Hey guys…a couple of weeks ago BL hosted an amazing outdoor event called Silent Disco Yoga. Everyone raved about the experience and afterwards the requests for more outdoor classes was incredible. So here you go…my daughter Brie is offering an outdoor class just down the road from BL on an island in our subdivision. This is the 5thtime she has offered this event because of its popularity. I’ll be there to assist Brie and would love a chance to hang out with you after class!! You do not have to be a member to join so grab your friends and family and head to the island. Here is a message from Brie with a few more details…

Aloha BL Fam!

I want to personally invite you all to join me for our 5th annual Island Yoga on July 28th! If you haven't joined us in years past, here's the deal: you park at an A lot on Lake Sherwood (about 10 minutes from BL), and get picked up by Captain Dave. After a 5 minute boat ride to the island, we'll do a 60-minute Slow Flow yoga class to the tunes of Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet, and other island jams. Captain Dave will be doing continual shuttles back to the A lot after class, but you are MORE than welcome to BYOB & chill on the island with us for a couple of hours!

I hope to see you there :)

Brie

I am very excited to announce that we just hired two more massage therapists!! More and more of you are understanding and experiencing the benefits of getting massages on a regular basis, not just as a once in awhile treat, but as something that is an integral part of taking care of ourselves. Many of you have even signed up for our Massage of the Month program which saves you $15 on every massage. Sarah, Kelly & Angela are doing an amazing job of accommodating as many of you as they can, and yet we are still turning away clients who are looking to schedule a massage. So I “interviewed” 2 more therapists (I know poor me having to interview massage therapists). I planned on just hiring one or the other but they were both GREAT so I hired both of them!! Introducing Deanna & Gen….here’s a little more about them…

Deanna began her career as a director of the spa at the Inn at Bay Harbor. With a wealth of experience, she transitioned into the field of reflexology. As a certified reflexologist, Deanna brings her passion for wellness and a keen understanding of Reflexology points to her clients.

Deanna excels in both hand and foot reflexology techniques, customizing sessions to meet individual needs. When she’s not helping clients find balance, Deanna is a wife, mother and a grandmother of 5 which fills much of her free time.

Gen is a Licensed Massage Therapist who specializes in deep tissue, sports massage, cupping therapy, and muscle scraping. She completed her training in 2020 while living in Denver, CO. Her athletic career as an ice hockey player is what sparked her interest in becoming a LMT. She has worked with professional athletes, devout yogis, people working through serious injuries, and anyone who wishes to feel better in their body. Her passion for cupping therapy and muscle scraping is at the forefront of her bodywork. In her words…”These ancient techniques are rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and it is no wonder why they have stood the test of time. Cupping and scraping are for everyone, and I encourage everyone to try it just once. I am all about deep work that makes profound changes. I would describe my sessions as therapeutic rather than overly relaxing. I believe bodywork is essential and should not be looked at as a luxury.”

So there you go…two unique massage modalities now available at BL!! You can find Deanna on Monday mornings, Wednesday afternoons/evenings and Saturday mornings. Gen will be offering her services on Monday afternoon/evening and all day on Thursdays!

Maybe today’s the day to add this next layer to your Wellness regimen. Feels so good and is so good for you!!

Ready, Set…RUB!!!

Hey guys, I just wanted to take a minute to wish you all a wonderful and safe 4th of July weekend!! We are all so grateful for the freedom and independence that the 4th of July represents!! We also know that when you have a holiday smack dab in the middle of summer in Michigan, our community likes to celebrate by hanging out in backyards or on a lake. Fun fact…when we moved to Michigan from Texas, our realtor shared with us that there are 40 lakes within a 7 mile radius. How crazy is that…and how fortunate are we?  So just a heads up that we are abbreviating the BL schedule knowing that a lot of you are going to be outside soaking up the sun over this holiday weekend. Wednesday night we will be canceling all pm classes (hint: maybe check out the fireworks on Union Lake that night). Thursday July 4th we will be abbreviating the schedule with 2 fitness and 2 yoga classes (see below), and then the rest of the weekend Friday-Sunday, we will be offering all of our regularly scheduled am classes. So there you go!! Lots of great classes to choose from and yet lots of space to get out and enjoy every ounce of this holiday weekend!! Cheers!!

