Do you speak Bokwa ?? Unique dance fitness format utilizes SIGN LANGUAGE to get THE PARTY STARTED!!

This article appeared in NUFFIELD HEALTH on  April 26, 2012

Do you speak BOKWA? New exercise craze with a language of its own takes UK by storm

Innovative exercise dance class inspired by South African dance, BOKWA, is the latest craze to launch in the UK. BOKWA is leading the way as a simple to follow, yet effective total body workout, which uses letters to help people identify the moves. Nuffield Health is first to recognise the potential in this innovative class and will roll it out to its' Fitness & Wellbeing Centres in May.

Created in America by the South African born street dancer Paul Mavi, the name BOKWA is a combination of two words ‘BO’ representing light boxing and ‘KWA’ the traditional dance Kwaito. BOKWA is an intense cardiovascular workout, but also strengthens muscles and helps maintain flexibility. It helps people to build up their fitness level and stamina at their own pace. The routines are fun and easy to follow.   

Paul Mavi, Creator of BOKWA, said:

“I created the BOKWA sign language to make it simple for people to follow routines. People learn the moves quickly and easily understand the hand signals, which gives them time to put the most into their workout. No one struggles to keep up with the class, signature moves such as the ‘Shincha’ or ‘click-click’ signal a change of direction at the beginning or ending of a letter, so everyone knows where they should be going.”

In a recent Nuffield Health member survey of more than 6,000 people 43% said they go to the gym because they like group exercise classes.

Sean McBurney, National Fitness & Wellbeing Manager, Nuffield Health, said:

“I’m proud that Nuffield Health is first to roll out this exciting new fitness class in the UK. We’re always looking for new trends to keep our classes up-to-date and to inspire our members. BOKWA is a mixture of dance and exercise combined with easy, yet effective moves - a true cardiovascular workout. I’m sure our members will love it.”

The class will be available across the UK at Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centres in May.

-Ends-

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Notes to editor:

1. BOKWA also helps to:
   - Strengthen the heart
   - Lower cholesterol
   - Burn fat
   - Feel good and reduce stress
   - Decrease blood pressure
   - Tone muscles
   - Improve balance and posture
   - Increase flexibility.
   
   (Article appeared in NUFFIELD HEALTH  April 26, 2012)

 

 

Bokwa -- a healthy choice!! Learn about the Bokwa Health Trend Now!!

  One of my goals to date, is to be licensed in multiple fitness programs and specialties. No matter where I am in this world or what I may be tasked with doing, I am always looking for self improvement mentally, physically and spiritually; not only for myself, but for the benefit of my fellow man/woman as well.  With 7 licenses in the Zumba/Specialty Zumba  World, I believe it is time for me to research and start to speak on my most recently acquired certification--Bokwa Fitness (Level 1/Advance Level 1) and my humble acceptance into the BT (Bokwa Trainer) Mentoring Program.

 

Let's begin with the health benefits as described in this article appearing in IDiva!

Health Trend: Bokwa

  By Purvaja Sawant  posted Jun 14th 2013 at 1:00AM |    

Health     

  

 

Image Courtesy: Thinkstock Images

If you’re looking for a fun fitness class that will offer a challenging but rewarding fitness regime, that too in a short period of time, Bokwa is your answer. A group exercise that’s rapidly gaining popularity across the globe and giving Zumba a tough competition, this dance-based fitness routine combines the South African war dance Capoeira, along with kickboxing, light boxing, and steps with fancy footwork. Because of its lively, adrenaline-charged moves, it makes for an interesting option.

Fitness expert Hetal Madhiwala believes Bokwa is a great option for those people who want to break the monotony of their workout. “Most people like trying out new workouts, as their bodies are too used to following one particular routine. With its interesting steps and popular international music beats, Bokwa provides the necessary variety. The best part is since there is a high-impact as well as a low-impact workout option available in this form, anybody can take it up.”

Why it’s uniqueIn this workout, each step is taught using American and Bokwa hand sign language, thus making it the only fitness programme in the world, taught with a bespoke hand sign language (a combination of letters, numbers and words forming the dance instruction) enabling even the hearing impaired community able to exercise!

