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This is a list of all the latest news and happenings at all six Touchstone Facilities. This blog also contains general information about Rock Climbing, Cycling and other items that Touchstone members may find interesting.

Friday, April 3, 2009

iFitness for iPhone: Great App for Exercise


Want a personal trainer but don't want to shell out the cash? I think we might have a solution that will meet you halfway in the middle. If you're an iPhone user, you might just be in luck. There's a new app on the block, called iFitness, that is basically a miniature personal trainer in your pocket.

This new iPhone app doesn't just tell you which workouts to do, and hopes that you will understand what they are saying, instead, they actually SHOW you. There are 110 fully illustrated exercises that not only tell you how to do it, but Show you in photos. Here's a bit more about the app, straight from the creators themselves:

"iFitness is our solution for expensive personal trainers at your local gym.

Performing an exercise incorrectly is harmful to your body, and repeating the same few exercises you know will never push you forward - that is why iFitness is so handy.


iFitness offers:

+ over 110 fully illustrated exercises with accompanying text

+ favorites option to create your own custom routine

+ preset routines that our experts have made for reaching different goals

+ exercises organized by the muscles they target
...and more!

Constantly updating, and getting rave reviews - no wonder from Australia to the UK, we are the top selling worldwide fitness application!

Purchase your copy on iTunes today.
"

So, what do you have to lose? Try it out, see how it works for you.

(image via iFitness)

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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Body Fat Testing @ Berkeley Ironworks on April 27


Mark your calendars for this one, as it's something you really shouldn't miss. Looks like for all of you who missed out in the past, BodyFatTest is coming back, and will be at our Berkeley Ironworks gym on Monday, April 27th.

For those who have been tested in the past, don’t miss out on the chance to see the changes to your fat and lean mass. For those who have missed out on testing before, take this opportunity to start tracking your fitness progress now using the most accurate body composition analysis available with BodyFatTest!

BodyFatTest is a mobile, hydrostatic, body composition testing clinic that will provide you with a four-page printout including your body fat percentage, lean mass percentage, resting metabolic rate, and caloric expenditure activity chart tailored specifically for you. Body composition testing is exciting and motivating because you will track your gains in muscle mass while decreasing your body fat – this is not recognized on a bathroom scale and can frustrate fitness enthusiasts and those trying to improve their health through diet and exercise. The test takes only a few moments during which you will totally submerge yourself in comfortably warm water, heated to between 89 and 94 degrees. The water is cycling through a pump and filtration system throughout the day. Mark your calendar now.

BodyFatTest will be here on Monday, April 27th from 3pm – 8pm. The initial test costs $49, with retests at $39. Advanced registration at the front desk is strongly encouraged. Bring your bathing suit on the day of testing – changing rooms are available in the clinic. For more information, check out their website at www.bodyfattest.com. See you there!

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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

New Women's Clinic @ Berkely Ironworks


Here's a heads up for an event that is sure to fill up fast, so the sooner you sign up, the better. Katie Brown, author of the instructional book Girl on the Rocks and also one of our very own Berkeley Ironworks desk staff, is going to be teaching a women's clinic on Sunday, February 22 from 6-8pm.

You can sign up at the front desk at Berkeley Ironworks and we really do encourage you to do it soon as space is pretty limited. The two hour clinic will cost $35.

Here is a little bit about her book, we hope to see you all at the Clinic:

"For women intrigued by the sport of climbing but intimidated by its male dominance and stereotype as “extreme,” Girl on the Rocks is a monumental and essential resource, providing instructions on technique, strength, and mental agility—from a woman’s perspective.

Through the sage advice of one of the world’s foremost female climbers and the lens of an internationally acclaimed photographer, women learn that climbing is more fun than dangerous, that overcoming fear can boost self-esteem, and that the fitness benefits are tremendous. Most women learn climbing from men, but the sport is different for a woman—both physically and psychologically—and it is empowering for women to learn about climbing from “girls” who’ve been on the rocks themselves. Bringing the sport to life alongside the book’s numerous color photos, Katie Brown’s interviews w ith female climbers—from a young girl to a sixty-something professional climber—reveal, on a more intimate level, what the sport has done for them.
"

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Thursday, January 29, 2009

Nicros Training's Three Cornerstones of Training


I just found something I thought was both interesting and useful for all of you out there interested in learning more about training, training techniques and some of the foundations of good, solid training. Eric Hörst has been recognized as an authority on climbing performance for a long time now, so when has ideas about how to train smarter, harder and more efficiently, I listen.

Anyhow, I just found his 3 "cornerstone training principles" that were spot on, so I thought I'd share them with you. Head over and check out what else he has to say, but for now, here are some of his thoughts:


"Individualization
This could also be called the snowflake principle, since it highlights that no two climbers—or their optimal conditioning program—are the same. The best training program for you will target your specific weaknesses, address past or present injuries, provide sufficient time for recovery, and be structured to provide the greatest output for the available training input.

Since there is no other climber quite like you, there is no other climber's conditioning program that you'd want to copy—doing so will provide less-than-optimal results and might even get you injured.

Specificity
The principle of specificity may be the most important of all for climbers to heed. It simply states that the more specific a training activity is to a given sport—muscle group, work load, velocity and pattern of movement, body posture, and range of motion—the more it will contribute to increasing performance in that sport. Therefore, for an exercise to produce meaningful gains in functional strength and endurance for climbing it must be markedly similar to climbing. Obviously, exercises that involve actual climbing motions (bouldering, fingerboard pull-ups, H.I.T. Workout, and such) are the most specific and will have the greatest transfer to climbing performance.

