Monday, May 24, 2010

Stretch Class Description

With a deep concern for helping people move through daily life with more energy, less pain, greater ease, and better focus, I developed a Stretch class using techniques that release excess tension while strengthening postures that hold a body in balance.

This work corrects pain-causing habits, such as slouching and pain-adaptation, aids recovery from injury, and sharpens recreational and work performance.


I've worked throughout the country in schools, universities, fitness centers, theaters and corporations, instructing students from ages 3 to 93.

My years as a licensed massage therapist aided my kinaesthetic understanding of anatomy.

Bringing over 30 years experience with Tai Chi Chuan, yoga, sports performance, dance, body rehabilitation and body re-education to this health and teaching work.

















Dancing/Drum Hands: lastor

Stretch to Feel Better


























































































improve posture - slouch less
better balance
strengthen
relax
rehabilitate
improve range of motion
get rid of "kinks"
make your spine more flexible
add internal strength to external muscle
improve your sports/yoga


Instructor: Lura Astor
over 30 years teaching experience, ages 3-93
photos by: Miguel Munoz
2001 with actor/massage therapist/teacher Cara Barker

My goal is for you to enjoy a healthier lifestyle with more energy, courage, relaxation, less aching, less pain.
I work with your pace and capabilities. Together, we chart goals, landmark your progress, celebrate the achievements.
- Lura Astor



Sunday, May 23, 2010

Group Energy of Classes

I believe in the benefits of going to class.
There is a group energy created that is different from practicing by yourself.

I tell my students, even if you don't feel like it, show up. Even if you fall asleep, show up.
There exists a group personality. We miss you when you don't show up to add to the class constellation!

There’s mutual inspiration in a classroom.

Learn from classmates' work and corrections.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Get the Most Out of Your Training

  • Refrain from eating a big meal immediately before class, however, do not come to class hungry.
  • Once committed to a class, show up - even when you "don't feel like it".
  • Work with your energy level, low, medium, or high. Energy levels vary.
  • Allow distractions to slip away as you take time to work on your "tune-up."
  • Dress comfortably. Clothes that bind include waist bands that are too tight, zippers, buttons, heavy seams. Wear clothes that allow freedom of movement.
  • Be prepared to "under-do" to avoid injury or unnecessary pain. Most of us tend to over-do, especially when learning something new and when we are eager to "get good fast".
  • There is a learning curve for everything new.
  • A quick way to progress - Insert one or two stretches into your everyday activities.
  • Keep it simple. Repetition helps.
  • During class, tag 1-3 movements to practice during the time before your next class. You'll feel less overwhelmed when you go to remember, and will see results.
  • Multi-task for health! Foot exercises while brushing your teeth, etc.
  • Use a notebook: jot down questions, changes in your body, changes in goals.
  • I’m a believer in group energy. There’s mutual inspiration in a classroom. Learn from classmates' work and corrections.
  • Ask classmates to be an Exercise Buddy. Schedule regular meetings, or plan to meet on an as-can basis. If you don't work well together, find others to work with.
  • During training you are not quite out of old habits, not quite in the new. Gaining flexibility, strengthening and relaxing your body, toning, and maintaining flexibility takes time, patience, gentleness, mental resiliency and playfulness.
  • Enjoy your practice! Keep a sense of humor !
  • The more you practice, the more you enjoy the benefits.
  • Make games out of practice: reach for the top of doors, take mini-breaks when sitting at a desk, massage your feet while watching TV, elevate your legs while reading, work your toes and flex your calves while brushing your teeth, lunges while vacuuming.
  • Use the mind to command relaxation: Shoulders, relax. Neck, let go. Eyes relax. Breathe.
  • In hot weather drink additional water. After class, cool off from the heat with some water on the back of your neck and pulse areas, also, directly on top of your head.
  • In cold weather, it is a good idea to layer clothing. When leaving class into the cold, cover your head with a hood, towel or scarf
  • Remember to have fun!