Develop strength, flexibility, and balance in this 47 minute intermediate class. You will work all major muscle groups while focusing on the upper body. The Meditations will have you contemplating Psalm 86 as a prayer.
Excerpt from Sarah Christmyer, Lord Make Haste to Help Me
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Strengthen your arms and shoulders without any extra props or weights with this short, body weight class. Body weight exercises boost your fitness, metabolism and endurance.
Develop strength, flexibility, and balance in this 35 minute gentle class as you focus on the beauty of praying with Psalm 13.
Excerpt from Sarah Christmyer, Lord Make Haste to Help Me
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Develop strength, flexibility, and balance as well as shoulder, core, and pelvic stability in this 34 minute intermediate class. The meditation will have you contemplating praying with Psalm 121.
Excerpt from Sarah Christmyer, Lord Make Haste to Help Me
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Develop strength, flexibility, and balance in this 31 minute intermediate class as you focus on the beauty of praying with the Psalms.
Excerpt from Sarah Christmyer, Lord Make Haste to Help Me
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
If you are short on time and want a quick upper body strength calss with not extra equipment, then 10 min Intermediate Arms & Shoulders is for you. This class will build strength and muscular endurance in the upper body simply using the weight of your own body to challenge your muscles.
A short body conditioning class created to get your heart pumping and muscles moving! This is a wonderful, short cardio class that you can add on to any workout. Using a variety of creative exercises, you're sure to get a great workout that will improve your cardio, strength and endurance – especially when you hit replay!
Robin will take you through a flow of postures that will allow you to release stress while at the same time building strength and gaining flexibility. Blocks and a small towel or pillow can be handy but not necessary. The meditation will have you contemplating Our Lady of Sorrows.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This class was designed to build your core muscle group by performing a series of exercises that strengthen the abdomen, back, and pelvic floor, all while increasing flexibility. Can you say plank? You will hit them numerous times in this class, but it will all be worth it as you stand taller and feel stronger. The meditation will have you contemplating crushing envy with charity.
St. Rachel Shrader, Your Guide to the 7 Deadly Sins – and the Virtues that Crush Them, https://www.goodcatholic.com/your-guide-to-the-seven-deadly-sins/
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Amanda will take you through a series of exercises that will strengthen your body, increase muscular endurance, and help you gain flexibility. You will come away feeling stronger and more refreshed. The meditation will have you thinking about combating sloth with diligence.
St. Rachel Shrader, Your Guide to the 7 Deadly Sins – and the Virtues that Crush Them, https://www.goodcatholic.com/your-guide-to-the-seven-deadly-sins/
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Are you looking for a class that will help to improve your strength, balance, and stability? Then this is the class for you. Amanda incorporates exercises that will not only challenge your balance but will build muscle strength. The meditation will have you thinking about crushing gluttony with temperance.
St. Rachel Shrader, Your Guide to the 7 Deadly Sins – and the Virtues that Crush Them, https://www.goodcatholic.com/your-guide-to-the-seven-deadly-sins/
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for May 26, 2022, Temperance. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This class gets specific by strengthening and toning two major areas – abdominals and glutes. The workout will help you build a powerful core as well as help improve posture and stability. The meditation will have you contemplating combating greed with practicing the virtue of generosity.
Holy Family School of Faith, Daily Rosary Meditation for June 4, 2022, Lust. Used with permission. Pope Francis, MORNING MEDITATION IN THE CHAPEL OF THE DOMUS SANCTAE MARTHAE, In heaven’s stock exchange, Friday, 19 June 2015. Rachel Shrader, Your Guide to the 7 Deadly Sins – and the Virtues that Crush Them, https://www.goodcatholic.com/your-guide-to-the-seven-deadly-sins/ Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Class begins with a warm up focusing on alignment and spinal mobility, followed by a series of exercises to strengthen and tone the legs as well as to gain mobility and flexibility. The meditation will have you contemplating crushing lust with the virtue of chastity.
Rachel Shrader, Your Guide to the 7 Deadly Sins – and the Virtues that Crush Them, https://www.goodcatholic.com/your-guide-to-the-seven-deadly-sins/
Holy Family School of Faith, Daily Rosary Meditation for June 4, 2022, Lust. Used with permission.
Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Chastity: Cornerstone of holiness and happiness., Jan. 2, 2019, https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/chastity-cornerstone-holiness-and-happiness/
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Caring for the arms and shoulders is essential for performing many everyday movements. Working on the strength, flexibility, and mobility of the arms and shoulders can help with posture, will help make lifting and carrying items easier, and it can help prevent injury. The meditation will have you contemplating crushing anger with the virtue of meekness.
Rachel Shrader, good catholic, Your Guide to the 7 DeadlySins – and the Virtues that Crush Them, https://www.goodcatholic.com/your-guide-to-the-seven-deadly-sins/.Used with permission.
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for February 14, 2022, Blessed are the Meek. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
You don’t need to have hip problems to benefit from hip conditioning. This 28-minute class will help to stretch and strengthen these muscles to build flexibility and stability. The meditation will have you contemplating crushing pride with practicing the virtue of humility.
Rachel Shrader, good catholic, Your Guide to the 7 Deadly Sins – and the Virtues that Crush Them, https://www.goodcatholic.com/your-guide-to-the-seven-deadly-sins/
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
A full hour class directly focusing on slimming the midsection! This class was designed to help you engage multiple muscle groups so that you can not only safely move with ease but also to help you trim the midsection. The meditation will have you contemplating the Prayer of Elijah.
