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Inspired Portrait Painting: My Approach for a Traditional Art Form

Portrait artist, Juan Bastos, takes us on a tour of 21st century portrait painting with stories from his 40-year career, sharing how studying the great masters has helped him to perfect his skill immortalizing his many sitters. Over the four past decades, Los Angeles-based portrait artist, Juan Bastos, has executed several hundred portrait commissions on four continents. Bastos will also share some highlights of these trips.  These oil paintings and pastel drawings hang in private homes, corporate offices, government buildings, embassies, libraries, churches, and universities. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1958, Bastos and his family returned to Bolivia, their homeland, eleven years later. Surrounded by relatives who were painters and his teachers, Bastos grew up in an artistic environment. He enrolled at Georgetown University in 1979, and later obtained a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art, Cum Laude, and an MFA from Towson University. Bastos has had one-man shows in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Lima, La Paz, and a Los Angeles retrospective of his California portraits. In addition, he has been included in group shows in New York, Paris, Madrid, Los Angeles, Essex, England, and a biennial in Cairo, Egypt. His works have been widely reviewed by the press. Bastos is often invited to give lectures and demonstrations at universities, private clubs, colleges, and art institutions. In private collections, Juan is represented with commissioned portraits of high-profile art collectors Philip Niarchos, Eugenio Lopez, and Pamela Joyner.

 

In addition, artist Juan Bastos will offer Acrylic Painting Classes Sunday through Wednesday and a Portrait Demonstration.

Start the New Year … Write! With Holly Eger

Writing Workshop – three sessions
Whether you are working on a short story or novel, crave healing through writing, or would simply like to structure your thoughts, these workshops will use time-tested strategies to get your creative juices flowing. Translating thoughts and feelings into written words can provide wide-ranging benefits that support emotional, physical, and mental health … plus, the process can be fun! With no judgment and no pressure to share or read aloud, we will discuss different perspectives and styles and use prompts to help tap into your inner writer. Classes will be tailored to the specific group.

How to Make Your Publishing Dream a Reality: The Power of Journaling and Writing Prompts
Award-winning author Holly Hodder Eger will share how she managed to turn a short story into a novel and, at the age of 55, realized her dream of publishing her first book. She will discuss how she was able to complete her first draft thanks to the invaluable help of writing workshops, a supportive book group, and a deadline-imposing coach, and explain how she learned to harness the power of journaling and her sub-conscious to write chapters and set boundaries with her family and friends to carve out sacred writing time.

 

Award-winning author Holly Hodder Eger published her first book, Split Rock: A Martha’s Vineyard Novel, at the age of 55. She is currently at work on a historical fiction based on secret letters passed down from her family, while also teaching and leading writing workshops. Her travel articles and personal commentaries have been featured in national and local newspapers as well as on NPR. Holly graduated with honors from Harvard College and received an M.A. in English from the University of Virginia. She and her husband, having moved their three children and dogs internationally seven times, now live in Portola Valley, California.

Qigong and Tai Chi: Eastern Practices for a Healthy Life and Stress Reduction

Qigong and Tai Chi for Healthy Living
All the movements I will be teaching in these classes are slow and gentle, and are accessible to beginners as well as those who may be familiar with Qigong. Studies have shown these to be effective practices for increasing flexibility, muscle strength, lung capacity and cardiac function. Both Tai Chi and Qigong have additional health benefits for relaxation, balance, posture and immunity. The stress-relieving factor alone can better your lifestyle and your quality of life. 

1- Tai Chi/Qigong sampler – This sampler class will focus on giving participants a varied sampling of Qigong from both active and passive forms. Participants will learn movements to help detoxify the body, make healing sounds for the different organs, and learn beginning movements of Sun style Tai Chi.

2- Tai Chi for health – Tai Chi is one of the best-known martial arts of the internal styles from Ancient China. The essential principles of Tai Chi are based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism, which stresses the natural balance in all things and the need for living in spiritual and physical accord with the patterns in nature. Based on Qigong and martial art techniques from thousands of years ago, Sun style is the youngest of the major styles. This program will follow a 3- fold format: warm-up, Tai Chi practice and winding down.

