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Wellth Week

Wellth Week is designed to educate J members and the community about the importance of living a wellthy life. J Wellth (Wellness + Health) is the signature program of the Lieberman Family Wellness Center (LFWC) at the J that empowers people to live life better by providing exceptional experiences in health, fitness, and wellness.

The Week At A Glance, March 24-29

Kick back, relax and let the stress melt away!

Back by popular demand, join us for our 6th annual week of wellness that kicks off Sunday, March 24, and runs through Friday, March 29, 2024. During Wellth Week, The J provides members and guests with a series of live wellness lectures and engaging hands-on workshops to promote wellness. The 2024 lineup includes fitness workout sessions, weight management, nutrition and a range of topics designed to drive home ways to create joy, reduce physical and emotional stress, all with the goal to help you find more balance in your busy lives. Look for updates on Wellth Week on J’s Facebook page, and in your e-mail. Plan now to be there!

Schedule

Beth Belk - Mindfulness Yoga Class

Sunday, March 24 at 10:30 am
Instructor: Beth Belk | Location: Mind Body Studio
Secure your spot on the My J App.

 Stress less, live more joyfully. Simple mind body practices to activate the relaxation response..

Survival to Thrival: The Magic of a Healthy Nervous System!

Sunday, March 24 from 11:30 am. – 3 pm.
Instructor: Dr. Rachel Ijames  | Location: Group Fitness Studio

What’s the difference between survival and thrival? ENERGY! When the nervous system doesn’t have energy, life seems challenging, our bodies break down and we downsize life because the stress seems too overwhelming. When our nervous system DOES have energy, life is more effortless and we’re able to heal, grow and experience more of life’s joys! Join Dr. Rachel for a FREE Nervous System Scan to learn how NetworkSpinal care can help you live an extraordinary life!

 

Lavender Face Masks

Monday, March 25 at 6 am. – 7 am., 1 pm. – 2pm. & 6 – 7:30 pm.
Location: Front Main Building Lobby

Ready to Chill Out? Join us for DIY soothing Lavender Face Masks.

Power of Intentions (Kavanah)

Monday, March 25 at 1:00 pm.
Instructor: Debbi Levy | Location: Mind Body Studio
Secure your spot on the My J App.

When all that we encounter swirls around us, our lives can feel heavy and overwhelming. Join Debbi K. Levy as she introduces the power of intention. This practice can add meaning, and even order to your daily life. Journals and pre-painted stones await your new intentional directions in your newly crafted words as your party favors. The JCC will be providing you with journals, so please remember your reading glasses if you need them and bring your mat and your water bottle. A positive, 45-minute energy-building yoga practice will be offered to fine tune your spirit.

Learn the Why's Behind Cupping

Monday, March 25 at 5:00 pm. – 7:00 pm.
Instructor: Erica Vasser | Location: Recovery Suite, Fitness Floor

Join our amazing massage therapist Erica Vasser to learn everything you want to know about Cupping. Cupping is an ancient healing technique which provides remarkable muscle recovery benefits and more! Athletes, weekend warriors or just feeling a bit of an ache, come one, come all.

Free Chair Massage

Tuesday, March 26 from 6 – 8 am.
Therapist: Erica Vasser | Location: Recovery Suite Fitness Studio

 Jump start your Tuesday morning with a mini chair massage. Massages will be performed by our certified massage therapist Erica Vasser. This is a 5 minute mini chair massage conducted on a first come first serve basis.

The Power of Play to Reset Stress

Tuesday, March 26 from 9:15 am. –  10:30 am.
Speaker: Gina Chew | Location: Group Fitness Studio
Secure your spot on the My J App.

Play can be defined as “ the essence of freedom”, absorbing , apparently purposeless activity that provides enjoyment and a suspension of self-consciousness and a sense of time. It is also self-motivating and makes you want to do it again! Playing is just as important for adults as it is for children. Research shows that play is critical for adult’s well-being, but many of us don’t play enough anymore. Among its many benefits , adult play can boost creativity , physical health, and mental health , sharpen sense of humor , and help cope better with stress. Let’s have fun and play together during Wellth Wellness Week!

