Stretch it! The benefits of stretching as part of your exercise routine

kick start bootcamp dublin

As you age, your muscles tighten and range of motion in the joints can be minimized. This can put a damper on active lifestyles and even hinder day-to-day, normal motions. Tasks that used to be simple, such as zipping up a dress or reaching for a can off of the top shelf, now become extremely difficult. A regular stretching program can help lengthen your muscles and make daily living activities easier.

Everyone can learn to stretch, regardless of age or flexibility. Stretching should be a part of your daily routine, whether you exercise or not. We have included some useful tips below to help you prepare more effectively for your exercise sessions, and how beneficial stretching can be even if you don’t get around to doing much exercise!

Our resident physical therapist Ciaran Aherne will talk you through the benefits of stretching and provide effective stretching techniques for you in your relevant exercise, from running to aerobic training, from yoga to pilates.

Come listen to Ciaran’s practical advice on stretching and flexibility at his talk on Saturday March 3rd at 12 noon and reduce chances of injury during your exercise routine – handouts available at the talk illustrating easy Read More

Posted in Pilates and Fitness |

Parent and Child Yoga

kids-yoga

End the mid-term break with this fantastic Parent and Child yoga class.

Give them wings and let them fly.  Twist, hold each other, tumble over together, laugh, have FUN and share quality time.  Develop strong bonds as they rely and assist each other in the yoga postures.  Movement, storytelling, music and play are combined with the yoga practice to create a very unique and fun experience.

Learn to relax together building lifelong skills to help with those crazy moments which are all part of parenting.  Imagine being able to draw on specific relaxation techniques when things go pear shaped, bring a sense of calm to the whole family.

 

This proceeds from this class are going to special needs services to please donate what you can.  Spaces are limited so booking is essential.  Adults can be any age and kids 6+.


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Posted in Parenting |

Tips to Protect your Immune System from seasonal bugs!

general health physiotherapy massage

It can’t be avoided, there are a few dreaded bugs causing havoc this month! It is therefore more important than ever to make sure that you and your family are in the best possible health in preparation for the demands of Ireland’s ever-changing seasons.

Our immune system plays a central role in keeping us healthy.  It is not only responsible for protecting you from foreign invaders such as colds and flu’s but it also helps to mop up the wastes created by your body. Considering this, it’s sensible to take every practical step to support it.

Here are some of Kevin’s tips for keeping well this Spring!

Mood
It may not be the first thing you think of but stress has a hugely depleting effect on the functioning of the immune system.   Low mood and anxiety have been found in studies to hamper immune function.  Meditation is one of the cheapest and most effective tools I have found for stress management.  Indeed, my clients respond so much better to treatment for all sorts of ailments if they do only 20 minutes meditation per day.

Food
Nutrient deficiency is a major contributing factor in lowered immunity.  Try to eat more nutritious … Read More

Posted in Health |

Valentine Treats

chocolatey fingers

Think outside the chocolate box this Valentines day and give a gift of relaxation and well-being rather than dubious underwear or guilty chocolates.

And if you are a bit last minute you can redeem your romance by getting something online in our shop. Either print the voucher or send the gift via email on the date of your choice. To book a voucher click here and select the amount you want to spend. Easy peasy.

We have a huge selection of new stock in the studio and are open until till late on Monday 13th Feb if you are still scrambling for a Valentines gift! See the full product range here. Lots of bright colours and a great selection. Just pop in to us at Reception to have a look!

We have many special offers that could take the stress out of Valentines Day for you this year. Your loved one can then book their session or course (or we can do it for you). Here are a few ideas for you.

Gift ideas for any budget

  • Drop in Zumba class €13
  • Drop in Community lunchtime class €12 (€6 unwaged)
  • Drop in Yoga /Pilates class €15
  • 40 minute therapeutic
  • Read More

Posted in News |

Cravings and Crashes – Free talk February 9th at 7pm

cravings

Come and join us at our Free ‘Cravings and Crashes’ talk on Thursday Feb 9th at 7pm with the elbowroom naturopath and acupuncturist Kevin Callan, B.Sc. Dip.Ac. N.D.

Often get that 3pm slump?
Ever get sudden sugar cravings during the day or late in the evening?
Is your diet affecting your energy levels and mood?

As The elbowroom clinic’s resident naturopath and acupuncturist, my talk will discuss the healthy options supported by recent nutritional studies and help you make better food choices and keep your blood sugar levels regulated to prevent cravings.

Here are some good tips to keep you healthy in the meantime.