Effective training must also target the specific muscle fiber type and energy system most used in your preferred style of climbing. For instance, hard bouldering draws largely on fast-twitch muscle fibers and the ATP-CP energy pathway, so your want to favor brief, high-intensity exercises that target these constraints. Longer traditional or sport climbs, however, typically demand extended and alternating use of fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers with energy coming predominantly from glycogen stored in the muscles and liver. To specifically train these systems, you'd want to perform many high-repetition exercises or climb for mileage at the gym or crag.

Overload
This grand daddy of training principles states that in order to increase functional capacity for exercise, it is necessary to expose the neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems to a level of stress beyond that which it is accustomed. You can achieve this overload by increasing the resistance and intensity, volume, and speed of training, or by decreasing the rest interval between successive sets.

The best method of creating overload depends on the desired outcome of a conditioning program. For example, to excel in bouldering you'd want to create overload by increasing resistance and exercise intensity in order to build maximum strength and power. A roped climber would be more interested in developing local endurance and, thus, he should create overload by increasing both the exercise volume and reducing rest intervals between exercise sets. Finally, a big wall or alpine climber in need of greater stamina should train at a lower overall intensity and create overload by increasing total daily exercise volume."

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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A Brief FYI About Aerobics


At Touchstone Climbing, we're proud to offer a great deal of ways for our customers and clients to get into and stay in the best shape of their lives. I just found a study that reinforces just how important and successful it can be for your lives to add daily exercise into the mix.

Everyone knows just how important exercise is, but a new study contains some surprising facts. According to new studies, regular, daily exercise can actually shave 12 full years off of your biological age. 12 years. According to the research:

"A person who maintains aerobic fitness may delay biological aging by up to 12 years, a new analysis shows. Jogging and other types of aerobic exercise improve the body's oxygen consumption and its use in generating energy (metabolism). However, a steady decline in maximal aerobic power begins in middle age, decreasing about 5 ml/ (kg. min) every decade, according to the information in the analysis. When maximal aerobic power falls below about 18 ml in men and 15 ml in women, it becomes difficult to do any activity without experiencing major fatigue. A typical 60-year-old sedentary man has a maximal aerobic power of about 25 ml, nearly half of what it was at age 20. But research shows that a long period of relatively high-intensity aerobic exercise can increase maximal aerobic power by 25 percent (about 6 ml), which equals 10 to 12 biological years."

So, what we always thought has been officially confirmed. For more on the study, head over and check it out. In the meantime, hit the gym.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

New Year's Eve Is Here!


It's New Year's Eve, so I'm sure the vast majority of you are going to be spending time with friends, family, or heck, even strangers on this big night. The final hours are counting down and before you know it, 2008 will have come to pass. That's right, the year is over and as of 12:01 tonight, a new one will begin.

I mentioned it yesterday, but I'll mention it again today...what a perfect time to set some concrete, exciting, and important Resolutions aimed directly at your health and fitness. Use 2009 as THE year to get back into shape, Stay in the shape you are already in, or even better, advance yourself further than you ever have before. With the No Initiation Fee January, there is no reason why you can't make this 2009 your healthiest year ever. We want you here, we want you climbing, biking, running, doing Yoga and joining our community. Trust us, you won't find a happier, healthier and just all around more FUN group of people.

So, enjoy the rest of 2008, spend it with those that mean the most to you, and we'll see you again in 2009. Hopefully that means we'll see you in person, in our gyms, not just on this blog. You've got nothing to lose, join up today!

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Monday, November 24, 2008

AFAA Workshops Coming January 2009!

Look out look out all you Diablo Rock Gym members, we've got some pretty cool news for you if you're going to be in and around the area come January! That's right, the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) are going to be having some of their workshops at the Diablo Rock Gym!

That's right, January 9-11, 2009 kicks off the workshops for Personal Fitness Trainer Certification. On the 9th we'll be going from 1-9:30pm, and on the 10th and 11th, we'll be rocking from 8am - 6pm. The price for this set will be $469. On January 17, they'll be having the Primary Group Exercise Workshop from 9am - 6pm and this workshop will be $299. Finally, on January 18th, from 9am - 6pm for $129 they'll be having the Floor, Core & More Workshop, and this one is only $129.

The AFAA is in full control here, DRG will just be the venue for all this craziness! Something to keep in mind, however, is that all Touchstone Members will receive a 25% discount off these sessions if you email Andrew@touchstoneclimbing.com by midnight next Monday! For more information on what to expect at these workshops, head over to the AFAA site and check it out. Hopefully we'll see you there!

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Thursday, November 6, 2008

New Name, Same Amazing Class @ Berkeley Ironworks


Only one more day until Friday! We've made it this far my friends, we're almost to the much deserved weekend! That said, I just wanted to offer up a quick reminder to all of you that one of the best, and most popular classes at Berkeley Ironworks has undergone a bit of a makeover when it comes to its name.

What used to be called "Sports Conditioning" is now renamed, much more appropriately I might add, "Full Body." It's the same great class, just a new name. For all of you veterans to it, no worries, for all of you that have yet to join and get into the groove, now is the time. Just to prove to you how much you need to be a part of this great class, here's some of what you can expect:

The Full Body class with John Downey (formerly the Sports Conditioning Class)

Tuesdays @ Noon and Thursdays @ 1PM


All human movement must traverse the core. Having a strong set of abdominal and lower back muscles makes every movement stronger, more precise, more graceful and much, much safer. Teaching the brain and nervous system to coordinate all of our actions through a strong, stable core is the essence of fitness. Training our body to work as a single unit, using whatever combination of muscles and extremities and in whatever rotating, lifting, turning movement we find ourselves in, is the ultimate state of physical strength and power. To say nothing of staying injury free!

