• Urban Balance
Virtual Classes for Port of Portland

Mindful Movement

Mindful Movement, August 07— Mindful Movement: The Present of Presence| Monika | 42 mins

Studies show that paying close attention during an activity (being present) greatly enhances its effectiveness. Leave distractions behind and focus on listening to and getting in touch with your body. You will recognize elements of yoga, Pilates, and somatic modalities in this class. Learn new mindfulness tools and build a resilient nervous system to keep life stressors at bay.

Mindful Movement, February 06— Mindful Movement: Mindful Moves for the Heart | Linda | 42 mins

This 60-minute mindful movement based cardio class includes a variety of movements from sports, dance, and yoga. We will be putting these together in combinations to explore and have fun! Class will be standing so please wear shoes, bring a water bottle, and towel. No equipment is needed.

Mindful Movement, October 03— Functional Strength and Movement | Jennifer | 42 mins

Functional Fitness concentrates on undoing what occurs during the aging process and daily life. This class focuses on functional movement and strength patterns designed to increase flexible strength for daily living activities.

Props: 1 long resistance band, 1 loop resistance band (a belt, bungee cord, or robe tie, or yoga strap can be substituted for resistance bands), 2 weights (substitute canned food or any heavy item that is easy to grip).

Mindful Movement, October 03— Roller Full Body Workout | Jean | 60 mins

This 60-minute roller workout will target key areas that tend to be weak in most of us; deep core, hips, and shoulders. We will be using MELT Method and Pilates techniques to connect to our core and find more optimal muscle pathways to strengthen and stabilize. There will be modifications for some of the more challenging exercises. We will also work on flexibility and creating length and hydration in the fascial system. Drinking water before and after the workout is recommended.

Props/Equipment: Yoga mat, foam Roller (preferably soft), flex band, or hand weights

Mindful Movement, October 03— Mobility for Power | Monika | 60 mins

Balance your sports activities with complementary exercises that foster mobility in your hips, trunk, and shoulders. Hitting that golf ball or pickle ball will feel so much more satisfying when your body can rotate to create optimal force. Join this class to learn strength and mobility movements that can make a difference in your game.

Props: 1-2 Yoga Blocks, a strap or hand towel, a bath towel or a sturdy blanket

Mindful Movement, October 03— Functional Fitness into Action | Linda | 60 mins

Functional Fitness is a type of exercise that supports us in doing the activities of daily life, such as taking out the trash and vacuuming. This class will review dynamic stretches and core exercises you can add to any fitness plan to improve functional strength and reduce the chance of injury for daily activities.

Equipment: exercise mat

Mindful Movement, October 03— Getting to The CORE of Moving Safely | Linda | 60 mins

This class will review proper body alignment and safe, functional movement patterns that prepare for the physical activities we do in our daily lives, such as carrying groceries and gardening. Movement patterns will include bending, twisting, lifting, lunging, pushing, pulling, and walking.

Equipment: chair, broom handle or dowel, notepad

July 04– Liberate Your Spine: Focus on the Breath | Sarah | 60 mins

For this Liberate your Spine class, we will be putting a special focus on breath and seeing how it can really inform the movements we will be making. The spinal mobility exercises are made more fluid and more effective at opening tight spots in the back, arms, and legs when the breath is coordinated. Rejuvenate your muscles and nervous system with this blend of standing, seated, and floor work.

Props: block and yoga strap.

June 06– Liberate your Spine: Reboot, Rebound, Energize | Sarah | 60 mins

In this class, we will focus on opening blocked areas of the body through movement sequences that move the spine in all directions. Exercises will be done seated on a stool, standing, and lying on a yoga mat. This low-impact but invigorating workout will make you feel taller, longer, and stronger and support you with your mid-year recharge!

Props: a non-rolling chair or stool and a yoga mat.

Yoga, February 07– Liberate your Spine | Sarah | 60 mins

This class focuses on the articulation of the spine and mobility of the joints through specific breathing techniques. Inspired by movements from the GYROTONIC ® method, Pilates, and yoga, bring some much-needed length to your muscles, open up space between the vertebrae, and unblock stagnant areas with fundamental spinal movements and core activation that will help liberate your spine! Exercises will be done sitting on a stool or chair, standing up, and lying down.

Props: yoga mat and stool or chair