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All About Krav Maga and Where to Learn in Fresno

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Natali Carrera
Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her twelve-year-old son, husband of 17 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works in the field of education and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

Are you familiar with the practice of Krav Maga? Krav Maga is a self-defense system based on natural reflexes and body mechanics that is easy to learn and useful regardless of a person’s size or strength. Both men and woman can practice Krav Maga and it is relatively easy to learn.

As local business Fresno Vanguard Krav Maga prepares to celebrate its 5th anniversary teaching practical self-defense to Fresnans, I thought it would be great to learn more about Krav Maga and share it here, so fellow Fresnans who might be curious can benefit and get involved.

Catarina Vasquez has been practicing Krav Maga at Fresno Vanguard Krav Maga since summer 2017. Recently, she became a certified instructor and will even be assisting with upcoming Krav Maga classes for kids. I interviewed Catarina about the practice, how she got started and how newcomers can get involved, too. Read on for all the details!

Krav Maga enthusiast and instructor, Catarina Vasquez

FresYes: How did you get started practicing Krav Maga and how long have you been training?
Catarina: I’ve been training in Krav Maga since August 2017. I searched online for a self-defense fitness class and Krav Maga popped up. I thought it would be great to get in shape and learn some skills that could help me protect myself.

FY: Who can practice Krav Maga and how is it different from other forms of martial arts? 
CV: What I really like about Krav Maga is that it’s really built on being accessible to everyone. Someone from any fitness level, any size or strength can take something from Krav Maga, and use it to help protect themselves.
It’s not really a martial art, it’s called a self-defense system, but it does use effective parts of different martial arts, put together, to form simple and effective responses to threats. Martial arts usually have a sport and competition aspect to them, whereas Krav Maga teaches you how to respond to an attack — more real life situations.

Catarina practicing with a partner in class


FY: If someone is attending a class for the first time, what should they expect and how should they prepare?
CV: Just come ready to learn and get sweaty! Each class has warm up exercises and drills which include cardio and strength training. All you have to do is show up in comfortable clothing and shoes or workout gear.

FY: Do you need to be fit to do Krav Maga and how do you avoid getting hurt in class?
CV: You do not need to be “fit” to do Krav Maga. People from any fitness level can benefit from it. Safety is the number one goal. You have to feel safe and comfortable in order to learn anything, so that’s what you can expect. Instructors demonstrate techniques first, then we break it down and practice slowly, with partners. If someone is ever uncomfortable trying something they don’t have to do it, they can just watch. Once they’re ready, they can try it.

Krav Maga incorporates cardio & strength training into every class

FY: As you start to gain skill, what opportunities for advanced training are there locally?
CV: Locally, Fresno Vanguard Krav Maga is the only gym that offers it, but there are people of all levels who practice there. On any given night, you’ll have people in class who have done only 1-3 classes and people who have been there for a couple years.

FY: What do you like most about Krav Maga and who would you recommend it to?
CV: I was hooked on Krav Maga from the very first class. I like that you’re learning something useful and getting a good workout. I recommend it to anyone, any age. They even have a kids class a couple nights a week!

FY: Where can people learn more and get involved?
CV: Fresno Vanguard Krav Maga is located at 2750 N Clovis Ave Suite 140 in Fresno. You can check them out at fresnovkm.net or you can call or text 559-916-1982 with any questions you may have. You can even try classes for free for 2-weeks to see if Krav Maga is a good fit for you.

Krav Maga is for everyone and you should feel welcome to give it a try!

FY: Anything else you’d like us to know that I didn’t ask about?
CV: Don’t be intimidated by what you may have heard about Krav Maga. Yes, it’s a very effective self-defense system, but it is not something that promotes fighting. And it’s not a “fight club”. One of the basic principles of Krav Maga is to always be aware of your surroundings and to not get in situations where you need to fight. De-escalating is the first plan of action. We fight only if we need to – so you’re not going to find a bunch of hyped-up people in class, who are just looking for a chance to hit someone. Safety in our training is key!

