At the Intersection of Art and Water

When you think of water aerobics, you probably don’t associate it with any type of artistic endeavor. Unless you’re an artist like instructor Cathie Crawford.

Cathie teaches Aqua Fit each Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. “I like creating choreography that goes with the music,” says Cathie. “I like moving to the music as opposed to just doing each exercise eight times. I usually have one move or combination of moves for the verses, one for the chorus or refrain and then something different for the bridge or instrumental. The creative part is coming up with the right moves to fit the music. I use a little of everything, from Vivaldi to pop. My routines are seasonal as well. I have play lists for each holiday and season.”

Originally from New York City, Cathie returned to Illinois in the fall of 2004 after living overseas with her husband (three years in Jeddah Saudi Arabia and then three years in Grenoble France). Since completing her Master of Fine Art degree in 1987 from Bradley University, she has concentrated on the color reduction woodcut.

Her work has been included in more than 300 exhibitions, 25 solo exhibitions, 70 juried national shows and 15 international juried exhibitions since completing a BFA from The Ohio State University. Crawford has won over 35 awards at both the national and regional level. Her prints have been exhibited in 28 states as well as France, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and the UK.

While in Saudi Arabia, Cathie discovered water aerobics. When she and her husband returned to the US and settled in Peoria, she continued water aerobics classes and met Laura Kelly, a local water aerobics teacher who has taught at Pearce for many years. Laura helped Cathie earn her first water aerobics certifications in 2006, and she’s been teaching in central Illinois ever since.

“Pearce is an excellent facility for water aerobics,” explains Cathie. “Unlike other area fitness centers, I can have music at Pearce and there is plenty of chest-deep water, perfect for the class.” She also enjoys the size of her class. “It’s more fun with more people!”

Cathie’s art is currently on display at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. She is also hosting an open house at her home on November 18.

Les Mills New Music and Moves

The kids are back in school, summer vacations are over, and the weather will soon turn cooler. It’s time to think about getting back to the gym.

If you’re looking for a low impact exercise routine after work, we’ve got you covered!

Monday: Aqua Fit from 5:30-6:30 and then Yoga from 6:45 to 7:45

Tuesday: Choose Hip Hop Dancing from 5:15-6:15 or BODYFLOW from 5:35 to 6:35

Wednesday: Aqua Fit from 5:30-6:30 and then Yoga from 6:40 to 7:40

Thursday: Choose Hip Hop Dancing from 5:15-6:15 or BODYFLOW from 5:35 to 6:35

Friday: CELEBRATE FRIDAY!

Saturday: Choose BODYFLOW from 8:00 to 9:00 or Aqua Fit from 8:30 to 9:30

And if you’re looking for a high energy burn, we can keep your heart pumping all week long.

Monday: Zumba from 4:45 to 5:30, BODYPUMP from 5:35 to 6:05, AND BODYATTACK from 6:10 to 6:40

Tuesday: Choose BODYPUMP from 4:30 to 5:30 or Hip Hop Dancing from 5:15 to 6:15, and then Boot Camp from 6:40 to 7:30

Wednesday: BODYPUMP from 4:30 to 5:30, and then choose BODYATTACK from 5:35 to 6:35 or Pearce Cycling from 6:00 to 6:45

Thursday: BODYPUMP from 4:30 to 5:30, and then choose Hip Hop Dancing from 5:15 to 6:15, Pearce Cycling from 6:00 to 6:45, or Boot Camp from 6:40 to 7:30

Friday: BODYATTACK from 5:00 to 5:30

Saturday: We now offer TRX Suspension Training from 7:00 to 7:45, Pearce Cycling from 7:15 to 8:15. Too early? Join us a little later for BODYPUMP from 9:05 to 10:05 or Pearce Cycling from 9:00 to 9:45.

Be sure to pick up a copy of our new fall group exercise schedule next time you're in Pearce to see all the land, water, and cycling classes we offer!

Group Exercise Instructor Earns Additional Zumba Certifications

Caterpillar digital project manager by day, Zumba instructor extraordinaire by night. Either way, it's safe to say James Haywood is dynamic, diverse, and always searching for ways to make things better. 

James has spent his summer honing his Zumba skills at a variety of conferences and trainings to deliver that absolute best Zumba classes to his group exercise students. 

In June, he traveled to New York City to attend Zumba Basic 2 Training in order to take the level of excitement in his Zumba class to the next level. The training focused on the core steps for rhythms including flamenco, samba, belly dance, soca, tango, and quebradita. The training also provided resources for professional education and industry/business essentials.

Next up, Atlanta where James attended Zumba Pro Skills Training. This advanced training is designed to enhance teaching techniques and presentation skills while learning how to strengthen bonds within your student community. The training helps Zumba instructors develop their own unique strengths and professional leadership skills. 

James also received his certification in Aqua Zumba this summer. Look for Aqua Zumba with James to be offered as special events during the fall and winter!