3- Qigong Flow forms to reduce stress – For a relaxing and restorative program, we begin with a cleansing warm-up, individual practices that include Yin Yang Medical Qigong and Eight Pieces of Brocade to conclude with self-massage. The warm up will include Whole Body Breathing which is effortless and tranquil, focusing on the breath. Swimming Dragon Qigong is also included as an energy exercise from China which imitates the serpent-like movement of a dragon coiling its body. It’s known to help normalize the metabolism, increase spinal flexibility, and reduce stress by harmonizing mind, body and breath.

4- Walking and Seated Qigong forms for balance and longevity – Experience an assortment of exercises which begin with a warm up and posture integration, and follow with different walking forms, Animal Frolics, seated healing sounds and seated Fragrance Qigong. The Animal Frolics are part of the traditional Animal Frolic Qigong set and the Orca animal frolic portion was created by Ken Cohen. The Six Healing Sounds exercise is taken from Mantak Chia. Its purpose is to clear blockages in the major organ systems.

5- Seasonal Qigong for enhanced health and well- being – In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are associated with the season of Winter and the element of Water. Our kidneys share the energy of Water, which means that when it gets cold in the winter, water freezes. So, we pay extra attention to our kidneys to keep their energy moving, flowing, just like a stream. The kidneys must be protected and nourished, especially during the Winter.  Bone Marrow Cleansing is a wonderfully effective four movement exercise for cleansing the bones, (which are governed by the Kidney energy system) by integrating the mind’s intent with physical postures. Standing and walking Bear Animal Frolics, Seasonal Winter sets and acupuncture points for the kidneys will also be included.

 

Wendy Smith is a professor, lecturer, author and certified health coach and personal trainer, specializing in stress management and mind body techniques.  She had been an instructor of Qigong and Taiji for many years, teaching to a variety of audiences, ranging from 8 to 93 years of age. She is certified in Tai Chi for Arthritis through Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chi Productions and certified in Qigong by Master Yang Yang through the Center for Taiji Studies. She has produced numerous Qigong videos for download, the latest is a combination of Qigong and fitness entitled, Qiflow and Fit. A long-time student of meditation, she practices with the Blooming Lilac Sangha, following the teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

Website: https://agelessqigong.com/

 

Franklin Method with Tom McCook

The Franklin Method
Your week of classes with Tom will introduce you to the Franklin Method! This series of classes will emphasize imagery and experiential anatomy to help you understand your body better, move better and feel better! You’ll learn exercises for tension release, spinal and hip mobility, strength, and balance. Instead of concentrating on a specific style of exercise, the Franklin Method places the emphasis on how the body itself was designed to move.You’ll learn what’s needed for a healthy spine, shoulders & neck, aligned posture, healthy feet, better balance, flexibility, breath better and how to make gravity your friend. You will come away with an empowering understanding of your own body that’s inspiring and fun! This approach is designed to revolutionize the way you experience your body and give you amazing tools for life! Sun, M, T, W, Th, F, 2:00 pm

 

 

Tom McCook, Founder and Director of Center of Balance, a premier Pilates, Physical Therapy, education center in Mountain View, CA. for over 25 years. Tom is an internationally recognized Master Pilates Teacher, Franklin Method Educator and Certified Somatic Coach.

Tom’s mission is to improve people’s lives through movement and inspire healthy aging! He teaches an accessible, empowering way to understand and use your mind and body better! Tom lives on the coast outside of San Francisco with his wife and business partner, Karen deMoor.

Tom’s Link Tree: All the ways to access Tom’s work!

“Choice follows awareness and energy follows attention. The Ranch is the best place to expand our ability to make wise choices to live well”! – Tom McCook

Franklin Method with Tom McCook

The Franklin Method
Your week of classes with Tom will introduce you to the Franklin Method! This series of classes will emphasize imagery and experiential anatomy to help you understand your body better, move better and feel better! You’ll learn exercises for tension release, spinal and hip mobility, strength, and balance. Instead of concentrating on a specific style of exercise, the Franklin Method places the emphasis on how the body itself was designed to move.You’ll learn what’s needed for a healthy spine, shoulders & neck, aligned posture, healthy feet, better balance, flexibility, breath better and how to make gravity your friend. You will come away with an empowering understanding of your own body that’s inspiring and fun! This approach is designed to revolutionize the way you experience your body and give you amazing tools for life! Sun, M, T, W, Th, F, 2:00 pm

 

 

Tom McCook, Founder and Director of Center of Balance, a premier Pilates, Physical Therapy, education center in Mountain View, CA. for over 25 years. Tom is an internationally recognized Master Pilates Teacher, Franklin Method Educator and Certified Somatic Coach.

