Thursday, May 29, 2008

Mr. Fitness is on vacation!

I will be on vacation from teaching all my classes until the week of June 16th! Thus one half of my Fitness Year is over with over 325 group fitness classes taught all over Central Florida since January. The number of classes I have taught in the last two years is over 2000. What a year so far!

When I return I will be adding classes to new and exciting locations so stay tuned! I am joining Platinum Dance Academy, adding more classes at Disney and will be teaching at a couple very prestigious studios around Orlando.

See you all very soon!

Sean Vigue
svigue@mr-fitness.org

PS I will still be blogging while I am on vacation so check back.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Thanks for all your support!

Hello my friends,

As I prepare to take my first vacation since Christmas and recharge my batteries I look back at the first half of 2008 with total happiness! My opportunities to work with people and give them the tools to improve their physical, mental and spiritual selves continues to grow with each passing day. This is truly an amazing business to be a part of and I am learning more with every single day...with every single class...with every single person.

Since January, 2008 I have taught over 325 top-notch Group Fitness classes to thousands of people all ages, sizes, and fitness levels all over central Florida. These classes include Pilates Matwork, Hatha Yoga, Yogalates (fusion of Yoga and Pilates), and Spinning/Indoor Cycling. I teach these classes in a vast variety of locations including health clubs, businesses, schools, private homes, resorts, studios, hospitals, and clubhouses. All you need is a mat, a bottle of water, and a desire to change your life!

When I return from vacation I begin teaching at a brand new, state-of-the-art dance academy (Platinum Dance Academy- www.danceatplatinum.com) in Celebration, Florida, am adding more classes to my busy Walt Disney World schedule (I will be there four days a week teaching Pilates), and also am in talks with several studios who cater to sports and fitness professionals about teaching group fitness classes. I am going to begin working with more professional athletes, performers and dancers who need their bodies to be in top shape for their employment.

I wish to thank every client that I have had the honor of instructing thus far in my professional fitness career (Mr. Fitness LLC) and look forward to the infinite, endless and exciting possibilities of the future. This is only the beginning!

As always I am here for you. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sean R. Vigue
svigue@Mr-Fitness.org

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Teaching Yoga for children at Montessori

I just finished my second year as the Yoga instructor for the Montessori School of Celebration, Florida. Time indeed does fly! Every week I teach Kindergarten through seventh grade the many benefits of Yoga and meditation. A stressed-out unfocused child will turn into a stressed-out unfocused adult.

Marsha Wenig wrote in Yoga Journal:

"Children derive enormous benefits from yoga. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, and body awareness. In addition, their concentration and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. Doing yoga, children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. Yoga brings that marvelous inner light that all children have to the surface."

The children really keep me on my toes and everyday is a learning experience. The most difficult part of teaching yoga to younger children is letting them know it is fine to just relax...to be...to let go of the day. The concepts start to form and they begin to understand after several classes. Yoga is a huge departure from the energies of their days. I would have benefited greatly from Yoga when I was in grade school because there were many times when my focus wained. One of the most common comments on my report cards was that "Sean does not use time wisely". So shameful (-:

Many parents have shared wonderful stories with me about their children teaching them different parts of yoga...from relaxing breathing to the famous Tree balance pose. Anyone will benefit from practicing yoga on a weekly basis...young and old alike.

Sean

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Candlelight Yoga at Platinum Dance Academy

Here is the press release for my brand new Candlelight Yoga class at The Platinum Dance Academy in Celebration, Florida:

Looking for ways to unburden some of the stress in your life? Then come join us at Platinum Dance Academy this summer for Candlelight Yoga with Sean Vigue (www.mr-fitness.org). Practice gentle yoga in the soft glow of candlelight to relax the body and soothe the soul. Beginners Welcome!

You'll unwind and drain your tension away with this soothing, restorative yoga program designed for all fitness levels and body types. Melt anxiety into tranquility with yoga postures specifically chosen to release tension, increase strength, improve balance, and enhance flexibility. You’ll leave feeling recharged and ready for a restful night and busy week to come. All you need is a mat and a bottle of water.

Beginning Monday, June 23rd the class will be held for six weeks on Monday evenings 7:30pm-8:30pm. Space is limited, and registration is on a first come – first served basis. Be sure to register early to ensure your space in class. The pre-paid classes will cost $85 for the six week session. Space permitting, the drop in rate is $15.00/class.

For more information go to www.danceatplatinum.com


Saturday, May 10, 2008

Bringing in Disney performers and more!

The Platinum Dance Academy in Celebration, Florida (where I will be teaching Pilates and Candlelight Yoga) will be attracting many professional performers from Walt Disney World and the surrounding areas. The level of dance, Pilates and Yoga instruction will be top notch and the facilities will dazzle all ages and talents. Construction has been moving along ahead of schedule and the plan is to open in the next 2 weeks! I will start teaching my Pilates and Yoga classes the week of June 23rd.

To stay current on the exciting happenings with Platinum Dance check out the website at www.danceatplatinum.com

We expect an outstanding future in Central Florida!

Sean Vigue

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Noodle Salad

Love this quote from the movie As Good As It Gets...