Senior Expo

Tuesday, March 26 from 10 – 1 pm.
Location: J Parking Lot

Embrace the golden years with confidence and less stress. Join the J as we bring together community resources to help guide seniors , families and caregivers. This event includes a free lunch and entertainment.

J Gourmet

Wednesday, March 27 from 6 am. – 7pm.

Restore your energy and blood sugars, with a J Gourmet healthy honey protein bite. Grab a protein bite before or after your workout on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Serving it up throughout the Day at the J.

Loving What is Workshop

Wednesday, March 27 at 1 pm.
 Instructor: Certified Life Coach Katie Chavez | Location: Zale Auditorium

 Learn how to” Love what is” in this lecture taught by certified Life Coach Katie Chavez. In the 2002 book Loving what is, author Byron Katie shares framework of four questions and a turnaround to help her readers see how reality is there to show us how to be happy. Bring your biggest pain points and be prepared to turn around your “shoulds” and come back to reality which ultimately brings happiness.

Hammock Meditation

Wednesday, March 27 at 7 pm.
Instructor: Barbara Edez
Secure your spot on the My J App.

Be a part of a one of kind experience at the J Participate in a guided meditation while suspended in a hammock.

Yoga Journaling

Thursday, March 28 at 9:30 am. – 10:30 am.
Instructor: Debbi K. Levy | Location: Mind Body Studio
Secure your spot on the My J App.

Journaling and logging your life- A practice of presence. Join Debbi K. Levy to learn the art of yoga journaling. It is noted that Yoga journaling increases your self -reflection and stimulates you to embody your thoughts. Find your Aha moment in this unique yoga fusion class setting.

Thursday, March 28 from 10 – 12 pm. | Free Chair Massage
Therapist: Erica Vasser | Location: Recovery Suite Fitness Studio

Finish out your Thursday J visit with a mini chair massage. Massages will be performed by our certified massage therapist Erica Vasser. This is a 5 minute mini chair massage conducted on a first come first serve basis.

Breathwork Workshop

Thursday, March 28 at 1 pm.
Certified Yoga Instructor: Renee Austin
Secure your spot on the My J App.

Take a deep breath. Learn 4 types of breath work and their purpose.

Stretch Zone

Thursday, March 28 from 6-8 pm. | No Sign Up Required
Certified Stretch Expert: Marco Delossantos | Location: Outside Basketball Court #2

Calling all basketball and pickleball players! Are you ready to improve your game? A stretch zone will be set up outside the basketball courts during rec play night. Drop by before and between games to learn some sport specific stretches to up your level of play.

Stress Resets

Thursday, March 28 at 7 pm.
Author: Jenny Taitz | Location: Mankoff

Join our Wellth week headliner for her lecture on Stress Resets-Get ready to dial down your stress in minutes. Be ready to restore balance in your life.

DIY Stress Balls

Friday, March 29 from 6 – 7 am., 1 – 2 pm. & 4 – 5 pm.
Location: Front Main Building Lobby

Get ready to feel relaxed and lower your blood pressure with DIY Stress Balls.

Boogie on Down - Dance Fitness Party

Friday, March 29 from 9:15 – 10:30 am
Instructor: Dusty Solis and Gina Chew | Location: Group Fitness Studio
Secure your spot on the My J App.

Get ready to boogie on down.   Join us for an electric cotaught dance fitness class led by La Blast Dance Master Trainer Dusty Solis and Zumba Instructor Gina Chew. This fusion dance fitness format will allow you to dance your stress away and experience only happy sweat vibes.