Tom’s mission is to improve people’s lives through movement and inspire healthy aging! He teaches an accessible, empowering way to understand and use your mind and body better! Tom lives on the coast outside of San Francisco with his wife and business partner, Karen deMoor.

Tom’s Link Tree: All the ways to access Tom’s work!

“Choice follows awareness and energy follows attention. The Ranch is the best place to expand our ability to make wise choices to live well”! – Tom McCook

MSINGI™ with Ingrid Knight-Cohee

A unique fusion of African inspired functional, primal and mobility movements set to infectious Afrobeats. Discover 11 foundational movements that can be intensified or modified in the spirit of Earth, Wind & Fire. MSINGI™ is elemental total wellness that brings movers of any age and fitness level together. Join in!

 

Ingrid Knight-Cohee, MSc has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry and is a sought-after presenter and consultant. At the helm of programming for Fitness World Canada, she creates innovative fitness class experiences for 80,000+ members across 16 locations. She has degrees in Human Kinetics and Exercise & Health Psychology, and is an ACE certified Personal Trainer & Health Coach.

Having represented the United States internationally as a member of the US Rhythmic Gymnastics National Team, Ingrid’s ideals are rooted in team work, perseverance, and positivity. Ingrid is passionate about health and wellbeing, and thrives on facilitating and fueling that same passion within others.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou

Gentle Muscle Mobility for Aging with Strength and Grace

Developing Muscle strength is the True Fountain of Youth. Come and learn conditioning exercises that are gentle on your body and will provide you the balance, strength and mobility to age well. Each day we will focus on a different theme using available equipment that you can start incorporating into your workout program at home immediately.

 

Sherri McMillan, M.Sc. has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for over 34 years and has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Fitness Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year & 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year.  She is an international fitness presenter, a personal trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers including the Columbian, author of five books and manuals including “Go For Fit – the Winning Way to Fat Loss” & “Fit over Forty” and featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. Sherri is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in Vancouver WA. Find Sherri on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sherri.mcmillan.

“Rancho La Puerta provides you the opportunity to recharge and refocus on your overall health and fitness plan within a beautiful, relaxing setting. The programming is diverse and offers something for everyone while encompassing all fitness components. The food is delicious, the spa is world class and the grounds are stunning. Getting ready to escape, cleanse and detoxify!” – Sherri McMillan

Sound Healing with Laura Gallerstein

Why Sound Healing?
“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” ― Nikola Tesla

We are living in unprecedented times and change is everywhere. We need stability and peace in our lives more than ever. Sound through the alchemy bowls and toning can offer that feeling of peace and connection to our inner voice rather than the outer world.

Join Laura for a week of sacred sounds to soothe your soul. She brings her alchemy crystal bowls and harmonium for a most healing week at the Ranch. Each day she will bring in different guided meditations along with the sacred alchemy crystal bowls for a deeply transformational experience to assist you in reaching higher levels of consciousness for healing.

 

Laura Penn Gallerstein, BA, Sound Healer, Author, Master Teacher, Reiki Master, Yoga, and Meditation. She is an experienced practitioner and dynamic teacher in the world of Sound Healing and trained extensively with master teachers. Most recently, published her memoir, “Whispers in Sound.”  Her passion for Sound Healing with the alchemy crystal bowls and chanting has helped transform many lives. She was the owner of Sedona Sacred Sounds and now Whispers in Sound, San Diego. She continues to travel around the country leading Sound Healing experiences, workshops, and trainings.

“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” – Guatama Buddha

Sound Healing with Laura Gallerstein

Why Sound Healing?
“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” ― Nikola Tesla

We are living in unprecedented times and change is everywhere. We need stability and peace in our lives more than ever. Sound through the alchemy bowls and toning can offer that feeling of peace and connection to our inner voice rather than the outer world.

Join Laura for a week of sacred sounds to soothe your soul. She brings her alchemy crystal bowls and harmonium for a most healing week at the Ranch. Each day she will bring in different guided meditations along with the sacred alchemy crystal bowls for a deeply transformational experience to assist you in reaching higher levels of consciousness for healing.