Carol Connelly
: OK, we all have these terrible stories to get over, and you-...
Melvin Udall: It's not true. Some have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that's their story. Good times, noodle salad. What makes it so hard is not that you had it bad, but that you're that pissed that so many others had it good.

This movie came out 10 years ago. I remember seeing it in Wichita while I was doing a production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at a professional theater in town. It was the first time I ever went to a movie by myself and I loved it!

Just thought I would share...

Getting ready to head to Disney to teach Pilates...

Friday, May 02, 2008

The power of the mind in exercise

"The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power."

-Joseph Pilates, letter to clients, 1939

The mind is always in control of your body in every single endeavor we do. In my classes I tell people to visualize the movement first and then translate it to your body and perform it exactly the way you saw it. Pilates not only strengthens and tones your body but also does the same for your mind. The mind becomes sharp and focused. The more focus we posses the more we enjoy and savor our lives....paying attention to the beautiful moment that is upon us. I like the term "intense focus". Our focus determines the reality that we are all meant to find in our everyday lives. Only by staying focused can we truly find the joy of the moment.

Pilates is a natural high. That high is always inside of us and can be brought out and savored.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Thoughts on Teaching

I pattern my classes like a dramatic piece of theater. In every theatrical production you have the overture, the setting, the dramatic action that pushes the story forward, the falling action and finally the resolution. People leave the show feeling content and happy. If this structure is changed then everything falls.

My classes are structured with the same thoughts in mind. We begin with a warm-up, move into the exercises or poses, (they build and develop as we move further into the class) the big, power moves finish off the exercises, and then we move into the cool down (stretching and releasing tension that we built up during the class). People leave my class feeling content and happy.

All of my classes (Pilates, yoga, yogalates, Spinning, chair yoga etc.) follow this dramatic arc. it ensures that every sequence has a purpose and they all connect together. Nothing happens by "chance" in my classes. There is a natural flow that your mind/body/spirit adheres to. Every class I teach improves how I "deliver" the product. Even after teaching a few thousand classes I am still learning from each and every one.

I have taken classes where there is no flow to the class. It is painful to me. If people come together for a group fitness class and the instructor drops the ball it is such a waste of time and spirit. I work very hard to ensure that EVERY class has it's own feel and personality. We come together to make our lives better (even extraordinary) in group fitness. To think any less would be a shame.

Sean Vigue

Saturday, April 26, 2008

What will Pilates do for me? Let me tell you...

  • Improve strength, flexibility and balance.
  • Tone and build long, lean muscles without adding bulk.
  • Improve circulation.
  • Offer relief from back pain and joint stress.
  • Engage the mind and enhance body awareness.
  • Reduce stress, relieve tension, boost energy through deep stretching.
  • Restore postural alignment and create a stronger, more flexible spine.
  • Improve the way your body looks and feels.
These are just a few of the benefits. I teach Pilates Matwork more then any other class and they are by far the most popular. All you need is a mat, a bottle of water and the possibilities for improving your physical, mental and spiritual health are endless. Also without weights and machines you can make proper adjustments in a blink of the eye to suit your individual needs. It is just you and the mat.

When I teach yoga to my students at The Montessori School I refer to their mat as their "island". It is all their's and there is no limit to what they can accomplish when they are on their own, personal island.

Contact me to learn more about Pilates Matwork and why millions more Americans practice it each year.

Sean

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Guestbook is up and running!

My guestbook is up and running again thanks to my web-master Richard. Excellent! Feel free to sign it on your way out...

Pilates classes for Walt Disney World

As many of you know I am THE Pilates instructor for all of Walt Disney World Florida property and I work through Cast Activities. I have taught at Team Disney, Animal Kingdom Cast Services and have been teaching for the last year-and-a-half at the Feature Animation building in Disney's Hollywood Studios. I just taught my 150th Pilates class at this excellent facility and could not be more excited with how the classes have been going. Cast Members sign-up for eight-week sessions with me through the Cast Portal/Hub and these classes run several times during the week. I am very pleased that so many Cast Members keep coming back for more of these dynamic and invigorating classes that end their day at Disney. Each class ranges from 10-20 people and hundreds have attended at F.A. We are in discussions about adding even more classes at Feature Animation because of the huge interest that has been generated. We will keep packin' em' in our studio!!

So thanks to all who have attended my classes and the best is yet to come!

Sean Vigue

"I am 50 years ahead of my time."
-Joseph Pilates

Friday, April 18, 2008

Love it!!!

I love what I do!!!!!!

That is all...

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Sundays off!

The only day during the week that I don't teach classes is Sunday. It is my official day off! I was looking forward to going for a looooong bike ride all week and it is RAINING! I think I may go out anyways and bike so fast I avoid the rain drops. It can be done. Two years ago I was biking on a wooded trail in town while it was raining and the bike shot out from underneath me. I was upset because my rim was all bent up...but I still rode it all the way home. That wasn't the most exciting story was it?

Anyways...off I go!!!

Sean Vigue

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Sean will be teaching at Platinum Dance Academy in Celebration!