James also achieved the honor of being selected as an assistant to International Zumba Education Specialist Michael Thomas in Dudes vs. Divas Master Class at the 2017 Zumba Instructor Convention in Orlando, FL. The class received a 98% approval rating from class attendees, tying for first place among the more than 50 classes offered during the convention. 

Zumba with James

Exercise isn't fun you say? Then you're not going to the right class! Zumba with James at 4:30 every Monday is a blast!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWYdgPKBgK5/ 

Yoga

Relax, strengthen, and become flexible while listening to soothing music and strengthening your core during our Yoga class on Tuesday evenings at 6:35.

FREE Fall Fitness Frenzy

Pearce will host Fall Fitness Frenzy Thursday, September 8 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. and Friday, September 9 from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. This special event is free and open to the public and includes nine 30-minute group exercise classes, food, and prizes.

On Thursday, the public is invited to participate in Les Mills BODYPUMP at 4:30 p.m., Les Mills BODYFLOW at 5:00 p.m., Beginner Hip Hop at 5:30 p.m., Kick Strength at 6:00 p.m., and Yoga at 6:30 p.m. All classes will be held in the group exercise room on the second floor.

On Friday, the public is invited to participate in Power Core at 8:30 a.m., Zumba at 9:00 a.m., Step ‘N Tone at 9:30 a.m., Pilates at 10:00 a.m., and Yoga at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday Morning Group Exercise Rotation Schedule

Join a different group exercise instructor each Saturday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Aerobics Studio on the second floor to participate in a rotation of classes. 

Aug 13	BODYATTACK	Stephanie Tomlinson
Aug 20	BODYPUMP	Rhya Miller
Aug 27	BODYATTACK	Raquel Herron
Sep 3	BODYPUMP	Tracy Smith
Sep 10	BODYATTACK	Stephanie Tomlinson

Les Mills BODYFLOW Coming to Pearce

Pearce is adding Les Mills BODYFLOW classes to its lineup of group exercise classes.

BODYFLOW is a yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates inspired workout. It will improve joint flexibility and range of motion, increase core strength, reduce stress levels, provide a lasting sense of well-being and calm, and focus the mind and raise consciousness levels through controlled breathing.

BODYFLOW will be available beginning Thursday, March 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 26 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Monday, March 28 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

The class is free to Pearce members; $7 drop-in fee for non-members.

Les Mills Body Attack Class coming to Pearce!

Les Mills Body Pump Class Coming to Pearce!

Black Friday Fitness Bash

Pearce Community Center will host its Black Friday Fitness Bash Friday, November 27 from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. Skip the shopping crowds and join the dynamic instructors at Pearce to burn off all the extra calories from Thanksgiving.

This special event includes six 30-minute group exercise classes including Yoga from 8:00 to 8:30; Guts ‘N Butts from 8:35 to 9:05; Zumba from 9:10 to 9:40; Beginner Hip Hop from 9:45 to 10:15; RIP from 10:30 to 10:50; and Yoga from 10:55 to 11:25.

The Black Friday Fitness Bash is free and open to everyone 12 and older.  

25th Anniversary Fall Fitness Frenzy at Pearce

Pearce Community Center will host Fall Fitness Frenzy Monday, September 14 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. This special event includes six 30-minute group exercise classes, the re-opening of the renovated Pearce Strong cross training room, the introduction of Kids Zumba class, drawings, prizes, and discounts.

Free access to the public to six of the most popular group exercise classes will be available. Try the TRX Suspension Training from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the front gym; Beginner Hip Hop from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the back gym; Spinning® from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Spinning® room; and Kick Fit from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.; RIP from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.; and Yoga from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. all in the Aerobics Studio. During each class, the instructor will give all participants a ticket to enter into a drawing for three months of free membership at Pearce.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Pearce Strong room will take place at 4:00 p.m. After the ceremony, Pearce Strong instructor Gavin Sullivan will offer free cross training and personal consultation until 7:00 p.m. Registration will also be accepted for the program at the new reduced price of $60 per month for Pearce Foundation members; $75 per month for Pearce members; and $100 per month for non-members. Register for unlimited months by October 14 and receive 20 percent off. In addition, Pearce Strong registrations during the Fall Fitness Frenzy will receive a free $10 voucher to apply to any Pearce Strong purchase.

The new Kids Zumba class will be introduced during the Fall Fitness Frenzy as well. Class demonstration and registration will be available from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. on the stage. Children age six to 12 are invited to participate in the demonstration. Parents must sign a release form. All participants will be entered into a drawing for a free birthday party package at Pearce. Registration will be accepted for the fall Kids Zumba class each Monday from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. September 21 through November 9. Kids Zumba is open to children ages six to 12. The cost of the eight-week session is $18 for Pearce Foundation members; $20 for Pearce members; and $24 for non-members. Space is limited to 15 children. 