Special thanks to Catarina Vasquez for answering my questions about Krav Maga, and congratulations to Fresno Vanguard Krav Maga on their 5th year anniversary! You can follow them on Facebook here to see additional photos of classes in action and stay up to date on new class times and offerings.

DEFY Trampoline Park Offers Big Fun & Affordable Monthly Memberships

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Natali Carrera
Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her twelve-year-old son, husband of 17 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works in the field of education and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

In the Fresno and nearby metro surrounding area, there are now three indoor trampoline parks:

  1. Aerozone is located on Ashlan and Cedar and features multiple rooms of entertainment including specially designated areas intended for use by younger children. A highlight for older kids is the number of dodgeball courts available for play. This park is also the most affordable to visit by the hour.
  2. Skywalk is located just north of Fresno off of Freeway 41 in Madera. There are some unique, fun features here like a rock-climbing wall and obstacle course in addition to a rope swing over foam pit attraction.
  3. DEFY is located in Clovis off of Herndon and Peach Avenues and is the newest trampoline park in the area. This park in the priciest of the three, but also offers the most unique variety of activities that I’ve seen and seems to be particularly attractive to older kids.

I recently had the opportunity to check out DEFY for the first time when my son was invited to a birthday party held there. I was really impressed at the expansiveness, organization and fun atmosphere, the helpfulness of the staff and the wide variety of activities and apparatuses available for jumpers to enjoy.

DEFY is national trampoline park chain with locations across the country that first opened in our area last January. To be completely honest – their pricing being higher than the other local trampoline parks was a bit of a deterrent to taking my son previously. However, after visiting I realized it really is quite an exceptional place, and if you take advantage of DEFY’s Monthly Flight Pass options, it makes DEFY an awesome and affordable place to count on for helping kids get their energy out in a healthy way, regardless of the weather outside.

Though Flight Time can be purchased in hourly increments ($16/hour or $24/two hours, or for ages under 6 $12/hour, $21/2 hours), monthly flight passes offer tons of jump time for less than the cost of a one-time two-hour pass.

There are three monthly Flight Club membership levels. For $20/month, you can jump every day for up to 2 hours each day. For $25/month you can jump for as long as you like on weekdays and 2 hours on weekend days. And for $45/month, you can jump for as long as you like, every single day.

DEFY is one of those places that I could describe for you in words, however, it will be much better represented with photos. I snapped quite a few on our recent visit to try to capture the variety of activities available.

DEFY front entrance

As you enter the facility, you walk into a large foyer with computers that allow you to electronically sign safety waivers prior to purchasing jump time at the front cashier’s desk.

Defy lounge area and front desk

Once inside, there is a large lounge area where spectators can relax and observe those jumping in their group. (There is also an upstairs viewing area, however at times it is reserved for private parties). There is a snack bar with lots of food options to enjoy, and it also provides pizza for birthday parties.

DEFY snack bar ready to serve you

There are private party rooms available on the left wall just past the snack bar. Party packages are available at three price points per jumper. More party information can be found here.

A private party room at DEFY

The jump space is divided into many sub-spaces each offering different experiences and types of equipment.

Punching bags, balance beams, aerial silks and a wall to climb at DEFY
Obstacles courses above foam pits at DEFY
Wipe Out or American Gladiator reminiscent obstacles in the foreground and dodge ball and ramp trampolines can be seen in the background
This particular attraction was very popular during our visit to DEFY. You can sit on a giant ball and zip line across the room. Next to it you can hop parkour style from uneven surface to uneven surface.
Aerial silks, a huge foam pit and additional zip line attractions at DEFY

I hope you enjoyed my mini photo tour of DEFY in Clovis, and if you’re looking for a great place to jump around (queue Kris Kros Jump in your head now, that’ll be stuck in your head for the rest of the day – sorry, not sorry ;-)) consider checking them out soon, and keep in mind the monthly Flight Passes offer tons of jumping fun for less than a two-hour one-time flight! Enjoy!

