MR writes: “I am careful to avoid yoga but these balance classes have been incorporated recently into our CURVES circuit. Originally, the gym manager said they were yoga. When I said I objected to yoga, she quickly changed her tune and called them “balance” classes. They seem to incorporate “tree poses” and other yoga like positions. I am wondering if you have heard about this, have some thoughts about this. All positions are standing but I am not comfortable if it is truly yoga. Any thoughts?”
Category Archives: Fitness
With or Without Yoga? Gyrotonics vs. Essentrics
Gyrotonics
MGF writes: “Do you have any information about two workouts named Gyrotonics and Essentrics i.e if they are new age or not?”
Frequent Arguing Doubles Risk of Death by Mid-Life
Guest blog by Dr. Gregory Popcak
Frequent arguments with partners, relatives, or neighbors may boost the risk of death from any cause in middle age, suggests research published online in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health. (See Science Daily for full article) Read the rest…
Does T25 Contain Yoga?
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?”
Does Fitness Need Religion?
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.”
Can We Wear Yoga-Inspired Shoes?
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?”
Tabata Training is Serious Stuff!
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.”
Cathletix: Catholic Exercise Program is Heaven on Earth!
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 . . .”
A Bad Combination: The New Age and FlexAware
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.
Don’t Buy Products that Keep the New Age in Business
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?”
