We have all heard that yoga aids in flexibility, strength, balance and agility.  But did you know that the most profound benefits of yoga are only discovered as we learn to release tensions with our breath?  Tension can manifest in the form of physical pain, stiffness, stress, migraines and anxiety. Through yoga these blockages are diminished and a better state of balance in mind and body can be achieved.Yoga helps us to grow stronger physically, but also mentally.  Through a physical practice we learn to be intentional, focused, patient and more disciplined.  We learn to take one breath at a time as we face challenges physically or emotionally.  These are the qualities that help us on and off the mat.Would you like to begin?  If so, here are some questions you need to ask yourself to get started… What type of school?  Are you interested in doing more than just the physical poses?  Would you like to use yoga to manage stress and learn about yogic philosophy, breath work and meditation?  If so, you may be interested in a traditional practice rooted in styles like Ashtanga, or Sivananda typically taught in a studio environment.  Looking for just the physical benefits of yoga?  If so, then you may choose a fitness-based yoga practice taught in the gym environment. What type of class suits you? A vinyasa flow class is a dynamic style of yoga that incorporates breath to build strength, flexibility and balance all while calming the mind. A restorative yoga class focuses on relaxation and letting go.  A Yoga Nidra class is a guided meditation class.  Ask about the different classes being offered. What is the quality of the teaching staff?  Will you get personalized attention?  The best way to learn is if you have a teacher that will listen to you, watch you, give you feedback and correct your alignment and breathing technique. What are the sizes of the classes? In traditional yoga, the relationship between a teacher and a student is very important.  It is important to decide if you are in search of a school with a community feel or if you would rather attend bigger establishment. What is the demographic of the clientele?  Is the level of the class in line with your capabilities?  Is there room for you to grow and to learn more at this school?  Are the instructors trained to give you alternatives to suit your capabilities? Do you feel welcome or does it seem intimidating?  It is so important to find a place that feels welcoming and encouraging.  Was the staff friendly?  What is the vibe that you feel? Can you take a trial class before committing?  The only way to know if you like it is if you try it!  Some studios offer a one-week introductory week at a reasonable cost.In the hopes that these tips help you find the yoga that is right for you!Rozel Gonzales is the Founder of the Energie EnCorps Wellness Centre in Kirkland.  For more information on their West Island yoga classes and services please call (514) 505-9642 or visit: www.energieencorps.com

The holidays are a time of togetherness and celebration, and

let’s face it: food (and drink!) is a major part of the season. With cookies,

cakes and eggnog surrounding us at countless parties and at the work place, it

can certainly feel like a challenging time to stay on the right nutritional

track. Do not despair!

Where many people run into trouble, is when they allow a few

episodes of over-indulgence slide into a slippery slope. Some adopt the attitude

that since they have already “ruined” their diet, they may as well continue

eating poorly. It is important to recognize that a handful of rich meals will

not have a major impact on our bodies, especially if we are quick to return to

our healthy habits.  A full month of

dietary debauchery, however, may be a little more difficult to recover from!

On the other extreme, many health and weight-conscious

people come to fear the holidays, believing that all of their efforts will come

undone. We should never feel apprehensive or shameful when it comes to enjoying

a meal. “Healthy eating” means more than simply having a balanced diet: it also

means having a healthy attitude towards and being able to enjoy food!

The best approach to staying on track during the holiday

season is to stay present and mindful. 

Take a moment to check-in with your hunger levels and ask yourself “is

this really worth it”. Just because someone brings donuts in to work does not

mean that you have to eat them. However, if you wait all year for your aunt’s

famous shortbread cookies, go ahead and enjoy a few without any guilt!

Here are a few tips for practicing moderation this holiday

season:Pack your

lunch and snacks. Be sure to bring a healthy lunch and snacks to work

whenever possible. If you have filled up on wholesome food, you will be less

likely to be tempted by the treats surrounding you!Get the

right balance on your plate. If you are able to serve yourself at dinner

parties, cover at least half of your plate with veggies, a quarter of your

plate with protein and a quarter with a grain product. This will ensure you are

filling up with more vitamins, minerals and fiber vs. fat and cholesterol.Limit the

alcohol. Not only is it high in calories, but alcohol can stimulate the

appetite, causing us to overeat. Furthermore, alcohol lowers our inhibitions,

making us that much more likely to go for seconds! I suggest pacing yourself by

having a full glass of water between each drink.Stay

moving. Try to schedule in time for workouts - it can be very helpful with

burning off a little of the excess.

Robin Glance is the registered dietician at the Energie

EnCorps Wellness Centre in Kirkland.  She

is a McGill graduate of Dietetics and Human Nutrition and has been practicing clinical

nutrition for over nine years.  To book

an appointment with Robin call 514-505-9642 or visit www.energieencorps.com.

