Touchstone Blog Archive
"Fit Fridays Happy Hour" Starts in April!

Here's a quick heads up that one of our popular classes at
Berkeley Ironworks has changed in both name, and style. That's right, starting in April, every Friday at 5:00 pm will be our new "Fit Fridays Happy Hour" class that will be a blend of cardio, strength and stretching.
Check out our flyer for the new information, but bottom line, if you're looking for a great way to get
happy on endorphins while doing strength training that ranges from lunches to pull-ups, cardio drills that bring in kickboxing to plyometrics, and great ab and stretching activities, this is the class for you. It's led by Cathyn Fan, who started out with a 200-hour YogaFit certification and then went on to add Pilates, Abs, Kickboxing and personal training to her resume. If you want functional strength, this is your new best friend. The best news, they even do exercises that will improve your climbing skills.
We hope to see you there!
Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Classes, Fit Fridays Happy Hour, Friday, New Class
CPR First Aid Course @ Berkeley Ironworks

This Sunday at
Berkeley Ironworks we are lucky to play host to a small but important class. The Oakland Fire Department, as part of their Random Acts charity is going to be teaching a First Aid/CPR class to the public here at our gym. The Class will be this
Sunday, February 15th, from 2-8pm. The class size must remain small and so will be limited to 10 people.
The
suggested donation for the class and certification is $50 to their charity.
Interested? Here's what you can expect to encounter and learn on Sunday:
"The class provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective basic life support in an emergency. Basic First Aid program participants learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of injuries and sudden illness. Crucial information about how to deal with emergencies like bleeding, shock, burns, strains, fractures, allergic reaction, diabetic and seizures is shared.
Sign up and donate at the front desk today!"
Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, First aid, Health, New Class, Oakland Fire Department, Public Health and Safety
New Core Class @ GWPC

Hey all you Great Western Power Co. fans, this one is aimed DIRECTLY at you. As I've mentioned, we're officially into 2009, and I've decided this is the year we're going to get each and every one of you into the best shape of your lives. Ready to join me?
That said, for any and all of you Great Western Power Co. members, potential members, or even just people that have always Wanted to be members, now is the time to join up. We have a new Core Class that is guaranteed to whip you into healthy shape. Don't believe me? Check out this Course intro and a bit about our instructor...trust me, you'll buy it after you read, and see who's teaching:
High Energy Core and Flexibility Class
Having trouble controlling your hips on steep terrain? Can't quite reach that high-step? Two perfect examples of the need to increase core strength and flexibility! Isabel will help you open your hips and strengthen your abdominal muscles. A strong core and increased flexibility will improve range of motion and strength in many climbing positions such as stemming and high stepping. Release more power and gain more control! Being flexible while using strength is extremely advantageous and can develop an entirely new body awareness for all athletes. This class is also a great way for you to warm up and loosen muscles and tendons for your work out or climbing session. Working your abs has never been this fun! This class is open to all levels!
About Isabel:
Isabel von Rittberg has been climbing since 2001, and has been dancing her whole life. Extremely stimulated by all kinds of movement, she includes stretching and a core strengthening workout into her daily routine. Climbing has become Isabel's main drive and spiritual inspiration. It allows her to work proficiently, be attentive, and feel alive. Isabel has combined her passions for climbing, music, and dance by starting her own dance-climb fusion company, the AscenDance Project. Her group conveys the grace and fluidity of a climber's delicate yet powerful movement.
The time is now, stop in, sign up and get to work! The Class starts in February and will be every Thursday from 6-7pm. IF you want a little sample of what you're getting yourself into, there will be a Demo Class this January 22 at 6pm. What have you got to lose?!
Labels: climbing, Core Class, Great Western Power Co., GWPC, Isabel, New Class
Great Western Power Co. To Host Yoga Demo!
Here's a quick note to let you know that Great Western Power Co. is going to be hosting a pretty awesome event this coming Tuesday, December 16th, from 6:15pm to 7:30pm. The event will be free to all members of Touchstone Climbing, and $12 for any and all non-members.
The Yoga Demo will be a
Dynamic Vinyasa Yoga with Susan Owen. Vinyasa Yoga, is basically
"a sequence of breath-synchronized movements used to transition between sustained poses." The Demo Class, according to Susan, will be Ashtanga-style yoga mixed with strengthening movements aimed at improving the basic yoga asanas. It's open to students of any and all levels and should provide you with instructions in both fundamental yoga positions, as well as more experienced yoga and advanced variations for those that can handle it.
Basically, you're guaranteed a good time, guaranteed a good workout, and guaranteed to leave sweatier than you started! Check out the flyer below! The new classes start in January...Hold onto your yoga pants!

Labels: Asana, Demo, Great Western Power Co., GWPC, New Class, Susan Owen, Vinyasa Yoga, Yoga