What would you say to exercise that combines fitness and therapy in one session? I would say, what a great way to multi-task! That was the experience I had when I took my first Intensati class taught by the woman who started it all, Patricia Moreno. Years ago, Kathy Kleaka, Group Fitness Coordinator at World Gym Coram, was so inspired by a class she had taken with Moreno, that she wanted to bring that experience to the gym.
We started our class with a brief introduction by Moreno, who talked about the connection between thoughts and actions in affecting positive change. When your thoughts are clouded in self-doubt and negativity, your actions usually take an unhealthy turn as well. “Sati” means mindset, she explained, as it relates to your outlook on yourself, your life and others. “This is the only body you have, so you have to keep it healthy.” Moreno said.
So, we began our series of spoken positive affirmations combined with strength poses, elevating our heart rates and our minds. At first, I felt self-conscious saying, "I am worth it...I deserve it!" But by the end of the class, I started believing it! We were told to "high five" and introduce ourselves to our fellow exercisers. I liked that immediately.
Our poses were a combination of dance, kickboxing and empowering movements. The harder we worked, the louder we shouted. By the end of the class, exhausted, we sat meditatively, some of us moved to tears by the cathartic effect of this shared experience. Maybe it was the act of repeating positive phrases and the physical exertion, but I felt great the rest of the day. I felt a connection to those in my class and grateful to Moreno for motivating us to work so hard. The feelings of feel self-worth and strength are something I hope to take with me in my journey to improve myself.
For more information on Patricia Moreno and Intensati, please visit the website. http://www.satilife.com/intensati/