 

Laura Penn Gallerstein, BA, Sound Healer, Author, Master Teacher, Reiki Master, Yoga, and Meditation. She is an experienced practitioner and dynamic teacher in the world of Sound Healing and trained extensively with master teachers. Most recently, published her memoir, “Whispers in Sound.”  Her passion for Sound Healing with the alchemy crystal bowls and chanting has helped transform many lives. She was the owner of Sedona Sacred Sounds and now Whispers in Sound, San Diego. She continues to travel around the country leading Sound Healing experiences, workshops, and trainings.

“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” – Guatama Buddha

Cardio Funk with Milo Levell

Cardio Funk
It’s a non-stop funky cardio dance experience where you can be yourself, with easy-to-follow choreography for everybody. Cardio Funk is more than just a dance class. Get ready to challenge your fitness level with an hour of non-stop fun to some awesome music mixes! Class level: all. (music-james brown, michael jackson, ew & f, donna summer, etc)

 

Milo Levell is a master hip hop trainer and was one of the private coaches for M​ichael Jackson, ​as Michael made his evolution from jazz to more hip hop movements. Among others tapping into Milo’s positive energy are celebrity private clients such as ​Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba,​ LL, Cool J, Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, Rikki Lake (Rikki’s first born is named after Milo), D​iana Ross, Helen Hunt, Sandra Bullock, and ​Tia Carrere, t​o name but a few.

“Dancing is one key to learning your best step to your better self.” – Milo Levell

90’s Cardio Dance Party with Old School Skinny

90’s Cardio Dance Party / 90s Cardio Fitness

 

Old School Skinny helps connect the mind, body and soul! Our 90’s cardio grooves allow you to get lost in the music and release your inner Soul Train dancer to a handpicked playlist that blends all the old school jams with some new school vibes. The unique combination of interval training and plyometrics mixed with some good old fashioned backyard boogie will give you a full body workout while you party like it’s 1999. Although it may be challenging at times, classes are moderation friendly.

Volleyball with Suzanne Hebert

Water Volleyball
New or seasoned, water volleyball offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy the sunshine while honing your skills. Join us to master setting, passing, and serving techniques and participate in fun games alongside other guests.

Sand Volleyball
Experience beach-style volleyball right here on the sand court at the Ranch. Improve your skills by practicing various moves, engaging in friendly competition with other guests, and enjoying a fantastic workout.

 

Suzanne Hebert fell head over heels for sports from the moment she got her hands on that first basketball in Bellingham, MA, at five years of age. While training and playing hard on the varsity volleyball team in high school in her small town, she caught the eye of Junior Olympics recruiters who couldn’t resist her incredible talent. They whisked her away to play on not one but two Junior Olympic teams!

When it came time for college, Division 1 teams lined up to recruit her, but Suzanne kept it close to home and joined the fierce University of Rhode Island team. There, she and her teammates pulled off some jaw-dropping victories, leaving USC, UCLA, and Pepperdine in the dust on their way to the Final Four. And as if that wasn’t enough, Suzanne dominated the court with her killer blocking skills, snagging first place in the entire country!

These days, you’ll find Suzanne juggling balls of a different kind as she passes a few with high school students between classes. Professionally, Suzanne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, lending her clinical expertise to schools throughout Los Angeles. She also has a thriving private therapy practice, both in-person and virtual, where she helps people conquer life’s challenges like a true champion.

Whether she’s teaching volleyball or guiding people through the ups and downs of life, Suzanne is all about helping others learn and grow. And fear not, volleyball newbies! Suzanne loves teaching the basics, and has endless patience and a sense of humor to make every step of the journey a blast. With Suzanne by your side, you’ll surely ace the game and have a few laughs along the way!

“One of our greatest assets is our ability to persevere, despite overwhelming evidence that we won’t find our way.”
– Suzanne Hebert

Yoga with Stacy McCarthy 

Build a strong, safe and healthy yoga practice with detailed alignment, use of props and proper breathing. An important class for newcomers and experienced students who want to deepen their practice but may have injuries, muscular imbalances, or structural irregularities. You’ll create strength, flexibility, and balance by starting with a solid foundation.