Join Energie EnCorps to ZUMBA for a CAUSE and to support the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Canada! Some of the West Island's best instructors come together for a PARTY YOU WILL NOT FORGET!To learn about why this cause is so important to us: http://www.karmaforacause.com/About_Us.phpInstructors: ROZEL GONZALES, LISBETH MORA, ALEJANDRA GIL, CELESTE GMENO, VERONICA AGUIRRE, MAEVA BLOT, ERICA UMUSHIRE, CAMILLE GINCHEREAU, LESLIE CALIP OR PATRICK LATENDRESSE.Location: Centre Socio-culturel Île- BizardAddress: 490 de l'Eglise, Llle-BizardTime: 7-9pmCost: $20 Tickets can be at the Energie EnCorps studio or through the instructors teaching or ONLINE. See instructions below:Studio:ENERGIE ENCORPS102 du Barry #201Kirkland, QC H9H 4P8(514) 505-9642 or www.energieencorps.comINSTRUCTIONS FOR ONLINE PAYMENT:1) DONATE $20 (or more... ) direclty to LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY OF CANADA online via credit card by following this link: TEAM FERRARO AVENGERS: tinyurl.com/teamferraroavengers2015You will receive a tax receipt for any donation over $25.2) Email Rozel Gonzales: rozel@energieencorps.com a copy of your tax receipt and we will provide you with your TICKET # via email.3) Please bring your email from Rozel indicating your ticket # as proof of purchase.Please help us by INVITING YOUR FRIENDS to join us!  Here is the FB event link:  https://www.facebook.com/events/860279614064463/QUESTIONS? (514) 505-9642 ou rozel@energieencorps.comRozel Gonzales 

Énergie EnCorps now offers Mom and Baby Yoga! Mom and Baby Yoga provides an opportunity for moms and moving babies to enjoy yoga together (3 to 12 months). As mom works on opening and toning her body, baby works on their motor skills. Moms (or dads!) have an opportunity to practice yoga for themselves while also exploring movement with their baby through music and song.To sign up: www.energieencorps.com/kidsclassesFor more information, don't hesitate to contact us:info@energieencorps.com 514-505-9642www.energieencorps.com102 du Barry #201Kirkland,Qc

In many healing modalities, breath work has been shown to promote the release of our emotional blockages for a deep and lasting healing. Our breath is controlled by our subconscious mind, but can also control our subconscious through conscious effort and intent. When we feel panicked, we take short, shallow breaths which can restrict blood flow and tense our muscles. On the other hand, full, deep breaths will promote relaxation and reduce stress. In this way, breath can be used as a powerful tool for healing and transformation. Michael goes deeper into this concept, guiding an hour long healing exercise utilizing breath, intention and sound. Michael is from California and for years has been studying and exploring health, healing and personal transformation.  His interests lie in the innate energetic healing potential of all humans.  Breathwork has been one of his many tools for assisting others to re-connect with their innate wisdom and healing potential.To sign up: www.energieencorps.com/workshopsFor more information, don't hesitate to contact us:info@energieencorps.com 514-505-9642www.energieencorps.com102 du Barry #201Kirkland,Qc 

The Energie Challenge is a personal challenge to kick off the Spring season! With the goal of encouraging communal participation and wellness, the Energie Challenge will allow you to track your physical activity and improve your fitness levels.How do I participate?It's easy! It all starts with signing your name on one of the Energie Challenge posters. The concept is simple: be physically active, attend as many classes and therapies as you'd like in a two-week period from April 1st to 16th 2015. Activities can include Yoga, Zumba, Pilates, Massage, Osteo, even walking outside!  When you complete any exercise, class, or therapy, simply write it on the poster!There will be amazing prizes to be won, including: massages, classes, therapies and much more! Invite your friends to join you!Dates: April 1st-16th 2015 (Studio is closed for Easter Sunday and Monday).Cost: $50 for 2 weeks of unlimited classes (for those without the EnergiePass).Note: If you have a 10 or 20 class pass, we will extend the time on it by 2 weeks, allowing you to put your classes on hold while you do the challenge!For more information please contact (514) 505-9642.To sign up, select your classes, then check out with the ENERGIE CHALLENGE pricing option!  Looking forward to seeing you!