Pope Francis, General Audience, Wednesday, October 7,2020
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey
Contemplate how you can live your life more closely ordered to what is truly a priority as you gently move your body and work every major muscle group. Amanda ramps up the gentle routine with a Low Lunge series, Lunge 2 Series, Squat series, and more before winding down in prayer.
Leah Joy Taylor, Inner Resources for Leaders, Psalm 90: The Search for Significance, https://www.regent.edu/journal/inner-resources-for-leaders/psalm-90-search-for-significance/
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Reflect on the “Big Picture” of what’s most important in your heart, your life, and your home, all from an eternal perspective as you move your body and work every major muscle group. Jhoe will move you through planks, pushups, lunges, squats, and a unique core exercise before you wind down in prayer.
Holy Family School of Faith, Treasure in Heaven, September 19, 2021. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
God called us to be His own, not because of anything we do, but because of who we are: His beloved, His pearl of great price. God calls each one by name. You will have time to contemplate the fact that you are sacred and have been endowed with a particular mission that only you can fulfill as you strengthen your body, mind, and soul. Lori works the whole body but focuses on strengthening and stabilizing the muscles used to help maintain good posture.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2158 – 2159. Pope Francis, Gaudete Et Exsultate, On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World, 13
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This intermediate class focuses on the legs and is suitable for all trimesters. Strength in the lower body is necessary to support your body during pregnancy, keeps your hips mobile, and helps keep aches and pains of hips and lower back at bay. Even though it’s an intermediate class, Nila offers modifications, but you can also modify anything that is not right for you, so give this class a try! If you haven’t already, please check out The Foundational prenatal videos with Dr. Jillian Stecklein. They will teach you how to find and work the pelvic floor, bracing the core for pregnancy, and other great info. Have a chair handy, a couple of pillows and maybe a block. It’s always good to have water nearby to stay hydrated. Check with your doctor that you have clearance to exercise before beginning.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
The beautiful, calming music during class is by Francesca La Rosa, and the amazing Gregorian Chant is by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico of Mignarda.
This intermediate full body prenatal class is suitable for all trimesters, though some 3rd trimester moms may need to modify. Josette offers modifications but you are encouraged to make other adjustments if needed. It is important to always listen to your own body so if something does not feel right, come out of the pose, or take a break. The meditation will have you contemplating the beautiful gift you are carrying. Check out the Foundational prenatal videos to learn how to find and work the pelvic floor, bracing the core for pregnancy, and other pertinent info for expectant mamas. Go ahead and grab a chair, a couple of pillows, water, a block, and any other props you would like for support.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
The beautiful, calming music during class is by Francesca La Rosa, and the amazing Gregorian Chant is by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico of Mignarda.
Stretch, strengthen, and tone as you elevate the heart rate ANDwork on balance! Sound good? Join Jill as she leads you through a series ofexercises that will accomplish all that! The best part is you can accompany OurLady while meditating on the Most Glorious Mysteries.
St. Pope John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
You will not want to miss this core class that will improve functional strength for daily activities, while toning and strengthening the entire trunk. It is an intermediate class but can be suitable for advanced participants as well. Come and stand at the foot of the Cross with Mary as we meditate on the Sorrowful Mysteries.
St. Pope John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This class is a total body workout that tones the body while bringing on the sweat. In certain parts of the class, Jhoe gives you the option to raise the heart rate more by making it high impact or keep it a low impact class. Your choice. She uses a paper plate (slider), but you can do the class without it. Spend time with Mary as she leads you to the secret of Christian joy!
St. Pope John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This class focuses on the lower body but hits all major muscle groups. Be transported to Mary’s side as you think about the Rosary as a contemplative prayer.
St. Pope John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae,
Your body and a mat are all you need to bring to this total body workout that focuses on the upper body using your own body weight. Lori hits all upper body muscles including the small shoulder muscles. Come and be with Mary as we meditate on the Rosary as a powerful weapon. Bring your own personal miracle with the Rosary, if you have one, and give thanks in the quiet resolution portion of class.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Learning how to correctly hinge at the hips is a skill that is perfected with practice; and you will get plenty of that in this short 11 minute class. You will work on the posterior chain (backside), mainly the glutes, hamstrings, and low back, as well as the core. But Lori has masterfully created a routine that will also give you a great shoulder and upper back workout. Well worth the 11 minutes!!
Watch “Back Resistance Introduction” before doing one of the back resistance classes for the first time. As you become comfortable with the intermediate class, you can try Back Resistance Advanced. You can always modify the class by adding more weight or decreasing the weight you use. You will need a barbell, body bar, or hand weights.
Lunges are a functional, powerful exercise that helps you to tone and strengthen almost every muscle in the lower body including the core, quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. You will also stretch the hip flexors. There are so many benefits to lunges, we just had to include them in this series. Once you feel confident with the intermediate class, challenge yourself in the advanced lunges class. The meditation will have you thinking about the feminine gift of sensitivity.
Excerpt from Manual for Women, Danielle Bean (TAN). Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Having strong and healthy hamstrings are important for us to carry out the everyday tasks of walking, running, jumping and bending the knee. This class will not only strengthen the hamstrings, but will lengthen them for the perfect recipe for happy hamstrings. The meditation will have you thinking about the call of every woman.
Excerpt from Manual for Women, Danielle Bean (TAN). Used with permission
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This 30-minute class uses a wide variety of exercises to strengthen and stabilize the core muscles, including the abdominals, lower back, hips, and, most specifically, the obliques. The meditation focuses on Silence.