I recently did something WAY out of my comfort zone. I golfed!! I am NOT a golfer!! Some of you probably remember when you were in college and you were required to take a certain number of physical fitness classes as electives, well I took a whole semester of golf. My dad was a big golfer and so I thought I would learn the sport and golf with him. Well, that never happened. In fact, over the past several decades I have probably attempted a Scramble for a fundraiser or a couple’s country club event 3-4 times. But when a friend of mine organized a girls golf “league” (aptly named Chicks and Sticks), I weighed my un-comfortableness with golf against my FOMO (Fear OF Missing Out) and of course my FOMO won. Even though we ended up having a blast, it wasn’t pretty!! I had to borrow clothes as there was nothing in my closet golf appropriate. Chris scrounged up an extra set of golf clubs for me to borrow and even brought me balls and tees (because somehow I had forgotten you needed to bring these items to play). The group was somewhat eclectic…some of us knew a few of the other gals well but not everyone were necessarily close friends. We drew names for carts and foursomes and I ended up with the 3 gals I knew the least. There were 7 of us and being in the “let’s hang out together girlfriend mode” we all attempted to golf together. Well, until we were yelled at by the guys working there and told that we were 45 minutes behind and needed to split up. So split we did, but we still took longer than we were supposed to searching for one errant ball after another. Telling this story to our husbands after golf, they scolded us for not understanding “pace of play.” Whatever?? Anyway about 1.5 hours in we all started losing interest plus several of the hubbies were calling to ask what’s for dinner…so we changed up our strategy. For a few holes we decided we would just drive…pick up our balls and then putt. Then we decided to skip a hole or two and 3 hours later on a 9 hole scramble we said our goodbyes and headed off to meet up with guys for dinner. The boys were all mortified by our description and were baffled that it took us 3 hours. But while this whole new experience was definitely out of my comfort zone on several levels, as I said above, we ended up having a blast and I’m really glad I said YES!!

This whole experience got me thinking about how we are often so reluctant to try new things or try things that maybe nudge us out of our comfort zones. But then in hindsight, we look back and are so grateful that we took that leap. So I’m going to take a sharp turn and segue to our Yoga Teacher Training program. I can’t tell you how many individuals I’ve chatted with over the years who are considering joining the training but are holding back for one reason or another. All the reasons, objections, concerns end up falling into the same category of being out of their comfort zones. Sometimes it’s the time or financial commitment…often it’s the uncertainty with what to expect but ALWAYS it’s that feeling that comes from trying something new. Now let me tell you that when we do our wrap up and everyone takes a turn sharing about their experience, I have yet to hear one person say they regretted taking the leap to join the training. Everyone thanks me or the other staff who encouraged them to join the training and raves about the impact the training has had on their lives. They also share that they are very grateful for the camaraderie the training creates amongst this little sub culture of BL. Yes they go in not knowing the other trainees and not sure on what to expect, but they graduate from the program with a deeper understanding of the practice of yoga and a few more friends - well worth the un-comfortableness of trying something new.

So there’s your nudge!! Here are the details. The Fall session of Teacher training kicks off Saturday, September 28th and ends before the holidays, November 24th. The Fall session is ½ the training. The other ½ will start the end of January and end the end of March. You must complete both sessions to complete the 200 hours required by Yoga Alliance. The 200 hour also includes some reading and practice. The training is Saturday and Sunday afternoons but if you miss any sessions, you can still receive credit for by watching the video of that session. No worries…all sessions are taped. There are several of your favorite BL yoga teachers who come together to cover a wide variety of topics associated with yoga. Many of us have degrees and/or years of experience in our areas of expertise which is very different from other programs where the yoga studio owner teaches all the sessions.

