The grounds at River Farm will see quite a bit of stretching and meditating this weekend. A Women's Afternoon of Workshops for Body and Soul will be sponsored by members of Y-ME NCA on Sunday, April 14, from 12:30-4 p.m.
Y-ME NCA is a chapter of the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. It provides a 24-hour hot line, one-on-one matches with a cancer survivor, and lecture series.
Nancy Kincaid, president of the organization, said that this is the first time the group has held an event such as this.
"We've done teas, fashion shows and lectures, but we thought this workshop would be applicable to breast cancer.” Kincaid said that the group has held events at River Farm before. In light of the fact that a couple of the staff members are survivors themselves, they have really supported their organization. Some of the demonstrations will be in the tent overlooking the river, while others will be held indoors. It will be held rain or shine.
The event is not just for cancer survivors. It's really a great chance for all women to come out and check out some different forms of exercise and meditation. There will be demonstrations on yoga, qi gong, tai chi, reflexology and more.
PERSONAL TRAINER LINDA HUNT will be there. She has worked in the fitness industry for over 20 years, the last 16 years in professional training. Her emphasis will be on functional fitness training.
"Instead of the traditional resistance training, I will talk about balance, coordination and body awareness in everyday activities. Everybody needs to figure out how to make their fitness life more productive," said Hunt.
During three different workshops, participants will be able to try some of her exercises, as well as the fitness balls and medicine balls that she will bring.
"We have good presenters and a good variety," said Kincaid, who has been involved with Y-ME for more than seven years. As a cancer survivor, she knows how frightening and confusing it is for a woman who is diagnosed with breast cancer.
"The worst part is when you're first diagnosed. There's all these decisions to make," she said.
Kincaid believes that the hot line is invaluable to women because it gives them a chance to talk to women who have already experienced breast cancer. The one-on-one support provides them with a willing ear and a chance to ask those embarrassing questions they may not want to ask their doctors.
ANOTHER CANCER SURVIVOR, Ann Smith, will be there. A nationally recognized expert on fitness and stretch exercise, she has made three exercise videos, the last one of which, "Rise and Shine," was the No. 1 seller on Amazon.com when it was first released last year.
After her breast-cancer surgery, Smith made another video — this time doing exercises for women recovering from surgery.
"Unlike most women, I had full range of motion three days after my surgery," said Smith. "I was advised by medical people to make a video to help other women."
After an article about the video was written by a well-known physician, Smith said that women all over the world have been requesting the video. It's recommended not only for women who have undergone surgery but for any woman looking to strengthen her upper muscles. Cost of video is only $10 and is available by sending a request and $13.50 to 107 S. West St., #326, Alexandria, VA 22314.
During her workshops, Smith will talk about her video and explain what exercises work best for women. She is excited about the forum and said, "It's nice that they're offering different disciplines."
PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE A CHANCE to learn more about foot reflexology. It will be presented by Sandy Levy, trainer at Alexandria Myotherapy, and everybody in the class will have a chance to decide which area of the body to work on. Since the foot has zones that correspond to parts of the body, Levy said that for some people and some conditions, it can bring about rapid results.
“Foot reflexology used to be a person’s last hope to get rid of pain,” said Levy. “Now many use it as their first choice. It can be used for any kind of discomfort — it’s wonderful for digestion.”
While her clients like having somebody else do the work, the nice thing about reflexology is that it’s easy to learn.
“It’s easy to learn, and you can do it yourself. The feet reflect the body in an orderly manner,” said Levy, who feels that the practice should be called “reflectology,” since the feet reflect other parts of the body.
These are just three of the presenters who will be at River Farm this weekend. Participants will have the chance to pick three workshops, selecting from the above-mentioned and several other presenters who will be discussing various health issues.
The Women's Afternoon of Body and Soul will be held at River Farm, 7931 E. Boulevard Drive, on Sunday, April 14, from 12:30-4 p.m. Cost of event is $20, which covers three workshops, door prizes and refreshments.
Schedule of events:
1 p.m.
Qi Gong: Chinese Exercise tor Your Health/Chang Zang, chief master
Foot Reflexology/Sandy Levy, MS, CMT
Cravings: The Food Mood Connection/Sara Blumenthal, LN
Functional Exercises for Your Body Today/Linda Hunt, professional fitness trainer
Moving with Grace & Pride: Post Surgery Rehab/Ann Smith, author & teacher
2 p.m.
Tai Chi for Balance & Coordination/Pu Chin Wade
Foot Reflexology/Sandy Levy, MS, CMT
Cravings: The Food Mood Connection/Sara Blumenthal, LN
Functional Exercises for Your Body Today/Linda Hunt, professional fitness trainer
Moving with Grace & Pride: Post Surgery Rehab/Ann Smith, author & teacher
3 p.m.
Yoga for Flexibility & Relaxation/Naomi Howe, MA
Introduction to Meditation/Susan Miller, LPC
Functional Exercises for Your Body Today/Linda Hunt, professional fitness trainer
Moving with Grace & Pride: Post Surgery Rehab/Ann Smith, author & teacher