Parent-Tot Post Shabbot Early Childhood Yoga - Twister with Ela

Friday, March 29 Classes
10:30 am. – 10:50 am. – 3 yr. olds | 11 am. – 11:20 am. – 4 yr. olds | 11:30 am. – 11:50 am. – 5 yr. olds | 1:00 – 1:20 pm. – parent tot class
Certified Yoga Instructor: Ela Bilgin | Location: Group Fitness Studio | All Ages Welcomed

Join J’s Wellth Week early childhood parent tot post Shabbat yoga class. Parents and tots together will participate in some fun stretches, creative movements and calming techniques. Led by the J’s superhero certified yoga instructor Ela Bilgin.

Presenters

About Debbi K. Levy

Debbi K. Levy has home-grown most of her practices right here at the JCC of Greater Dallas. She is certified in the teaching of Mindfulness, Reiki, Crystal Alchemy, Yoga, and Barre. Debbi was ordained in August of 2023 with the Kohenet Institute.Debbi has a way of alchemizing all that she has learned and taken in to infuse the practices of her students with a feeling of sacred well-being and vigor.

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About Barbara Edes

Barbara Edes is a highly experienced NASM-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor across multiple disciplines, including spinning, strength-training, and yoga. She applies over a decade of fitness industry experience and education, plus skills from her time as an Army soldier and computer network engineer to build solid fitness programs designed to inspire and empower. Adding the mindful approach of a yoga teacher, Barbara rounds out her programming to deliver more than a class, but a new outlook on self.

Fitness Industry Certifications : National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) – Certified Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor/Spinning and SPINPower/-Certified Instructor/Concept 2 Rower Certificatio/200 hour Anusara Yoga trained.

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About Erica Vasser

Erica Vasser, graduated from Concorde Career College in Memphis, TN 2009 and specializes in Swedish or relaxing massage, deep tissue, trigger point, pre-natal, cupping, hot stone, and chair massage. Erica finds eastern practices intriguing Thai Massage being her favorite. She has continued her education in lymph, medical massage directly with two chiropractors, also is currently training in Grasting techniques.

The benefits of massage are what motivated me to go to school for it and begin practicing. Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing are among the many benefits. Pain relief from sore muscles, improved circulation, sports recovery and injury prevention are also amazing benefits.

Erica enjoys time with her son teaching and learning along side him. Lakes, parks, exercising (dancing), and enjoying time with family are her absolute musts. She loves Massage and is Grateful for the skills and ability to help others.

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About Beth Belk

Beth Belk is a certified yoga therapist and mindfulness educator as well as a physical therapist with over 23 years of experience at a local trauma hospital. Beth’s passion is to educate and self-empower clients to live a joyful and balanced life through mindful yoga and healthy habits.  She designs and teaches classes and workshops to groups of adults and children where participants learn simple mind-body practices to help manage stress, prevent burnout and optimize their overall health and wellbeing.

Beth’s personal journey with yoga and mindfulness as a practitioner and teacher is continually evolving. She initially took yoga classes for the physical benefits, but then noticed the subtle transition into her mental wellness program. As she added in mindfulness training, she became aware of the benefits of emotional balance, which helped her quickly heal from surgical intervention for breast cancer. She considered it a privilege to be able to share her mindfulness and yoga skills with clients to help them experience optimal life balance. 

When not working, she enjoys family time with her husband and daughter, nature walks with her dog and hobbies of crafting, tap dancing and roller skating. She also volunteers at Operation Kindness and Solar Preparatory School for Girls.

Certifications:

Brain Longevity®️Specialist- Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention

The Growing Up Mindful Certification – Dr. Christopher Willard, Mindfulness Certification Training™️– Dallas Yoga Center, Yoga Therapist Certification- International Association of Yoga Therapists, 500 Hour Registered Yoga Training- Yoga Alliance, Basic Life Support – American Heart Association, Doctor of Physical Therapy (License #1129617)

 

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About Renee Austin

Renee Austin says yoga, to me, is therapy. We come to our mats with all sorts of stuff and nonsense that life hands to us.  On our mats, we connect with ourselves, our bodies and our breath and decide what we need to continue to carry and what can be left behind.  I have taught for 7 years and practiced for(almost)ever.  I love finding ways to help people feel better in the bodies. My classes lean towards light-hearted, challenging and fun with yoga wisdom sprinkled thru. I can’t wait to see you on your mat!!

