Barre Class

Barre Class Taught by Nurit Krauss, who trained at the Julliard School, Martha Graham Center, and the Joffrey Ballet, Barre Class is specially designed for women. It is taught primarily at the ballet barre, but also includes some center and aerobic exercises. Concentrating on balance, alignment, placement, coordination and upper body strength, the Barre Class utilizes principles of ballet and dance to enhance posture, elongate muscles and improve joint articulation and extension.  Special attention is given to learning sequences of movement with music to improve memory.

• INSTRUCTOR: Nurit Krauss
• COST: Use your Body Shop Card
• TIME: Wednesdays, 9:00 - 10:15 am

Belly Dance

Shirin Goddess Empowerment!   Belly Dance is a fabulously fun and creative way for women of all ages to get in shape, explore exciting new music, and experience true Woman Power!  Class will sometimes use finger cymbals and other props, available from the instructor for purchase or loan.  Classes for both the beginner and intermidiate level available.  Shirin teaches in Los Angeles and Japan and performs locally,  for more information, go to: www.raqshirin.com
                       

• INSTRUCTOR: Shirin
  
• TIME:  Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:30 pm (beginning) 
• 7:45 - 8:45 pm (intermediate)

Bhavani Yoga

Core Focus

Join Bhavani for a great hatha yoga "flow" class!  Bhavani has been teaching for close to 40 years on both the east and west coast, and worldwide.  She has a very loyal following - for good reason!

• INSTRUCTOR: Bhavani
• COST: $135
• TIME: Mon./Wed.Fri. 6:30-7:30 am and 12:30-1:30 pm                                                                                                                                                                 

Body Fat Testing

Experts agree that body fat testing is a better, more accurate method of determining your fitness level. The anti-obesity initiative started by former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. C. Everett Koop, issued an advisory stating that one's body fat percentage is the superior measure of healthy weight. This announcement followed new research supporting body fat percentage as an indicator of health risk. Using the caliper skinfold method, you can learn your body fat and lean body mass levels. Mini-lifestyle consultation with exercise and nutritional recommendations are also included.

• INSTRUCTOR:  Contact Sharon Donaldson, ACE Certified Fitness Professional, for an appointment at (310) 452-3881, x103 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• COST:  $10, YWCA members; $20, non-members

Body Shop Card

Bodyshop If you find health clubs intimidating, uncomfortable, competitive, and expensive, then join us at the YWCA where you can work out at your own pace in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere! Receive individualized attention from our professional, certified instructors and meet other women who are also there to get fit! The YWCA “Bodyshop” program will help you improve the efficiency of your heart and lungs, burn fat, tone your body and have fun! Regular exercise reduces stress, increases flexibility and endurance and can improve your physical and mental state. TRY YOUR FIRST CLASS FREE!  Body Shop offers:

• Certified professional instructors
• An airy gym with mirrors, sound system and a wood floor
• Affordable classes
• Convenient class schedule
• A comfortable atmosphere for women to get in shape!
• Body Shop Exclusive! Tone your muscles and strengthen your bones with Dr. Robert and Annette Sweezey's "Osteoball" Program. Experience the difference!

• INSTRUCTORS: Terese Miller, Sharon Donaldson, Nancy Kaufman, Nurit Krauss,  Adelaide McLean, Rita Ashton, Hannah Kapp and Janis Flax
• COST: $80 for 8 classes;$210 for 25 classes

• NOTICE - Bodyshop Cards are valid for 3 months
• NO EXTENSIONS (except for medical disability, to be extended at Program Director's discretion).

Body Shop Card and Weight Room Special

Bodyshop Card and Weight Room Special You can purchase a 3-month Weight Room Card (regular price, $60) along with your Body Shop Card and SAVE $10.  Our Weight Room has all of the standard equipment you need to get into shape, including treadmill, stationary bicycle, elliptical trainer, free weights, balance ball, Bosu ball and a strength-building weight system.

• INSTRUCTORS:  See individual class descriptions.
• COST:  8 Body Shop classes: $80; 25 Body Shop classes: $210; Weight Room Card special: $50/3 months (regular price, $60); Initial weight room consultation: $45 (must prepay); Consultation no-show: $25.00
• TIME: Open during regular YWCA hours

Broadway Stars (Ages 6 - 10)

Broadway Stars Gymnastics New!  Price Reduction! 

