Tag Archives: Monique Walton

Rock Camp! for Girls

Andia Winslow and Monique Walton, Creators of Legacy Workout, Join Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls ® as Guest Workshop Facilitators: “Cinematic wellness movement” founders featured as contributors for renowned youth summer camp that celebrates artistic expression, social justice and empowerment 

williemae

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NEW YORK, NY (August 18, 2015)

On Wednesday, August 19th, Andia Winslow and Monique Walton will present Legacy Workout curriculum to attendees of Girls Rock! Camp, a major initiative of non-profit gender justice organization Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls ® based in New York City.

Celebrating it’s 10th year of creatively educating campers ages 8-18, the award-winning Girls Rock! Camp not only provides daily instrument instruction and band practice but also ancillary workshop tracks that allow attendees to engage more intensively with themes central to the organization’s mission. In the Movement & Body Care Track, “we’ll learn how to celebrate our bodies rather than think negatively about them. We’ll practice being active, being whole and caring for ourselves” says Program and Communications Director Gracie Aghapour.

In 2014, on the eve of the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Andia and Monique created a short film in which each historical character was paired with a physical fitness manifestation. The multidisciplinary project sought to pay homage while educating muscle and mind through kinetic storytelling. Following it’s public debut at the ImageNation Cinema Foundation Belletrix exhibit and New York Women in Film and Television panel discussion, Legacy Workout received acclaim and was featured by Colorlines, xoJane, Well+Good, Daily Burn and Brooklyn Independent Media. Of the work, Oscar nominated Director Ava DuVernay wrote, “Whoa. This is brilliant to me. Will speak to some of us loudly and clearly. Brava!”

Legacy Workout encourages reflection of purpose that celebrates self-care yet simultaneously goes beyond the physical self. “We understand how girls, women (transgender and cisgender) and gender non-binary peoples’ bodies are often undervalued, shamed and targeted. At Girls Rock! Camp, we’re honored to have Andia & Monique offering an empowering and fun way to fight against that” explains Aghapour.

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About Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls Founded in 2004, the non-profit music and mentoring program is named after Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton, a blues and rock performer/songwriter who was one of the first women to play the music that came to be known as “rock n’ roll.” The organization brings together girls and women from diverse communities and encourages them to explore self-expression through music, hone their critical thinking skills, build meaningful alliances with other girls and women, develop confidence in making healthy choices in their lives, and effect positive change in their communities and in the world. Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls operates a summer day camp, after school programs, and community events in New York City. www.williemaerockcamp.org

About Legacy Workout Choreographed in 2014, Legacy Workout is a multidisciplinary fitness, film and education project dedicated to honoring “legacy makers.” Those who used, and continue to use, their physical bodies and bodies of work to address crises, combat injustice and affect global and historic change. It was created by the Founders of The Fit Cycle, a cinematic wellness movement that works to inspire people from all walks of life to live more active and engaged lives. www.LegacyWorkout.com

For inquiries and booking, please contact Press at: TheLegacyWorkout@gmail.com

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MLK Jr. Day of Action

Today has been a day of observation AND a day of action. These are increasingly troubled times. My hope is that positive reflection on examples of strength and perseverance will radiate outwardly towards our communities and the world.

As Monique Walton and I relaunch Legacy Workout, we hope that you will take part in the #MOVEment by answering the question: “Who moves you?” This is a highly personal exercise. It can be someone that you know. It can be someone that you wish you knew. It can be a group of people. It can be a moment in time. Once you’ve identified your subject –and if you’re interested in participating publicly in this self-care social experiment– we ask that you:

1/ Watch #LegacyWorkout

2/ Take a photo and/or video of YOU doing a move, an exercise. Remember, it should answer the question: Who moves you?

3/ Post to your social media accounts: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, Tumblr, BurnThis, etc

4/ In the comments section:
a. MOVE’s name. Who the move is named after. (The “who” can be a person, group of people, pivotal moment in history)
b. Why they are important to you OR Why you chose to name the move after that person/people/point in time

5/ Hashtags: #WhoMovesYou and #LegacyWorkout

EXAMPLE: A picture of you doing a wall sit.


