Yessss! This was the word that comes up for me too: connection. Connection to self, connection to community. Side note: I adore the Mum/daughter connection of you two and I love knowing I’m moving with you both in classes.

Wonderfully balanced class: the detox aspect has a lot of lymphatic flow movement and core twists; the sweat was brought on by a steady pace and some deep muscular work, with optional extra bounces at times. It all flowed well- not too frenetic and I appreciate hearing how we are helping circulation and lymph health (after stretch chat discusses this more). We are standing, down to the floor for excellent flushes, back to standing with a lovely cardio burst and then down to the floor to stay. We just use the movement ball as equipment but I grabbed a towel for under my hips bones/pubic bone when we were briefly tummy down with leg lifts so I could focus on the muscular work and form without discomfort of bones against the floor.

Happy 5 year Marnieversary, Mayo! I’m glad your back in healing.

Happy Birthday ‘85 baby! So fun to have a class fall on your bday 🥳🎂

Sending you ALL the love and focusing on the best outcomes for you. Thank you for being courageous and for doing all of the hard things involved in these appointments and health journeys. We are with you!

Ankle weights felt great with this one; worked with 5 lbs but having different weight options nearby could be great. We briefly hold both in one hand. Fabulous balance challenge opportunities. This class felt accessible but my note to future self is try to get lower in the legs and in the hinge from hips/lunge positions. I think I would squeeze even more from this class if my lower body was lower/deeper while keeping upper body tall and open.

This class felt SO good! The Hispanic Heritage month playlist with nods to Canadian Thanksgiving/messages of gratitude (so grateful Kady was born!) were a vibe that carried me through the burn. Weights are brief, I had 3s so I could hold further from my body but 5s are a good challenge for my next time. Class infuses hip circles and tucks that felt great during and after for tight abdominal muscles from cycle days. Gliders brought deep muscle activation on front leg and glute with elongated stretch of the back leg- the specific raised heel alignment was felt. Closing out each side with back curtsy elongated stretch crisps the burnt booty and renders it almost impossible to numb out. I was traveling and used paper plates as my gliders on a rug and a chair as my barre. Cannot wait to return again!

“This is not easy, but this has ease.”

Bouncy w/ only a few brief jump options. 16 seems to be the magic count whenever Marnie lets us know. I thought standing core detox meant we wouldn’t do as much floor abs, but we do both and it was lovely (including face skyward on the mat using ball). The duration of the arm dance seemed normal, but we have the opportunity for extended arms and when I return I may heed Marnie’s words about lighter weights. I used 5 lbs and had to lower my arms below shoulders and couldn’t extend straight for the entirety whereas 3 lbs would likely be the right level of challenge with full expression form for me. Standing and barre work sequenced optimally to warm up and safely build upon, bringing us down and up from the floor. The rolling push-ups with optional sautés embodied the ease Marnie spoke of through class; I stayed a slower pace even when adding the sautés. Hip bridge sequences w/ Movement ball squeezes and one leg dancing (hold up, was my ass off the mat that whole time…?). Beautiful gratitude reverence after brief stretch, and helpful short (few mins) chat about health and movement at end. This class was helpful for my stiff/tense lower back- thank you!

Jessica! I’m so glad you’re here and to see you specifically back at M/BODY. I don’t think we “owe” each other anything in this community other than a sense of respect and support- and that can simply be living and let live, not to give of yourself and your time and energy for others unless that is a resource you have available to give and that you want to offer. So in my little opinion, apologies are not needed here as you did nothing wrong.

I have felt many a real connection through here, with some people I’ve been privileged to see “in real life” and others whom I’ve only talked with over various chats. As with any human connection, some are stronger than others and sometimes one or both of us have the bandwidth to dedicate a lot of energy and other times not. I view that as normal and a reflection of the ebbs and flows.

So I’m glad you’re here when you’re here! You contribute to the space in such a loving way. And I wish you well anytime you aren’t, for whatever the reasons are. 🩵