Well the Dance Experience in Celebration, Florida is history and I am very grateful for the hundreds of classes and clients I experienced there. There is a wonderful new dance studio opening in Celebration in early June that promises to be a state-of-the-art facility and destination for dance, Pilates and yoga! It is called Platinum Dance Academy and I will be teaching my world class Pilates and yoga classes there starting in the middle of June. An official schedule has not been created yet but it is in the works and I will make it available to everyone as soon as I know. Here is their info:

Platinum Dance Academy
29 Blake Blvd. #106
Celebration, FL 34747
(321)939-1793
www.danceatPlatinum.com

Contact them now before the classes fill-up! I am very pleased to join this top-notch academy!

Sean Vigue
www.Mr-Fitness.org
"Trainer to Thousands!"

Sunday, April 06, 2008

The Dance Experience has closed.

I just saw a note taped to the door of the Dance Experience that says, "Sorry for the inconvenience but The Dance Experience has closed". I know nothing more and this is a total surprise to me as well.

Sean Vigue

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Dynamic music for Pilates Matwork!

Some of the artists that you will hear in my classes (these are all on the current mixes I use in my Pilates classes):

INXS, Bob Dylan, Queen, The Decemberists, Matchbox Twenty, Enya, Depeche Mode, Billy Squier, Andrea Bocelli, Elton John, Clannad, REM, Crowded House, Weezer, Debussy, Heart, Enigma, Bon Jovi, The Cranberries, Barry Manilow, Bangles, Nirvana, Spoon, Gin Blossoms, The Shins, Feist, The Corrs, J.Lo, James Blunt, Vanessa Carlton, George Winston, Schubert, Mary Black, Cat Power, Richard Buckner, She Wants Revenge, KT Tunstall, Bond, No Doubt, Coldplay, Wallflowers, Mozart, Big Star, The Sundays, The Smiths, U2, Billy Joel, CCR, David Bowie, Madonna, Prince, Simple Minds, Snow Patrol, Journey, Tears for Fears, The Cars, Bryan Adams, KT Tunstall, Electric Light Orchestra, Deep Forest, Moby, Bach, Cirque Du Soleil, Michael Buble, Beck, Extreme, Altan, Peter Gabriel, Human League, Erasure, Barenaked Ladies, The Bravery, Fatboy Slim, Book of Love, Zero 7, Thievery Corporation, Everything but the Girl, Alison Krauss, Celtic Women, Josh Groban, Duran Duran, Neil Diamond, Schumann, Kitaro, Yanni, Seal, Nickel Creak, Spandau Ballet, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos, Maire Brennan, Secret Garden, Phil Coulter, Jim Brickman etc. etc. etc etc...

I LOVE music! I LOVE good music. Music adds to the tremendous experience of these classes. I will be posting examples of what I use for Spinning, Yogalates and Yoga. The music is always evolving and changing with my classes.

Sean "listening to Glen Campbell" Vigue

Friday, April 04, 2008

Dance Experience schedule beginning Monday, April 7th!

Spring Break is almost over and it is time to get your bum back to class! My classes resume full force at The Dance Experience (downtown Celebration, Florida) this Monday, April 7th. Here is my full schedule:

Monday
Pilates noon-1 pm
Yoga 7-8 pm

Wednesday
Pilates noon-1 pm

Friday
Pilates 4-5 pm

Saturday
Pilates noon-1 pm

The Dance Experience (321-939-3213) is located in downtown Celebration, Florida behind On a Roll deli. Classes last one hour, mats are provided and they are open to people of ALL ages and fitness levels. Classes are $10 each or 12 for $100. Go to their web-site for more info: www.thedanceexperience.zoomshare.com

See you in class!

Sean Vigue

Music for Pilates...an art form.

Selecting music for my Pilates classes is always a pleasure. I have heard that some instructors don't even use music in their classes. I would go INSANE! Music elevates the experience and invigorates the mind and body to perform as one. Over the past few years of teaching I have made hundreds of mixes for Pilates classes and am still trying to form the "Perfect Mix". I don't know if it will ever happen...I have come very close a few times. As long as there is plenty of Enya, Enigma, Delerium, Bond, Moby and a sprinkling of Barenaked Ladies and Depeche Mode all will be right with the Pilates world.

The best song ever for Pilates is Kashmir by Bond. Next week I may change my mind about that...

Sean Vigue

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Mr. Fitness in 2008!

January through the end of March was a CRAZY time for Mr. Fitness LLC! Over those 3 months I personally taught 216 group fitness classes (Pilates Matwork, Hatha Yoga, Yogalates and Spinning) all over Central Florida. Whew! This past week has been Spring Break so my schedule was slightly lighter...only 10 classes!

I could not ask for a more rewarding and exciting profession. I have the opportunity to work with individuals, small groups (5-10 people) and large groups (11-50+ people) and show them ways to improve their physical, mental and spiritual selves. Every single class has been built up over the past couple years into something extraordinary. Thousands of people have attended my classes and my turnover rate is around 95%. This is only the beginning for Mr. Fitness LLC.

Every class is unique. Every class is an opportunity. Every class is a gift.

Sean Vigue

"What is this Wonka? Some kind of funhouse?!"
"Why? Having fun?"