This is the philosophy that guides the design and development of each and every Full Body class given at Berkeley Ironworks.
  • Get ready for an endless supply of new, imaginative and innovative workout experiences each and every week!
  • New exercises are constantly being added and taught to everyone!
  • Looking for the most complete 1 hour workout available anywhere?
  • Want to learn scores of new exercises while a certified Personal Trainer makes sure your form is perfect?
  • Feel like getting stronger, gaining the endurance you always wanted, develop the speed, agility and balance to do what ever you want? And have some fun at the same time?
  • No muscle group left untouched!
o Biceps
o Triceps
o Shoulders
o Chest
o Back
o CORE!!!
o Glutes
o Quads
o Hamstrings
o Calves
o Heart & Lungs!!

  • Develop full range of motion, balance, strength, endurance, flexibility!

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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Fight Cancer with CrossFit

Join CrossFit EastBay, Wounded Warrior Project and Athletes for a Cure Foundations in the “Fight Gone Bad III” a one day fund-raising workout to crush prostate cancer on Saturaday, September 27th at 11am. Five grueling exercises on one minute intervals for three rounds will test your mind and body, all in the name of a good cause. Ask your favorite CrossFit enthusiast or Max Lewin, the local CrossFit Boss for more information. Show cancer and everyone else the business side of your fitness!

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Friday, September 12, 2008

CrossFit: The Best View in Town


With the gorgeous weather we've been having lately, it might be hard to get to the gym to work out. But now there's a perfect solution to wanting to work out AND be outside: CrossFit at GWPC. Now taking place on the roof, CrossFit offers the best of both worlds, a booty kicking workout and your daily vitamin D allotment.

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Friday, August 29, 2008

G.W.P.C. offers Yoga on Saturday Morning

Join us Saturday mornings at 11AM for yoga at GWPC. Shy Sayar is the instructor and founder of Upeksa Yoga, a style of yoga that perfectly balances the alignment and safety of Iyengar, the strength building of Ashtanga, and the deep flexibility achieved by Bikram Yoga - all with no need for a heated room. Pronounced “oo-payk-sha”, the term literally means “balance” or “equanimity”, and it captures the style’s focus on perfectly balancing both practitioner and practice - physically, psychologically and emotionally. This invigorating, challenging, safe and fun style often also draws on the healing power of Tibetan Heart Yoga, the subtle energy work of Shadow Yoga and the fun and loving kindness of partner yoga.

This class is open to all levels and is FREE to members, $12 for non-members.

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Friday, August 22, 2008

10 Excuses for Not Biking to Work

1. I’ll be all sweaty and gross when I get there.

Find a way to clean up in the bathroom, use the shower on the next floor, keep spare clothes in your office, or find some other way. The benefits are worth it.


2. It’s too far.

Your subjective sense of the distance may be skewed if you haven’t really given it a serious try. Leave some extra time and try it out for a few weeks. You’ll be surprised at how the distance seems to shrink as you get used to it, and as you get into better shape. For most people, riding as much as 8-12 miles each way to work can be enjoyable.


3. There are too many hills.

What if you thought of hills as the best part of biking. Nothing feels more primal and satisfying that digging into the pedals and clawing your way up a hill and then the feeling of self-sufficient accomplishment you have at the top.


4. I feel like a dork riding my bike.

What is this, the 8th grade?!? Besides, being a dork is the new cool, dating all the way back to Devo.


5. It takes too much time.

The chances are that if work is less than 12 miles, you can find a way to get there on your bike that actually takes equal or less time than driving. Bikes don’t sit in traffic; they can use alleys, bike paths, and other short cuts. (We didn’t tell you to run any red lights.)


6. I’m too tired in the morning/after work to ride.

Have you ever gone to work out, even when you feel tired and crumby at first, and then felt worse later? No way – you always feel better. And, once your fitness level comes up, you’ll be shocked at how much more energy you have overall. You’ll be leaping out of bed and onto the bike.


7. There’s no place safe to put my bike.

Could there be a closet, an unused corner in your office, or a storage room? A bit of space for a hook on the wall? Could the boss put in a bike rack or help you find a solution?


8. My work isn’t very bike friendly.

That sucks. We sympathize. But what if you do it anyway, and others notice and follow your lead? (We didn’t tell you to cause an uprising.)


9. Bad weather.

This bites. But there are buses, trains, and subway options for going in or coming back when the weather suddenly turns bad. Sometimes the fear of bad weather is worse than the real thing. Sometimes it’s not so bad once you’re out in it. And you can take a perverse pride in your suffering.

10. I telecommute.

You have a point there. Ok, you’re pretty much off the hook.

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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Track Your Runs & Rids on Your New Iphone

With the introduction of new applications for the iphone, there have been numerous fitness based apps appearing in the iTunes store. One of these is RunKeeper, a $9.99 training assistant, that allows you to track your runs & rides by keeping GPS. It keeps track of:

- Duration
- Distance
- Pace
- Speed

It even plots your route on Google maps.

Here is a demo:

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Friday, August 1, 2008

Yoga for Detox



Mission Cliffs

Sunday Aug. 3rd 10:30am-noon
Cost: $20

Detoxification is essential to maintaining a healthy body and clear mind. In this Vinyasa flow class, we will twist and sweat in order to activate the body’s natural cleansing abilities. Appropriate for students experienced with vinyasa flow yoga.

Please note that registration for this class is through missioncliffsyoga@gmail.com only or at the door. Please bring your cash donation of $20 to the class.

All proceeds from this class will go to City Slicker Farms. www.cityslickerfarms.org

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Monday, July 28, 2008

Yoga Beginner's Series at Diablo Rock Gym

New to Yoga ? Never tried? Looking for a place to start? This August Diablo Rock Gym will play host to a 4-part beginner's series for Yoga. Learn yoga basics at a comfortable pace in a supportive environment. Poses will be broken down and individuals specific needs addressed. It will take place Tuesday evenings from 5:00-6:15pm on August 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th. The cost is only $20 for members, thats just $5 a session ($60 for non-members). Sarah Pascual one of our great yoga instructors will be leading the series. Sarah also teaches five different Vinyassa classes each week at Diablo Rock Gym.