DEFY is located at 636 N. Halifax Avenue off of Peach and Herndon in Clovis. For hours of operation, safety information and more visit their website here.

Fuel Your Workout: What To Eat Before & After

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FresYes Writing Team
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Two 2 Kg. Blue Hex Dumbbells on White Surface

Before you workout, you should plan on having a snack or meal 1-3 hours in advance. You may have to experiment to see which time frame feels best with your body. If you are exercising early in the day, a big meal might not be best. For those exercising later in the day, a snack 30 minutes before your workout will suffice, or have a well-balanced meal and then work out two hours later.

Purple Sports Bottle on Ground

Don’t forget to drink water before working out. There’s no one-size-fits-all method of determining fluid needs during exercise, but you can drink two cups of water two hours before exercising and one cup 10 minutes before working out. With this amount of water, you will minimize dehydration, which can cause low energy and muscle cramps. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that we drink roughly 2 to 3 cups of water during the two to three hours before your workout and drink about 1/2 to 1 cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes during your workout.

Flat Lay Photography of Two Tray of Foods

When we’re hungry, our bodies go into survival mode and draw protein from muscle, rather than our kidneys and liver. When we lose muscle mass, you can slow down your metabolism and it’s harder to lose weight. Your pre-workout snack should include carbs. When we eat carbs, they break down into glucose, enter our muscle cells and give us fuel to exercise. If you’re strapped for glucose during your workout, you will be tempted to quit early. More blood goes to our muscles during exercise, leaving less for digestion. Peanut butter and jelly is a great option because it gives you the energy your muscles will require during exercise. The peanut butter adds protein which will leave you feeling full. Protein is especially important for those doing strength-training exercises, such as lifting weights. Our bodies need protein to repair any micro-tears, which occur during strength-training exercises. Another pre-workout snack option is oatmeal with low-fat milk and fruit or a fruit-and-yogurt smoothie. Oatmeal is a superfood because of its nutrients, including complex carbs, vitamin B1, iron and fiber. Eating oatmeal before a workout is smart because its complex carbs digest slowly, so you will receive a steady release of sugar into your bloodstream. Oats are rich in iron, which helps your cardiovascular system work at optimal levels, as well as vitamin B1, which helps convert carbs into energy. The fiber in oatmeal helps you feel full throughout your workout and prevents binge-eating after your workout. Yogurt is easy on the stomach and provides protein, which will prevent muscle breakdown that occurs during exercise. Some might only consider trail mix for hikers, but it will provide the energy needed for exercise and is easy on the stomach. Almonds provide protein and heart-healthy saturated fat. If you’re short on time, grab a banana that has easy-to-digest carbs and antioxidants, which will prevent muscle cramping. In addition, bananas are full of B vitamins that assist with energy metabolism and muscle-loving minerals like potassium.

Grilling Kebab

After exercise, our bodies are ready to refuel and rebuild muscle tissue, so it’s important that you eat within an hour of finishing. It’s important to restore glycogen stores, enhance recovery, increase muscle protein synthesis and decrease muscle protein breakdown. Research has proven that your body’s ability to refill muscle stores decreases by 50 percent if you wait to eat just two hours after your workout compared to eating right away.

Studies have found that ingesting protein maximizes the body’s ability to recover after exercise. Some carbs that will provide your body with the right nutrients for adequate recovery include sweet potatoes, rice, pasta, and dark, leafy green vegetables. Protein recommendations include cottage cheese, protein bars, tuna or eggs, and good fats include nuts, trail mix, and avocado. Cottage cheese is high in protein and loaded with the best types of amino acids, which aid the creation of muscle after a workout.

Flat-lay Photography of Vegetable Salad on Plate

In addition, it’s also important to drink water after your workout, because we lose water and electrolytes through sweat. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that we drink roughly 2 to 3 cups of water after your workout for every pound of weight you lose during the workout.

It’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to eating and exercise, everyone is different. Pay attention to how you feel during your workout and adjust your pre-workout snack accordingly. How do you feel after your workout? Let your experience dictate your post-exercise eating habits.