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About Katie Chavez

Born and raised in central Minnesota, Katie always knew she wanted more. Having diverse interests growing up, she did a little bit of everything and is always up for a risk and an adventure today. Katie had undergone two hip surgeries growing up which lead to her passion for health and fitness. Not letting anything stop her from doing the impossible, she developed the desire to share her passion with all people; to help them reach new heights in all areas of life. Shifting toward life coaching has allowed her to do just that; help people go from good to great.

Attaining a certification through The Life Coach School in January of 2023 is just the beginning of how Katie is paving the way for her clients to do the impossible and create a life they only dreamed of; feeling one emotion at a time.

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About Georgina Chew

Georgina “Gina” Chew has been a professional fitness instructor for over 20 years, with certifications in multiple fitness formats including Barre, Zumba, La Blast, Aqua Fitness, Jungshin Sword Fitness, Pound and many more. She is also a certified yoga and Pilates instructor, personal trainer, and sports nutritionist.

Gina is a certified Mayo Clinic Health & Wellness Coach and holds the esteemed National Board for Health & Wellness Coach (NBHWC) credential. She has a degree in sociology from the University of North Texas, with minors in business and commercial music. She has studied many forms of dance including ballet, lyrical, contemporary, tap, hip hop and Latin. She is fluent in Spanish and is conversational in French. Her hobbies include painting, competitive tennis, travel, and recreational water activities.

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About Dr. Rachel Ijames

I’m Dr. Rachel Ijames! I’m incredibly passionate about life and helping people experience who they truly are! I started as a practice member at Self Unbound in January of 2019 and that’s really where chiropractic found me! NetworkSpinal Care absolutely changed my life – my own experience of more life is why I was compelled to become a chiropractor. Immediately at my initial exam I knew that this place, these people and this care was different than what I’d come to think of as the norm.  After a couple months under care, I woke up one day and saw colors that I’d never seen before with a vividness that I’d never noticed. It’s like my senses came online for the very first time! I was a teacher before becoming a chiropractor and while I loved it, there was always this “missing piece” sense. And that “missing piece” was there to show me how much LIFE I’d been missing out on! Once that moment happened, I knew that THIS is what I was meant to do, what my destiny had always been calling me to. A few months later I started chiropractic school, and a few years (and a degree) later, I officially started as Dr. Rachel at Self Unbound! It is such an honor to serve this community, to witness life fully express in our practice members, and to watch miracles happen over and over every day!

About Jenny Taitz

Jen­ny Taitz is a clin­i­cal psy­chol­o­gist and an assis­tant clin­i­cal pro­fes­sor in psy­chi­a­try at the Uni­ver­si­ty of Cal­i­for­nia, Los Ange­les. Dr. Taitz com­plet­ed her fel­low­ships at Yale Uni­ver­si­ty School of Med­i­cine and achieved board cer­ti­fi­ca­tion in cog­ni­tive behav­ioral ther­a­py and dialec­ti­cal behav­ior ther­a­py. Pas­sion­ate about spread­ing proven tools to a wider audi­ence, she wrote Stress Resets to offer prac­ti­cal ways to find hope in moments when your emo­tions feel over­whelm­ing. In addi­tion to work­ing with clients in her prac­tice, LA CBT DBT, she fre­quent­ly writes for The New York Times and The Wall Street Jour­nal.