Holy Family School of Faith daily Rosary, Divine Mercy Day 8, April 22, 2022. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Are you looking for a fitness class that targets all major muscle groups for a total body workout? Look no further, you have it here and don’t even need weights! You’ll love the guitar music and the straightforward pace. The prayers and meditations will have you focusing on returning to the Father.
Fr. Ben O’Cinnsealaigh, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Cincinnati, OH, Fr. Ben’s Column for the week of March 27, 2022
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Everyone wants to have toned, shapely shoulders and upper back for summer, right? Look no further! Jill doesn’t use weights for this gentle class, but you can make it an intermediate one with the addition of light weights. She suggests 1 lb to start and no more than 3-5 lbs because of the work on the small muscles around the shoulders. The meditation focuses on beginning again when you fall.
Holy Family School of Faith, Daily Rosary Podcast, I’ve Fallen and Can Get up, 2022.Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Lower-body exercises build strength in the lower back, hips, glutes, and legs and build foundational strength for everyday movements. Join Jill for this fun lower body strength class with Irish music, and prayers and meditations on St. Patrick!
St. Pope John Paul II, Holy Mass in Drogheda, Saturday, 29 September 1979
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
There is a saying, “it is not how hard you train, but how well you recover.” Recovery days don’t have to be spent vegging in front of the TV but can be used to promote restoration and repair. Join this restorative class that encourages muscle repair and relaxation. You will have given your body time to replenish, and Jhoe will help you find muscles you didn’t know you had! She uses blocks and a strap but you can use books and a towel, or nothing at all. The calming music will help you to focus on St. Joseph and your intentions for the last day of the novena.
Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris Custos
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This total body strength class includes squats, lunges, rows, kettlebell swings, planks, and more! Rachel will warm you up before class and conclude it with some great stretches that will leave you feeling relaxed and ready for your day! You will have time to focus on your intentions for the novena while contemplating St. Joseph, Most Faithful.
Join this fun cardio kickboxing class that engages multiple muscle groups that is sure to leave you feeling stronger than ever. It is a 40-second work and 20-second break with front kicks, side kicks, alternating knee crunches, alternating oblique crunches, and more. Spiritually, we will focus on St. Joseph, Zealous Defender of Christ.
If you are looking for a classto stabilize, strengthen, stabilize, and promote flexibility in the body, thisis the class for you. Be prepared to move and sweat as Lori takes you throughflows, lunges, squats, balance poses, core work, and more. The prayers andmeditations will have you focusing on St. Joseph, Head of the Holy Family.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Are you ready to get strong, reduce body fat, and burn calories more efficiently? St. Joseph Novena: Day 5 – Strength to the rescue! Rachel will have you doing chest presses, push-ups, squats, flies, and more while using hand weights. Spiritually, we will focus on St. Joseph, Terror of Demons.
Did you know that you should engage in cardio activity at least 3 days a week for maximum benefit? This class will increase your heart rate and respiration and raise oxygen and flow using large muscle groups doing 30-second rounds of knee kicks, front kicks, bob and weaves, alternating knee crunches, and alternating oblique crunches. We ask for St. Joseph’s intercession in this day four novena under his title, St. Joseph, Comfort of the afflicted.
It is always good to have a few restore days built into your workout schedule. These are the days you can work on your stability, coordination, flexibility, relaxation, and restoration. It can reduce soreness by breaking up the lactic acid, work on muscle imbalances, and help speed recovery. Day 3 of the St. Joseph Novena is a great class to actively recover while focusing on St. Joseph, Foster Father of the Son of God.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
No matter your age or fitness level, resistance training is for everyone! And, it doesn’t need to take hours lifting weights in the gym. Rachel will lead you through a series of exercises that will build muscle mass, strength, and endurance. Get strong with us while asking for St. Joseph, Lover of Poverty, to intercede for us in this day 2 Novena.
Offer your intentions to St. Joseph on day 1 of the St. Joseph Novena while getting your heart rate up - with 40 seconds of work and a 20-second rest. Rachel will start you off with a 1-minute boxer shuffle before Knee Kicks, Side Kicks, alternating knee crunches, punches, speedbag squats, and more.
Limited on time? In this express class, you will perform a wide variety of exercises to tone and strengthen the muscles in the upper body, including the core muscles.
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your long-term spine health and maintain healthy, pain-free mobility. Keeping your spine in good condition will allow you to move in comfort now and as you age. In this 30-minute class, Jill will move your spine in all planes of movement, focusing on the core, spinal extension, flexion, and rotation. The meditation will have you contemplating "Reliance on God". Jill dedicated this class to her mother, Marsha Kuhlman, who passed away two days before taping. May her soul rest in peace.
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for February 12, 2022, Reliance on God. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
A proper post-workout can help to relieve stress, prevent muscle soreness, and prevent injury. It may also help prevent lactic acid buildup so that you are not as sore. This class is designed to mobilize the body and bring about neurological recovery post-workouts. Jhoe uses a dowel that you can purchase at a hardware store, but you can also use a broom or nothing at all.
This 11-min core class is designed to strengthen the muscles of the lower abdominals, upper abdominals, obliques, and back with non-stop core boosting moves and a plank challenge at the end. Use this as a stand-alone workout or as a great addition to other workouts.
Are you feeling stress or anxious and looking for a way to relax? Or do you just want to unwind? Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. It is a gift from God, and it is free! Join Jill for an 11-minute video that will have you at ease and calm in no time! No need for music here, the sound of the waves are great for activating your parasympathetic nervous system helping you to breathe easy.
Let’s sweat it out in this Cardio Kickboxing Burner!! Build stamina, improve coordination and flexibility, and burn a ton of calories as you build lean muscle with this fun and challenging workout. You will leave this class feeling ready to take on whatever the day brings you!!