Beginning gymnastics - fun and fitness! Taught by the gymnastics leaders from Broadway Gymnastic School, children learn basic yet progressive gymnastic skills, including floor exercises, vault, bars, balance beam, flexibility and coordination.  Please check availability of class before regisitering online, we cannot guarantee space until verified by phone.  Call (310) 452-3881, ext. 0 or 103.  Thank You!

Visit www.broadwaygym.com for more info.

• INSTRUCTORS: Broadway Gymnastics Staff
• TIME:  Tuesdays, 4:10 - 5:00 pm and Thursdays, 4:10 - 5:00 pm

Core & More

Strong and Stretched Build strength, flexibility, balance and posture with a variety of resistive equipment.  Exercises used will also help you train core muscles, maintain bone density, burn calories and bust stress! Now using the isometric Osteoball, the exclusive state-of-the-art exercise tool from the Sweezy Institute!

• INSTRUCTOR: Terese Miller, ACE Gold Certified Fitness Professional, ACSM & IDEA Member
• COST: Use your Body Shop Card
• TIME:  Wednesdays, 5:15 - 6:15 pm (starting Sept. 9)

Core-Barre

Core Focus

Our new Core-Barre class blends ballet barre conditioning, yoga postures, mat work and strength training exercises to create a lean physique while improving flexibility, core strength and balance.  Taught with upbeat music and an upbeat style by Janis, this class is guaranteed to make you feel energized and focused!

• INSTRUCTOR: Janis Flax
• COST: Use your Body Shop Card
• TIME: Thursdays, 9:00 - 10:00 am  and Fridays, 10:15 - 11:15 am, Ongoing 

Gentle Exercise

Gentle Exercise For all ages and most fitness levels, improve your health with this enjoyable, effective workout targeted to enhance the quality of life. Class environment is friendly, comfortable, and dare we say, fun! Format includes warm-up, balance skills and challenges, vertical abdominal work, gentle low-impact aerobics and dance steps, muscular strength endurance exercises plus a great stretch. Alternative exercises offered for those needing a more challenging workout. Now using the isometric Osteoball-exclusive state-of-the-art exercise tool from the Sweezy Institute!

• INSTRUCTOR: Terese Miller, ACE Gold Certified Fitness Professional, ACSM & IDEA Member
•  COST: 8 Class Card for $40  (If purchased online, please come to front office for your first class to pick up your card.) 
  
• TIME: Mon, Tue, Thu 10:45 - 11:45 am

Karate for Kids (Ages 5 - 10)

Karate Join Sensei Dana Thompson as she instructs students using the Shotokan method of Karate, which concentrates on defense (punches, kicks, blocks), deliberation (sparring and grappling), and forms (katas).  Students will progress through a traditional ranking system as they learn skills and techniques that will assist them in every aspect of their daily lives. In addition to traditional Karate, younger students are taught "Stranger Beware" to help keep them as safe as possible in real world situations that are relevant today.  Older students are taught "Street Wise" to help them avoid potentially dangerous situations. Sensei Dana Thompson is a certified Karate instructor with over 15 years experience and 3rd degree Black Belt in Traditional Shotokan.

REGISTER THROUGH INSTRUCTOR AT:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

or call (310)740-1223

• INSTRUCTOR:  Sensei Dana Thompson
• TIME:  Mondays, 5:15 - 6:15 pm

Life Drawing Workshop

Life Drawing LOCAL ARTISTS! ART STUDENTS! The YWCA offers an affordable, uninstructed figure drawing workshop on Tuesday nights using high quality, diverse models. This is a great opportunity to hone your drawing skills with live models and to meet other artists in a professional, yet comfortable atmosphere. LIMITED ENROLLMENT!

(Ages 16 and up, under 18 years needs permission note from parent or guardian.)

• COORDINATOR: Dan Horowitz.
• COST: $50 for 4 sessions (YWCA Members); $56 for 4 sessions (YWCA Non-Members); $15 for 1 session (YWCA Non-Members)
• TIME: Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:30 pm, Ongoing

Little Tumbling Stars (Ages 3 - 5)

New!  Price Reduction!

Little Tumbling Stars Children learn tumbling, vaulting, balance beam, bar, and strength/flexibility exercises using mat equipment and motor skills. Positive reinforcement is used to help students gain confidence and enhance the joy of movement ? Don't miss this!  Please check availability of class before registering online, we cannot guarantee space availability, call (310) 452-3881 ext. 0 or 103.  Thank You!

Visit www.broadwaygym.com for more info.