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About Ela Bilgin

Ela grew up in İstanbul and moved to Dallas in 2015. Since her childhood she was an active athlete, running hurdles for the Turkish National Team until her knee injury. Upon her injury she started her search for alternative ways to heal her body and soul. She did Tai-Chi for two years which inspired her on the spiritual aspect of life. Studied Reiki with a level II certification. She met Yoga in 2005 and continued her individual practice since then. Completed 200hr Yoga Alliance Teacher Training in 2013 and 80 hr Vinyasa Teacher Training from Nicole Ohme and started the 300hr advanced teacher training with Chris Chaves and continued it with My Vinyasa Practice in Austin. Having a daughter of her own and seeing her daughter’s Yoga Practice she took a certificate to teach Kids Yoga as well. Her journey as a guide has moved her to become a personal trainer and help people on an individual level to reach their fitness and mental goals. She’s an ACE certified Personal Trainer, a Sports Nutritionist and Corrective Exercise Specialist. Ela was an instructor for different studios in Dallas, some of which are YogaPOD Dallas, Core Power Yoga, Y6 White Rock and Dedman Center. She also taught kids yoga at the SMU Summer camps for 3 summers.

Certifications:
200 hr E-RYT, 80 hr Vinyasa Yoga, Kids Yoga, Hot Yoga, Yin Yoga, Sculpt, Barre, ACE Personal Training, ACE Sports Nutrition and ACE Corrective Exercise

 

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About Terri Arends

Terri Arends, M.S. serves as the Group Fitness & Wellness Director at the JCC of Dallas. She loves creating programming that rallies participants to meet their wellness goals, promotes fun-spirited activities and encourages community development. Fueled by passion and fitness knowledge, I guide my group fitness instructor team to change lives… one pedal stroke, one kettlebell swing, and one smile at a time! Terri is the host of Wake Up and Get Wellthy JCC, a monthly live Facebook group segment comprising interviews with medical and health experts on wellness and health topics. When Terri is not working on getting folks fit and healthy, she puts fitness to work by training her Australian Shepherd dog for performance competitions and you can find Terri serving it up on the pickleball court.

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About Marco Delossantos

Marco Delossantos is a Texas Based Fascial Stretch Therapist and Certified Yoga Instructor focusing on mental and physical health.

Featured Instructors

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Terri Arends
MS, Group Fitness Director, MI Spinning

Spinning into Spring
Date: Sunday, March 21 at 9:30 am
Location: Outdoor Pool Deck

Helen Burnell- GUGJM

Helen Burnell
Certified STOTT Pilates

Get Up & Get J Moving
Date: Friday. March 26 at 10:40 am
Location: Facebook and Instagram

Pilates Reformer: Open House
Date: Sunday, March 21 at 11-11:30 am
Location: Pilates Studio

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Michael Cruz
PT, DPT, YACEP, E-RYT200, RMT200

Sundown Sound Bath (Bowls & Chakras)
Date: Friday, March 26 at 6:30 pm
Location: Facebook

Kevin Dennis

Kevin Dennis
Professional Dancer/Dance Fitness Instructor

Salsa Dance Flow
Date: Sunday, March 21 at 9:15 am
Location: Outdoor Studio

Diana McGee

Diana McGee
Certified Zumba & Group Fitness Instructor

Salsa Flow Dance
Date: Sunday, March 21 at 9:15 am
Location: Outdoor Studio

GECC Virtual Dance Party
Date: Wednesday, March 24 at 6:00 pm
Location: Zoom

Stefanie Tovar - Sound, Meditate and Chill

Stefanie Tovar
Wellness Facilitator and Founder of Hanuman Homies

Sound, Meditate & Chill
Date: Sunday, March 21 at 4:00 pm
Location: Outdoor Studio

Jennifer Wellington

Jennifer Wellington
Group Fitness instructor

Spinning into Spring
Date: Sunday, March 21 at 9:30 am
Location: Outdoor Pool Deck

Get Up & Get J Moving
Date: Friday. March 26 at 10:40 am
Location: Facebook and Instagram