 

Stacy McCarthy is an award-winning health & fitness leader, accomplished businesswomen, captivating speaker, and respected educator. Through decades of experience, she’s developed trainings that are physically balanced, energetically empowering, mentally focusing and spiritually up-lifting. They are designed to transform lives. Stacy is known for intelligent sequencing that meets her students where they are in their own practice in a system that inspires beginners and experienced students alike. Her teaching is holistic and embraces the fluctuations of life, including age, seasons, and transitions. She lives and teaches the keys to unlock a powerful body and peaceful mind without dieting or excessive exercise.

“Fear less, hope more; eat less, chew more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love more; and all good things are yours.” Swedish Proverb

Fitness for Bone Health

Introduction to Bone Health Week Lecture:
Achieving and maintaining healthy bones throughout one’s life is an important component to optimizing one’s health span. Osteoporosis is an all too common condition that both men and women face (especially in the post menopausal years). However, when it comes to addressing one’s bone health, the sooner really is the better.

In this lecture we will outline the differences between osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and osteopenia. Also to be discussed are current concepts around exercise for men and women with osteopenia, osteoporosis; do’s and don’ts; safety and empowerment. We will also introduce and explain our practical exercise offerings for the rest of the week at the lecture.

Posture and Balance Class:
Learn how to self assess your posture and balance and exercises to improve them.

Strength Training for Bone Health:
Learn the differences between strength training and weight bearing exercises and how to incorporate them into your exercise routine safely.

Pilates for Bone Health:
Pilates is excellent for strength, posture and balance, come learn modifications for the Pilates mat series.

Healthy Feet & Ankles:
A class focusing on foot and ankle mobility and stability: learn how to stretch and strengthen to provide a good base of support for life (A great class for the Ranch’s hiking and pickleball audience, too!)

Dance for Bone Health: Broadway Style!
Dance is one of the best things for balance as well as being an excellent weight bearing activity (not to mention very fun!).

 

With an extensive background in the health industry and over 30 years of physical therapy experience, Lizz Smith specializes in orthopedics, treating individuals with musculoskeletal pain, postural imbalances, post-surgical rehabilitation, and prevention needs. Prior to starting a private practice in 2004, Lizz held several positions over a decade at the renowned Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Lizz is certified in Active Release Technique, cupping and aromatherapy. She received a BS in Health Science and a MS in Physical Therapy from Simmons College. Lizz’s private practice is in Manhattan, living in Brooklyn with her husband and 2 teenage sons.

“I finally experienced the magic of The Ranch last year as a guest of Cynthia’s and am excited to be back to share my knowledge with you this week. I love the format of each day here as designed by the founders, to include all aspects of wellness.”

 

Cynthia Bahmani is a Certified Pilates Instructor with over twenty years of teaching and professional dance experience. After graduating Tisch Dance at NYU, she studied Pilates at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, where she worked in the Sports Medicine Department from 2000-2002.

Cynthia worked as the Pilates Instructor for the Cirque du Soleil Bay Area cast of “AMALUNA” in 2019. She is a specialist on the CoreAlign, a physical therapy tool that helps people optimize their gait, posture and alignment. She developed a six hour course for teachers to learn to use this apparatus. She runs her own studio in San Anselmo, California. Cynthia grew up in San Diego, and is honored to be a frequent Guest Instructor at Rancho La Puerta.

“I’ve been coming with my family to The Ranch for years, and I love it here because it feels like home. Never have you met more interesting people than those who work and visit here at Rancho La Puerta!” – Cynthia Bahmani

 

REACH Ballet Inspired! with Kari Anderson

REACH™
This flowing mix of ballet-inspired movement and fitness training is a deep-felt energetic method of improving balance, stability, total body strength, flexibility and posture. REACH™ combines a mix of training techniques for a unique challenge and an ultimate release of energy all it’s own.

REACH THE BARRE™
This is the popular REACH class utilizing the Barre for added support, ROM, confidence and use of small equipment.  The secret to achieving a dancers strength is in how the exercise sequencing targets specific muscle groups, isometrically and dynamically, with a philosophy of learning paths to “pure technique”. 

CARDIO DANCE
When exercise feels like a dance party. This all-cardio workout still lives on from the BOOM days of aerobics. Choreography builds throughout the workout with full body movement combined with the performance influences of dance. Bring your personal style to the floor!