Have questions or would like to sign up? Please call out friendly staff at 925-602-1000.
Pre-registration and payment is required.

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Thursday, July 3, 2008

Yoga Flow for Detox at Mission Cliffs

Join Kate this coming Sunday, July 6th from 10am-Noon for this FREE MEMBER EVENT

Detoxification is essential to maintaining a healthy body and a clear mind. In this vinyasa flow class we will twist and sweat in order to activate the body's natural cleansing abilities.

Appropriate for all students with a basic knowledge of vinyasa flow.

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Friday, June 6, 2008

Free Yoga Workshop at Mission Cliffs

Yoga Workshop for Members at Mission Cliffs Saturday, June 7th @ 1pm

Join us at Mission Cliffs for a Pranayama workshop with Ian on Saturday, June 7th at 1pm. Out of breath? Feeling like you really need to relax? Many of us run around during the day taking shallow breaths. Let the ancient techniques of yogic breathing (pranayama) inform your daily breath. Increase the oxygen in the body & relax the mind. Often focus on the breath naturally leads to concentration & meditation.

FREE MEMBER EVENT!

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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Touchstone Running at the Lake

Berkeley Ironworks spinning instructor extraordinaire Wendy Georges, and Marc Trotz represented Touchstone Running at the Lake Merritt Half Day Run at Lake Merritt on Saturday May 10th. In the race each runner has either 6 or 12 hours to run as far as they can, doing laps around Lake Merritt. Each lap is 3.1 miles around the lake which just so happens to be the nation's largest urban saltwater lake (155 acres) and the nation's oldest wildlife preserve.

Both Wendy and Marc competed in the 6 hour version and did really well. Marc, in his first ultra race ever, covered 33.2 miles and placed 8th in a field of 25 runners. Wendy covered 37.3 miles, good enough for 1st place in the women's category but 3rd place overall!

If you are interested in the Touchstone Running club please email Marc: trotzliboff@sbcglobal.net

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Thursday, May 8, 2008

Journey Through the Chakras

Sacramento Pipeworks newest instructor Daljit Bains invites you to join her in an 8 week chakra workshop series. The workshops are free and are held during her regular Thursday 7:45 yoga class. “Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel” says Daljit, who teaches in the Kundalini style of yoga. She adds: “Your chakras are spinning vortexes (like a wheel) of energy which start from the root chakra, at the base of the spine, all the way up to the crown of the head”. Each chakra has a specific talent and characteristic associated with it, from creativity to willpower to compassion. She invites people of all abilities and yoga experience to come learn what each chakra represents, and how to more easily access the talents associated with each chakra. Beginning date is May 15th, with each Thursday focusing on a new chakra.

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Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Worth 1,000 words

“It’s too sweet now. I can’t ride it.”
– Member, after putting top-end alloy wheels on his road bike.

“The crux is being hungry all the time.”
– Member trying to slim down for a redpoint attempt.

“I think I finally found a sport I might be good at.”
– 4th grader climbing at Sacramento Pipeworks.

“Seats are for sissies.”
-- Touchstone Bike Club member, asked how he managed to ride the last 30 miles of the high-altitude, 123-mile Sierra Century standing up after his seat post broke.

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Thursday, April 24, 2008

Taking Yoga to the Streets

If for some reason you find yourself walking one day on the tough streets of San Francisco's Tenderloin district, you may just happen across the odd sight of a woman instructing yoga right on the dirty sidewalk. That woman is Sacramento Pipeworks yoga instructor Tamara Standard who, as her alter ego Yoga Girl, rolls out yoga mats and challenges denizens of the Tenderloin to literally practice yoga on the streets. Her mission is to share with others; bringing yoga to the underprivileged and those who haven't been exposed to the practice or may not have an opportunity to practice.

"Yoga should be accessible to all people" she said. Tamara was inspired to begin her service
as Yoga Girl 2 years ago when she was in the same down and depressed frame of mind that she now sees in the people she teaches. She finds most people she approaches on the street are actually willing to practice with her, often noting the softening of peoples faces and improvement in their posture or attitude after a session.

"Yoga is a very transformative experience".

Tamara is looking for people to help sponsor a small studio in the Tenderloin where she hopes to incorporate training others to help spread the word. You can watch video of her street work:
http://yogagirlsf.com/index.html or anyone who wants to participate can contact her at: yogagirlsf@mac.com

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Monday, April 14, 2008

Does Airborne Work?

Airborne, that vitamin supplement you’ve been seeing at the supermarket, has become a huge seller worldwide. The company reports sales in excess of $100 million. And you’ve heard lots of people touting its capacity to prevent or cure the common cold. The box makes claims about boosting the immune system, and asks the rhetorical question, “Sick of getting sick?”

It turns out that companies are not permitted by the FDA to make a more substantial curative claim than “boosts the immune system,” like “cures colds,” unless they can provide substantial clinical evidence that such a claim is true. Watchdog groups, skeptics, and serious scientists are highly doubtful about curative claims that have seized the popular consciousness.

As a result, Victoria Knight-McDowell, the school teacher who invented the supplement, is careful how she puts the point: "I would never sit here and tell you that it's a cure for the common cold . . . We don't know if Airborne is a … cure for the common cold. What Airborne does is it helps your body build a healthy immune system. When you have a healthy immune system, then it allows your body, on its own, to fight off germs."