“Grandpa John.” This move is named after my grandfather who would sit at the head of the table of every family dinner. He was so wise, so noble. #WhoMovesYou #LegacyWorkout

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you!

Brown v. Board of Education

Today, Saturday, May 17th 2014, marks the 60th Anniversary of the Supreme Court’s unanimous Brown v. Board of Education (of Topeka) ruling to end de jure (legal) racial segregation. Leading the charge to fight for equal protection under the law and challenge the precedent of “separate but equal” established in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) was Thurgood Marshall (b.1908 – d.1993) a Civil Rights Pioneer, Presidential Medal of Freedom Awardee and, in 1967, the first African-American Justice of the Supreme Court.  A decade later, the Court’s decision was translated into the enforcement of both the Voting Rights and Civil Rights Acts.

“In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.” — Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall

Early in 2014 and in honor of the 60th Anniversary of Brown v. Board, Monique Walton and I created a living history –education, art and fitness– project called the Legacy Workout. One of our sources of inspiration was Justice Thurgood Marshall and his movement to secure a better future for all. Each physical movement within our project was choreographed to reflect a person, a people, or a point in time — an era. Thus, each physical movement was curated to spur a mental movement. Each physical and mental movement expressed concurrently to help inspire a MOVEment based movement. We do hope that you reflect on this day and the nuanced meanings of activism.

Enter Lateral Raises whose anatomical focus is the shoulder(s), one of the most mobile joints in the human body. Its range of motion makes the shoulder responsible for important functional movements —pushing, pulling and lifting— but also makes it highly unstable. But upon some shoulders balances the weight of the world as was the case with our contemporary Titan, Thurgood Marshall who stood at the borders of mobility and stability. His scales of justice helped to engineer one of the greatest social transformations in American history. Stand that ground.

Get it in where you can fit it in! –Andia

Legacy Workout

They who MOVE you.

The Legacy Workout is dedicated to the memory of bodies of work. Of bodies at work. And at play. Of minds committed to mining greatness, to combating injustice, to insuring a future for future bodies, and minds. The Legacy Workout is dedicated to legacy makers past, present and future. The black body. The celestial body. The empowered human body, in motion.

This is not trivial. This is tribute. Each movement reflects a person, a people, or a point in time — an era. Because they dreamed us, because they dreamed of a better place for us -and for themselves- we owe them. We owe it to ourselves to do/be better. To be caretakers of our bodies without which we cannot persist; we cease to exist. Infinity is our limit. THIS, is the Legacy Workout. Visit: www.LegacyWorkout.com

Get it in where you can fit it in! –Andia

February like no other

February is the shortest month of the year but it just might be the fittest. Have you honored your New Year’s dietary and exercise resolutions? Whether you have or whether you haven’t, I’ve got just the treat for you! A cool take on “abs are made in the kitchen,” I’m honored to present to you my newest fitness video –a collaboration with Monique Walton and the American Heart Association– Kitchen Workout. If you need encouragement of the daily variety, I’m excited to join new online outfit BK Nation as a wellness blogger and February #BKN28 Fitness Challenge Captain. There you’ll find my blog, “The Write Fit,”  in which I offer exercise tips, workout videos, giveaways and more. And if you prefer TV, I’ll be joining you every Tuesday at noon as a Sports Segment host on BK LIVE.

Why all of the health and sport talk, you ask? Because! On February 2nd, this team from my home town met this other team from my dad’s home town. The result? Seattle Seahawks won the Superbowl for the first time in franchise history! It’s American Heart Month; the 50th Anniversary in fact.  February 5th is National Girls and Women in Sports Day, championed by one of my favorite organizations, the Women’s Sports Foundation. February 7th is National Wear Day  — a day that celebrates heart disease prevention awareness. And February 7th is also the start of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. Faster, Higher, Stronger! What a day it will be. RED, white and blue speeding all over the place!

For those of you who recall my time training for the Olympics in the sport of Skeleton, I’ve helped to design an Olympic themed workout with the editors of popular app and website DailyBurn. You can bet it will challenge all of your senses, especially common sense, if you accept the challenge! If you want to work out with me in person in New York City, I’ve developed a dynamic sand and alternative resistance training class called Manhattan Beach Workout. Talk about getting ready for Summer with plenty of time to spare! 