 

Kari Anderson is the co-owner of The Seattle Gym (formerly Pro-Robics Conditoning Clubs) in Seattle, Washington for over 40 years. Kari has produced dozens of award-winning workout DVDs/videos. She is an internationally recognized conference presenter—leading fitness workshops for instructors worldwide and is an honored recipient of IDEA Business Person of the Year 1993, IDEA Instructor of the Year 1994 and ACE Fitness Director of the Year 2003.

Kari has lifetime experience in sports, dance and athletics including being a Jr.National Gold Medalist in Synchronized Swimming and a scholarship with the Joffrey Ballet in NY. Currently she competes on multiple USTA tennis teams. Her perspective and talent for fitness training and choreography development are highly acclaimed in the fitness industry.

“Stand with presence. Move with purpose. Dance for life”  – Kari Anderson

Fusion Workouts with Helen Vanderburg

Fusion A’Line
Fusion A’Line is a Pilates, fitness, and dance-based workout that focuses on body balance and alignment to lengthen and strengthen your body through dynamic movements. With deep muscle engagement and mindful training method, Fusion A’Line will increase balance, stability, and mobility for a stronger healthier you. This core-centric workout challenges the entire body like never before while releasing undue stress through a unique dynamic flexibility method.

 Fusion Refine
A fusion of fitness, yoga, and Pilates, the Fusion Refine workout focuses on balancing high-energy exercises for strength and endurance with calming exercises to destress and unwind. This evolved workout takes the best of each training technique to truly give you a balanced workout. Experience unique standing and floor exercises based on the principles of dynamic integrated core conditioning and mobility to give you grace and power.

Fusion D’Fine
This bodyweight workout combines core conditioning and muscle defining exercises from Pilates, flexibility, and mobility from yoga, the fluidity of movement from fitness, and Barre techniques to define, align, and sculpt the body. Choreographed to inspiring music, experience a new, innovative, and challenging bodyweight group class.

 

Founder of Fusion Fitness Training, Helen Vanderburg is co-owner of The ACADEMY fitness, yoga, spin studio and author of Fusion Workouts. With over 35 years of experience in club ownership, consulting and program development, Helen is one of the most celebrated fitness personalities in the global fitness community today. She has been recognized numerous times as Canada’s top fitness professional by CanFitPro, the largest Canadian fitness association and is the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. She has been awarded the IDEA Program Director, Fitness Presenter of the Year and the 2018 Global Top Industry Contributor. Helen is the Commercial Fitness Education Manager for Balanced Body and has consulted for international fitness companies such as NIKE, Total Gym, BOSU, Hedstrom Fitness, Schwinn Cycling and Core Health and Fitness, to name a few. She has educated fitness leaders globally for the past 25 years in over 25 countries.

Workout Express! with Norma Shechtman

Workout Express: Join us for mindful, meaningful and manageable workouts that are short, simple and get right to the point. Learn 10 short workouts that stand alone or mix and match. Simple equipment that does not require much space and easy to remember. Enjoy these workouts at the Ranch and take them home with you.

All classes will be in Olmeca and times will be:

Stability Balls, Lots of core and core stabilization

Bands, Spri balls, light and heavy weights. Full body workout.

Rollers, magic circles and bands, Stability, balance, core and back.

Body Bars, Flex Bars, spri balls. Upper body/Lower body workouts with balance.

Wall workout with BOSU and bands. Integrative core and stretch.

Tubing and gliders. Travel exercises with small equipment. Full body workout.

 

Norma Shechtman teaches Pilates and a full array of classes in Orange County. She has been involved in fitness and education for over 35 years and is well respected in the fitness industry.

 Norma holds a double Masters Degree in Kinesiology and Education. In addition to being a regional Master Trainer for BOSU, she is ACE, NASM, AEA, NESTA CPT, USWFA, Pilates, Schwinn and Yoga Certified. 

Script writer, TV personality and correspondence course reviewer, Norma maintains a multitude of avenues to increase awareness of health and fitness.

March 1st 2003, Norma was named Group Fitness Professional of the Year through the American Council on Exercise. There were thousands of very qualified nominees and Norma was selected as number 1 from entries all over the world.

In 2013, Norma was a finalist for IDEA Group Fitness Instructor of the Year.  In 2014, Norma was named Alumnus of the Year by CSULB Graduate Department of Kinesiology.

