She Can't Stop Dancing

When she stepped onto the dance floor, everything changed...
By Brigid Morrissey

Christy Byers and Josh Surowki do a showcase routine. Photos by Adam Jones 

Christy Byers traveled all over the world to discover the art of dance. In Brazil, she explored Samba dancing. In Greece, she participated in a ballroom dance competition. But it wasn’t until she visited Argentina for the first time that she knew she’d found the perfect dance. The tango, believed to have originated in the 1880s in Argentina and Uruguay, is a social dance. “It’s a wordless conversation between two people,” Christy says. “It’s about connection and feeling the way your partner reacts to the music.” The added benefit of this social dance, according to studies, is that it lowers the risk of developing dementia and helps those with Parkinson’s disease.

Her Career is Up in the Air — Literally

By Brigid Morrissey

Ashley is excited about sharing her knowledge of aerial arts with students. Photos by Sunni Wigginton 

My English teachers said you should never start a piece of writing with the phrase, “Webster’s Dictionary defines the word…” Well, in this case, I can’t help it. When I think of aerial arts, ‘awe’ is the only word I can use to describe my emotional response. I typed ‘awe’ into Google, and within seconds the Web regurgitated a definition: “a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.”

My eyes were immediately drawn to the word “fear.” Aerial arts is often linked with fear, and for good reason. For example, silks is a form of aerial art where artists perform acrobatics such as climbs, wraps, and drops while holding themselves up several feet in the air with a special fabric. But now, thanks to people like Ashley Wallace, the art form is starting to shed its former reputation. It is now becoming more of a mainstream form of exercise.

A Little Movement Toward Fitness

By Brigid Morrissey

Nikki Naseef found a new fitness technique that worked for her.  Photos: Sunni Wigginton 

I asked Nikki Naseef how she would describe the type of workout she offers at her Barre3 business, but after I grunted my way through the hour-long class, I knew the answer to my own question. The penguins from the movie Madagascar might say it best: “You didn’t see anything.” Because to a spectator who happens to glance through the window, it wouldn’t look like we were doing much. The motions of this technique only range about an inch at a time, so the movement is slight.

But after experiencing the workout firsthand, I can say it’s much tougher than it looks. “It’s a full body workout that combines Pilates, ballet, and yoga,” Nikki says. “It’s challenging, but there are modifications for all levels or those with any type of injury.”

Get healthy with this personalized prize package!

Do you want to set some health goals that will make you feel and look better? Don’t wait until the New Year — start now by winning this amazing prize package from The Reserve.

You can win a one month membership in the comfortable and upscale setting, plus bonus gifts that include two mini spa treatments; a personalized program design; unlimited classes in cycle, yoga, TRX, and barre; online coaching; and one full signature spa treatment.

The lucky winner is Lindsey Brown!

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An Uncomfortable Girl Gets Strong

By Brigid Morrissey

She has often wondered, “Why would you want to lose weight and take up less space in this world?” And, that was the question Michelle Jones rhetorically asked as I met her at Everyday Athletes. Michelle turned 30 in November, and to her it was a big deal — not because she’s afraid of getting older, but because...

Is it Time to Diagnose a Fitness Flat?

By Brigid Morrissey

I’m sitting in the waiting room at Big O Tires waiting for my car to get fixed. Lately, my tires aren’t the only things feeling a little flat. But just like my tires, my problem can be fixed, and now I also know a body mechanic.

Win a Mother’s Day giveaway from Jazzercise!

If you’re a mom, you know how much you give to your family and friends. But this Mother’s Day, you deserve to give a gift to yourself – a gift of health, energy, and confidence! Jazzercise at the Holiday Manor location is giving away a one-month pass with a free personal training session to two lucky winners. You will feel great, tone up, and make this Mother’s Day one to remember!
See Official Rules for details.

The lucky winner is Breck Thomas-Ross and Tamara Kays!

Win a free month of Jazzercise!

Have you ever wanted to try a fun, effective exercise class? This giveaway is for you! Two winners will receive one month of Jazzercise FREE or can choose to have the joining fee waived when signing up for a 12-month registration at Louisville East Premier Jazzercise Center (2226 Holiday Manor Center, 40222). Make a commitment to get in shape and have fun, and save money while you’re at it!
See Official Rules for details.

The lucky winners are Valerie Casey and Stacey Lanter!

Best For You: The best places to get healthy in Louisville

Each year, Today's Woman aims to bring you the best of the best — all chosen by our readers in our Best For You Awards. This year, you chose the best places in town for our Weight Loss Help category and Exercise category. Simplify your search for ways to begin a more healthy lifestyle by learning about these winning businesses:

Exercise... Do it in a Hammock!

By Mali Anderson

Stephanie Bristow, owner of B.YOU fitness studio, shows one of the workout poses in a suspended silk hammock — another way to get a complete body workout.

Where are the best places for exercising, weight loss, or help with hormones?

Today's Woman is looking for the places that are best for exercising, losing weight, or for help with hormones in the Louisville area. Where are your favorite places?

You can nominate a business or your own business here!

Susan Lost 11 Pounds!

Susan Barry - February

Susan Barry -March

Are you following the women in our Ready to Change Your Life program?

In the first month, Susan lost 11 pounds (current weight: 159 lbs). “I love the food,” says Susan. “It fills me up and I am preparing the same type of breakfasts for my kids. The food provided by Home Cuisine (1200 calories per day) has made this process easier, and I don’t eat out as much. We used to eat out a lot.”

Wellness Advisory Group: How do you control your weight?

	Jennifer Brown, homemaker: My son came home from school with a "Drink 1% Milk" sticker. I always had purchased 2% since childhood. Once we talked about his sticker and what he learned, we switched to 1%, and I have lost 20 pounds since. That was my biggest dietary change. If you currently consume 2% milk, make the change to 1%.
	Cathi Wiley-Bingaman, director business development: Really, the best thing is just focusing on making good choices on a regular basis and finding some sort of aerobic or cardio activity you enjoy and can incorporate into your daily routine. Make it so it's your lifestyle, not "diet" and "exercise."