I will have a lot more to share with you over the next couple of months leading up to Teacher Training kick off, but let this just serve as your nudge. Maybe this message will just start you thinking!! Feel free to reach out to me directly at andrea.bodylanguage@gmail.com or find me in the Link at BL. I’m happy to chat with you about the program and answer any questions you might have. Would love to have you join us!!!

Hey guys…we all know that Summer is short lived in Michigan so more the reason to get outside and ENJOY it!! BL is offering you 2 unique opportunities to do just that this Summer. First up is Silent Disco Yoga on June 20th…the Summer Solistice and actual start to this beautiful season. We will head  to the Clubhouse just down the street from BL to enjoy a Silent Disco Yoga class with our very own Jamie, followed by a social hour which will give us a chance to chat and mingle with our BL peeps. I’ll be there and would love share this space with you as we cheer our way into Summer. Doors of the Clubhouse open at 6 pm. We will be practicing and hanging out in the backyard overlooking Union Lake (weather permitting). The class will be from 6:30-7:30 pm and the social hour will be from 7:30-8:30 pm. BL peeps, family, and friends are all welcome. Pre-registration is recommended as there are only a few spots remaining. The Clubhouse is located at 2261 Union Lake Road, just north of Matter of Taste and across the street from Walgreens. It’s really a spectacular location!!

Secondly, my daughter, Brie, is hosting her annual Island Yoga. Yep we are actually boating you over to an island located in Lake Sherwood just off of Commerce Road. You simply drive to 5076 Driftwood in Commerce Twp, my husband, Dave, will pick you up on our pontoon and run you over to the island. He will shuttle folks to the island between 12-12:30, and then Brie will start the class at 12:30. After the 1 hour Slow Flow, you are free to hang out on the island or head back to your car via pontoon. Boat shuttle will run from 130-3 pm. Brie does a great job of putting together a fun yet chill playlist that will make you feel like you are on a tropical island on vacation.

So there you go…two really amazing ways to celebrate Summer in Michigan surrounded by your BL peeps. I am looking forward to both of these events and a chance to connect with all of you!!

Cheers to a great Summer ahead!!

Body Language has a super cool and unique way for you to welcome in the Summer of 2024!! We are offering a Silent Disco Yoga Class off-site, but right down the road from us at the The Union Lake Clubhouse. One of my dear friends owns this space and BL is renting it for this event. The mini vin yoga class, led by our very own Jamie Oldfield, will be held in the back yard of the Clubhouse overlooking Union Lake (of course, weather permitting). But no worries, if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate we simply move the party inside this beautiful space. During the 60 minute yoga class, you will be wearing wireless headphones, so you will hear Jamie’s voice leading you through short/mini easy to follow flows but you will also be jamming to the fun music that you’ll hear through the headphones as well. It will feel like you’re in your own world but at the same time you will be sharing this experience with everyone around you!! After class we will have an hour to hang out in this cool spot with other BL peeps while enjoying a refreshing beverage of your choice. Space is limited to 50 bodies so we would recommend signing up TODAY!! You do not have to be a BL member to join. All are welcome!!

Here are the details…

Doors open at 6 pm

The Union Lake Clubhouse is located at 2261 Union Lake Road

Mini Vin class is 6:30-7:30 pm

Social hour to follow 7:30-8:30 pm

$49 includes Class & Social Hour

So there you go…what a fun way to welcome in a new season surrounded by your fellow BL peeps. Hope to see you on June 20th!!

A few weeks ago, I reached out to all of you asking 3 questions: 1)When did you first come to BL, 2)Why did you join BL, and, 3)What impact has BL had on your life? Well the responses have been just fabulous!! 25 of you took the time to answer these 3 questions and email them back to me. I can’t tell you how much it has warmed my heart to read these. I am so grateful that my passion in life has also become my purpose and reading some of your answers has just further solidified that purpose. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

You might also remember that we dangled the chance to win a 60 minute massage as an added incentive to all those who took the time to submit their story. On Memorial day I drew the winner from these 25 entries and the lucky winner is…….Jenny James! Congrats!