• INSTRUCTORS: Broadway Gymnastics Staff
• TIME:  Tuesdays, 3:15 - 4.00 pm,
•  and Thursdays, 3:15 - 4:00 pm

NEW! Marie's Creative Movement (Ages 3 - 4)

Marie's Creative Movement This class is a joyful way for children to explore movement through music, channel energy and stimulate the imagination!  Fun movement exercises will be incorporated to increase body awareness for young children.  Marie Bergenholtz is a well-known dance instructor inthe community who has been teaching children and adults for many years.

• INSTRUCTOR: Marie Bergenholtz
• TIME:  Fridays, 3:00 - 3:30 pm

A joyful class for children to explore movement through music, increase body awareness, channel energy and stimulate the imagination!

NEW! Marie's Pre-Ballet (Ages 4 - 6)

Marie's Pre-Ballet Well-known dance instructor, Marie Bergenholtz, teaches this intro to ballet class for children that will cover ballet positions, how to listen and count to music and the discipline of a dance class, in a fun and safe environment.  Marie has been teaching dance to children and adults for many years..

• INSTRUCTOR: Marie Bergenholtz
• TIME:  Fridays, 3:30 - 4:15 pm

NEW! Zumba Kids (ages 5-11)

Perfect for our younger Zumba fans!  Kids get the chance to be active and jam out to their favorite music.  Zumba Kids classes feature kid-friendly routines based on original Zumba choreography.  We break down the steps, add games, activities and cultural exploration elements into the class structure.  Making fitness fun! 

The instructor, Rachel Kann has been teaching fitness to all ages since 2006.  She is a certified Zumba instructor and DJ and has been teaching in L.A., NYC and internationally

• INSTRUCTOR: Rachel Kann
• Mondays, 4:15 - 5:00 pm
• Cost: $96 per 8 week session

Qi Gong for Health - New!

Qi Gong 2 2 Qi Gong is a Chinese system of exercise based on Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been around for over 5,000 years.  Qi Gong will awaken your body's innate healing powers by combining movement, massage, meditation and breathing.  Because most Qi Gong forms are simple and repetitive, they are more accessible than many Tai Chi forms, so one can feel the effects (feelings of calm and good health) almost immediately.  The practice also builds strength, improves balance and leaves you feeling peaceful and relaxed.

The instructor, Michael Sieverts has been teaching Qi Gong in the community for 12+ years.

• INSTRUCTOR:  Michael Sieverts
• TIME:  Saturdays, 8:45 - 10:00 am (beginning 3/21/15)
• COST:  Use your Bodyshop Card, or $12 single class

SHIELD - Women's Self Defense

SHIELD Self Defense SHIELD Women's Self Defense was created specifically to empower women and girls against sexual assault and domestic violence.  The training has been taught for L.A. County Department of Public Health, Fox Studios, Santa Monica Police, USC, UCLA, television shows and many others.  SHIELD was designed for fighting off a bigger opponent by using leverage and lower body strength.  We train in realistic scenarios of common assaults for women in a safe and protective environment.  For more info, contact Nelson Nio at:  www.shieldselfdefense.com

• INSTRUCTORS: Nelson Nio
• TIME: Sundays at the YWCA, contact Nelson for price and times.
• www.shieldselfdefense.com

Step/Interval Aerobics

Step Aerobics builds cardiovascular endurance and burns excess fat at a fast rate, because it adds in a strength training component, it REALLY torches calories and builds lean muscle!  Nancy Kaufman has been teaching for close to 30 years and has a super-fun class with motivating music and an entertaining variety of moves without complex choreography that will keep your body in motion!

• INSTRUCTOR: Nancy Kaufman
• COST: Use your Body Shop Card
• TIME: Tuesday, 9:00 - 10:15 am, Ongoing

Thompson Adult Karate

(teens - adults)

Traditional Shotokan Karate taught by Sensei Dana Thompson, 3rd degreee Black Belt with over 15 years experience.  Students 11 on up will learn basic strikes, punches, kicks, blocks, sparring and katas (forms) as well as reality-based martial arts and self-defense.  Great workout that increases strength, flexibility and concentration.  For more information or registration, contact instructor at (310) 740-1223 or www.thompsonkarate.com

• INSTRUCTORS: Dana Thompson
• TIME: Mondays, 6:45 - 8:00 pm, ongoing
• COST: Contact Instructor for details and registration, (310) 740-1223 or www.thompsonkarate.com