Fitness Buzz: willPower & grace

What exactly does a willPower & grace class entail? What parts of the body will it work?

Stacey Lei Krauss: willPower & grace is a full-body workout. The class encompasses muscular toning and endurance and flexibility and cardiovascular training. It's an effective workout that takes just one hour. All the exercises in the class are functional, meaning we help people move more efficiently for their everyday life. The workout is equipment-free and uses just your own body weight. The class is done barefoot, and this type of training leads to better balance and posture, which, in turn leads to a reduction of injuries throughout your kinetic chain (foot, ankle, knee, hip, and spine). Now that barefoot running is "all the rage", people are turning to us for foot-strengthening methods. We've been training people to be barefoot for over a decade. Barefoot training also stimulates the thousands of sensory receptors in your feet, which enhances movement quality and awareness, and provides reflexology feedback.

What kind of existing fitness routines does it draw from?

SLK: It's a fusion workout, meaning that participants will experience the benefits of many different disciplines: The toning benefits of cardio-sculpt; the intensity of boot camp; the self awareness of yoga; the discipline of Pilates; and the uplifting philosophy of a meditation session.

How long is the class, and how many calories can the average woman expect to burn?

SLK: This class is typically one-hour long. It's structured for students of all capabilities, so each person is encouraged to work at their own level (Level 1, 2, or 3). You can burn anywhere between 200 and 700 calories in one class, but that's based solely upon the amount of effort dedicated to each and every exercise. The instructor has been taught never to "beat up" a student, but instead lead them to efficient training.

What kind of fitness levels is it best for?

SLK: Because it's a multilevel class, we have had hundreds of pre- and post-natal clients. We cater to students ages 14-75 and can mold the class to everyone from the first-time exerciser to the elite athlete.

Tell us about the meaning behind the 'willPower & grace' name.

SLK: "Willpower" is strength. Have you ever tried to stick with a diet or not pick up the phone when an ex calls you? In class, we remind you of your willpower when you have four more push-ups to do. It revolves around the thought, "What if you HAD to?" "Grace" is how we land on our feet. It's how we handle winning and losing, and it's exhaling rather than screaming or grunting. Grace is elegance. In my opinion, as women, we need to cultivate both in order to be whole.

To find out more about willPower & grace or to locate a class near you, head to willpowermethod.com. To learn more about Stacey, click here.