The benefits
> Apart from burning up to 1,200 calories (in one session) and helping you lose weight, it promises to enhance muscular strength, flexibility and cardio respiratory endurance, which reduces the risk of a coronary heart disease. It also has psychological benefits; it can help you de-stress and deal with depression, anxiety, self-esteem and cognitive functions.
> Since the steps are structured and based on the forms of letters and numbers like L, 3, J, K etc you needn’t count steps, like a traditional eight count followed by most dance-based fitness programs. You can freely move with the beat.
> Unlike other workouts, it has got a universal appeal because once you know the steps, you can do it on your, without the help of an instructor, no matter which part of the world you are. That too to your favourite international music!
> Though it’s a challenging workout, it has structured steps and so can be adjusted to any person’s fitness level. From five-year-olds to 75-year-olds and even those with two left feet, anybody can do this workout.
Bokwa BuzzBokwa was developed by international fitness personality Paul Mavi in 2000, over an 8-year-period. Mavi wanted to integrate his passion for his South African roots into a fitness routine. The name Bokwa is a combination of ‘Bo’ which stands for light South African boxing and ‘Kwa’, that is derived from the a traditional South African dance with irresistible beats. Whether it’s clubs, independent fitness studios, schools or community centers, today, Bokwa has garnered a following across the globe, with certified instructors and participants in dozens of countries.
Game For A Bokwathon?The Bokwa Fitness Company held the world’s first Bokwathon on 11 December, 2011, in an attempt to set a new Guinness Book of World Record for having the most number of people present at an exercise class in the United Kingdom! Since then, innumerable Bokwathons and Bokwa master classes have taken place all over the world.

‘Gangnam Style’ Singer Has Another Song Out

                  ‘Gangnam Style’ Singer Has Another Song Out

                         And He Hopes the N. Koreans Like It    

Singer PSY performs his new single ‘Gentleman’ in concert titled ‘Happening’ at Olympic Stadium on April 13, 2013 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo: Getty Images)

SEOUL, South Korea (TheBlaze/AP) — South Korean rapper PSY says he hopes North Koreans will enjoy his new single, even as tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula.  But how will the rest of the world react?

PSY released his latest single, “Gentleman,” in 119 countries on Friday, hoping to replicate the success of “Gangnam Style,” the smash YouTube hit that made him an international star almost overnight last year. The choreography for “Gentleman” – including the “arrogant dance,” as PSY called it – was unveiled at a concert in Seoul on Saturday before more than 50,000 fans. The music video has now been uploaded onto YouTube, and already has over 4 million views as of this article’s publication.

USA Today summarizes the new video: “In Gentleman, he portrays a man trying to seduce women at a club, and in the video, the pop star behaves in a rather ungentlemanly fashion.”

He pulls a woman’s chair out from behind her, only to laugh maniacally as she falls on to the floor, dismissively throws his jacket at a fawning woman at the gym etc., all interspersed with lots of hip thrusts.

What do you think of the latest video? Content warning for adult themes:

PSY said his job was to make all people, including North Koreans, laugh.

“Hopefully my `Gangnam Style,’ my `Gentleman,’ my music videos and my choreography … they might enjoy them too,” he said.

PSY, whose real name is Park Jae-sang, said Saturday that he regretted the current tensions between the two Koreas. The situation has been grabbing global headlines, with North Korea becoming increasingly belligerent with war rumblings, leaving its neighbors wary of a possible missile test by Pyongyang.

“It’s a tragedy. We are the only countries divided right now,” PSY said at a news conference ahead of the concert.

Last December, before performing for President Obama, PSY apologized for performing at an anti-U.S. concert in 2004.

FROM THE BLAZE

–

Pitbull with Long hair and Braids?

Wonder What Pitbull Looks Like With Long Hair And Braids?

By Billy Johnson, Jr. | Maximum Performance – Fri, Sep 14, 2012 2:25 PM EDT

Pitbull, before fameCuban rapper Pitbull, who will be taking the stage at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas next Saturday, didn't always have such a clean-cut, sharply dressed image.

