROG….a symbol of evolution and change - a perfect accent for spring!

SPRING is about GREEN and …well “springing” into action. The Frog is GREEN and certainly knows how to SPRING into action on many levels!

The FROG symbolically represents transition and change in its unique three stage growth cycle from egg to tadpole then ending as a fully formed amphibian. It undergoes incredible transformations throughout these three phases and understands what serious growing pains are all about in order to reach the destination of full adulthood, and so do we as human beings.

In China the Frog is an emblem of Yin energy and thought of as good luck. Putting a figurine or image of a Frog in the east window of your home encourages positive flow of chi for happy family life according to ancient Chinese custom.

Frogs are also good luck symbols in Japan - especially for travelers. Images or charms of Frogs were worn during long voyages to assure safety (particularly across water).

I know we can all use some positive CHI in our lives on a personal as well as professional level and that is why I have embraced the FROG and use his symbol in my home to bring about positive change and positive CHI flow.

53rd Annual Grammy Awards - Observations

53rd Annual Grammy Awards


- You know we have hit an all time LOW……..
when a song entitled F*** YOU is nominated for record AND song of the year.

- Was there a shortage of Tux’s and fabulous dress clothes for the men? The women certainly got dressed

- TOO MANY COMERCIALS

- LOVE ARETHA FRANKLIN– 18 GRAMMY’S in her career (the tribute was GREAT….the ladies did a GREAT job)

- LL COOL J – take OFF the sunglasses…………. Jack Nicholson you’re NOT !

- Lady GAGA - GA GA GA GAG ME was that Madonna EXPRESS YOURSELF? Or was that Lady GAGA? AND – what was that BLACK LEATHER bubble butt outfit LMAO!

- Miranda Lambert – I learned ( through her song ) Her doll is buried under an Oak in her yard. Where was her heart buried while she sang that song?.....it was so emotionless. YAWN ( and a bad outfit)

- Lenny Kravitz – WHAT WAS THAT OUTFIT?

- MUSE - I like – so 80’s sounding

- BRAVO BRUNO !!

- Janelle – what was that puff on your head? Lookin like Janet in GOOD TIMES

- USHER – ROCKS!!

- BEIBER – just a boy…with a career ahead of him! Thank god he had all that staging to hold our interest

- Gotta LOVE Will Smith’s son - Jaden Christopher Syre Smith

- Bob Dylan – a Legend….. BUT – HOW could he let him out there like that…that’s what Whitney will sound like in about 2 years if she keeps drugging –it-up TRAGIC!

- Julie Andrews – Dolly Parton – we LOVE YOU Why weren’t you 2 there?

- We miss you Teddy Pendergrass and Lena Horne – THANK YOU for your wonderful music!

- Lady Antebellum – I do like her but not sure I get the big deal?

- Jamie Fox – FABULOUS TALENT - sing – act – dance – drama – comedy

- Cee Lo Green – what was that outfit: and WHY WHY,WHY is there a song called F**CK YOU – What is Gwenyth thinking?..I did like her Versace shoes J

- Nora Jones, Alicia Keys - writes the words, the music, sings it and plays it THAT is deep talent

- Eminem……melt away.

- GLAD Taylor Swift was in a cover girl commercial tonight and not singing

- John Legend – YES!

- Esperanza Spalding – what was that dress?????????

- Mick Jagger – LEGEND - age 67 can you believe it

- Barbra Streisand – The STAR that shines above all stars – but a horrible dress

- And now they are on to RAP….. and THAT is a WRAP for me!

Happy Valentines Day!

It's all in your Heart ....

We all have heard that "The kitchen is the Heart of the home." Or perhaps the phrase "Follow your Heart" ........and yes......... "Don't take it to Heart".

In all these examples, the Heart is given a great deal of responsibility when it comes to our lives and the way in which we experience them. In the physical sense, the Heart is made up of 4 chambers and has a most important job - balancing the flow of "good" and "bad" blood through our bodies throughout our lifetime. Symbolically, I see the Heart chambers represent four very important areas of our lives:

Personal life - People and experiences in our lives

Professional Life - People and places we work- the financial foundation and security

Spiritual Life - Emotional happiness and well being - sense of contentment - worthiness

Physical Life - The source that actually keeps us alive

The Heart, figuratively, represents the flow of everything in our lives. It leads us toward and away from people, places situations and all kinds of "things" that form our daily reality and existence. All we have to do is stay focused on its beat, its rhythm, its pulse........follow it with all our conscious attention and then heed it's message - LISTEN TO YOUR HEART!