Hydration – Why it’s important.

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FresYes Writing Team
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Staying hydrated isn’t something that only affects athletes. It’s critical for everyone’s health.

Close-up of Bottle Pouring Water on Glass

Water accounts for 60% of our total body mass. Keeping hydrated helps the heart pump blood more easily through the blood vessels to the muscles, allowing them to work more efficiently. In addition, water keeps your lips and throat moist and prevents dry mouth. Dry mouth, in turn, can cause bad breath and even create cavities. 

While being well-hydrated is different for everyone, depending on their exercise levels and climate, a simple way to know you’re dehydrated is if you’re thirsty. For the average person, it’s important to drink enough water that you need to go to the bathroom every two to four hours. The 8 glasses/day rule is not scientifically proven, but most people can stay healthy drinking this amount of water. Your urine should be clear, and if it is a dark color, this could be a bad sign. For athletes who are losing a lot of water through sweat and breathing, their water needs are higher. 

Three Women on Yoga Mats

Those with conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, need to drink more water. Similarly, those on medications that act as diuretics, which cause the body to lose more liquid, need to drink more water than the average person.

If drinking water is difficult for you, consider eating foods with a high percentage of water, such as fruits and vegetables. Additionally, sports drinks have a high concentration of electrolytes and help athletes stay hydrated.

Red Apples in Brown Wooden Bucket

If you plan on going out in the direct sun, or to exercise, it’s important to drink water beforehand and throughout this time. 

So what happens when we are dehydrated? Dehydration is a serious condition that can lead to problems, including swollen feet, headaches or life-threatening illnesses, such as heat stroke. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to tell when you’re dehydrated until it’s too late, and you have been dehydrated for hours. On a smaller scale, dehydration can cause acne from changing hormone levels and oxidative stress. Also, your brain can lose some of its main cognitive functions and your muscles can become stiff or cramped. As a result, it’s important to keep hydrated regularly.

A recent study by St. Andrews’ School of Medicine reported some interesting findings, including milk’s powerful hydrating effects. In fact, milk was found to be more hydrating than plain water because it includes some fat, protein and sugar lactose. When it comes to coffee and caffeinated drinks, coffee can cause you to lose fluid, as caffeine causes a short-term diuretic effect. Similarly, alcohol can dehydrate you, as it causes your body to remove fluids from your blood quicker than other liquids. Blended drinks, such as Pina Coladas, contain juice and can (theoretically) help with hydration, however, it’s best to avoid sugary blended drinks, which can cause dehydration.

Some tips for keeping hydrated:

  • Add flavor to your water by adding a slice of lemon or lime to your glass of water
  • Drink water before, during and after you exercise
  • Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day to fill up
  • If hunger strikes, first drink a glass of water
  • Slow down on your beer and alcohol consumption. If you drink too many beers too quickly, you’ll end up dehydrated
  • If you’re consuming alcohol, drink water. This will keep you hydrated and help you avoid a nasty hangover the next day
Shallow Focus Photography of Yellow Lemon Near Glass Mason Jar and Glass Decanter

Grab your Santa gear! Here’s your FresYes guide to December races

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Sarah Soghomonian
TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!
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Combining fitness with festive holiday cheer—that’s the theme of the December race calendar. As always, FresYes is here with your monthly local race guide. So grab those running shoes and burn those holiday calories!

San Joaquin River Trail 50K & 100K

Date: Saturday, Dec. 1

Location: Friant, CA

Cost: 50K is $115. The 100K is $145. Registration ends Nov. 27.

Sign-up

This trail run, put on by San Joaquin Running, attracts racers from all over California. It’s very intense and designed for advanced runners. The course takes runners around Millerton Lake and along the San Joaquin River. There’s dirt, rocks, hills, tree roots, and lots of natural obstacles. There’s also a 5,500-foot elevation gain in the 50K race and 12,000-foot elevation gain in the 100K. Participants will receive a finisher’s medal and swag.

guide to December races 2018

Tulare FFA Tinsel 5k & 1-Mile Walk/Run

Date: Saturday, Dec. 1

Location: Tulare, CA

Cost: $25

Sign-up

This holiday-themed run takes place at the Tulare Outlet Center. Racers are asked to bring a new, unwrapped present to donate to the Salvation Army in Tulare County.