Are you ready to sweat and feel the burn with this Total Body bodyweight strength class? Incorporating strength and cardio gets your heart rate up for a total calorie burner. You will be doing Curls, Fire Hydrants, Sprints, Chest Presses, Deadlifts, Rows, Lunges and Planks!
This Full Body class is a complete and constant workout incorporating weights, with minimal rest! In this class you will be doing Reverse Lunges, Burpees, Arabesque, Reverse Flys, Rows Pulsing, Alternating Chest Press, and Regular Chest Press. Make sure you have some water and a towel for this one!
Nothing is more gratifying than a strength leg burn! Lori will lead you through a series of squat variations and lunges in this quick 12-minute lower body workout that will sure having you feeling the burn. Be prepared for the bonus heel lifts!
Are you looking for an amazing leg workout for building strength and power in your lower body? You are in the right place! Rachel will have you doing squats with pulses, wide squats with pulses, kettle bell swings, single leg deadlifts, reverse lunge plus kicks, and more. Get ready to work and sweat!
Are you ready to focus on strengthening and toning your trunk? You can use this workout by itself, or you can use it in addition to our other routines for additional core work. Rachel begins with plank which provides an effective warm-up plus it works all the major core muscles as well. She then moves into reverse plank, side crunches, slow mountain climbers, forearm planks, and more! What are you waiting for?
After warming up, Rachel will get your blood pumping with an array of HIIT exercises with 40 seconds on and 20 seconds’ rest. Exercises include mountain climbers, ski or skater jumps side to side, front and back kicks, and burpees. The series is then repeated. Join Rachel for this cardio conditioning class and break a sweat!
This class will get you a "head to toe" toning workout with a 60 second strength workout then a 30 second burst of cardio. Included in the workout are squats, planks, bicep curls, kettle bell swings, and more all followed by 30 second mountain climbers. Whew!!!! Hand weights are used, but feel free to use cans or water bottles.
This class includes strength exercises and cardio segments for a total body workout intended to provide overall fitness and toning by working all major muscle group. Included in the workout are Lunges, lunges with bicep curls, burpees, leg balance with rows, squat knee crunches, kettle bell swings, and more. Hand weights are used, but feel free to use cans or water bottles.
The best remedy to staying injury free is to have a consistent program of stretching after your sport or practice. Stretching after your game or workout can help increase your flexibility and range of motion, reduce the risk of injury, decrease muscle tension and stress in your body, and promote increased circulation. It can even help improve your performance the next time you play. The extra time you spend stretching are well worth it; your body will thank you!
Athletes place a high amount of stress on their bodies to compete in sports so they should prepare and be ready! Warming up is a crucial part of preparation. This 17-minute general warmup can be used before any sport or activity. Lori takes you through dynamic exercises that increases the temperature of the muscles, increases the heart rate, and sends blood flow to the working muscles. The movements will also enhance the neuromuscular relationship between the muscles in the body and the nerves, which will help athletes to be in better control of their movements and functions.
If you have never taken a foam rolling class, now is the time to give it a go! You will be glad you did! Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release; a form of self-message that releases muscular tension, loosens up the connective tissue, and may help reduce pain. Join Jill as she rolls away the tension in the lower body. The meditation and scripture will have you thinking about Simplicity in the Advent Season.
Holy Family School of Faith, 30 Days to Deeper Prayer, Advent Volume, Day 11. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey
There are many benefits to foam rolling including relieving muscle pain (even though it can be intense while rolling!) and easing tension. It may even help with inflammation. While most of us need it on a regular basis, the hustle and bustle of the season makes this a great class for this time of year. Once you roll and stretch the upper back, hips, and glutes, the prayers and meditation will have you contemplating silence during the Advent Season.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
It is crucial to stretch after a workout to prevent muscle soreness and injury and should be an essential part of your well-balanced workout routine. So, whether you have just finished your workout or you are feeling particularly tight, take off your shoes, roll out your mat, and get ready to feel amazing. You may want to have an optional block and blanket/pillow ready. The meditation will have you thinking about how we can change the world by being bearers of gratitude.
Holy Family School of Faith, Daily Rosary, Pride, Humility, Gratitude, November 13, 2021. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey
Strengthen the core and restore proper posture and body mechanics. The core is the body's powerhouse and encompasses the area from the shoulders through the quadriceps in the upper legs. By strengthening the muscles of the inner and outer core (the whole core), we help the body avoid back injury and improve posture and standing strength. Plank for Posture focuses on the Plank position as an economical exercise to improve core strength and stability. The meditation will having you contemplating gratitude at all times.
Holy Family School of Faith, Daily Rosary, No Matter What –Gratitude, August 2, 2021. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Balance is such an essential part of functional fitness. If you are looking for a class that increases flexibility, joint stability, balance, and coordination, Better Balance is the one for you. It is quick yet packed with exercises that will work your core muscle, low back, legs, and best of all, balance. The meditation will have you focusing on Resting in the Lord.
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for December 15,2020, Benefits of Turning to Joseph. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Arm balances require arm and core strength as well as determination and perseverance. Jill helps to make these poses more accessible and fun by using blocks, though they are totally optional. She takes some time to fire up the core and prep the arms for these poses. This class is low impact and good for intermediate and advanced levels. You will want to keep doing Arm Balance Fun until you master the poses. Please share how you are doing with us on social media, and send pics as you work through them! The meditation focuses on living our faith.