In both the physical and metaphorical sense, the Heart is always working; the attention we pay to it will determine its capacity to serve us well. Eat well and exercise and your Heart will beat strong and provide a long lifetime of service. Listen to your Heart and follow its direction and it will lead you to a long lifetime of happiness, joy and personal fulfillment.Your Heart can support and guide you to great things - like winning a race or meeting that special person.

So when it comes to your Heart, remember to attend to it in high regard, listen to it; follow your Heart and it most certainly will always return the favor! This Valentines Day, give some attention to YOUR Heart so you can give a bit more of it to others as you walk through life!

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

How to make the most of Your Beaming™ Class: Beam Your Way to a Strong Heart!

by June Kahn, Beamfit™ Education Director

With February being heart healthy month and Beaming a program that allows us to enhance our self-awareness through its practice, I thought it only fitting to focus this issue on the heart, the STRONG heart and how we can achieve this both physically and emotionally through Beaming.

Individuals with a STRONG heart emotionally, are not afraid of their own experience. When your emotions are in balance, you feel completely fulfilled; therefore, your heart always responds appropriately to the situation. You are going to make calm, self-confident decisions because you can trust your heart and your intuition. With this mindset, you are able to be gentle and sympathetic with yourself and your outlook and your perceptions become clearer. There are no outside distractions.

To balance the emotional, an individual with a STRONG heart physically, has gained the cardio endurance, energy and resilience to take on and endure life's daily challenges, to perform and function efficiently with less stress. Thus, STRONG heart, physically AND spiritually, is essential to our life being.

Most people, who first see Beaming without the experience of it, do not necessarily classify Beaming as a cardiovascular workout. Like any other fitness activity, if you choose moves that progressively increase intensity, you can and will sustain enough intensity to truly your challenge your heart. Beaming cannot be compared to cardio interval training, which can be intense and has a different purpose than Beaming. Beaming, regardless of the cardio challenge, will result in a heart healthy cardio response, at the least, equal to a mild to moderate walk. Anyone who is Beaming regularly can tell you that Beaming goes beyond just physical training. What you gain instantly while Beaming is the ability to go within yourself and be totally immersed in the moment. This gives you the opportunity to be 100% at your heart center, nothing else matters. All external distraction and head noise is gone. You become more aware with clarity and have the opportunity to be as close to your true self as you can be while continuing to move on the Beam. Après Beaming...you will have a more open sense of yourself, radiating a more relaxed, self -assured and secure YOU emotionally along with the fact that you did something good for yourself physically.

We can achieve this process in our Beaming classes by choosing moves that progressively build intensity while simultaneously challenging our balance and proprioception. Incorporating movements that target the larger muscles of the body allow for a stronger heart through increased heart rate response at the same time, enhancing self-awareness. The following moves, interspersed in your Beaming workout, will help your participants enhance their cardio endurance while building core strength and enhancing balance physically and emotionally. This is one reason why we think Beaming is the perfect program to bring true balance to the “heart” of one’s life.

The Squat Series:

- Stand in split stance with the Beam in a vertical position.

- Step off the Beam with rear leg to a parallel squat position. Torso erect, abdominals engaged.

- Step same leg forward on the Beam to a lunge position, lifting the heel of the rear leg as you descend into the lunge position.

- Step same leg back off the Beam to a parallel squat position adjacent to the Beam. Step same leg back to start position on the Beam to a vertical erect stance, legs straight arms extended to side. Create a complete sense of vertical elongation and balance throughout your body as you pause for a moment taking in this feel-good , strong feeling.

- Repeat for 6 - 8 repetitions gaining a cardio respiratory response from the series, then repeat on other leg.

To increase the challenge, lift front knee when returning to start position and rear leg is secure on the Beam. For further balance challenge, look up when you return to split stance at completion of repetition.

The Plie Series:

- With Beam in horizontal position, stand on Beam in a wide stance, legs wider than shoulders, hips externally rotated. Extend arms out to side.

- With erect torso, bend knees and descend to a turned out squat raising one heel as you squat down. Arms reach down in front of body.

- Maintaining an erect torso, rise up, straightening both legs, gently pressing the Triad and soles of feet into the Beam. Arms reach overhead as you straighten legs.

- Repeat Plie, raising other heel as you squat down. Rise up, straightening both legs, gently pressing Triad and soles of feet into the Beam with arms reaching overhead.

- Repeat Plie's alternating heel lifts with each repetition.