Jingle Bell Run Toys for Tots 5K Run & 2-Mile Walk/Run

Date: Saturday, Dec. 8

Location: Christmas Tree Lane in Fresno

Cost: $35. Price increases Dec. 1.

Sign-up

More than 3,000 people take part in this annual run benefiting Toys for Tots. Runners receive a Christmas-themed sweatshirt and jingle bells for their shoes. There will be post-race snacks like Christmas cookies and hot chocolate. Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy. Those that do will receive a Santa hat. This is the final run in the Holiday Run Series.

guide to December races

Photo via Jingle Bell Run

Rockin’ Rudolph 5k Walk/Run & Kids’ Fun Run

Date: Sunday, Dec. 9

Location: Hanford, CA

Cost: Adults’ race is $30. Kids’ (12 & under) is $15.

Sign-up

This race benefits Adventist Health Central Valley Network and Hospice Services. Participants are asked to dress in festive holiday gear. Finisher’s medals will be handed out.

guide to December races 2018

Visalia Jingle Bell Run for Toys for Tots 5K Walk/Run & 2-Mile Walk

Date: Sunday, Dec. 9

Location: Mooney Park in Visalia, CA

Cost: $30

Sign-up

Participants are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Those that do will receive a Santa hat. All participants will receive a sweatshirt, jingle bells and Christmas-themed cookie. The 5K portion is timed, the 2-mile is not.

 

A perfect fall day hike for the whole family

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Natali Carrera
Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her twelve-year-old son, husband of 17 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works in the field of education and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

 

Since our family first started going on day hikes, at this time of year the mountains start calling and I find myself searching for any weekend opportunity to answer. Living in Fresno affords us wonderful opportunities to travel to nearby hiking trails in not one but two national forests, Yosemite National Park, and—if you’re willing to drive a bit further—even beautiful coastal hikes like those in Los Osos and Morro Bay.

Last weekend the mountains called incessantly, so I opened up my trusty All Trails app (a free search tool for outdoor trails of all types) and started searching for kid-friendly, easy hiking trails under 7 miles and within an hour and a half of home. This is my typical search for when the whole family is going or there will be other kids joining us. I came across the Shaver Lake Trail, a two-mile-out-and-back trail suitable for all ages and leashed dogs. We packed our lunches and headed for the Sierra National Forest.

After visiting this trail, I feel it’s only fair I share it with you, as it was so enjoyable and offered a spectacular end point on the shore of the lake perfect for pictures and picnicking.

How to find Shaver Lake Trail

To get to the Shaver Lake Trail (which was just an hour and six minutes from our Fresno home), you’ll take the 41 freeway north to Friant Road, then take Friant north to Copper. At Copper turn right until Auberry Road, where you’ll make a left. Stay on Auberry Road into Shaver Lake (45-50 minutes of the drive) and then watch for Dinkey Creek Road, where you’ll turn right.

Follow Dinkey Creek to the Camp Chawanakee entrance and turn into it. You’ll be headed down a dirt road (well traveled and my Prius handled it with no issue) and watching for a metal gate on your right. Park in the small dirt area directly across from the gate. (For Google Map directions to the GPS coordinate of the trail head, click here.)

Tip: If you or little ones in your party need a restroom stop before you begin your hike, there are public restrooms in Shaver on the left-hand side of the road before you turn onto Dinkey Creek Road. Take advantage, as there aren’t other restrooms that we saw after that.

fall day hike

My husband kindly demonstrates where to park near the gate, which is seen on the right.

fall day hike

The trail is nice and wide as it starts

fall day hike

And it winds through the forest until it takes you to the shore of Shaver Lake

To begin your hike, start at the middle gate and follow the wide path, passing big piles of cut logs. You’ll see a few signs for other trails, but don’t veer off, just stay on the widest path. On your way to the lake, you’ll be heading gradually downhill. The path will weave through the woods a bit, and after approximately one mile, you’ll see Shaver Lake through the trees.