Holy Family School of Faith, Daily Rosary Meditation, Faith, September 24, 2021. Used with Permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey
Working on side bends stretches all the muscles up and down the spine, targets both internal and external obliques, tightens your abdominals, and helps you to have better posture. If this sounds like something you would like to work on, join Jill for this 25-minute class that will have you side bending while sitting, kneeling, standing, and lying on your side. The meditation will having you thinking about being a light in the darkness.
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for September 5,2021, Light. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey
Poor posture is a common problem for many people, but can be easily corrected.Not only does bad posture not look good, but can also cause other health problems. Would you like to be one of those people who stand in perfect alignment, maintaining the spine’s natural curves? Practicing Live from Home: Posture Support can be a great aid to strengthening your core and glutes that will aid in correcting a slouching posture. The meditation will have you contemplating God as your focal point.
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for August 13, 2021, Fidelity, Freedom, Bread. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey
Are you looking for a class that focuses on exercises that strengthen the muscles in and around your legs and glutes? Then Gluteus Maxed is for you. Jill uses a closed resistance band, but feel free to not use anything. You will still get a great workout! After warming up, you will go through glute bridges, clam shells, leg lifts, and quad strengtheners. Of course, all other muscle groups are hit as well. This class is appropriate for intermediate and advanced levels. The Scripture and meditations will have you contemplating abiding in Jesus as our Living Wall.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
Functional movement is a term to describe exercises that help you perform everyday activities more easily. Join Jill in this 37 minute class as she works on multiple muscles groups in the lower body to be able to transition from the floor to standing with ease. She also emphasizes core strength and stability. Great for beginners but also some of the movements in the workout gets into more of an intermediate class. Just do what you can and enjoy! The meditation will have you focusing on the virtue of temperance to resist distractions.
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for July20, 2021, Temperance as Distraction from the goal. Used with permission.
Get to know your body better! This class focuses on feeling the stretch in each of the moves. It will improve your posture and balance and help you pay attention to what muscles you are using in each exercise. This means less risk of injury! The meditation will have you thinking about our Lord’s Life-Giving and Healing Power.
Fr. Ben O’Cinnsealaigh, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Cincinnati, OH, based on his column for the week of June 27, 2021.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Give your spine a treat with Back Resiliency. This 42-minute class fires up the entire core to help stabilize and protect the spine, and incorporates twists that help you develop flexibility and resiliency in the spine while increasing range of motion. You will leave feeling energized and ready to take on your day. The meditation will have you thinking about marriage as a sacred bond.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press); Guadium et Spes (Joy and Hope, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World) 48; Blessed Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae; Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
The hamstrings are a group of muscles on the back of the leg from about the knee up to the pelvis. Strong and flexible hamstrings are essential for avoiding injury as well as for everyday movement. If your hamstrings require a bit of attention, join Jill for this 27-minute class that is sure to strengthen as well as lengthen them. The meditation will have you letting God do what He needs to do to make things grow.
Fr. Ben O’Cinnsealaigh, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Cincinnati, OH, based on his column for the week of June 13, 2021.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Core stability is crucial for balance. Join Jill in this 27-minute class as she leads you through functional and multiplanar core exercises that will prepare you for the balance moves throughout the video. As your core continues to strengthen, you will start to see improvement in your balance. The meditation will have you focusing on surrendering everything to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for June 6, 2021, Corpus Christi. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This class, when done consistently, will give you that strong core you’ve always wanted. Using a variety of different exercises, Jill works your using upper and lower abs, oblique muscles, and the pelvic floor and back. Of course, always ending with a stretch. The meditation will have you focus on selfless and sacrificial charity, ready to help others as you leave the class.
Holy Family School of Faith, Daily Rosary podcast, Charity, May 10, 2021. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
A mix of dynamic core stabilizing exercises using planks, squats, standing side crunches, and Pike pushups with shoulder taps. A light weight is optional. Good for the beginner to intermediate.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Are you in need of a workout that helps you recover from a job that has you sitting all day at a computer or on the phone? Then Work Day Recovery is for you! Jill takes you through poses that not only help tight hips, but opens the chest and restores the shoulders. The meditation helps you to reflect on the fact that you are the apple of God’s eyes. Can you say ahhhhhhhh?
Holy Family School of Faith, 30 Days to Deeper Prayer. Volume 3, Day 3, The Apple of His Eye.. (Used with permission)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Balance is a crucial part of functional fitness and helps you to perform everyday tasks with greater strength and coordination. Join Betsy for this 32 min. class that will have you standing taller with confidence. The meditation will help you to focus on the peaceful anticipation of Holy Week.
Holy Family School of Faith, Daily Rosary Meditation, Peaceful Anticipation, March 25, 2021. Used with Permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Are you ready to feel relaxed and composed? Then Live from Home: Calm, Cool and Collected is for you! The music, along with Jill’s calming voice, will help you unwind while getting a good workout. The meditation focuses on the particular time of Holy Week.
Pope Francis, Palm Sunday homily, April 13, 2014.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Join Jill in this brisk, 24-minute, level 1 class that makes old moves feel new with different variations and sequences. You may experience new ways to gain strength on your hands and knees when you follow along with Jill’s variations. Alternating back extension, pike, angle, airplane, and revolved angle will give your whole body a good workout. As you relax in a reclined inner thigh stretch, you will hear a meditation prompting you to consider whether your soul is a house of prayer or a marketplace.
