END ON A HIGH NOTE

Tuesday, July 02 2019

Funny how we just about kill ourselves to create something new for our warm-up, cardio and toning segments but always default on the final stretch to same ole same ole.  Ready to end on a high note?  Help has arrived in the form of three rhythmically dynamic stretch routines. 

AEA Training Specialist, Ashley Bishop, shares a sampling of her signature workshop, Dynamically Rhythmic.   This express video includes three complete stretch routines that feature a combination of dynamic and static stretching.  Choreography fans will love the performance and the rhythmic flow of these flexibility finales.  

Fitmotivation:  What was your inspiration for creating Dynamically Rhythmic?

Ashley:  Every workshop I teach, regardless of the content, ends with one of my “signature cool downs” and I kept getting requests for the choreography notes, thus a workshop was born.  I love combining dynamic and static stretching into my class cool downs for a number of reasons.  One - it helps keep the class moving during the cool down to prevent chilling.  Two – It “tricks” my classes into thinking we’re doing another “song” and it’s not the end of the class.  Otherwise, the minute I demo a quad stretch, they start hopping laterally on one leg toward the stairs for first dibs in the sauna or showers.  And three – I think pairing dynamic, fluid movement with awesome songs finishes the class on a really “Ahhhh…..” note, and I want them to carry that with them all day long.  Often, I select songs that talk about water, “Water Under the Bridge”, songs from Moana, “Capsize,” and more, as it makes me smile when songs are about water when they’re in the water.  Selecting songs, I choose tunes that I know my class loves and will sing to, like “Just my Imagination”,  “Don’t Stop Believing” or “Cheerleader” and also songs that just end on a positive message, like, “Happy When I’m Dancing” or “We All Bleed the Same.”    

Music used in Video
Due to music licensing costs and restrictions, Fitmotivation videos cannot contain any original songs or even non-original popular music.   However, like many instructors (including myself!), Ashley does use original music in her stretches. The choreography notes posted with the video include the names of songs actually used in the Dynamically Rhythmic video.    If you like these songs they can be searched and downloaded at Yes! Fitness Music in their Custom Mix platform. Stretch #1 – Kool (original version)
Stretch #2 – Drops (original version)
Stretch #3 – Savana (original version)

Original Songs/Original Notes
Below are the songs Ashley typically uses for each stretch in her actual classes.
Stretch #1 - “Cheerleader” by Omi
Stretch #2  – “Water Under the Bridge” by Adele
Stretch #3 – “Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra
The original songs are different in length and so Ashley went above and beyond to provide the adjusted choreography notes**
Download Original Songs Choreography
**

Dynamically Rhythmic, a shorter (17-minute) video is part of the new Fitmotivation Express Video Series designed to minimize viewing time and double content format.  Two shorter videos will take the place of one full-length video. Super Circuit 1 with Jenni Lynn Patterson-LaCour, is the other Express Video posting this month. 

Fitmotivation extends a big thank you to Ashley Bishop for traveling from Las Vegas to Florida for filming.  Stay tuned as Ashley has 3 other videos posting in the coming months.  And be sure to check out her previous Fitmotivation Videos – Aqua Allegro and Cardio Combos.    If you are interested in attending or hosting Ashley’s CEC workshops, please visit Bagel Fit by Ashley Bishop.

Author: Mark Grevelding is the founder of Fitmotivation. He is also a training specialist and consultant with the Aquatic Exercise Association’s (AEA). Mark has been active in the fitness industry for 22 years as a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, international presenter and a continuing education provider for AEA, AFAA & ACE.