Recently, Airborne lost a $23.3 million class action suit filed by consumers for false advertising. According to CNN, one of the groups in the class action suit, The Center for Science in the Public Interest, said that the Airborne company will refund money to consumers, pay for ads to rectify the confusion and instruct consumers on how to get their money back. David Schardt, a senior nutritionist at the Center said, "There's no credible evidence that what's in Airborne can prevent colds or protect you from a germy environment . . Airborne is basically on overpriced, run-of-the-mill vitamin pill that's been cleverly, but deceptively, marketed."

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Friday, April 11, 2008

Does Chiropractic Work?

A wide range of claims has been made about the therapeutic effects of chiropractic. Having the vertebrae in your back and neck manipulated, popped, and adjusted, it is argued, can cure childhood asthma, digestive problems, colic in babies, ear infections, and so on.

There appears to be no substantial clinical evidence to support these medical claims. In fact, there is significant risk of spinal injury associated with the vigorous neck manipulations.

There is some evidence, however, that suggests that chiropractic is roughly as effective as other conventional therapies such as massage for alleviating persistent back pain.

In a meta-analysis of 26 other studies, chiropractic was found to be more effective than sham therapies. Evidence was found that massage, but not chiropractic or acupuncture, may reduce costs of care.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12779300?dopt=Citation

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Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is often recommended on the grounds that it is an ancient Chinese art that readjusts energy meridians in the body. Millions of people are using it, and millions are being spent on it every year. But real medical effects cannot be ascertained by word of mouth, centuries of tradition, or by popularity. What’s needed is substantial, objective evidence from carefully constructed, double-blind clinical trials.

The preliminary indications from a recent study from the NIH are positive. In a study of several hundred patients with arthritic knees at the University of Maryland, it was found that the acupuncture study group had less pain and better knee function after 6 months.

Most clinicians do not take the energy meridian claims seriously, but they have postulated that the effects that have been measured may be connected to the release of endorphins and hormones stimulated by the puncture of the skin by acupuncture needles.

Experts warn, however, that patients should not adopt unproven alternative therapies and forego better treatments, and patients should inform their doctors about any alternative therapies they are pursuing to better insure their safety if they receive additional treatments.

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Thursday, April 3, 2008

CrossFit Comes to DRG


CrossFit has been wildly popular at Ironworks and the Great Western Power Co. and now has made its way through the tunnel to Diablo Rock Gym. Come check out a class if your looking for a great generalized full body workout that is adaptable to all levels and abilities. Class are offered Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-6:30pm and Saturday from 1:30-2:30pm. Don't forget that these classes are free to members like all of our yoga and cycling classes. Save a tree and check out DRG's Calendar online.

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Friday, March 28, 2008

Yoga Comes to Oakland

No, this isn't an April Fools joke, GWPC really IS starting yoga classes in April. With brand new hardwood flooring, high ceilings and full length windows, the Power Company's yoga studio is the perfect place to unwind. Sarah Jaeger Nidy, currently teaching Saturday mornings at Berkeley Ironworks, will be leading students in the lunch hour, noon to 1PM, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There will also be classes offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6PM, the instructor is to be determined. We hope to see all of you folks who have been clamoring for yoga at the gym this month! As is true at all Touchstone gyms, yoga is FREE to members and $10/class for non-members.

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Friday, March 21, 2008

Morning Yoga at Mission Cliffs


Enjoy an early morning yoga class at Mission Cliffs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30am.
Start your week right with an Intermediate level Vinyasa class with Kate on Tuesdays, or join our Beginner Vinyasa class with Eleni on Thursdays.
As always, these program classes are FREE for members and only $15 for drop-ins.

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Thursday, March 20, 2008

Rim in Action


The Berkeley Ironwork basketball rim has been repaired and is ready to go for the summer season. Unfortunately, the towel guy ran into our old rim with his big truck a few weeks ago bending the rim into an ugly mess.

Now that spring has sprung and it's staying light later, pick-up basketball will be getting back into full swing. Typically, Wednesday between 6-7pm is a good time to stop by and play some hoops. Once everyone has shaken off the rust, we will be having a 3 on 3 tournament later in the summer - so start practicing you moves now!

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Thursday, March 6, 2008

Touchstone Represented At LA Marathon


Despite a field of nearly 50 hand cycles and push-rim wheelchairs, Sacramento Pipeworks member Kent Gillis recently took an impressive 11th place finish in the hand bike division of the prestigious Los Angeles Marathon. The rewards, as well as the challenges, were many: because the field was especially large it made for a lot of flying elbows at the start, not to mention that the first mile-and-a-half were uphill, and he lost his only water bottle around mile 5. Despite the swerve and wobble it caused, one reward was a top speed personal record of 32mph on a two mile downhill stretch. Another reward were the many L.A. highlights that the course hit; Hollywood Blvd, swankalicious residential neighborhoods, Koreatown, the Coliseum and Staples Center among others. The audience was fantastic as well, with over a million spectators present.

Kent was surprised that “Even in some run-down areas, they were out and cheering for every competitor”. Finishing downtown among the sky-scrapers was “kinda cool” Kent said, with spectators on both sides creating a tunnel of noise. “Unfortunately I wasn't in any condition to appreciate it. I barely remember crossing the finish line”. Kent completed the grueling 26.2 miles in a blazing 2:01:18. Congratulations to this fierce competitor!

Click here to view a story and interview with Kent that recently aired on Good Day Sacramento: http://cbs13.com/video/?id=30961@kovr.dayport.com

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Friday, February 29, 2008

Yin Yang Yoga with Kate Schox at Mission Clif


THIS Sunday, March 2nd from 1pm - 3pm $20 mem/$25 non-mem

Join Kate Schox in a relaxing and energetic afternoon of Yin and Yang Yoga. Enjoy a practice of opening up dense connective tissue using long-held relaxed floor postures (Yin) followed by an active asana practice where pranic flow and circulation are directed into the muscles and superficial tissues (Yang).

