In-person activities - winter 2023

Distinctive style, moves and music. Cardio Plus draws from a plethora of dance styles integrating new combinations of cardiovascular aerobics while toning. There’s stretching (standing & floor) and some abdominal core work as well to top things off. If you enjoy dancing or would like more fluidity and coordination, this class can kick in your groove.

Perfect for everybody and every body! Each Zumba^® class is designed to bring people together to sweat it on. We take the "work" out of workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Once the Latin and World rhythms take over, you'll see why Zumba^® fitness classes are often called exercise in disguise. A total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy and a serious dose of awesome each time you leave class.

A high intensity, cross-training session incorporating a blend of cardiovascular, strength and core exercises for an intense total body workout. I strive to make Hard Core as unique as possible, by coming up with creative and effective ways to challenge and strengthen my participants. Expect lots of variety to challenge all fitness levels, and be prepared to sweat! 

• The class is a combination of Yoga, Pilates, and low impact aerobics with approximately ten exercises per class. 
• The exercises are designed to strengthen, as well as increase flexibility.  Some exercises are on the floor, the others are in a standing position.
• The class is fast moving and fun and the exercises are adaptable to be appropriate for all levels of fitness.

CIRCUIT TRAINING (kinesis) 

All fitness levels. 

Class on the gym floor

Be prepared for a fun and dynamic overall body workout using Kinesis machines and various fitness equipment to keep your mind and body stimulated (kettle bells, medicine balls, agility ladder, mini bands and more). Engage in a series of strengthening exercises targeting multiple muscle groups. Learn unique ways to squat, lunge, chest press, and fire up the core! Go at your own pace (speed and intensity) to pump up the heart rate. Improve your flexibility, balance, coordination and endurance. Kinesis machines are safe and easy on the joints. Modifications provided. Get ready to feel energized!

A combination of standing, dancing and floor exercises from classical ballet and contemporary dance that will help you develop an all-round fitness in a gentle yet intense manner. 

Includes:

• Floor combinations travelling across the room, sitting and lying down poses for "floor-ballet barre" (excellent for the whole body: abdominals, hips, legs, shoulders, etc.)
• Working with flowing energy to classical and contemporary music.

Somethings to note:

• Those who have had training as well as those who are in it for the first time are equally welcome in this class.
• Barefoot, socks with a bit of adherence or jazz/ballet slippers are better than running shoes.

Ballroom and Latin Dancing

Have you ever wanted to dance but didn’t know how? This course will teach you to dance to many different rhythms — rumba, cha-cha, merengue, foxtrot, swing and more. You will learn how to partner as a leader, follower or both. The instructor is Daphne Cunliffe, a Fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. After taking this course, you should feel comfortable going out to dance, enjoying the Montreal nightlife and you will have hours of fun learning.

Due to the concerns about Covid-19, it is necessary to come with a partner.

Some of the movements and positions include hill climbs, sprints and intervals. Using music, and motivation, enthusiastic leadership,students are lead through a ride that best suits their fitness level and goals. Our classes are designed to improve a rider's outdoor skill set and increase endurance while providing an intense cardiovascular-based workout.

A few things you should take with you to spin class:

• Water and a towel
  Drinking water throughout a spinning class is essential.  Indoor cardiovascular exercise increases your body temperature and causes significant perspiration.  All that sweating can leave you dehydrated if you are not constantly hydrating yourself during class. Please bring a towel to each spinning class.
• Comfortable workout clothes 
  Workout clothes that allow for free movement are preferred.  Fabrics that pull sweat away from your body leaving you cool and dry are recommended for spinning.

Focusing on building core strength, improving posture, and increasing flexibility using classical Pilates exercises as well as adding complex variations for an extra challenge. Learn how to incorporate efficient breathing techniques and develop longer and leaner muscles! 

Try Savate Kickboxing for fitness, competition or just for fun. We have entry-level classes that are safe and enjoyable. We will teach you the skills you need to progress into one of our more challenging advanced classes. This kickboxing art involves a combination of effective hand strikes and dynamic kicks. Savate uses the hands and the whole shoe as a weapon for striking with force, finesse and precision. The training sessions rely on partner drills, using controlled contact on each other, allowing the student to develop their balance, distance, precision and timing. This art is becoming more popular with women as it is graceful and elegant; however, with its powerful variety of kicks, punches, and sweeps, Boxe Francaise Savate is an effective sport fighting system.

Further explanations will be given in class on all the following subjects:

• Clothing that can be worn: kickboxing pants, shorts, T-shirts, etc. Note: Whatever the shirt type, it should be body fitting.
• Footwear: Preferably Savate shoes, wrestling shoes, boxing, or indoor soccer shoes will do. Running shoes may also be used however the flatter the shoe the better.
• Gloves are required. Savate globes (SDI) or boxing gloves, no less than 12 ounces, ideal 14 ounces, increases depending on weight. 
• Mouthpiece. Required.
• Handwraps and shin guards are highly recommended.
• Equipment can be purchased through the class; we have a supplier who manufactures good quality equipment at discount prices.

Meaning 'Empty Hands' is a Japanese martial art which teaches unarmed self-defense techniques, blocking and counterattacking. A highly dynamic and physical art, the Japanese Karate Shotokan style is taught by qualified instructors from the Japan Karate Association.  Students pass through several levels of expertise, with each level developing new skills combining the fundamental aspects: Basics, Kata (choreographed series of movements) and Kumite (sparring). Loose clothing, bare feet and a willingness to embrace Japanese fighting traditions is all that is needed for your participation.

In the traditional sense, Iaido is the Japanese martial art associated with the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking or cutting an opponent, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard. New students of iaido start learning with a wooden sword (bokuto) and as they progress in their training, they advance to the use of an unsharpened sword (iaito). Advanced practitioners use a sharpened metal sword (shinken). The style of iaido taught at Concordia is called “Muso Shinden Ryu”.

Because iaido teaches the use of actual metal weaponry, with its inherent risk, it is almost entirely based on the teaching of forms, or kata. Iaido does not include direct contact or sparring of any kind. Because of this non-competitve aspect, and iaido's emphasis on precise, controlled, fluid motion, it is sometimes referred to as "moving Zen."  

Kendo literally means "The way of the Sword" in Japanese. It refers to the art of traditional Japanese fencing that was originally developed and practiced by Bushi or Samurai. Kendo originated from the various sword fighting techniques resulting from hundreds of years of combat and study.

It deals with the physical and mental skills necessary for sword fighting. The goal of Kendo is not only to develop the physical capability for fighting but also the moral and spiritual aspects that may be applied in coping with real life. In Japan, it is one of the most popular martial arts. The practitioner is taught skills in attack and defence involving foot and hand movements usually with a partner wearing armour. Kendo has spread to other parts of the world such as North America and Europe. It has developed a strong following in Canada and in Quebec as well. Kendo is continually growing in popularity worldwide.