Fr. Ben O’Cinnsealaigh, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Cincinnati, OH, based on his column for the week of March 7, 2021.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
“Arms of Love” will get your heart pumping and your arms burning. In this 20-minute high-intensity interval training class, Betsy will energetically guide you through a variety of cardio exercises with a focus on the arms and shoulders. The upbeat instrumental music will help keep you going as you warm-up your arms for three minutes without letting them rest (three minutes may feel longer than you expect!) The workout portion of class includes shuffles in a pike-like position, one-armed push-ups, one-armed planks, modified push-ups, and tricep push-ups. You will repeat the warm-up series before winding down with a few short stretches and finishing in prayer. You may like to strengthen your arms to achieve a more defined look--but did you know that stronger arms also means safer joints? Your shoulders, elbows, and wrists are better protected by stronger muscles. Because this is not a traditional Pietra Fitness class, we encourage you to consider rounding out your workout today by enjoying a Gentle stretching and strengthening class, such as TOB Stress Relief or Your Rhythm.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Live! from Home: Building a Strong Foundation is a 40-minute, level 1 class that begins and ends on the mat, but is otherwise full of many standing poses that will work the major muscle groups and drive the heart-rate up a bit. Betsy designed the class to prepare you to engage in a strong and effective way in a standing half-linked backbend, which you will try near the end of the class. This pose can be difficult as it challenges our balance while strengthening the legs, ankles, and back, and stretching the shoulders, chest, thighs, groin, and abdomen. Throughout the workout you will engage in pike pose, low-lunge with backbend, twists, side-bends, plank, side-plank, forward-folds, and quad-stretches, which will help you build the strength and flexibility needed to successfully enter a standing half-linked backbend. You may like to take note of how you feel in this pose...wobbly? strong?...and remember to take note of what improvements you notice next time you try it. The long-hold position is a reclined inner-thigh stretch during which you will hear a meditation about being transformed by the loving gaze of Jesus. The music you will enjoy during this class is peaceful, perfect for allowing you to focus on both the physical and spiritual aspects of the class. We hope "Building a Strong Foundation" gives you the confidence to start where you are, the encouragement to challenge yourself to try new things, and the time to allow Jesus’ loving gaze to pierce your heart.
Pope Francis, Gaudium et Spes, 19
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Are you looking for a short and effective workout you can squeeze into your busy schedule? This level 1 class has all the components of the regular Pietra Fitness classes that you love, all in 21 minutes! You will begin in standing posture for deep breathing and gratefulness before entering some Pietra Fitness flows to get the blood moving and gently wake up all the major muscle groups of the body. The workout portion of class includes pike pose, lunge II, reverse lunge II, high lunge, and extended-leg reach. Did you know that in extended-leg reach pose you strengthen your spine, legs, ankles, and quads while you stretch your hamstrings and shoulders? Not to mention strengthening your balance! After a quad stretch, you will enter an inner-thigh stretch for your long-hold position and listen to the meditation about growing in strength from your trials. You may notice that the bodily prayer verse, “I love you, Lord, my strength” is the secret to living the Scripture for today’s class (James 1:2-4). We can persevere joyfully in trials because He is our strength!
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for January 29, 2021, I Need Patience! Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Would you like to stand taller, move better, and have greater flexibility and range of motion? If the answer is yes, then Live for Advent: Fix your Posture is for you! The exercises Jill does in the video will help your body move in a way that is smarter and more efficient. She uses a foam roller, but you can use a rolled towel instead. The meditation will have you contemplating God’s Glory during this wonderful Advent season.
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for August 11, 2020, On Beauty. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This 33-minute, level I class with Betsy will help you practice physical balance and meditate on lifestyle balance. You will begin on your back with deep breathing and gratefulness. The warm-up section includes positions that are supine, standing, and hands and knees. Betsy will help you become aware of your pelvic floor, wake up your back muscles, and gently get the blood flowing throughout your body. The workout section begins with a series that includes Pike, Low Lunge with twists, and hamstring stretches. You will next be challenged and strengthened in your balance as you move into Lunge 2, High Lunge, Arabesque, and side plank. Twice you will enter into bodily prayer and implore, “Lord, prosper the work of our hands” (a variation of prayer from Psalm 90). As you relax into a reclined inner thigh stretch for your long hold, you will listen to a meditation about St. Benedict and the three ingredients of a happy life. During the Quiet pose, you will be asked to reflect on whether these three elements of a happy life are part of your life and in proper proportion.
Holy Family School of Faith daily Rosary, St. Benedict and a Balanced Life, July 10, 2020. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Are you looking for irRESISTible arms with minimal equipment? Yes please. Live! From Home: Irresistible Arms is just what you are looking for. While barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells are great, resistance bands are easy and can hit every muscle group while also working on range of motion. In the workout, Jill takes you through a series of Planks to strengthen and prep the muscles. She then takes you through a sequence of arm and shoulder exercises using the band. You can make all of the exercises harder by shortening the band to add resistance or use a band with more resistance. Don’t have a band? No worries! You can still work your arms and shoulders without it. In the wind-down, you will relax with the meditation on joyfulness. So, if you are ready to live joy and get stronger arms and shoulders, grab your band and join us!
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This 36-minute level 1 class will work every major muscle group. Remember, in Pietra Fitness, “Level 1” means our moderate level. You begin in posture pose, with deep breathing and gratefulness. As Betsy reminds us here, deep breathing is great for your digestion! The soft, but slightly upbeat guitar music adds just the right ambiance as you flow seamlessly with Betsy through your strengthening and stretching postures today. Your legs and core will be strengthened as you move through half-squats and rotating half-squats in the warm-up followed by a flow in the work-out section in which you hold Lunge II as you move with your breath through reverse Lunge II and side-reach. You will stretch your hamstrings throughout the workout with a variety of both standing and seated wide-leg folds as well as a quad stretch. In seated position, V-sit with toe-taps will strengthen your abdominal and back muscles, before you move into hip-release for your long-hold to lengthen and relax your connective tissue and listen to the meditation. The scripture and meditation remind us that we are the tenants in God’s vineyard and prompts us to consider his great love in sending His Son and how we ought to respond.