Norma is an international presenter/author and well known for her “down to earth, fun, caring and unassuming presentations”.

“The Ranch will bring you peace, joy, excitement and a week you’ll forever cherish”. – Norma

Therapeutic Yoga with Stacey Filice

At its core, Yoga is a philosophy that guides individuals on a journey to living a more joyful life. It is not just about physical poses; it is a system that is designed to bring union to the mind, body and soul which improves your relationship to yourself and to the world around you. Yoga Therapy is an intervention that specifically uses the healing lenses of Yoga philosophy to discover body/mind/spirit correlations to dis-ease.

Throughout the week we will explore how yogic practices can support common physical challenges (eg, backs, hips, knees, etc.) as well as those related to emotions and the nervous system (eg, stress, anxiety, etc.). Each session will include Yoga asana (postures) and may also incorporate pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) or guided deep relaxation during which true deep healing may occur. All levels are welcome and appropriate for these sessions! Experienced practitioners will have an opportunity to deepen their practice and their understanding of all that Yoga truly is. Beginners and those with physical limitations will be offered variations. Everyone will leave these sessions feeling centered with a deeper connection to the True Self.

  

Stacey A. Filice, Certified Yoga Therapist, E-RYT500, Reiki Master
Prior to her career in health and wellness, Stacey had a life-changing week as a guest at Rancho La Puerta that inspired her to refocus her life on the study of wellness through the lens of ancient wisdom. Stacey provides a unique and practical approach incorporating various ancient healing modalities including yoga poses, yoga philosophy, breathwork, meditation, sound healing, Yoga Nidra, and Reiki to guide students on their healing journey. Her years of teaching include many studios throughout San Diego, full-time staff and Specialty Presenter at Rancho La Puerta, the Insight Timer app, and in her private practice. Stacey trains new yoga teachers, certifies teachers in Yin Yoga and provides continuing education.

“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know the side you are used to is the better than the one to come?” – Rumi

Gyrokinesis with Karen Burka

The Gyrokinesis Cardiovascular Breathing Program, developed by Juliu Horvath, offers a path to respiratory health in uniquely designed progressions that allows each person to stay in their individual comfort zone while expanding the functional range with a sense of ease.

In these classes, we will explore and experience the fundamentals of the movement and breathing patterns while sitting and standing. These movements will be performed in order to open and stimulate all parts of the body to allow maximum inhalation and exhalation throughout the brain and lung chambers.

All circulatory systems of the human body are stimulated systematically, leading to an increase in the flow of blood, nutrients, oxygen and other gases, and as well as hormones to and from the cells.

This ultimately increases overall better health, energy, life force, and detoxification.

 

Karen Burka’s love of movement led her to San Diego State University where she obtained a B.S. degree in physical education and sports medicine. She then joined Santa Monica College’s International Touring Dance company and even designed some of the costumes, leading her to her next career as a fashion stylist to the stars. In 1995, she became certified in the Pilates and Gyrotonic methods. Karen has been sharing with groups and private clients for over 30 years, and always continues study and grow. She is now a Master Trainer in the Gyrotonic, pretrainer in Gyrokinesis and specializes in breathe-work with movement. Karen also teaches Hatha, Restorative, Children’s and Aerial Yoga.

Karen lives in Santa Barbara, California with her long haired Dachshund Mate.

Gyrokinesis with Karen Burka

The Gyrokinesis Cardiovascular Breathing Program, developed by Juliu Horvath, offers a path to respiratory health in uniquely designed progressions that allows each person to stay in their individual comfort zone while expanding the functional range with a sense of ease.

In these classes, we will explore and experience the fundamentals of the movement and breathing patterns while sitting and standing. These movements will be performed in order to open and stimulate all parts of the body to allow maximum inhalation and exhalation throughout the brain and lung chambers.

All circulatory systems of the human body are stimulated systematically, leading to an increase in the flow of blood, nutrients, oxygen and other gases, and as well as hormones to and from the cells.

This ultimately increases overall better health, energy, life force, and detoxification.