Before the Miami entertainer shaved his head and started wearing suits, he wore his hair long and in braids. He recently posted an old photo of himself on his Facebook page along with the caption, "ever wonder what I looked like b4 I went worldwide??? this is the original Mr 305 right here!!!! DALEEEE!!!"
The artist known for a long list of hits including "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)," "Krazy," "Give Me Everything" and "International Love" has made significant strides since landing his first recording deal in 2001 on Luke Records, the company owned by 2 Live Crew founder Luther Campbell.

It was during his time on Luke Records that Pitbull's A&R executive secured him a spot on Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz's Kings Of Crunk album. He was next featured on the soundtrack for 2 Fast 2 Furious, and in 2004 put out his debut album, M.I.A.M.I. His career immediately took off after the release of M.I.A.M.I.'s debut single, "Culo."

The rapper born Armando Cristian Pérez has since released five additional albums and collaborated with the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo, Marc Anthony, Chris Brown, Usher and LMFAO.
Pitbull's work ethic and formula for success might best be explained in his rationale for naming himself after the popular crossbread dog. "They bite to lock," Pitbull explained during a 2004 interview in The Washington Post. "The dog is too stupid to lose. And they're outlawed in Dade County. They're basically everything I am. It's been a constant fight."
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Pitbull, Mary J. Blige, Aerosmith, Brad Paisley and seven other superstar artists will perform at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 22. Green Day, Lil Wayne, Rihanna and Miranda Lambert are among the acts playing Friday, September 21, the event's opening night. The shows begin at 7 p.m. PST and will be streamed exclusively on Yahoo! Music.
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McDonald's Is Opening Its First Vegetarian-Only Restaurants

 

 

By Kim Bhasin | Business Insider – Tue, Sep 4, 2012 4:17 PM EDT

For the first time ever, McDonald's (MCD) is opening a pair of restaurants that will not serve any meat at all, reports Amy Kazmin at the Financial Times.

Both of the restaurants will open next year in India — one in the city of Amritsar (the holiest site in the Sikh religion), and one in the town of Katra (a "jump-off point" for Hindus visiting the mountain shrine of Vaishno Devi.)

The stores will serve the vegetarian items currently sold in Indian McDonald's restaurants, and the chain will likely develop some new items as well.
“A vegetarian store makes absolute sense in the places which are famous as pilgrimage sites,” McDonald's India spokesperson  Rajesh Kumar Maini told the FT.
It's all because of local preferences. Cows are sacred in India, and much of the country is vegetarian.  So the existing McDonald's locations in India don't serve beef, but they do serve lots of chicken in its place.
For instance, there's no Big Mac in India. Instead, stores serve the Maharaja Mac, which has chicken patties. It also sells the Filet-o-Fish, Chicken Nuggets and more non-beef menu items. The two vegetarian locations won't serve any chicken or fish items at all.
Right now, McDonald's has more than 250 restaurants in India — a number it plans to double by the end of 2014.

Time for the 2 year anniversary Bashment/Sentao Mashup

JOIN IN-BE A 'FEATURED' FAN.

