North Branch Library Presents "By the Book" A series of fun fitness workshops

 

Stacie Jones, a North Branch Denton Public Library volunteer and Graduate Student at TWU School of Library and Information Studies has added these workshops.  Here is the thinking behind these workshops:

 

Here is where I got the idea for this and this may help to start. I started the yoga class at NBDPL last summer. It was part of the adult summer reading program which was read 5 books and exercise 2 hours a week. I was a new volunteer and created the program with my boss, Carmen Grant NBDPL director of adult program helped me . I thought that we should offer the exercise if it was part of the requirements for the summer reading, so we did the yoga class and a group fitness walk. Also, the fitness book and media market is soo huge!!!  I know because I've spent a lot of money on those materials myself. Why not encourage patrons to read these materials.

I also know that fitness materials circulate and are popular, but people might need some direction when using them. I worked for 2 hosptial wellness centers in Iowa. I conducted numerous educational yoga and wellness workshops for special populations. I always had numerous students asking me all kinds of yoga and Pilates questions that I had to research.

This summer I wanted to broaden the scope a little more and not just offer the yoga class and walk.

 

Stacie's blog

 

There is no preregistration for these workshops. Just Come! If you like you may email me, Stacie, directly at mrsladyigraine@yahoo.com and let me know you are coming. Feel free to join my blog. Workshop participants will be invited to join the blog and stay in touch with questions they may have after the workshop is over.

 

Stress Management By the Book Wednesday June 6, 6:30-8:00 pm, Free

 

Summertime is here and living isn't always so easy! Vacations, parties and the heat can be stressful! Come and learn how to utilize library

books and media for relaxation techniques. Participants will also learn breathing, gentle stretching and visualization exercises and techniques

they can practice on their own. Please bring a yoga mat, bed pillow and small blanket if you have them.

 

 Results- There were very few people at this workshop. The library did not have any preregistration. I think prereigstration would help. I think serving some refreshments might help too, maybe just juice and tea or cookies.  I think refreshments give it a homey feeling. It is a long length of time 90 minutes, perhaps make it shorter for only 1 hour?

 

Walking By the Book Wednesday June 20, 6:30-8:00 pm, Free

Fitness walking is a great form of exercise for all ages and all fitness levels. The library has a vast array of resources available for

those beginning a walking program or those who want to continue their current program. Wear your walking shoes and bring your water! After a

brief introduction to fitness walking, we will take a group walk around the Strickland Middle School Track.

 

Results - This workshop also had very low attendance. I am not sure what to do about this. Perhaps more aggressive advertising?

 

Yoga by the the Book Wednesday July 11, 6:30-8:00 pm, Free

Have you always wanted to try yoga, but not sure where to start? Did you try to learn yoga from a book or video, but just couldn't quite

figure it out? It really is possible to learn yoga from a book, DVD or a video. Come for a one hour yoga class suitable for beginners with all

levels of yoga experience. Afterwards participants will learn how to demystify the overwhelming market of yoga media and choose appropriate

library materials that will inspire you to stay on the mat! Please bring a yoga mat if you have one and wear comfortable clothing.

 

Once again very low attendance. i would like to repeat this program perhaps in the fall or in January when everyone had made their new year resolutions to exercise.

 

Pilates By the Book Wednesday July 25, 6:30-8:00 pm, Free

Almost everyone has heard of Pilates, but still might not be sure what it is exactly. Is it really as easy as it looks on television? With no

shortage of Pilates books and media, choosing the right materials may be overwhelming. This workshop includes a one hour Jillian Hessel style

Pilates Class appropriate for all fitness and experience levels. After class we will discuss which library materials are the best for your Pilates goals and interests.

 

Please bring a yoga mat or a small blanket if you have them and wear comfortable clothing.

 

Unfortunately, I was unable to do this workshop I had to cancel it.

 

Dancing By the Book Wednesday August 1, 6:30-8:00 pm, Free

Kick off your shoes and dance like no one is watching! Participants in this workshop must be very, very serious about having fun! Dance has

become a popular way for people to exercise and socialize. And yes exercise can and should be fun! Closet dancers and professionals can

join us for a one hour improvisational dance class that includes warm-up and stretching. After numerous encores, you can discover library

materials that will keep you in the groove!  Wear comfortable clothes.

 

I had to cancel this workshop also.

 

Overall, I think my idea is a good one. I think it would work best at a large urban library or a library with a very active programming department. Also, a very agressive marketing plan is needed. Perhaps even calling a newspaper reporter to attend one of the events and take pictures.

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