An important part of the overall health of our body is the flexibility we feel not just in our muscles but in our joints as well. Muscles and blood are considered Yang while connective tissues and joints are Yin. Yang tissue most effectively responds to active, muscular movement which emphasizes strength and flexibility. Conversely, Yin tissue most effectively responds to passive and relaxed stillness, emphasizing joint health and mobility. In order to achieve balance in a world of primarily Yang yoga styles it is highly beneficial to supplement one’s Yang practice with Yin Yoga.

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Monday, February 25, 2008

Personal Training Special at BI

Berkeley Ironworks is now offering a Personal Training special for the rest of winter. Why should you take advantage of Personal Training at Berkeley Ironworks? Because it will give you focus / encouragement / motivation combined with fun, new exercises!

The best part is that you can sign up now and receive a full physical assessment plus two training sessions for only $129!

Contact our trainers directly:
Dawn Miller 510.367.1317

John Downey 510.333.5514

Kristin Rios 415.672.2812

Mike Andrews 510.693.3094

Max Lewin 510.910.2919

Look Good, Feel Better and Live a Healthier Life

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Tuesday, February 19, 2008

More CrossFit at Ironworks

Starting in February, Berkeley Ironworks will be offering 3 MORE CROSSFIT CLASSES! Free for members/ $10 drop-in for non-members!

CrossFit Schedule - Starting February:
WED: 5pm, 6pm
SAT: 11am-12:30pm
SUN: 11am, 12 noon


This program delivers a fitness that is, by design, broad, general, and inclusive. The specialty of this program is not specializing. Combat, survival, many sports, and life reward this kind of total body fitness.

Questions? www.crossfit.com

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Thursday, February 14, 2008

Kickboxing Studio Opens in Sacramento


Pipeworks will now be offering cardio kickboxing classes on Tuesdays at 5:30 inside our newly remodeled studio. This beautiful new space, situated beneath the yoga room, features a specially designed shock absorbing hardwood floor, along with lots of glass and exposed brick. Starting Tuesday February 19th, local teaching dynamo Jenny Stark will lead you through her special form of tough aerobic kickboxing workout. Come prepared to sweat!

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Friday, February 1, 2008

CrossFit also comes to GWPC


Offered at the Great Western Power Co. Thursday and Friday evenings at 6pm, CrossFit classes promise an intense workout in a 60 minute session. Want to know more about CrossFit? Check out the website at CrossFit East Bay for a sample of past classes at Ironworks. People of all fitness levels are invited to try out this new class! The first class will meet in the fitness room. Subsequent classes may meet on the roof, weather permitting. Contact the front desk with questions.

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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Yoga Benefit for Peter

On Sunday January 27th, Sandra Safadirazieli will be leading a 2-hour Yoga Workshop to benefit the Peter Togakasaki Cancer Fund. The workshop will start at 12:30pm.

Sandra is a long time Yoga instructor here and Berkeley Ironworks and her brother had a similar condition - so she understands the difficulties that lie ahead for Peter. Peter, as you probably remember from last month’s newsletter, is a 26-year-old bike builder at Berkeley-based Wrench Science and former Touchstone employee, who was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia in late August. After two unsuccessful rounds of chemotherapy treatments at an Oakland hospital, he is now being transferred to Stanford for a bone-marrow transplant.

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Friday, January 18, 2008

CrossFit comes to Ironworks


CrossFit classes have started this January at Berkeley Ironworks! CrossFit is the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies and tactical operations teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists, and hundreds of other elite and professional athletes worldwide. The classes will be on both Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 12 noon. The classes, as usual are free to members and only $10 for drop-ins. Classes will be taught by well-known CrossFit instructor Maximus Lewin. (http://crossfiteastbay.com/) Stay tuned as the CrossFit schedule at Ironworks might be expanding soon

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Tuesday, January 15, 2008

New Paint, New Yoga

New Paint, New Yoga... Come Check out Concords Fitness Studio

If you haven’t taken a yoga classes at Touchstone Concord you’ve been missing out. There are two new yoga classes being offered Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:00pm. Monday’s class will be taught by Jennifer Tigue and Wednesday’s will be taught by Sarah Pascual.

Not only do we have new classes but a fresh coat of paint. The dull white has been replaced with a vibrant sandy yellow with a nice burnt orange accent. Along with the warmer feeling paint is some reorganization to the fitness props making the room more open and inviting. Give a big thanks to the unsung hero’s who spent a long Friday slaving away with brushes in hand.

Remember that all classes are FREE to members so why not check out a class. Stop by the front counter to pick up a schedule or better yet save a tree by viewing it online by clicking here.

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Monday, January 14, 2008

Yoga Retreat

Let Sacramento Pipeworks yoga instructor Robert Hallworth and adventure company Sadhanadventures guide you on a weekend of calming but intensive yoga practice in Bishop Ca. on January 25, 26 and 27th. All outdoors, days will begin at sunrise with hot tea and meditation followed by an intensive full yoga practice. A filling vegetarian breakfast caps off the morning. Afternoons are filled with independent activities, ranging from rock climbing to hiking, book reading to art gallery browsing. Evenings will bring a restorative and gentle asana practice as a gourmet vegetarian campground meal is prepared for you.

Cost for this retreat is just $150.00 which does not include transportation, but assistance in arranging carpools is provided. Space is limited, so make your reservations early. For more information or to reserve a spot, go to: sadhanadventures.com

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Thursday, January 10, 2008

GWPC: Hot Water and Cardio


Now you can treat your aching muscles to a nice hot shower after giving them a good workout climbing GWPC's new walls. And that's not all! There is now a smattering of cardio equipment for you to warm up on pre-climbing.

