Debbie Rosas with former husband, Carlos
CB writes: “Could you please help me to explain . . . why the practice of NIA is contrary to Orthodox Catholic teaching? I know in my heart it is wrong but struggle to find the words to convey why this practice is based in the occult ,dangerous & to be discarded. It was advertised in the parish bulletin & likely to lead others astray.”
Gyrotonics
MGF writes: “Do you have any information about two workouts named Gyrotonics and Essentrics i.e if they are new age or not?”
M asks: “I really need some guidance. I recently purchased an exercise DVD series called T25. I think there might be some yoga postures included in the workouts especially the stretches. I am really not familiar with yoga, as I have never practiced it. I was wondering two things. First are you familiar with this DVD and if so, is it safe to do? Also, if it does contain some yoga, can I still do the workout but skip the yoga poses or alter them in some way?”
AC writes: “I know a Certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach who was trained by Paul Chek. Would you advise me consulting this person who is a Level 3 practitioner from the C.H.E.K. Institute? I looked at his website and blog, and I see things that concern me. Please advise me whether he can be considered New Age or not.”
JR writes: “I was on QVC looking for a comfortable pair of ballet flats. Wouldn’t ya’ know? I landed on what appeared to be a very cute, comfortable shoe that was being featured on air. Oh – it was soooo cute – sooo comfortable. It was a new design by Kalso also known for the “Earth Shoe.” The Kalso Rep spoke about how Kelso was a “yogi” and designed one of the “poses” right into the shoe; the body would be in alignment. Is it okay to buy these?”
GD writes: “I have just heard of the Tabata form of exercise. Does it have any element of New age to it? From what I read of it, it seems ok. I would appreciate it if you could shed more light on it.”
SL writes: “Do you have any information on the workout program called Cathletix? I don’t want anything having connections to yoga or Pilates or anything New Age. Are you aware of this program? Is it New Age? I appreciate any information you can offer . . .”
I was speaking at a conference in Maryland a few weeks ago and someone asked me to look into a program known as FlexAware to determine if it is New Age.
MP asks: “Are you familiar with the Valerie Bertinelli Fitness DVD Losing It and Keeping Fit produced by GAIAM? I am not overly comfortable with anything produced by Gaiam (pronounced “guy-um”), which is a fusion of the words “Gaia” and “I am”. Gaia, mother Earth, was honored on the Isle of Crete in ancient Greece 5,000 years ago by the Minoan civilization. This civilization valued education, art, science, recreation, and the environment and believed that the Earth was directly connected to its existence and daily life. The concept of Gaia stems from the ancient philosophy that the Earth is a living entity.) I need to know if the exercises in this DVD are newage/yoga based. If not, do you think it’s a good idea to utilize a product that is new age marketed?”
A 59 year-old breast cancer survivor was doing a Pilates maneuver which caused her body to “swallow” her breast implant – which forced her to have it surgically retrieved and reinserted.