Fr. Benedict O’Cinnsealaigh, Our Lady of Victory, Cincinnati, OH, Fr. Ben’s Column, bulletin Oct. 4, 2020. Used with permission
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Have a towel and water handy to begin Cardio #4: Fab Abs. It is a 22 min class that integrates interval training techniques with fabulous abdominal exercises. Whether you are Level 1 or Level 2, you can make this class work for you by modifying each exercise. The warm-up goes over the movements used in class, and the workout is 30 sec. on, 30 seconds off with the following exercises: Plank Jump, Elbow to knee Crunches (Do bicycles to intensify), Plank Running climbers, Supine Abs (Lower the legs to boost or make them vertical to ease up), and Standing Heel Taps (Jump to raise the heart rate even more). Take a one minute break and then start over again for 2 more rounds! WOW! You may want to wear shoes for this one!
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Are you looking for a quick, heart-raising workout that focuses on your hips and glutes? Cardio #3: Banded Glutes and Hips may be just what you are looking for. You’ll warm up by marching in place along with glute kicks in a wide stance. In the workout, it is 45 seconds on/45 seconds off moving through squats, bridges, donkey kicks, clamshells, and fire hydrants. Think you are done? Not quite! You will repeat that circuit before cooling down and lowering the heart rate with quad stretches, wide-leg cherry pickers, and a hamstring stretch. Intensify the workout by using a resistance band. It's not your traditional Pietra Fitness class, but a great way to incorporate cardio into your well-rounded fitness regime.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Are you ready to rev up your exercise routine? This HIIT-style workout alternates intense activity with times of rest or less activity. The warm-up will be 30 seconds of each exercise with no off time. Betsy will take you through Standing Wide Stance toe touches, marching or jogging in place, hip circles, and arm circles. How much you pick up the pace in the workout is up to you, as you can modify the number of reps. It is 30 seconds on, 20 seconds off of core exercises, planks, lateral leg raises with squats, Pike pushups, side-stepping squats, skaters, more planks, and High Lunges. Your heart rate will be pumping by this time, and then you will cool down with some wonderful stretches. This is not your traditional Pietra Fitness class, but a great addition to your wellness practices. By the time you are done, you will be ready to get up and go!
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
The extended periods of sitting and inactivity that you experience from long flights, car rides, and layovers, can wreak havoc on your body. Luckily, you don’t have to allow your travel time to ruin your trip. Join Tara for this 34 min. morning stretch from the sunny beaches of Florida. Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul as you breathe, exercise, and pray all while watching the sunrise and listening to the sound of the crashing waves! You don’t need to be traveling to enjoy the many benefits of the class as you contemplate the Holy Spirit as the source of Living Water. You will thank yourself later!
Pope Francis, General Audience at St. Peter’s Square, Wednedsday, May 8, 2013.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This 34-minute total body workout is one that anyone can do. You'll target all your muscles, including the core, hips, glutes, thighs, back, shoulders, and arms. The class is full of tried and true exercises, from roll-ups and toe taps to bicycles and more. If you are looking for a low impact workout that hits your entire body, then Live! From Home: The Works is for you. The meditation helps you to contemplate that we should not be defined by our failures, but by our courage.
Fr. Ben O’Cinnsealaigh, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Cincinnati, OH, Inspiration for the week of July 12, 2020
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Complete your day with Live! From Home: Whole Body Warmer. After the prayer, you will be led through a series of squats, lunges (with knee taps and twists), Elevated Chest Lifts, and lots, and lots of Planks! The slightly slower pace helps you to gradually increase your heart rate and blood flow to muscles. You will leave class feeling warm from head to toe. The meditations will help you to contemplate courage and how God is our strength.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Are you looking for a killer core workout that is safe for people who struggle with abdominal separation (also known as diastasis recti)? This ballet-inspired class is for you! In From Home: Ballet Circuit 2, Courtney (a professional ballerina) will take you through a series of dynamic moves that will strengthen and stretch your abdominals and back, including toe touches, Russians twists, elevated chest lift, side plank, and more. And just when you think you've completed the last rep, you'll start the circuit again from the top—twice. By the time you finish this 23-minute class, you'll be standing taller, feeling toner . . . and probably be a little out of breath. No tutu, ballet slippers, or prior ballet experience necessary.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Perfect high lunge, lunge 1, lunge 2, and pike pose in this 36-minute Foundational Postures class. Just like Live! from Home: Back to Basics 1, Betsy will use cues and tips to guide you through Live! from Home: Back to Basics 2 to teach you proper form and alignment of these four fundamental Pietra Fitness postures. You will begin standing in good posture pose, focusing on your breath and thoughts of gratitude. Loosen up the muscles in your neck, arms, sides, and lower legs before flowing to pike to warm up the backside of your body. And now the real work begins . . . Strengthen your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core and challenge your balance with three different types of lunges. In between each lunge posture, feel-good stretches will bring relief to the muscles that you just worked. The more you engage your muscles in the lunges, the more relaxed you'll feel when you lie back in reclined inner thigh stretch for the long hold. The Scriptures and meditations will remind you that failure doesn't define us; the important thing is to keep trying.Whether you're new to Pietra Fitness or you've been doing Pietra Fitness for a while, you can benefit from our Foundational Postures classes. Look for more of these workouts in our online studio or join us live on Friday.