 

Karen Burka’s love of movement led her to San Diego State University where she obtained a B.S. degree in physical education and sports medicine. She then joined Santa Monica College’s International Touring Dance company and even designed some of the costumes, leading her to her next career as a fashion stylist to the stars. In 1995, she became certified in the Pilates and Gyrotonic methods. Karen has been sharing with groups and private clients for over 30 years, and always continues study and grow. She is now a Master Trainer in the Gyrotonic, pretrainer in Gyrokinesis and specializes in breathe-work with movement. Karen also teaches Hatha, Restorative, Children’s and Aerial Yoga.

Karen lives in Santa Barbara, California with her long haired Dachshund Mate.

Tai Chi and Qigong with Cari Shurman

Tai Chi
The morning class focuses on a powerful 10-15 min Tai Chi wake up that can be easily learned and practiced every day for extra energy, balance, strength and focus. The energy (chi) is moved to all the organs, muscles, bones, nerves – everywhere in the body. We learn focus to improve balance and muscle tone as well as relaxation and circulation.

QIGONG
In the afternoon class we will practice focused moments for each of the organ systems – heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, liver etc. We will also learn Qigong for better sleep.
The two classes complement each other. You are welcome to attend one or the other or both. You may join at any time during the week.

 

Cari Shurman discovered Tai Chi and Qigong in 1985 on her first of many trips to China. The flexibility, balance and focus of participants awakened her interest in these exercises for health and longevity. She developed a program for children that is done all over  the US and beyond. Her adult classes, live or Zoom, help  participants stayed involved everywhere. Their stories of feeling happy, relaxed and balanced; of reducing pain and stress; of improving focus and positive energy are inspiring.

“It is wonderful to hear from those who have worked with me at the Ranch how life changing it has been to discover, feel and understand Tai Chi and Qigong.”

Bender Ball with Leslee Bender

These classes specialize in core strength by utilizing the Bender Ball to protect the back and disengage the hip flexors known to be over utilized in many exercises. You will leave feeling strong, centered and balanced.

Restore
This class will leave you feeling as though you have just experienced a deep tissue massage through special movement techniques and stretching. This is the perfect unwind for ever-body who is looking for longevity, decrease stress and more.

Bender Ball Core
This specific class will leave you with new and creative ways to have a strong healthy core without ever doing one crunch ever! Experience how to protect you back and strengthen the core body for life!

Better Booty with the Bender Ball
This class will give you a new functional approach to having a strong back side. Experience how to train you hips and glutes like never before with a Bender Ball ™ and Gliders™ and theraband for guaranteed results.

Bender Ball Pilates
This progressive class takes classical exercises vertical for a functional approach to Pilates mat. You will leave feeling lengthened, strengthened and strong, as though you have just experienced a Pilates apparatus class.

 

Leslee Bender, 2020 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, Author, International Speaker and presenter, has over 4 decades in the fitness and wellness industry. Leslee is the creator of The Bender Ball Method of Core Training which has been featured on national television and won awards. Leslee is the program educational director for Ageless Training Academy featuring a modality of longevity at any age to decrease pain, stress and lead a fulfilling ageless life. Leslee specializes in a functional approach to training that translates to life both one on one and small groups from professional athletes to anyone looking for exceptional results.

“The Ranch is the place where change happens both from within and out. Leave your past behind so you can experience your future.”

Gyrokinesis with Kathy Van Patten

Kathy Van Patten is the founder of successful GYROTONIC® and Pilates studios in Boston, New York, California, and Texas. She has trained and coached some of the very best GYROTONIC® and Pilates teachers, who are now Master Trainers and owners of successful studios.

Romana Kryzanowska certified Kathy in Pilates in 1994, and she opened her first Pilates studio in Boston soon after.  Kathy continued her Pilates study with Bob Liekins, becoming a master trainer for Power Pilates in 1998. Kathy was certified in GYROTONIC® in 1999, and continues her studies with GYROTONIC® founder Juliu Horvath. She is certified in all courses offered in the GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®, is a GYROTONIC® Specialized Master Trainer, and is authorized to conduct both GYROTONIC® and Gyrokinesis® Final Certifications.

“If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down.” – Buddha

Fitness with Farel Hruska

Farel Hruska is a fitness professional with just over 20 years of experience who combines a practical foundation in a variety of programming for functional fitness. Hruska also has a specialty in pre and postnatal fitness, training clients and Fit Pros worldwide.

Farel is forward-thinking and focused on effective and efficient training while building self-esteem, empowering others, and inspiring the fitness mindset focused on the mind/body connection.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world”