Saturday Morning Group Exercise Rotation Schedule

Join a different group exercise instructor each Saturday morning from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. in the Aerobics Studio on the second floor to participate in a rotation of classes. "This gives the instructors a chance to showcase their classes and gives the participants the opportunity to try something different each Saturday," said Liz Thorp, Fitness Manager.

Aug 8	RIP	Raquel Herron
Aug 15	Body Shaping	Laura Kelly
Aug 22	Zumba	Sarah Rupiper
Aug 29	Strength Training	Michelle Manjack
Sep 5	Zumba	James Haywood
Sep 12	Yoga	Amanda Beadles
Sep 19	Strength Training	Michelle Manjack
Sep 26	Strength Training	Michelle Manjack

Additional Saturday classes include Spinning from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m.; Aqua Aerobics from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; Cardio Mixer from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.; Spinning from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.; and Pilates from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m.

Pool Closed

The pool will be closed for annual cleaning and maintenance beginning August 21. The pool will be emptied and painted; the patio will be power washed; emergency lights will be replaced; new signage will be installed; whirlpool will be repaired and deep cleaned; and the locker rooms and sauna will receive a deep cleaning. We should reopen in 10 days, but we will keep you posted.

Using Yoga For Sports Training

When you think of students of Yoga, you typically don't envision guys, let alone teenage guys who play tough high school sports. But regular Yoga can provide a host of benefits to these young athletes. "The stretching and flexibility help reduce the risk of injury in these young men," said Pearce Yoga instructor Ruth Holmes. "Yoga also stretches muscles not typically used during the sport." Other physical benefits of Yoga include:

• Increased muscle strength and tone
• Improved respiration, energy and vitality
• The maintenance of a balanced metabolism
• Weight reduction

• 

  IVC Junior Mike Meister in the pigeon position.

  IVC Junior Mike Meister in the pigeon position.
  

  Cardio and circulatory health

IVC Senior Ethan Sutherland stretching his quads in a modified pigeon position.

IVC Senior Ethan Sutherland stretching his quads in a modified pigeon position.

IVC Sophomore Drake Dietrich practices the downward dog position.

IVC Sophomore Drake Dietrich practices the downward dog position. 

Join any of our classes to experience the benefits of Yoga.

Mondays - 10 am, 6:35 pm

Wednesdays - 10 am, 6 pm

Thursdays - 6 am

Fridays - 10 am, 5:30 pm

Intimidated? We even offer a seated Yoga class each Thursday at 9:30 am.

FREE Introduction to Spinning Class

A free introductory Spinning class will be held on Saturday, February 7 from 8:15-8:45AM.
http://www.pearcecc.com/fitness/spinning-classes/

New Seated Fitness Classes Begin in October

Beginning Thursday, October 23, two new seated group exercise classes will be offered in the Group Exercise Studio on the second floor.

First, Zumba Gold Toning will be offered from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. This class includes the same fun moves and music as a regular Zumba class but in a seated position.

From 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., Silver Sneakers Yoga will be taught. Also from a seated position, participants will practice slow, calming stretches to improve flexibility and range of motion. 

What's Old is New Again

Isn't it funny how some old favorites stand the test of time? Take a look at 1958. The Chevy Impala was introduced, still one of the most popular cars in America. Sweet n' Low artificial sweetener became available. Although it has some competition, many people still use the "pink" sweetener. And the Hula Hoop became all the rage. 

Wait, didn't that one die out? Nope. Hula Hoops are now part of a national fitness trend. The American Council On Exercise reported this new fitness craze burns 420 calories per hour - similar to that of boot-camp class, step aerobics and cardio kickboxing. Read the study here. 
 

Rocking movements forward and backward shift your weight, releasing the tension in the muscles surrounding the lower part of the back and realigning them with the rest of the spine, improving blood flow to the spine and total flexibility.

We've added a beginner Hula Hoop class to our group exercise schedule. Join us each Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. to try this fun trend.  

 

Zumba Instructor Training

Zumba Fitness selected Pearce as the venue for instructor training held Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1. More than 58 people interested in becoming Zumba instructors came from throughout Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and South Dakota. Training was offered for both Zumba and Aqua Zumba classes. National and international Master Trainer Jenna Bostic led the two day event.

Fitness Manager Liz Thorp became a certified Zumba instructor. "I can't wait to get Aqua Zumba and Chair Zumba on our group exercise schedule this fall," said Liz. "These classes will bring more variety, and they're fun! They call Zumba a dance party, and it is. The international beats are infectious: you can't help but move!"

Trainer Bostic was very impressed with Pearce. The powerful sound system and microphone headsets in both the pool and the aerobics studio are uncommon for a nonprofit facility in a small community. This state-of-the-art sound system will bring the music, the cornerstone of Zumba, to life.

Zumba is currently offered at Pearce on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Zumba Toning is offered each Friday morning from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.

Zumba Master Trainer Jenna Bostic leads participants through Aqua Zumba instruction and certification at Pearce