So come on over - we are open weekdays 10AM to 10PM and weekends 10AM to 6PM.

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Monday, December 3, 2007

Yoga Workshop

Yoga Workshop with Eleni Gekas
Mission Cliffs

Behind the Yoga Poses:
a workshop geared towards experiencing all aspects of yoga

Saturday, December 8th from 1-3pm
Free Member Event


Ever wonder what's behind all of the postures of yoga? Have you left a yoga class feeling like there was something else going on? Come learn about the 8 limbs of Yoga according to the Sutras of Patanjali, the father of yoga. We will explore the ancient texts, practice how they relate to the physical postures, and learn simple breathing and meditation techniques that will take away any edge that might develop during the holiday season. We will also explore some relaxing restorative poses. Sign up with at Eleni at yoganaki@gmail.com, Limited to the first 15 students to sign up with Eleni. Free to members ($25 for non-members)

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Monday, November 12, 2007

The Art of Living Purna Yoga™

The Art of Living Purna Yoga™ with Aadil Palkhivala
at Touchstone Climbing & Fitness in Concord
December 7-9, 2007


Touchstone Climbing is proud to present a workshop with world renowned yoga teacher, Aadil Palkhivala. For nearly thirty years, Aadil has had a reputation as a “teacher of teachers” and has been training yoga teachers in India, Europe and the United States since 1976. His approach to yoga is that it is to be lived and not just performed. Since the age of 7 Aadil has been practicing yoga and like a mentor sharing his knowledge with an apprentice, he teaches students to use their bodies, intellect and emotions to discover their real purpose in life. Through telling stories, giving insights and philosophical ponderings, Aadil teaches students how to discover what really matters within while strengthening, aligning and opening the body through the practice of asana.

Friday December 7th 6-8p.m. Power and Humility
Saturday December 8th 10-1 Purna Yoga Power

Saturday December 8th 2:30-5:00 Restoratives and Pranayama

Sunday December 9th 10-1 Detox & Recharge Twists and Backbends


Full weekend $285
Individual Sessions $80

Please remit payment to:
Living Yoga
881 Richard Lane

Danville, CA 94526


Questions? Contact: Deb Stone
e-mail:myfavoritethingz@comcast.net
925-683-3900

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Friday, September 28, 2007

Yoga Workshop at Mission Cliffs

Deepen your breath...an introduction to Pranayama, yogic breathing this Sunday, September 30th from 5-6pm.

Out of breath? Feeling like you really need to relax? Many of us run around during the day taking shallow breaths. Let the ancient techniques of yogic breathing (pranayama) inform your daily breath. Increase the oxygen in the body & relax the mind. Often focus on the breath naturally leads to concentration & meditation. Experience the life energy (prana) that keeps you alive in a whole new way. No experience with breathing necessary... ;)

This is a free member event. $10 for non-members. This class will be available on a first-come/firs-serve basis.

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Change of Direction

Sacramento Pipeworks member Harlan Reymont first started climbing at Utah's Little Cottonwood Canyon around 1976 while still in high school. After a time, by his own admission he "fell in with the wrong crowd", started drinking and smoking cigarettes, ultimately giving up on climbing. He didn't pursue a healthier lifestyle until 5 years ago while assisting his father after open heart surgery. Witnessing the effect an unhealthy lifestyle had on his father prompted Harlan to realize he had to give up smoking or eventually face the same consequences.

Quitting cigarettes took a few tries, but after he finally shook the habit a friend told him about Pipeworks. One day 4 years ago he walked into the gym, ended up joining the same day - and has been coming regularly ever since. Initially he only came to Pipeworks for the climbing, but after a trip up Mt. Whitney someone challenged him to run a marathon. Harlan was ready for the test, so he bought a 'how to train for a marathon' book, ran for 4 months and recently finished The San Francisco Marathon in under 5 hours. Harlan is pictured above at the end of that race with his wife of 19 years, Kris.

After a week long break from running he is already training for Sacramento's California International Marathon held in December. At the CIM he will be running to raise funds for Organs Are Us, an organization promoting awareness for organ donors, and this time he wants to finish the 26.2 miles in less than 4 hours. For donation information you can contact Harlan at turnedart@msn.com. We congratulate Harlan for his marathon success, but more importantly for showing the rest of us that it is possible to make huge changes in life via fitness!

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Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Muscles like a Bathtub

Climbing better requires knowing what your muscles are capable of and what they need. It’s too easy to climb yourself into a situation on a route where the moves are too hard and you’re stressed and over gripping.

The key is learning how to maneuver your climbing around your limits. Think of your fitness level, or your capacity to climb, as a bathtub that’s got water pouring in and an open drain emptying it out.Your fitness level is sort of like the depth and size of your tub, the rate at which you can pour water in, and the rate at which it can drain. If the rate at which the tub fills is faster than the rate it drains, then it overflows and you have a disaster. If you stress the muscles at a rate faster than they can recover, they shut down.

Muscles have stored glycogen that they burn to contract. Then the byproducts of that energy exchange must be metabolized. Wastes need to be shuttled out of the muscle tissues, and fresh oxygenated blood with more energy needs to be brought in. If you do too many hard moves in a row, the load you’re putting on the muscles quickly overwhelms the system’s ability to keep up. Lactic acid saturates the muscle fibers and they quickly reach failure. Now there’s water flooding all over the bathroom floor and threatening the drown the downstairs neighbor.

What can you do? Strategize your movement. Take advantage of any and all rest situations. Snatch a quick shake for either arm before the hard sequence if you can. Move through the hard part fast and get to the bigger holds. Then take the time for the system to catch up. Don’t hold your breath (if you put the stopper in the tub, a flood is inevitable).