Energie EnCorps Wellness Centre in Kirkland, QC offers osteopathy treatments.Osteopathic treatments are not only good for relieving local symptoms in muscles or joints but in fact deal with the underlying cause of a symptom and can help the body function optimally.Research shows that stress is a common cause of the onset of physical pains and the development of other health issues. Overloading your body systems with stressful states such as anxiety, lack of sleep, lots of caffeine or even poor posture can lead to dysfunction and altered function of digestion, immune system response, reproduction, mood, emotion, stress as well as energy storage and expenditure.Stress can be broken down into three stages:1.The alarm stage describes the initial reaction of the body to deal with a stressful situation. We know this simply as the ‘fight or flight’ reflex which suppresses neural supply to unconscious bodily functions such as digestion and reproduction.2.The adaptation or resistance stage is the aftermath of the initial stress and the body begins to return all its functions back to normal levels however the system as a whole remains on red alert. If stress is constant or persistent the body becomes depleted of resources to resistance or adapt itself leading to stage 3. 3.The Exhaustion stage refers literally to the fatigue of the body’s energy and immunity. Commonly known as ‘burnout’ we become susceptible to disease.Osteopathic treatments can directly target and treat the tissues responsible for the imbalances created by the alarm stage and help the body relax back to its neutral state and better manage the stress response. Breathing exercises and tension release techniques performed by an osteopath can also help correct alignment that may be irritating nerves or internal organs.

Click here for more info, or to book an appointment.  

Click here to see the video.

Energie EncorpsLiked · September 30 HAPPY ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! Energie Encorps is so pleased to announce that WE ARE MOVING and WE ARE EXPANDING! As of today, our new home will be at the Village du Barry, 100 du Barry, Kirkland. It is a cozy, warm and welcoming loft space. It will be a place where we will create an amazing, fun, supportive and inclusive environment for all!COME TO OUR FIRST CLASS THIS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2ND for Zumba at 6:30 and YogaFlow at 7:45pm! Bring your friends!Our current schedule will continue as is for the months of October and November. We will shut down in December for renovations and re-open in January officially as Le Centre de Bien-Être ENERGIE ENCORPS. We will offer a full array of yoga and fitness classes, with more instructors, for the whole family as well as offer holistic health services! We are extremely excited to go on this awesome journey! We are fully dedicated in HELPING YOU SHINE FROM THE INSIDE OUT! LIKE Energie Encorps and stay tuned for all upcoming and exciting changes! For the full schedule visit:www.energieencorps.com For more info call: 514-887-1018.

Click here to see the video.

Click here to see the video.

Click here to see the video.

Thanks to everyone that came out for our demo on November 5th!  It was a big success! 

Last Saturday we shaked, shimmies and stretched with new Zumba instructors Roberta Rasori, yoga instructor Elyse Burns and myself Rozel Gonzales!  Check out the amazing time that we had at our OPEN HOUSE!Facebook album:  http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150777886920391.722198.889425390

The new fall schedule is  out!  As of September 21st,  Zumba and Hatha Yoga will now be  available on Wednesday and Friday mornings.  While your kids go to school... take a little time to care for your own BODY and MIND...  NEW FALL PRICES:  Effective September 1st, 20111 drop-in class= $1210 class loyalty card = $10020 class loyalty card= $160TAXES INCLUDED.  Loyalty cards are valid for 4 months.To download the full schedule, please click here:

Click here to see the video.

Hi Folks,I was originally going to go camping this weekend, but since its just going to pour... I figured it would be best to postpone the trip.  All that to say... that there will be class on Sunday, June 26th.  Let's bring our own sunshine.  What do you think?I was thinking that perhaps we should film another ZUMBA video... its been a couple of months!  What about Dat Sexy Body and Pack it UP?  Please come dressed in lots of color!  And, for the new people... please don't worry.  You do not have to be in the film if you don't want to.  No worries...See you all on Sunday!Rozel

I would like to invite you to a Bollywood workshop that I am organizing

on March 27th, 2010.  Be inspired by the beauty of TRUE INDIAN DANCE. 

Experience the joy and energy of various Bollywood dances with Amrita

Choudry.  An afternoon of pure happiness, color and imagination.  Learn

simple, new movements to inspire you to create your own Bollywood

routines for your class, for the dance floor, or for your own living

room for that matter!To learn more, visit this FACEBOOK LINK: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109494505793060&index=1#!/event.php?eid=109494505793060

Date: Sunday, March 27

Time: 2-4pm

Cost: $40 TAX INCLUDEDReserve your spot today! Space is limited!Workshop to be presented in English and FrenchTo reserve, contact me, Rozel Gonzales at rozel@energieencorps.com

A huge success!  Please check out these wonderful pictures from last Saturday's event:http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=620343&id=889425390&l=566b1f48fa

Click here to see the video.

Click here to see the video.

As most of you already know, my five year old son, Luka, is currently completing his chemotherapy treatment for Burkitt's Leukemia/Lymphoma.  He was diagnosed on September 30, 2010.  It has been a very difficult few months, but fortunately, we are blessed... my son has responded extremely well to treatment.  He is now cancer-free and is on the road to recovery.  Thank God!  The Oncology ward, otherwise known as "8D" of the Children's Hospital is now a second home for us.