Fr. Ben O’Cinnsealaigh, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Cincinnati, OH, Inspiration for the week of July 12, 2020
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
If you like HIIT workouts, this fast-paced nontraditional Pietra Fitness class is for you. Right from the get-go, you'll raise your heart rate with mountain climbers, quick transitions, squats with lat pulldowns, and bicycles—and that's just the warm-up. Keep your heart pumping and engage every muscle in your body with standing side crunches; skaters; more mountain climbers, squats, and bicycles; and other compound exercises. Cool down with feel-good stretches that will relieve any soreness in your hips, hamstrings, and back before resting for a few breaths in rock pose. By the end of this 24-minute class, you'll feel energized, accomplished, and ready to take on the day.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Looking for a leg workout that tones your lower body, makes you sweat (or glisten), and leaves your whole body feeling strong and energized? This 58-minute class is for you! With quick transitions and compound exercises that engage multiple muscles at the same time (think squats with bicep curls, reverse swan dives, mountain climbers, and side lunges), Live! from Home: Glistening will get your heart rate up and work muscles you didn't even know you had. But that's not all. Just like every Pietra Fitness class, this Level 1 workout incorporates feel-good stretches to increase your flexibility and range of motion, release tension, and provide relief for the muscles that you just worked. The Scriptures and meditations will remind you that calling out to God in times of need is a true sign of trust in Him.
Clare Schiller, Foundations 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is fear preventing you from living your life to the fullest? The inspiring music, motivating meditations, and empowering exercises in this Level 1 class will fill you with hope, courage, and strength. You will begin Live! from Home: Liberation sitting tall in a comfortable seated position, working on your breath. After warming up your body, you'll come to hands and knees to work your core, shoulders, and glutes in kneeling balance. Low lunge will stretch your hip flexors, and a gentle twist will increase the mobility in your spine. Work your quads with squats before holding a plank. (Add some push-ups if you're up for the challenge.) Strengthen your back with elevated chest lift and a linked backbend, and then transition to standing for a Lunge 2 series that incorporates a side reach, angle pose, and wide-leg posture pose. Work on your balance in standing linked backbend before flowing back to seated for a long inner thigh stretch. The Scriptures and meditations will remind you that there is nothing to fear when we keep our eyes on Jesus.
Fr. Ben O’Cinnsealaigh, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Cincinnati, OH, Inspiration for the week of August 9, 2020
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Congratulations on making it to the last workout in the Surrender Novena Series. If there is anything that you are still holding on to—any worries or anxieties, physical stress—place it at Jesus' feet and resolve to let it go by the end of this 45-minute class. As stated in today's prayer, "There is no novena more effective than this." You will begin this Level 1 workout in a comfortable cross-legged seated position, calming your mind and nervous system with deep breathing and thoughts of gratitude. Take a few minutes to warm up your body by easing into stretches and twists that loosen your neck and shoulders, open up your chest, and feel good on your back. Transition to standing for the first flow, which will work your shoulders, arms, back, core, and glutes. Follow that up with lunges and a challenging balance series to strengthen all the muscles in your legs before coming to seated to fire up your abs. As you lie back in reclined inner thigh stretch for the long hold, the words of novena prayer will wash away your fears and fill you with hope. Courageously carry this hope with you for the rest of the day—and your life—and resolve to turn to Jesus whenever you're feeling anxious, saying, "O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything."
The Surrender Novena Day 9
Surrender Novena, by Francesca LaRosa (www.francescalarosa.com), Cantemus, by The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Stretch the sides of your body and strengthen your back with the second to last workout of the Surrender Novena Series. You will begin this 37-minute Level 1 class in a comfortable cross-legged seated position, focusing on your breath, thoughts of gratitude, and placing yourself in God's presence. Warm-up with a series of stretches, bends, and safe twists that loosen any tightness or tension you may holding in your neck, shoulders, hips, and lower back. In the workout portion of the class, you can look forward to a standing backbend, low lunges, a full squat, calf raises, head and chest lifts, and other dynamic moves to hit every major muscle group in your body. Rest in rock pose for the long hold and work your core before winding down and lying back in quiet pose for the Resolution portion of the class. The Scriptures, prayers, and meditations remind you that God is good and trustworthy and invite you to ask for His help and consolation.
Surrender Novena Day 8
Surrender, J'abandonne tout, Alles überlasse ich Jesus, by Francesca LaRosa (www.francescalarosa.com), Qui sunt isti-Responsory, by The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Your body should be feeling good and ready to move after yesterday's easier Day 6 workout. Begin this 34-minute class lying on your back, practicing deep belly breathing, focusing on gratitude, and calling to mind your intentions for this novena. When you're ready, warm up with a full-body stretch before rolling up to seated to stretch your triceps, sides, and back. Briefly come to hands and knees and then transition to pike, pedaling your feet to loosen up the backside of your body. Flow into low lunge and shift your weight back to stretch your hamstring before coming to plank elevated chest lift on toes. Briefly work on your balance and open up your hip with a quad stretch, and then move right into your second flow: low lunge with a twist, high lunge with pulses, and a plank. Open up your hips with knee stack, making modifications if necessary, and then extend your legs in seated engaged for the long hold. The Scriptures, prayers, and meditations throughout this workout will remind you that Jesus still performs miracles today and invite you to ask God for help with whatever is troubling you.
Surrender Novena Day 7
Surrender, J'abandonne tout, Alles überlasse ich Jesus, by Francesca LaRosa (www.francescalarosa.com), Missa in Die-Introit, by The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)