Special Program Class Descriptions

YOGA

Experience the benefits of yoga: pain and stress reduction, anxiety control, increased health and vitality, weight loss, overall fitness and exercise. Yoga increases flexibility, tones muscles, lubricates joints, ligaments and tendons, and detoxifies the body. Join a YOGA class today !

Vinyasa
This class combines traditional yoga poses that involves synchronizing the breath with progressive series of repetitive postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. This class is designed for those individuals who seek a mind, body and spiritual workout that is invigorating. This class promotes strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. The class always ends with a final relaxation.

Hatha
Hatha yoga means “yoga for health” and describes all physical yoga. It renews, invigorates, and heals the body — stretching and strengthening the muscles, joints, spine and directing blood and oxygen to the internal organs. Yoga can offer something for people of all fitness levels. It can relieve stress through better breathing practices and by developing strength and flexibility. The benefits are the balancing of mind, body and spirit.

Yogalates
An integrated class that offers the core strength of progressive pilates mat work with flowing yoga postures. It is a perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and relaxation. All levels of experience are welcome.

MIND/BODY

Kids Yoga
Kids will learn simple yoga excersises that work to strengthen their bodies and improve coordination. They will experience their own awarenes to their bodies, thoughts and emotions as they playfully complete each new yoga pose.

Active Meditation
This meditation has two stages. The first stage will connect the breath to each of the seven chakras. Music is used to help guide you through this technique. The second stage involves awarenes in silence. Join Chrysa every Wednesday evening and learn how meditation can influence your life experiences.

Gentle
This class is designed with a gentle approach for participants with limitations. Asanas may be assisted using chairs and props. Posture, breath, flexibility and strength will be emphasized.

Fundamentals
Learn the importance of technique and breath. This class is beneficial for all levels to enhance your yoga/Pilates experience.

Basic
For beginners with no previous yoga experience. An introduction of more postures including sun salutations.

Moderate
This class combines traditional yoga asanas that involve synchronizing the breath with progressive series of repetitive postures. This out that is invigorating. This invigorating class promotes strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. Ending with a relaxing meditation.

Vigorous
A warm room and challenging practice creates a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. For those with an ongoing yoga practice and familiarity with modifications. Arm balances, inversions, backbends and deep twists will be explored through precise sequencing.

Transient Dance
This class uses movement to get the creative process flowing. Everyone can benefit from this process. You do not have to be a dancer to find the joy in movement. Process dancing gives you a direct experience of what creativity is for you. Opening new avenues of awareness to your own body while staying present in your dance will unleash unknown aspects of yourself. We create a safe environment to play and experiment with out the judgments or worry of doing anything wrong. This leads to more freedom in our life to experience creativity in many ways it presents itself.

Belly Dancing
Come experience the beauty, passion, and empowerment that Middle Eastern Dance offers to women! The fitness benefits of this art form include: increased flexibility, muscle strength, self-confidence, and fun! This class is for women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. No prior dance experience is needed. Please wear fitness attire and bring a scarf for your hips.

PILATES

Mixed Level Pilates
Based on the work of Joseph H. Pilates, this class incorporates strength & flexibility movements which produce lean muscles and core stability. Equipment such as resistance bands and balls may be used.

Pilates Fundamentals.
Based on the work of Joseph H. Pilates. In this class you will learn all the connections and proper techniques that will help you get the most out of your Pilates practice.

Pilates Fitness Circle 
If you have hit a plateau in your mat work or want to work more intensely, then this class is for you. With the added resistance, the fitness circle will take your workout to the next level and will improve your muscle strength and tone throughout the body especially in the problem areas like the inner and outer thighs, arms and chest. Prior Pilates experience required.

Yogalates
An integrated class that offers the core strength of progressive Pilates mat work with flowing yoga postures.  It is a perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and relaxation.  All levels of experience are welcome. Instructor: Yelena

TAEKWONDO
FOCUS - CONFIDENCE - SELF-DEFENSE
THE KOREAN ART OF SELF-DEFENSE

Taekwondo, one of the newest Olympic sports, is an ancient martial art developed more than 3000 years ago. It offers a variety of benefits for people of all ages, and physical abilities. Students have the opportunity to improve concentration and self-esteem, achieve life long physical fitness and learn self – defense skills. Classes are taught under the supervision of Grand Master Ki Hong Kim who holds an 8th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and is officially affiliated with the World Taekwondo Federation.

Little Dragons  Ages: 4 - 5
This introductory class is designed to captivate the interest of our youngest students. Skills are developed through gentle instruction and appropriate games for their ability. This class focuses on developing balance, coordination and respect for the discipline of martial arts training.

Early Taekwondo Ages: 6 - 7
This class is designed for the younger children of 6 – 7 years; this program helps kids develop conditioning, coordination, listening skills, and self-confidence through creative activities.

Youth Taekwondo  Ages 8 - 13
This program includes a balanced cardiovascular workout including punching, kicking and blocking skills, using the
Taekwondo tradition and self-control. Participants will improve coordination, balance and both physical and mental discipline.

Adult Taekwondo Ages 14+
Restricted to high school students and older, this program concentrates on Taekwondo techniques through the study of forms, stances and the skills of punching, kicking and blocking.

