Supporting Our Community: A Wider Circle is Having a Concert

Curves Bethesda is always wanting to lend a helping hand and now is no different. A charity that the ladies of Curves Bethesda frequently supports is holding a concert on Monday night.

Please join A Wider Circle next Monday for this once in a lifetime opportunity. The Apple Miner Colony, a 20 member band from across the country, made up mostly of students and graduates of the College of Santa Fe and NM Colleges, and featuring BCC-HS Alum Ellen Brand ( '06) on the viola, will be performing live at our Center for Community Service ( 9159C Brookville Rd., Silver Spring 20910). They are in the midst of a 5-week, 6000-mile tour of the U.S. Their travels and performances are being filmed and will be featured in the documentary Home is Wherever You Are. Playfully referred to as “orchestral folk”, the band boasts an impressive arsenal of instruments including clarinets, flutes, mandolins, trumpets, drums, violin, cello, musical saw, trombone, electric and acoustic guitars, an ethereal chorus, stand up bass, and a boundless amount of passionate creativity. With the Apple Miner Colony there are no delusions of grandeur. The last show of the tour will also be the band's last show ever, and, for many, the beginning of completely new chapters in their lives.
Doors will open at 7 pm. The concert will start at 7:30 pm with a performance by Everyone Only. It's free but donations are welcome. Light refreshments will be available. Those of you who have already been to a concert at AWC know that there is all kinds of fun seating available so come early to pick the best couch, chair, bench, cushion, mattress, or step to sit on.

Please contact Pam Feinstein (301-332-7859) or the office (301-608-3504) if you have any questions or need directions. Free onsite parking is available.
Also watch for another note coming out soon about the Big Train Picnic and Game Saturday, June 6th!

Master Moon Teaches Curves Women Self-Defense

The May Curves Bethesda workshop of self-defense turned into a fun hour of yelling, kicking, and quite a few laughs. Curves ladies are always interested in learning new and useful things - and can always find a way to make it entertaining! (Right: Master Moon and Mr. Craig demonstrating with our attentive ladies)

Master Moon and Mr. Craig, of Karate Need, graciously agreed to teach an introductory class on self-defense for women at Curves. Their key message was to try to avoid the need for self-defense by using smiles and words, but to also be prepared to defend yourself if necessary. Joining Master Moon and Mr. Craig was Elvi M., Kathy M., Marcy F. (thank you for the pictures!), Catherine M., and Monique H.

First on the agenda was practicing strong yells - a task that every woman found enjoyable (and not overly difficult!). Next up were power kicks. Working out at Curves paid off as the ladies gave powerful kicks to the blue bag. (Below: Marcy giving a powerful kick to the bag)

But we can't forget about the arms! The gals learned how to remove arms from their necks and possibly break the attackers arm if necessary. They did have to practice on each other - fortunately no arms were broken! (Left: Elvi and Monique attempting not to hurt each other)

Other strategies included finger jams to the face and thumb holds. As Kathy shares, "We all did a wonderful job and now feel empowered if we ever find ourselves in need of these body tools."

It was recommended to practice the moves to become more proficient. Some of the new hints for the recovery pads reflect excellent practice exercises, a key one being the Sumo Squat. (Below: Kathy practicing breaking an assailant's arm - in this case Mr. Craig!)

The overall feeling upon the close of the session was one of fun and empowering. One member shared that she had told her husband she was going to this workshop and he said, "Great! But no practicing on me!"

(Left: Catherine being a bit easier on Mr. Craig than Kathy) Watch our blog for another Self-Defense Workshop in June and other topics of interest. These workshops are FREE, Open to the Public and friends, with easy parking, and fun. Afterwards shop at Trader Joe's or have lunch at the India Saveur restaurant upstairs.

Race For The Cure

On June 6, 2009, the ladies of Curves Bethesda will be walking to help find a cure for breast cancer in Washington DC. This is the 6th year that Curves Bethesda has been a part of this race -- meaning that every year that Curves has been open, they have participated.

This is the 20th annual Race for the Cure and they have gone global, not just national. Run by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, this race raised over $3.8 million last year in DC alone. The ladies of Curves Bethesda are hoping to raise $1,500 to assist in helping to raise even more this year. If you have $5, $25, $100, or more, please donate. To find out more, go to www.globalraceforthecure.org. Search for the team: Curves Bethesda.

If you are interested in joining our squad, please go to this same web site and join us - you do not have to be a Curves member to join us in supporting this wonderful cause. We welcome friends, family, and anybody who wants to join.

Self-Defense with Master Moon

INTRODUCTORY SELF-DEFENSE TIPS FOR WOMEN
With
MASTER MOON, MARTIAL ARTS KUMO, INSTRUCTOR

Who: Curves Women, Martial Arts Women, and Friends

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
1:15 – 2:00 p.m.

Where: Curves Chevy Chase/Bethesda on Wisconsin Avenue*
Same building as Trader Joe’s

Crimes against women are ever increasing in Montgomery County. Therefore, women have to equip themselves and be prepared to defend themselves under any circumstances. Being proactive about self-defense for women has become the order of the day.

Master Moon will demonstrate techniques to help you, if you are ever in a situation where you need to protect yourself.

*For more information: call 310-215-7959

Chevy Chase/Bethesda

Estelle's 85th Birthday Lunch

On Thursday, May 7th, seven Curves ladies joined Estelle J. for a lovely luncheon at Clyde's in Chevy Chase to celebrate Estelle's 85th birthday. (That's Estelle to the left!)

Susan L., Barbara P., Connie B., Jean S., Robin W., Judie M. and Elvi M. toasted Estelle and heard about her latest adventures. All the ladies are part of the early morning Curves workout group, and after the luscious desert of 'healthy' carrot cake, everyone decided they had to go back to Curves burn off those calories. Many happy returns, Estelle!

Stretching with Elvi

Stretching with Elvi Moore*

When: Thursday, May 14th @ 10:00 a.m. OR
Thursday, May 21st @ 6:15 p.m.

Where: Curves Bethesda

Cost: FREE

Who: Curves members and friends

Why stretch???

Stretching: Focus on flexibility

By Mayo Clinic Staff

You can stretch anytime, anywhere. Consider the benefits of stretching, such as increased flexibility and circulation. Then ready, set, stretch!

You workout at Curves or pound out a few miles on the treadmill. You work your way through a series of strength training exercises. You even add some time on the stationary bike for good measure – and you smile with satisfaction that you made it through your workout. Nothing to do now but hit the shower.

Not so fast. Did you consider stretching those muscles that pulled your way through your invigorating workout? Understand why stretching matters – and how to stretch correctly.

Benefits of Stretching

Most aerobic and strength training programs inherently cause your muscles to contract and flex. That’s why regular stretching is a powerful part of any exercise program. Consider this:

Ø Stretching increases flexibility. Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring.
Ø Stretching improves range of motion of your joints. Good range of motion keeps you in better balance, which will help you be mobile and less prone to falls – and the related injuries, especially as you age.
Ø Stretching improves circulation. Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Improved circulation can speed recovery after muscle injuries.
Ø Stretching can relieve stress. Stretching relaxes the tense muscles that often accompany stress.

*Elvi Moore is the owner of Curves Bethesda and formerly the General Director of The Washington Ballet. She has extensive teaching experience in both DC and Chicago.