Yoga in the Hood- Marvin Gaye Park NE

Not long ago, the unofficial Mayor of Northeast DC, connected me with an opportunity to teach a Yoga class at the Marvin Gaye Park (NE DC). 

Excited and eager to give back, I jumped at the chance to demonstrate a few asanas to our folks on the northern part of the Anacostia River. Not to anyone's surprise, there was little interest beyond the park employee who felt pity for me and volunteered to take the class.

Still, this venture was not in vain. While waiting for people to show up,  I learned that the park has  a Vegan Eat Smart program! This program is a 6-9 week course offering veg cooking classes,  fitness classes, nutrition and other amazing health ideas to low income communities.

I am certain that we can somehow bring this idea to Anacostia.  But for more info on Marvin Gaye Park contact the Director Autumn Saxton Ross.

Autumn Saxton-Ross, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Health in Parks
Washington Parks & People
Riverside Center
One Marvin Gaye Way
(5200 Foote Street, NE)
Washington, DC  20019
(202) 398-PARK

Yoga Review: The Flow of Yoga Traffic

(note photo above  is not of  Flow Yoga Center)
Flow Yoga Center is touted as the best yoga studio in DC. While the owners lucked up on the space next to Whole Foods on P Street, they also have the most diverse, active and challenging yoga classes in DC. Almost everyone who is anyone in yoga has flowed through Flow.  My issue with Flow is the same thing that other people love about it, the crowd and the hype. 

I walk in and immediately I am elbowing and  bumping into grumpy yogis, anxious yogis, happy yogis and even some kiddie yogis. Diversity is great, but organization is essential. Too many people in too small of a space.

After I made it off of the I-66 Rush hour of yoga, I head to the  class. My very excited teacher started off the class with an old school  club song "It's not over between you and me" while instructing us to do the Pilates 100's. I thought cool, something different and held onto my open mind. Then we started doing Indian Martial Arts. I thought, hmm okay, yoga is an Indian practice, I see the connection. Next we were told to do interpretive dancing (not in those words) and wave our arms in the air... now that's where I drew the line. 

As a fitness instructor, I know things get boring and variety is the spice of life. But I paid $17 for yoga! If you are going to bamboozle me into a Burning Man Dance recital, then say so!

All that being said, I still recommend  Flow Yoga Center for the full spectrum of the yoga experience.

Flow Yoga

www.flowyogacenter.com

1450 P St NW

Washington, DC 20005-2048
(202) 462-3569

Anacostia Workout Challenge

Finding a place to workout East of the River can be a challenge. Whereas in NW DC  you can't toss a chai latte without hitting a yoga studio, exclusive gym or a Washington Sports Club, finding a "gym" in southeast is just as much effort as actually working out. After living in SE for 5 years, I have learned to be creative and take it to the streets. 

Anacostia Park

The Anacostia Park is among my favorite places for yoga stretches against the sunset cascading off of the river. Aside from the gangsta geese that take over the roadways, there are soccer players who pile in from Virginia to kick it around on the fields.  On the weekends, I always see lots of beautiful brown families riding bikes, on roller blades, or even a few people walking their dogs. 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

This place is perfect for meditation. It is a catholic church with an onsite cop and the most amazing view of the city. I have done many meditations at this Peak off of Pomeroy.

Fort Dupont Park

Since moving to Pennsylvania Avenue SE, I have fallen in love with Fort Dupont Park. Though small and the trails are little rugged, this park has a beautiful path that circles into NE and through some cute green neighborhoods. During the summer, I cycle through the park and always think of crashing someone's cook out.

The Search for the Missing Fresh Vegetable (SE DC)

I was sooo excited to learn that The Gray's on Pennsylvania Avenue will get a Yes! Organic Market. I think this is pretty exciting considering that currently our only options for fresh organic food requires a trek over to Capitol Hill or the sparsely populated organic bins at Safeway  or Giant on Alabama Ave. (Not forgetting the occasional Ward 8 Farmer's Market).

By supporting Yes! Organic Market, River East sends a really clear message that there are people living East of the River who care about easy access to high quality food and we are willing to pay for it! 

This will also hopefully serve as a space for fellow health conscious folks to congregate and generate new ideas for health and wellness. All these expectations from a lil ole' grocery store.. well, YES! we can

Zumba

I have just discovered the wonderful body rocking, pop locking and booty popping joy of Zumba. We cha cha to cool down and belly dance to warm up! My favorite dance is Boom Boom Boom where we are almost crip walking in a circle. Yes, crip walking in Zumba class!

Maybe it was finding the right teacher Destiny Gilliam at Washington Sports Club Friday evenings at 1211 Connecticut Ave and Saturdays at Clarendon. She makes us get DOOWN, literally! She is a fantastic dancer and puts a lil' hip hop soul in the latin and samba steps. Plus she understands the journey of weight loss, health and wellness... Check her out! http://zumbafitprincess.jimdo.com

New Fitness Space- Spirit Anacostia Health and Wellness on 2300 MLK Ave SE

For almost two years, we have been waiting for a mythical gym to open in the Solomon Brown Salvation Army Bldg on MLK Jr Ave. I and some other fellow southeasters watched the mammoth building spring up and just sit there until about 1 month ago when the signs were flipped to open indicating life in the big gray structure.

While there is a workforce area, children's day care and some other stuff, I  parlayed to the one and only thing that mattered to me... the gym! Spirit Fitness, Anacostia Health and  Wellness Center!

The woman who greeted me was very friendly and professional. She gave me tour of the top level gym overlooking the Captiol and the Anacostia River. An outdoor track with spring board action graces the rooftop area.

The studio area is used for private trainings, zumba, pilates and yoga but unfortunately faces Morris Road. Still, their brochures tempt with body wraps, smoothies and even a Spiritual Stretch Class!

The equipment was brand new and they had at least 25 exercise machines. I was impressed and I gave her my card letting her know that I could teach a Power Pilates Class.

So maybe that could be a good place to get the Anacostia health revolution started?

Check it out

Spirit Anacostia Health and Wellness Center

2300 MLK SE 

5th Floor

202-678-9775

Thanks and Giving 2009 Respect to the Anacostia Indians

I want to give thanks to the Native Ancestors who shed blood and gave their hearts for their nation. I found a cool map of all the Native American Tribes across the US and it puts in perspective how much they gave up for us to live in the USA.  Anacostia's name stems from a group of Native peoples who lived near the river. So to them, I also send ancestral thanks.

 I am so thankful for the mandated peace, stillness and togetherness of Thanksgiving. I really enjoy slowing down, a free pass to eat until your heart's delight and family gatherings.  

But after all grubbing and loving is said and done, I am back to work on Friday and right in the gym on Saturday morning. Chevy Chase Washington Sports Club has a fantastic Power Dance, Spin and Pilates Teacher- Tamara on Saturdays at 9am. She makes you sprint to the beat of  Vanity's Nasty Girl or cranks Kanye's Stronger on long hills....

I am thankful for my body and greatful for my family's giving.. so  for now... we eat, tomorrow we exercise.