DailyBurn | Expert Contributor, Workout Design | FEB 2014
DailyBurn | Expert Contributor, Workout Design | FEB 2014

 

Oh, one more thing. We’ve been nominated for a Shorty Award in #SocialFitness! This online award recognizes people who “help others make healthy choices in their lives through their influence on social media.” If you’d like to vote, you can do so via Twitter by tweeting: “I nominate @AndiaWinslow  for a Shorty Award in #SocialFitness because…” Be certain to write in your reason after “because…” or the vote won’t count. Thank you for your continued support!

Get it in where you can fit it in! –Andia

World Stroke Day

GoRedForWomen.org website landing page for #HeartHour Partner Workout
GoRedForWomen.org website landing page for #HeartHour Partner Workout
Andia Winslow partners with Go Red for Women® for the organization’s 10th Anniversary Year: New fitness movie launch and contest winner announcement highlight exciting collaborative work to help fight the No. 1 killer of women worldwide.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
 NEW YORK, NY (October 29, 2013) – Today, in honor of World Stroke Day, Andia Winslow announces the winners of her Fall 2013 Fitness Contest. Designed in conjunction with the announcement of her ambassadorship role with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® Campaign, “this contest is to celebrate everyday women in their personal quests for wellness!”
Congratulations to these lucky ladies!
1st – In-person Wellness Consultation | 1HR Fitness Session | Fitness Swag
Brandi Stewart, Harlem, NY

2nd – Skype Wellness Consultation
Danita Hall, Phoenix, AZ
Yvette Odu, New Haven, CT
Lili Stansberry, Kent, WA

3rd – Small Group Fitness Session 
Kerri Lynne Hamm, Shrub Oak, NY | Leslie Hewitt, New York, NY | Bridget Jackson, Phoenix, AZ | April Joyner, Brooklyn, NY | Felicia Meggison, Providence, RI | Marelina Ortiz, New York, NY | Keely Robinson, New York, NY | Lynette Rodriguez, Queens, NY | Celia Sabino, Miami, FL | Alexcia Smith, Long Island, NY | Erin Williams, New York, NY
Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of women worldwide –stroke, the No. 2 cause of death and severe long-term disability for both sexes– and in it’s ten years Go Red for Women® has worked to educate women of all backgrounds about the importance of prevention and care. A topic dear to her own heart, Andia partnered with filmmaker Monique Walton to create a fitness inspired short movie that encourages women, and men alike, to get active with friends in fun, non-intimidating ways.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpP5oRTtk98&w=640&h=480]
Heart Hour: Partner Workout” encourages people to “trade in the sweet alcoholic drinks and savory tapas of traditional Happy Hour for free-flowing H2O and electrolytes. It shows us how to join forces with friends for dynamic and time efficient workouts. We are our own answer!” To learn more about heart disease and the warning signs of heart attack, visit: GoRedForWomen.org. To better understand the differences between heart attack and stroke –know the warning signs of stroke– remember F.A.S.T:

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About Andia Winslow
Professional Golfer, master Certified Fitness Professional and a contributor for the American Heart Association Go Red For Women campaign. Andia’s innovative health and wellness efforts have been recognized globally, with Forbes recognizing her work as the “Smartest, Sexiest Workout Videos Ever”. She works to inspire folks to harmonize their bodies with their environments. Follow her #MOVEment online @AndiaWinslow.

About the American Heart Association – Go Red For Women®
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. Go Red For Women® is the national movement to end heart disease in women. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278) or visit GoRedForWomen.org

About The Fit Cycle
Founded in 2010, The Fit Cycle is a multimedia health movement that is defined by resourcefulness. It works to inspire folks to make the most of what they have –however little, be it time, capital or possessions– to live more active and engaged lives. The Fit Cycle is a cinematic wellness endeavor that is inspired by art, music and a culture of collaboration. The Fit Cycle is moving at the rhythm of life.™ www.thefitcycle.com

For press inquiries, please contact: Publicity at TheFitCycle@gmail.com

For booking, please contact: Pamela Davis at pkaycreative@gmail.com

Celebrating our birthday anniversary!