Please support this cause that is very close to my heart.  There are many children on the ward, like my son, that could really use your help.  I thank Zumba instructor, Marie-Thérèse Abboud, a cancer survivor herself, for taking the initiative to organize this event.  Let's make a difference together!

For complete details please check out this link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=132258240172810

To reserve your tickets, please contact Marie-Therese via facebook or myself.

I would like to invite you to a Bollywood workshop that I am organizing on March 27th, 2010.  Be inspired by the beauty of TRUE INDIAN DANCE.  Experience the joy and energy of various Bollywood dances with Amrita Choudry.  An afternoon of pure happiness, color and imagination.  Learn simple, new movements to inspire you to create your own Bollywood routines for your class, for the dance floor, or for your own living room for that matter!To learn more, visit this FACEBOOK LINK: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109494505793060&index=1#!/event.php?eid=109494505793060

Date: Sunday, March 27

Time: 2-4pm

Cost: $40 TAX INCLUDEDReserve your spot today! Space is limited!Workshop to be presented in English and FrenchTo reserve, contact me, Rozel Gonzales at rozel@energieencorps.com

To all Energie EnCorps card holders!

Would you like to win 20 ZUMBA CLASSES worth $140?  Here is how... For the months of January and February, each time you bring a friend to class your name will be entered in the draw.  Should your friend purchase a package of 10 or 20 classes, your name will be entered in the draw again! 

The winning name will be selected on Sunday, February 27th!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Hello everyone!

Please take note of the following class cancellations due to holiday activities. Sorry about this... we will just sweat twice as hard in January!

CLASS CANCELLATIONS

Sunday, December 12Wednesday, December 15Sunday, December 26thSunday, January 2ndHappy Holidays!

Rozel

Please check this site for updates. We should have an update by October 14th.

Anyone who has pre-paid and wishes to have a refund, please use the contact form on this web site.

Exciting news! On October 22-24, a group of 17 of my most dedicated yoga students and I will be experiencing life at the world renowned Sivinanda Ashram in Val Morin, QC. This jewel in the Laurentians is a pleasant surprise! Fortunately, we do not have to travel too far to escape into this whole new world!

http://sivananda.hdtwebhosting.ca/website/

It has taken me a while, but after 10 years of teaching and practicing, focusing primarily on the physical aspect of yoga... I am now ready to open up and learn more about the spiritual aspect of yoga.

There will be chants, mantras, silent meditation and breathing workshops... all of which I am ready for. I am so pleased to be surrounded by students who are so open and also ready to join me on this experience.

All of you, my students, have made my practice so worthwhile! I love the energy and the community that we have built together!

Rozel

Mark and I could not have asked for a better turn out at the Lululemon Zumba Party held last Saturday, August 28th, held at Fairview, Pointe-Claire. There were tons of people full of energy, all ready to shake and salsa to their hearts content! You all rocked! Thank you for sharing your energy with us.

If you enjoyed the party, please feel free to join me at my own Energie EnCorps classes. For info, please check out my class schedule, see link above.

For information regarding Mark Vicente's classes held at Studio Biz, please contact him directly at markvicente@gmail.com.

In health and fitness,

Rozel

WHEN: Saturday, August 28th, 2010

LOCATION: Fairview Pointe-Claire, Centre Court

TIME: 5pm to 6:30pm

COST: FREE!!!

Come out and join the action! Join myself and my good friend Mark Vicente on Saturday, August 28th at 5pm at the centre court in Fairview for a crazy ZUMBA MASTERCLASS PARTY! There will be a DJ, awesome music, great people and lots of fun! Bring your friends and family! Share your passion for ZUMBA with us! It will be an AMAZING TIME!

To invite your friends, you can share this link:

http://www.facebook.com/rozel.gonzales#!/event.php?eid=139738449379860&ref=mf

Click here to see the video.

READ ABOUT OUR CHALLENGE!

Shakira has a challenge for you: can you do the Waka Waka dance? We are looking for as many Shakira fans as possible to do the dance for the organization 1GOAL in support of their project to promote universal education.

The idea behind this campaign is very simple: record yourself dancing the Waka Waka (the dance for the official FIFA World Cup 2010 song, by Shakira feat. Freshlyground). Just follow the steps shown by the dancers in the video. When you have your video ready, please upload it to YouTube and mark it as a response to the instructional video showing at Youtube.com/shakirawakawaka.

People throughout the world have already begun uploading their videos, even FC Barcelona, the newly-crowned champions of the Spanish League, danced the Waka Waka last night during their celebrations.

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So, our Waka Waka video was a big success! It seems that everyone got a kick out of watching themselves and sharing the videos with their friends! Its also really motivating to see how AWESOME YOU GUYS LOOK!

Take a look at our masterpiece! I am so proud of US!

Click here to see the video.

Click here to see the video.