Lastly, we wanted to take the Summer to share these stories with all of the rest of you!! Every Wednesday for the next few months we will be featuring one or two of these responses to the above 3 questions in my Wednesday Andrea’s Antics. We are referring to it as Who is BL Wednesday. You’ll see a picture of me with each of these BL peeps followed by their answers. We love this opportunity to get to know one another a little bit better!! Who is BL?? Stay tuned starting this Wednesday, June 5th!!

Hey guys…just reminding you of a couple of cool things happening in the month of June at BL…

Summer Challenge kicks off June 1!!  The challenge is to take 20 different teachers this summer. Yep, you have June, July and August to complete this challenge and you can sign up any time until the end of June. All the classes count starting June 1 even if you sign up after the start date. It’s only $20 to play for a chance to win a 6 month unlimited membership!! Plus it keeps you in the game of working out and taking care of yourself all Summer long!!! The lucky winner will be drawn on Labor Day!!

Wellness Weekend Series with Tamara will be held on Saturday June 1st from 12-1:15 pm. Every month she hosts this event with each session featuring a different element of cultivating the habits of authentic happiness. The June session will focus on Cultivating Quality Self Care to Build Self Respect, Self Esteem and Self Love. These meetings are held in our Around The Corner area at BL just pass the bosses’ office.

Just $20 to join.

Body’s next Book Club will be held on Thursday, June 6th also in the Around The Corner Area. Social hour from 6:15-6:45 pm followed by discussion from 6:45-8:15 pm. The book this month is called Remarkably Bright Creatures. After this meeting, we will be taking a break for the Summer, but the next Book Club date is Thursday, September 12. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for the next book choice!

 On Friday, June 7th, Justin will be leading his Yin Gong Bath Immersion. This workshop is offered quarterly and is definitely a BL favorite. He will lead you through a 60 minute gentle yin yoga practice followed by 30 minutes of gong during Savasana. Super relaxing and meditative. $30 for this 90 minute workshop

Last but certainly not least, Jamie is offering a first ever Silent Disco Yoga class at The Clubhouse just down the road on Union Lake. Doors will open at 6 pm. Mini Vin will be from 6:30-7:30 pm with a social hour to follow. You will be wearing headphones and will hear the music and Jamie’s voice through the headphones. Kind of like you’re at a party with a bunch of people but in your own world at the same time!! Weather permitting we will be outside but the Clubhouse is beautiful inside too so all good either way!! $49 includes the class and the social hour.

So there you go…lots of ways to add a little extra spice to your life and a little dimension to your calendars in the month of June at BL. Good Stuff!!
 

Twice a year, Chris and i head out of dodge, find a remote place to hunker down, and spend 3-4 days planning all the workshops for the next season.  (So if you don’t see us at BL for a few days that’s where we are now…a remote place.) We gather ideas from staff prior to this time during what we call our Revolving Door meetings. This year we had 39 meetings over the course of 2 days. We even opened up the extra slots to students and got a few ideas and suggestions from some of you as well. Then we take all this information and piece it all together like a giant jigsaw puzzle based on everyone’s availability and the time BL has space available between classes.  We try to mix in some workshops that are educational, some that might help you chill and others that are just for fun!!  Regardless there will be lots of opportunities for us all to get together this fall and connect!! I thought I would just give you a sneak peek into a few of the things we are attempting to put in place for the fall…

Reflexology Sessions, Infrared Sauna & Cold Plunge Event, Glow-ga, Zumba/Turn Up Girls Night, Night at the Barre, Sound Healing, Live music with yoga, Yoga for Anxiety & Depression, Enneagram workshop, Barre Training, Chair Yoga, Yoga Teacher Training, Partner Yoga, Sip n Shop, Yoga Rocks, Strong Like Mom…these are just to name a few!! We have our work cut out for us but, as always, are up for the challenge. So enjoy every minute of this beautiful Michigan Summer but stay tuned for an exciting Fall at BL that’s just around the corner. Chris and I feel strongly that these workshops truly add a rich dimension to our already solid line up of fabulous classes!!