As you proceed just a bit further, you’ll also start seeing smaller paths from the main one leading to the shore. We passed a couple of steep paths and went down the third, which was easy to walk down, and enjoyed our lunch on the shore of the lake sitting on rocks. You’ll see a teepee made of branches on the shore and rocks, and you’ll enjoy a great view of the back of Shaver Lake. If you go when the weather is warm, you may want to take a swim or play in the water.

fall day hike

The view of the lake is peaceful and the shore calm and uncrowded

fall day hike

There are some great rocks for climbing on

fall day hike

And a neat teepee made of branches is set up on the sand

fall day hike

You can walk around the perimeter of the lake on the sand

The majority of the trail is at least partially shaded, though there are a few short stretches in full sun, which you notice more on the way back to your car, as you’re walking uphill. The incline isn’t intense by any means, but it is noticeable.

On our recent trip, we didn’t see a lot of wildlife, though we did see a wolf/hearty coyote(?) running in the distance from our car driving to the trail, and a number of very large birds flying into the trees near the lake. Oh, and a squirrel. We saw a squirrel which our son pointed out very excitedly (as though we don’t see them eating anything edible that dares grow in our yard on a daily basis).

If you’re looking for an easy, shorter hike that offers a big payoff in the way of lake views, the Shaver Lake Trail is sure to please. Carve out half a day soon, and head on up the mountain while the leaves are changing and before the weather gets cold. You won’t regret it!

fall day hike

My husband and kiddo, discussing erosion, plateaus, and how mountains form. Fun outdoor talks!

Here’s your FresYes guide to November races, runs, and walks

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Sarah Soghomonian
TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!
Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

One of the Central Valley’s biggest races is taking place this weekend! It’s the center point of the FresYes November race calendar.

guide to november races

Two Cities Marathon, Half Marathon and Half Relay

When: Sunday, Nov. 4

Cost: Full marathon is $125, half marathon is $105, and the 5K is $55. Registration ends Friday, Nov. 2.

Sign-up

This is the BIG one! Many running enthusiasts have been gearing up for the Two Cities Marathon for months. The full marathon takes you through Fresno and Clovis. You’ll pass through Woodward Park, high-end neighborhoods, and Old Town Clovis. Supporters line the streets cheering runners on. For folks taking part in the half marathon, there’s both a Fresno and Clovis course to choose from. All finishers receive a medal, t-shirt, and sweatshirt. There’s post-race food, lively music, a beer garden, and an opportunity to get the kinks worked out with a free massage.

guide to november races

Pinnacle Pup 2 and 5 Mile Runs—Woodward Park

When: Saturday, Nov. 10

Cost: $30

Sign-up

Calling all dog owners, this is your chance to run with your pup. Dogs of all sizes are welcome. There are different heats for different sized four-legged friends. The race takes place at Fresno’s Woodward Park and supports local no-kill shelters.

guide to november races

Visalia Emergency Aid Council “Race Against Hunger” 5K Run, 2-mile walk and Kids ½-mile Fun Run

When: Thursday, Nov. 22

Cost: $30. Kids 12 and under, $15.

Sign-up

Give back this Thanksgiving by racing in support of the Visalia Emergency Aid Food Pantry. It’s the 14th year for this event, which helps raise funds to stock the pantry that aids low income families and individuals within the Visalia community.

guide to november races

Kings United Way Turkey Trot 5K—Hanford

When: Thursday, Nov. 22

Cost: $30. Registration ends November 19.

