VIVA Together Health and Fitness Days– Seminar Review from September 15th
	On Thursday, September 15th, our guest was Ms. Melissa Watson Sandvig, a certified Pilates instructor, with a background in professional dance as a ballerina and soloist for Milwaukee Ballet and currently teaching at Long Beach Classical Ballet Academy. Melissa introduced Pilates techniques to a room full of very curious participants. Pilates is a highly popular and effective exercise method that is quickly growing to be a huge phenomenon in the U.S. and around the world. Everyone soon found out how well these specialized movements can contribute to reshaping the body as Melissa led the class through a number of exercises that focused on strengthening the core (abdominal area) of the body. She also helped each person identify their neutral, or balanced, position for greater lengthening of the spine and building a correct posture. She brought with her enough floor exercise mats, Therabands, and small rubber balls for everyone to use to help expand the benefits of the movements they would be doing throughout the session. Melissa also brought with her Shani Englert, our special ballet instructor guest from last week, who is both her friend and fellow dancer for many years, to help demonstrate the movements so everyone could get a real good view of how to perform the exercises correctly. As Melissa carefully described each exercise and how it affected the various muscles and structure of the body, Shani showed how it was done for everyone to watch. Then, Melissa walked around to all of the participants and helped each person to effectively do the exercise, too. Melissa's gentle tone, patient instruction and humorous exchanges kept everyone motivated, laughing, and truly enjoying every moment. Although there was a lot of fun going on, the workout was definitely serious and by the time the class ended with the stretches, everyone was commenting on the noticeable effects they could already feel! We will be looking forward to having both Melissa and Shani back to VIVA again some time soon. Melissa teaches ballet for all age levels, as well as a Pilates class, at the Long Beach Ballet Classical Ballet Academy, 1122 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, CA, 90807. You can call for more information at 562-426-4112 or visit the website at www.longbeachballet.com. She also teaches Pilates at the South Coast Athletic Club in Huntington Beach (714-898-9631). To get the fantastic mats, exercise socks and other equipment that the instructors used in the classes, contact the company that Shani also represents and for which she is offering a 10% discount. If you would like to view her products go to www.crescentmoonyoga.com. and enter the Coupon Code RTFEKG19 to get your discount on anything you order, or call 714-399-1450. (Limited time offer, some restrictions may apply). For more information about VIVA Together, call Rachel Wang at 1-800-243-1688 or email together@vivalife.com		VIVA Together special guest - Ms. Melissa Watson Sandvig
			Melissa also brought with her Shani Englert to help demonstrate the movements
			Melissa walked around to all of the participants and helped each person to effectively do the exercise, too.