Come join me this Saturday for my Sentao Explosion/2 year Anniversary Bashment. ENTER YOUR E-MAIL FREE UPDATES! JOIN NOW!! About Regina  Zumba allows me to SHARE my love of fitness and globally inspired dance and movement.  Shall we dance?   IT'S THE NEW FLAVA --ZUMBA WITH REGINA      Regina Cannon Look for me on www.Zumba.com in the instructor search box. ZUMBA  TONING      It's 1/2 Dancing , 1/2 strength conditioning --ALL FUN!! Zumba Toning   Saturdays @ 8:00a and 4:30p on Sundays    FIND ME ON:    You'll be glad you did!!    Zumbaholics!!         Please join me for a toe tapping, waist whinin' good time as I celebrate my 2 year Zumba anniversary this Saturday at Body Conscious in Dallas, Ga. Now this is the same location that hosted my Georgia Premiere of Zumba Sentao back in June--AND WE HAD AN AWESOME CROWD(Look at the picture above!).  Let's show em how we DO IT IN THE ATL!! We will be carpooling to this event by meeting at the Hapeville Village Church at 2:30p; leaving PROMPTLY at 2:45 for this joyous event!! Space is limited so pre-order your spot NOW by calling 770 627 3126.   Cost : $12.00 in advance               $13.00 at the door I  WANT MY STUDENTS IN THE FRONT 'TO JAM OUT' AT THIS FACILITY---SO COME ON OUT --AND MEET ME IN HAPEVILLE SO WE CAN TRAVEL AS A GROUP!!  LET'S DO THIS!!           I'm bringing the CAKE, whistles and other festive goodies..SHALL WE DANCE?           My Zumba Sentao Demo  at the Ambient Plus Studio on May 18th      The photo above show active participates in my 1st Sentao Demonstration--- Gettin' down in ATLANTA!!    'Like' my fan page (Regina Zumba Goddess Cannon) on Facebook and you too can win prizes and receive discounts on exclusive 'fan page' only specials!             (Click the above link to join now)   Energize yourself with Zumba!!           If you've enjoyed your experience with Zumba with Regina, then please tell a friend. Be sure to share this newletter on your favorite social media network!  Have a Healthy day!! Sincerely,    Regina "Zumba Goddess" Cannon  aka Ms. 'Turbo Hips' Zumba Fitness/Specialty Zumba Instructor International Presenter    regina.cannon3@gmail.com 770 875 2173

Stress Management via a Workout Routine

According to the American Heart Association, stress left unchecked may lead to any of the following health challenges: aches and pains, reduced energy levels, poorer quality of sleep, depressed or negative feelings, and altered disposition. Exercise has been proven to be an effective tool in stress management. Following a consistent workout routine will improve the body’s stress response. Be sure to consult a physician prior to initiating any type of exercise program.
There is good stress and there is bad stress. Good stress comes from the energy needed to execute desirable activities ranging from a challenge at work or school, to athletic competitions, and even hobbies. Bad stress can be defined as the condition that results when one is overwhelmed and unable to resolve problems. Financial struggles, health crises, death and loss, family strife, poor work environment, and legal trouble all place negative stress on the body. Bad stress manifests itself adversely on the vital organs quickly and in more detrimental ways. Even with good stress, it is important to rest, relax, and recharge on a regular basis.
Exercise is medicine. Even vintage cars need to be taken out of the garage and driven on the open road to keep the engine well-tuned periodically. One of the easiest ways to incorporate exercise into a consistent routine is to stretch the body three times per day: once upon rising, once midday, and once at bedtime. Without realizing it, stress causes muscles to tighten which affects good posture. Some people clench their teeth, while others tense the shoulders and neck. Low back pain is also a common complaint.  Attending a yoga class a few times a week is great for physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Another great way to exercise and relieve stress is to walk for at least 30 minutes per day, most days of the week. Some days can be relaxing strolls while other days can be more challenging by increasing speed and/or distance walked.
For those who are short on time, but still want the benefits of intense exercise, circuit training is recommended. To warm up the body, perform some light stretches. Then, perform 10 jumping jacks, 10 squats, and 10 pushups with no breaks in-between. Rest for 60 seconds and repeat the circuit 3-5 times. This type of program requires no equipment and can be performed almost anywhere several times per day.
When life seems to be spinning out of control, it may be helpful to hire a personal trainer or find a committed workout partner to maintain focus. During these times, stress management is most difficult. It may also be desirable to participate in sports like boxing to work off feelings of anger and aggression. Martial arts can accomplish the same goals while learning obedience, perseverance, discipline, and self-control.
A consistent workout routine is a critical element of effective stress management. Exercise leads to improved mood and disposition, clarity of thought, reduced blood pressure, improved quality of sleep, and increased energy. Therefore, it is easier to solve problems and maintain a better outlook for the future.

About the Author

 by Shape-Up Shawn  on July 18, 2012 via the Workout Healthy Blog

Raychelle Muhammad holds a B.S. in Sports Management from California University of Pennsylvania. Her studies focused on wellness and fitness. She is also an NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Raychelle has worked as a trainer since 2006 and specializes in full body workouts, general nutrition, and flexibility training.