Sign-up

Kick off your Thanksgiving with a run through downtown Hanford. This Turkey Trot supports Kings United Way, an organization that gives to over a dozen area charities like Casa of Kings County, Children’s Storybook Garden and Paws & Claws. The top 20 male and female racers will receive a special medal.

guide to november races

Turkey Trot Fresno 5K Walk/Run and 2-mile Walk—Woodward Park

When: Thursday, Nov. 22

Cost: $30. Prices increase Thursday, Nov. 1.

Sign-up

This annual Thanksgiving race starts and ends at the Mountain View Shelter at Woodward Park. It’s a new course this year. The 5K is timed; the 2-mile walk is not. All participants will receive a long-sleeve t-shirt and personal size pie. This race benefits the Central Community Food Bank. Parking is free at Woodward Park for this event. There will be a costume contest and award for the family with the most participants. The Turkey Trot is the 2nd race in the Holiday Run Series.

Tower Yoga is about balance, flexibility, and community

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Craig Scharton
I’m a weirdo. I’m a downtown revitalization, old neighborhood, old houses weirdo.
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Jameson Henkle, Kellee Williams, and Jas Singh have opened  Tower Yoga, a really great new yoga studio, in Fresno’s Tower District. The studio is on Wishon Ave., just north of the Tower Theatre, and is in the same building as Goldstein’s Mortuary and Delicatessen. 

To make sure I was thoroughly vetting this place for you, the FresYes reader, I recently attended three different types of classes with three separate instructors. I did a slow class with Jameson, then a Buti Yoga class with Jazmen Moore, then a 5:30 a.m. Sunrise Hot Yoga with Kellee.
 
The class with Jameson was interesting because my lower back was really sore and tight when I showed up. I was considering backing out because of it. But when I walked in, Jameson said, “We’re going to do a relaxing gentle yoga today to loosen our back muscles.” So, since he could apparently read my mind, I stayed and took the class. And it felt wonderful. Afterward, Jameson and I headed across Wishon to Hi-Top Coffee for coffee and avocado toast and to talk about the studio.

Tower Yoga

Jameson Henkle waits for me at the entrance to Tower Yoga, which is in the back of the building

 
The second class was really fun, although I’m pretty sure I’m not its target audience. If there had been a camera on me, it would’ve scored a huge number of views for my comedic performance. This was the Buti Yoga class, which is a very rhythmic, gyrate-your-hips-a-lot tribal dance and yoga combo class. I estimate that I smiled 80% of the time and only grimaced about 20%. My daughter-in-law Amanda really enjoys this class and it cracked her up just to know I tried it.
 
The third class is really the standard for this studio—hot yoga. According to an “ask the expert” article in the New York Times, hot yoga increases flexibility, you can bend much deeper, and you are much more aware of your breathing. Research says it improves balance, body strength, and range of motion, and might even improve arterial stiffness. Kellee, the instructor for this class, was also a great teacher.  
 
So what makes this yoga studio special? I really like any business or place that really embraces its community, and you can really feel the earnest love for building community when you walk in the door. The staff is very diverse and the community of students and practitioners was very diverse. This is important for something like yoga, which really had no commercial goal initially but has morphed into almost a country club atmosphere in many places, especially in the major metro cities. Tower Yoga feels like a place for young, old, rich, poor, expert or beginner.
 

Tower Yoga

The teaching staff at Tower Yoga

 
The best way to connect with Tower Yoga is through their app, which is available for iOS devices. It has their most up-to-date class schedule and you can sign up here. They also have a website and are on social media. Tower Yoga offers one week for free, so that you can give it a try. They also have community classes which are very inexpensive, in order to make sure this practice is available to everyone.
 
As for the physical space itself, it is still being built out but everything that’s been done so far looks great, very sleek and clean. They have bathrooms with showers in case you need to clean up before heading to work. Get there early for your first class to sign in and find the parking lot. The entrance is from the back, so it may be a little confusing the first time, but after that it’s really easy.
 
I plan on continuing. I’m only 57 but I know I need to be much more flexible and I want to keep my balance over the next part of life. Plus, it’s really fun even though it doesn’t come naturally to me. Give these folks a try. I love what they’re doing and they deserve our support and good wishes for their new business.