To increase intensity and difficulty, raise both heels as you descend to Plie position. Abduct left and right leg as you rise up for more of a balance challenge.

How is YOUR New Years Resolution going??

Hundreds of studies suggest most people abandon their New Year's resolutions by February. Some studies say at least 50% of people hold out until March with their resolutions, but then give them up just as spring arrives.

Why you ask?

- Not having a clear plan for success

- Aiming too high – unrealistic multiple drastic changes IE: quitting smoking AND starting an exercise regime AND joining a diet group AND getting a divorce all at once!

- Not having a support system

- Not having a home or work environment that supports the desired ie: living with a smoker while trying to stop.

We all know how we feel when we succeed at something, when we experience early success with our goals, or when we see our efforts paying off.

It makes us want to do more.

It gives us encouragement that we really can do it.

It feels pretty good, doesn't it?

Well, more importantly, it gives us a “model” for our success. If we succeeded once, all we have to do is to do that exact same thing, over and over until that new, desirable behavior actually becomes our new habit.

Given all of this reminds me, to remind you, about choosing an EVOLUTION rather than a RESOLUTION when you want to make life improving choices. . In this way we can see micro-successes all along the way to build upon.

HEY........Aqua Exercise Instructors - READ THIS!

You may not know this but I have been a water exercise instructor for over 30 year and in fact… I began in this business as an Aqua teacher. As such, I can relate to all of the challenging aspects of teaching in the pool – from the freezing water to the over chlorinated Natatoriums, and yes, the challenges of teaching on the deck while maintaining balance and trying NOT to slip and fall! Our industry has done a pretty good job of addressing the latter with aqua shoes and mats that assist in keeping us surefooted atop the deck. But how can we train and work on improving the upright balance we need while demonstrating our moves on deck, while shifting weight from one foot to the other, maneuvering around puddles, kickboards, boom boxes and other things that create an obstacle course poolside? In other words, what activities can we do “off deck” to improve our ability to teach “on deck?’ Well, to address this and improve our teaching skills as well as reduce the likelihood of slipping, tripping and falling, we need to heighten our sense of awareness, balance, peripheral vision and overall proprioceptive ability.

An innovative balance and sensory development program is now available that will assist you and enhance your own fitness as well teaching ability, specifically addressing the needs of aquatic fitness professionals. Beamfit™ is the company (www.beamfit.com) and Beaming™ is the activity Recently, veteran instructor, Laura Ribbons, joined me for a Beaming™ session and was quite surprised at how much FUN it was and yet how challenging and, most importantly, Laura saw the relationship to those issues associated with teaching aquatic fitness. Laura told me, “David, this type of training is just what we need as Aqua instructors - Beaming™ can really aid us with our ability to teach on the deck, providing us with improved balance, which will help us to demonstrate moves more accurately and therefore give us more opportunity to think about being creative and less about slipping and falling.” She is so right on! So let me share with you what she was so excited about and why I think you will be too!!

This is a new approach to exercise that goes beyond total body training, It is a “whole body”, mentally invigorating, core-based activity experience rather than just another workout. This simply means that it’s fun, easy to participate in and trains your body as well as your self-awareness while improving core strength, balance and spatial awareness. Beaming™ is performed on a low, grounded beam that gives slightly as you work on it,that feels like as we teach atop the pool deck. Training in this way will bring more awareness to your own body alignment and help you to translate body awareness to your students in the pool as you teach. Beaming™ trains your physical body: tones muscles, strengthens the core and improves balance, flexibility, posture, overall stature and appearance. But the beauty of this training is that it will leave you feeling refreshed, renewed and inspired…beaming from within. cushioning your joints while adding just enough instability to create a dynamic, reactive challenge. This instability helps you to “right” yourself when you are off balance; we all know what

By working in this “mindful way”, training your sensory awareness as well as your physical fitness, you will be brought to a new level of self-awareness, both physically and emotionally. And it is that level of awareness that can really assist and support all of us when teaching on the deck.

B.E.A.M. is an acronym that stands for:

• Balance your body,
• Engage your core,
• Align your spine, and
• Move…in our case, Move with grounded control, precision and fluidity, across the pool deck.

So I ask you this question, Why not try a program that is new, fun, exciting and challenging that can assist with your own fitness as well as with your teaching ability? Do something for yourself; add Beaming™ to your own personal workout regimen and your students will ultimately benefit. Perhaps even consider teaching Beaming™ so that your students can obtain the benefits right along with you. Beaming™ is the wave of the future and, as Aqua instructors, I know you love to ride a good wave!