Breathe, relax, and don’t over grip. Develop a sensitivity for how hard your muscles are working at any given time by paying attention to them. When you’re training, figure out where your failure point is. Find the point at which you’ve pushed so hard you can’t adequately recover.

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Thursday, August 2, 2007

Parkour



What if you sped your climbing up to a flat out sprint, included parking garages among your climbing terrains, eliminated any ropes, and added a bunch of gymnastic moves like flips, somersaults, spins, and leaps?

Sound completely nuts?

Not at all. You’d simply be doing parkour, or free running, the latest craze out of France.

Imagine doing skateboard half pipe stunts without the skateboard and without the half pipe.

It’s part martial arts, part climbing, part gymnastics, with a hip hop urban sense of style.

Remember that feeling of unbounded joy and energy you had when you were a kid swinging around on the monkey bars? You’ve tapped into that that when climbing is going well.

The guys doing parkour have clearly found a way into the same zone.

The goal of parkour is to carve a fluid, fast, gymnastic line through space using fences, railings, retaining walls, and rooftops.

If you are a climber, you’ll recognize some of the moves like mantels, dynos, and smears.

But what’s really refreshing about parkour is how enthusiasts revel in fast physical movement —just running and jumping with endless variations. These guys look like adults, but have the sheer joy of a 10 year old bursting out of them.

Parkour practitioners worldwide take their inspiration from the sport’s founder, David Belle. Do a search on YouTube or Google video for “David Belle,” “parkour,” or “Sebastien Foucan.” (Foucan is the athlete who does the amazing parkour chase scene at the beginning of the recent James Bond movie Casino Royale).

At the very least you’ll be entertained. And you just might have to have a go at one of the beginner moves – or even start climbing a little differently.

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Thursday, July 12, 2007

Hardrock 100


This weekend, Touchstone's founder and CEO Mark Melvin will be running in the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run.

The course will be run counter-clockwise - a big loop through the San Juan Mountains of beautiful southwest Colorado: Silverton - Ophir - Telluride - Ouray - Sherman (Lake City) - Silverton, 100 miles, 33,000' total elevation gain, 11,186' average elevation, low point 7,680' at Ouray, high point 14,048' at Handies Peak.


Last year's winner finished the course in over 27 hours, while only a little more than half the field finished the run. Of those that did finish the course, most of them finished well into the second night of the race. Mark's goal is to finish the race before the second night. Mark has completed the Hardrock 100 before, as well as the Western States Ultra 100 in the Sierras.

You can see a cool photo tour of last year's course here.

Once the race starts, you will be able to follow Mark's progress on the Hardrock's webpage.

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Monday, June 4, 2007

Capoeira Clinic

Berkeley Ironworks will be hosting a Capoeira workshop on Saturday, June 9th from 1-3pm. This workshop is FREE for members and only $10 for non-members.

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian Martial Art that combines Dance, Fight, Music, Movements and Acrobatics.

Come and join the classes to learn the basics of Capoeira while increasing Strength and Flexibility, improving Coordination and enjoy an exciting and intense workout.

Everyone is welcome, just bring a water bottle and wear loose pants.

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Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Coolest 24 Hours

Class 5 staff member Jamie Phillips just rode The Coolest 24 Hour Race, a 24 hour mountain bike race in Cool, California. You heard it. 24 hours on fireroads and singletrack.

Jamie did the race as a two person relay, logging about 143 miles in 12 hours and 45 minutes. He and his partner completed 273 miles between the two of them, placing third.

During the race, he ate about 16,000 calories including 16 clif bars, 35 gels, and 50 bottles of cytomax plus whatever ‘real’ food he could get his hands on between laps.

He is so excited he is doing another one in a month and is planning a solo 24 hour race for next year.

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Friday, May 4, 2007

Yoga for Climbers in SJ

Starting in May, Touchstone San Jose will be offering a Ilyengar Yoga class led by Alejandro Rivas, geared towards climbers to help address finger/tendon issues, elbow and/or shoulder problems, flexibility, static strength, and other issues climbers face during climbing. Classes are $10 for non-members, $5 for San Jose Bouldering-Only Gym Members, and Free for those with a Regular Membership.

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Thursday, April 26, 2007

New Treadmills at Class 5

Now you can run in style at Class 5 on our new Precor treadmill. You can check your heart rate while you run, and this machine has a greater range in angle for running uphill. The Impact Control System is made to be easier on the knees, legs, and back. This machine has a newer suspension system to cushion impact and control lateral motions while remaining responsive (their words). Now you can adjust the speed and incline on buttons which are “confirming user input with a satisfying click”. No more pushing a flat spot and hoping for the best.

Now you have no reason not to get running again

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Friday, April 20, 2007

Check Your Mileage

Runners and bikers! Always guessing how far a new route might be? Now you have a way to check out the mileage online while you are at work! This online system allows you to click through roads, turns – even short-cuts – to get the most accurate idea of the length of your route without being there. Planning alternate and new routes has never been easier.

http://www.runningmap.com/

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Tuesday, April 17, 2007

AcroYoga at Ironworks

Berkeley Ironworks will be hosting an AcroYoga Workshop on Sunday April 22nd from 10:30am-1:30pm. The workshop is $30 for members and $40 for non-members.

In this AcroYoga workshop, you will learn to "Fly" and melt into the depths of supported Partner Yoga. We will explore what's possible with two and more bodies balancing with our friend Gravity. Come alone, or bring a partner... No Yoga experience necessary, only a desire to experience the unknown...!
Wanna go up? Let's Fly!

Taught by Veteran instructor Tyler Ryan Blank. Please go to the front desk and sign up early to reserve your spot!

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