Family Taekwondo
This class provides families with a fun opportunity to spend time together while improving physical and mental
conditioning through cardiovascular drills, calisthenics and traditional Taekwondo techniques, including punching, kicking and blocking.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING

Junior Weight Training
13, 14, 15 year old teens are instructed to use the fitness equipment properly and safely. Upon completion of the course participants are allowed to use the selectorized equipment with their parents during family hours on Saturdays and Sundays. Please contact Liane Faigen at 847-353-7582 to get started.
Parents must be a BGFC member. (Drop off consent form available. See Liane Faigen for more information)

Evolution Athletics!
Renowned state-wide basketball trainer Jeff Pagliocca is always looking for determined kids to train in the gym. Jeff helps beginning players as well as elite athletes realize their potential on and off the court through hard work. Jeff has worked out many of the top high school players in the state and trains several Division 1 college players. Training sessions are arranged individually with Coach Pagliocca. Contact Liane Faigen @ 847.353.7582.

Get Tite with Melissa
Girls ages 13-18 come workout with one of our most popular trainers. Melissa Bentsen will have you experience all types of fitness training including; Bosu, Yoga, Pilates, Cycling, Weight training, Fitness balls and much more. No getting bored in this class!!! Class meets two days per week. Girls meet Melissa in the Lobby by the Television at 6pm.

SWIMMING LESSONS

BGFC follows the guidelines set by the American Red Cross. Please enroll your child in the appropriate class according to their skill level. Take into account any absence from structured swimming when choosing a level. Class size will be kept to five children for every one instructor. Parents are to remain on the premises during the 30 minute lesson and in designated parent viewing area. One make-up lesson may be allowed on the scheduled “Make-Up Lesson Day” (Saturday, February 16). Level One @1pm, Level Two @1:30pm, & Levels Three & Four @ 2pm. You must contact the Aquatics Coordinator, Kristie Buckman, to reserve a spot for this day at 847-353-7526.

Student must successfully demonstrate all skills before moving to the next level.

Please call the Aquatics Coordinator, Kristie Buckman at 847-353-7526 if you are unable to attend a class. One make-up lesson will be allowed on the scheduled “Make-Up Lesson Day” (Saturday, February 16). You must contact the Aquatics Coordinator, Kristie Buckman, to reserve a spot for this day. Other missed lessons will neither be made-up nor refunded, unless a doctor's note is provided during the current session. Do not show up for a lesson that you are not registered for—the child will only be allowed into the water if he/she is on the class roster.

Level 1
Skills to accomplish include: enter & exit pool independently from the side, bobbing, submerging face& blow bubbles for 3 sec., front & back float with support from instructor, alternating arm action, supported kicking, rollovers with support, jumping in from side & open eyes underwater to retrieve a submerged object. Class held in warm water therapy pool.

Level 2
Skills to accomplish include: holding breath & submerging entire head for 5 sec., retrieving underwater objects, unsupported front/back glide & float, unsupported flutter kicks on front & back, elementary backstroke arms, unsupported rollovers, level body from vertical to horizontal position, front & back crawl 15 ft, rhythmic breathing, finning on back, front & back glide two body lengths & tread water. Class is in the warm water therapy pool.

Level 3
Skills to accomplish include: front crawl with rhythmic breathing 15 yds, back crawl 15 yds, butterfly kick 15ft, shallow dive from kneeling position, elementary backstroke 10 yds, reverse direction while swimming, treading water & breaststroke. Class is in the lap pool.

Level 4
Skills to accomplish include: front crawl with rhythmic breathing 25 yds, back crawl 25 yds, breaststroke 25 yds, sidestroke 15 yds, butterfly 15 yds, elementary backstroke 25 yds, breaststroke kick 25 yds, sidestroke 15 yds, change of direction at wall, tread water, shallow dives. Class is in the lap pool.

Level 4 Graduates!
Those students looking to continue developing their swimming skills, prepare for an organized swim team, or get a GREAT workout, join our Level 4 Graduate Class! This class meets for 45 min.

Competitive Prep Class
This class is meant to improve stroke technique, build endurance, increase speed, learn competitive rules, and flip turns. Students must be able to swim 200 yards continuously and have coordinator approval.

Parent /Tot Swim Lessons
Give your child a chance to become comfortable and begin to learn aquatic skills. This class is for both parent and the 6-36 month old child. Class held in warm water therapy pool.

Adult Learn to Swim
This adult small group class will help you feel comfortable in and around the water as well as introduce you to
stroke development and coordination. Come join us after your child’s learn to swim lesson! These classes are taught by certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors. Class held in the lap pool.

Private Swim Lessons (for Adults or Children)
Private swim lessons are designed to meet your specific needs. Learn the basics of swimming or fine-tune your technique. Please fill out an information sheet and call the Aquatics Coordinator, Kristie Buckman, to schedule your lesson(s) 847-353-7526. Lessons are half-hour. There is a 24 hour cancellation policy.

Specialty Aquatic Classes

Aqua Arthritis
This 45 minute class takes place in our warm water therapy pool, which allows for flexibility and mobility of the joints. Approved and recommended by the Arthritis Foundation, certified instructors will lead you through a series of exercises that can help relieve the pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. Physician recommendation is mandatory, please obtain a form from the front desk.