A Poem by a non-poet

It started after we pressed record while awaiting laundry on spin cycle.
And then the cycle continued. Round and round.
We’ve had an awesome year thanks to YOU.
And by you, I mean you. All of you.
You, hooping in the (laundro)mat.
You, triceps dipping on street corner pylons.
You, pushing up while bearing down at work.
You, shopping bag biceps curling.
You, paint can russian twisting while painting the baby’s nursery.
You, overhead mailbox bin pressing while hall monitoring.
You are the #MOVEment.
Happy Birthday to you! Happy Anniversary too!

Get it in where you can fit it in! –Andia

#LifeOnTheUp

2013 has indeed been a year of forward motion. And upward motion. So, forward and upward motion. 3, 2, 1 lift off folks! After all, it is a MOVEment. May we present a personality feature by Turner Broadcasting (CNN, HLN, TBS, etc) and their new health and lifestyle destination Upwave. Watch the video here: http://bit.ly/AWOnTheUp Enjoy!

Get it in where you can fit it in! –Andia

National Exercise With Your Child Week

Yes, I know. You know. There is in fact a national celebratory “week” for everything. Shark Week. Mashed Potatoes are Best with Butter Week. I Locked Myself Out of My Apartment, Again, Week. This Selfie Makes Me Look Cute, Right? Week. But if you have a family –especially if you have a family!– the most important week of them all is National Exercise With Your Child Week.

Don’t have kids? That’s cool. Don’t care to have kids? I don’t care.  Kids are the future, and they’re truth-tellers. Ask a kid something. Anything. Something that you really want to know. Something with which you’ve been struggling. They will tell you.  No soothsayer, line-card-toe reader fees apply. Wouldn’t you then want to play with these little humans? Yes! That’s the answer! You do. So, GO! Go play.

Just the other day I played with some kids. This is what happened.
“Oh but Andia, it’s been so long since I exercised my inner kid. I don’t even know how to play anymore!” you cry. (Wo)man, that’s a shame. We need to work on that. I can help. In the meantime, here are some ideas that I’ve crafted to get you started on the “Reclaim Your Kid, with Your Kids, Journey.”

Partner Workouts are examples of exercises that families can do together. Siblings and parents unite! Size difference is not a limiting factor. Working out together always makes folks closer and more engaged with one another. Children who regularly assist with or share in workouts with their parents feel empowered and confident. They are part of a team and developing leadership skills all the while. Let’s get it in:

Exercise 1: A favorite move is the PUSH-UP CLAP. Partners, both in push-up start position, align themselves opposite and head-to-head from one another. On the same count they perform a push-up and when returning to the start position they each clap one hand together with their partner. This move is fun, auditory and requires communication and synchrony – teamwork!

Exercise 2: WHEELBARROW PUSH-UPS. Watch the contents, they’re fragile.

Exercise 3: JUMP ROPE, a lost art! Kids love it and jump rope games can go on for hours and can morph into countless variations. Not only does it attend to cardiovascular health but it is also a high intensity compound workout. Think muscle building here. Parents want to get involved? Try double dutch or jumping together in the same rope.

Exercise 4: TAG, YOU’RE IT! What kid doesn’t enjoy tag? Boys chasing girls. Girls chasing boys. Siblings chasing each other. Toddlers chasing birds and rabbits. How do parents fit in? Well, a friendly game of tag is a fun bonding opportunity that seems to be a pure game. Not so. Track athletes run sprint series from a dead stop. Basketball, football and softball players run lines as athletic drills. The same movement(s) is being exercised in tag. The chase is exercise for all parties involved and whether or not they know it, a HITT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout!

OK. I’ve helped you. Can you help me? Join The Fit Cycle #MOVEment. Share this post with your family and friends. Send us photos and videos of your action. Click here for ideas! Oh! One more thing. If you live in or are visiting New York City on Saturdays in August, check out Summer Streets. It’s amazing and I love it.

Summer Streets!
Summer Streets!

Get it in where you can fit it in! –Andia