  • Remember to always try to keep your blood sugar balanced.  The best way to start this is by having a good quality breakfast.  Think porridge or scrambled eggs.  Any breakfast that gives you a slow release of energy and helps to keep your blood sugar balanced.
  • Don’t go too long between meals.  When you go too long without eating your adrenalin kicks in and makes energy with out the benefit of fuel.  You wont be surprised that this increases stress levels!  Even if you don’t feel particularly hungry it is important to not leave
  • Read More

Posted in Health |

Upcoming Yoga workshops

ashtanga yoga

Dear Elbowroom Yogis,

We have two of Brian’s regular Ashtanga Primary series workshops this month Sunday 5th of February and Sunday 26th of February.  Covering the full primary series (chikitsa) the class will last 2 hours. Yoga Chikitsa, the Sanskrit title for this series, means yoga therapy, a program that when done regularly ( so the story goes) cures your ailments and purifies the physical body to make you ready for deeper yogic practice – both physical and meditative.

Una and Lynsey are busy scheduling workshops and course for the next 4 months and are looking for your feedback about yoga workshops.  They are considering a regular Iyengar workshop and / or a Yin yoga workshop.
Iyengar is is a form of Hatha Yoga known for its use of props, such as belts, blocks, and blankets, as aids in performing asanas (postures). The props enable students to perform the asanas correctly, minimising the risk of injury or strain, and making the postures accessible to both young and old. The development of strength, mobility and stability are emphasized through the asanas.
Yin Yoga targets the connective tissues, such as the ligaments, bones, and even the joints of the body that … Read More

Posted in Yoga and Meditation |

Children’s yoga 3.5-5 years old

Children's Yoga

Fun, creative classes designed to stimulate children’s imagination, maintain their natural flexibility and teach them to breathe correctly. The class combines exciting adventures with songs, stories and relaxation techniques.

So, why is yoga so good for our children?

First, children experience many of the same physical benefits adults do from practising yoga. Yoga strengthens them and helps them become more flexible and coordinated.

Second, yoga for kids also enhances self-awareness. Children who practice yoga learn early on to tune into their bodies. Self esteem is bolstered as the children gain control over their bodies and minds.

Third, yoga for kids enhances imagination and empathy. Children are asked to strike poses from nature. They might assume the pose of a snake, or a tree, or a dog. Then they are asked to imagine what it would be like to be those life forms. In this way, children learn early on to connect with all the life on the planet and realize that similarities far outweigh differences.

Courses run for 8 weeks.… Read More

Posted in Parenting |

Kickstart Bootcamp

kickstart

Have you Kick started your healthy eating / exercise regime in 2012? Or did all you good intentions crash and burn with the reality of January. Don’t fret we can help you get back on track.

Join us for an intensive bootcamp of tailored classes and healthy eating. We’ve combined the best of our pilates, yoga and body conditioning with a delicious detox lunch included.

  • Delicious fresh detox juices, and lunch with a healthy eating presentation.
  • Strengthening and energising yoga with Melanie Taylor
  • Expertly-led Pilates mat classes with Damian Poder
  • A body sculpting conditioning class for an all over tone with Grainne Hand

Only €40 or €30 for concessions for the day - includes delicious detox lunch and green smoothieRead More

Posted in Pilates and Fitness |

Osteopathy for babies – Free Clinical Expert Advice Session 26th Jan and 23rd Feb

mum-and-baby

Come and talk to our clinical expert in Paediatric Osteopathy, Jonathan Wills about how osteopathy can help your baby sleep better, be less irritable, and feed better. Jonathan will be available to discuss any issues you have with your new baby on Thurs 26th Jan and Thurs 23rd Feb at 11.45am. The advice session is free, but donations are welcome for our chosen charity Women’s Aid.

Birth is one of the most stressful events of our lives. At birth, the head of the baby is relatively soft and pliable which makes it vulnerable to trauma, and even for so-called ‘normal’ deliveries, the baby’s head is compressed, twisted and moulded in order to facilitate the birth.

After delivery the head gradually normalises, however this normalisation process may be left incomplete especially if the birth was difficult.  Some babies cope extremely well with severely retained mould­ing and compression, for others they can display a variety of problems such as irritability, feeding difficulties, sleep problems, wind and colic, misshapen heads, and ear nose and throat problems.
Here are some of Jonathans tips on how to calm a colicky baby:

How To Soothe A Colicky Baby

When it comes to colic, there … Read More

Posted in New Mums |

Meditation Course

meditation course dublin

Improve how you deal with stress.
Is it overwhelming you either physically or mentally? One of the best ways to manage your stress levels on a life long basis is to learn to meditate.

This four week course will bring you through various different meditation and relaxation techniques so you can discover which one suits you. Starts Saturday February 18th at 13:00pm for 4 weeks. Only €40 or €32 for unwaged. Drop in available at €15 per class

Here are some highlights: You will learn to cultivate and harmonise our own internal energy, giving you more vitality and boosting your immune system while also helping us to have a deeper connection to your body.

The various meditative techniques we then explore help us to reinforce and enhance this connection between mind body and spirit. Through connection and awareness of breath we achieve a deeper state of peace and stillness within ourselves.
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Posted in Yoga and Meditation | Tagged |