University Lutheran Church Salad Luncheons February 12, 2009

Lisa Hellems, instructor at University Lutheran Church, developed a salad luncheon at her EnhanceFitness site.   Each participant brought a salad to share and provided the recipe.  All recipes were collected, copied and distributed to the group after the event.  In addition, a speaker came and delivered a program for seniors in conjuction with the event.  This was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about each participant and spend some time socializing as a group.  University Lutheran class participants also frequently go out for lunch on Fridays after class.  With all this food, no wonder it’s one of my favorite sites! 

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Storyrobics: Mt Hope UMC on a trip! February 11, 2009

Those instuctors who have taken my training know that I always include a description of what I have come to call “storyrobics”.  One of my students in the new instructor training in Miami, FL named it this and I’ve been using it ever since.  If you were the instructor contact me and I’ll be happy to give you credit where credit is due!  Storyrobics is of course just telling a story and adding movement to it during the cardio portion of class.  It’s a great way to do something different and involve the participants. 

Participants at Mt Hope UMC pretend to take a trip every Friday.  They have “visited” many places and participants call out from class what they are going to do next.  On one “trip”, the class went to Las Vegas.  They played slot machines and other games, performed show girl routines and searched for bathrooms in a crowded casino!  Participants got a great workout and laughed their way through the whole class.  Instructor Missy Lilje ends the Wednesday class with a “See you at the airport” for Friday’s class.  Participants can even dress for the weather at their intended destination.  This week they’re off to Puerto Rico!  What a great way to keep things interesting, involve participants, and (at least mentally anyway) escape a long winter!