The festive season is a time for joy, laughter, and, unfortunately, a bit too much clutter. This year, why not break away from the usual parade of toys that tend to take over living rooms and instead, gift your child experiences that will create lasting memories? In this clutter-free Christmas guide, we explore the joy of giving experiences over possessions, with a spotlight on the benefits of kids’ karate classes from ArtFit in Lubbock, Texas.

The Box Conundrum: Why Less is More

It’s a familiar scene in many households – kids tearing through wrapping paper to get to the shiny new toy, only to find that the box is the real star of the show. Let’s challenge this tradition and opt for gifts that don’t contribute to post-holiday cleanup.

Experiences Over Objects: Building Memories

There’s a treasure trove of memory-making waiting to be explored. From the enchanting notes of music lessons to the excitement of decoding clues in an escape room, here are just a few ideas to spark unforgettable moments with your loved ones.

Music Lessons:

Gift the melody of learning with music lessons. Whether it’s the guitar, piano, or even violin, music lessons are a gift that resonates far beyond the holiday season.

Movie Tickets:

Create a family tradition by gifting movie tickets. Choose a film everyone can enjoy, and make it a special outing with popcorn and shared laughter.

Escape Room Adventure:

For a thrilling experience, consider an escape room gift certificate. It’s a fantastic way for the family to bond while solving puzzles and working together.

Science Spectrum Museum Tickets:

Explore the wonders of science with museum tickets. Spark curiosity in your child as they discover the fascinating world of science, technology, and innovation.

Classes: A Gateway to Skillful Living

Enrolling your child in classes not only provides them with a valuable skill but also opens the door to a world of possibilities. Whether it’s diving into the waters with swimming lessons, embracing teamwork through sports, unlocking the secrets of coding, expressing creativity in art classes, or mastering discipline in karate, each class offers a unique avenue for personal growth.

Kids Karate Classes at ArtFit: Unleashing the Power Within

Children and teenagers will not only learn self-defense and respect, but will also acquire self-discipline, improve physical fitness and athletic abilities, and develop an aptitude for leadership.

Self-Defense Skills:

At ArtFit in Lubbock, Texas, kids’ karate classes go beyond just physical activity. They instill valuable self-defense skills, empowering children with the knowledge to protect themselves.

Discipline and Focus:

Karate is not just about kicks and punches; it’s a discipline that teaches focus and self-control. These skills extend beyond the dojo, positively influencing various aspects of a child’s life.

Core Strength and Confidence:

The benefits of karate extend to physical fitness, with a focus on core strength. As children develop their bodies, they also build confidence, creating a solid foundation for a healthy and empowered future.

Conclusion:

This Christmas, consider the gift of experiences that will outlast the latest fad toys. From music lessons to movie outings and the transformative power of kids’ karate classes at ArtFit, you have a myriad of clutter-free options. Let’s make this holiday season about creating cherished memories and empowering our children for a brighter future.

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ArtFit: What brought you to these classes?

Cristine: I had just moved to the Lubbock area and was looking to do something active that wasn’t a gym. I originally tried Artfit because of the Swordsmanship class offered and really enjoyed it. The dynamic of the whole facility was so impressive (between the camaraderie and family like feel.) that when my work schedule wouldn’t allow me to attend the swords class, I tried the silks class and fell in love. It was incredibly difficult, which only made me more determined and it is fun for me to keep challenging the limitations I had at the time and what I have yet to come as I advance. Each class I attend is always unique and different, so I learn something new every time.

ArtFit: What benefits have you gained from taking these classes

Cristine: One of the biggest benefits I’ve had is how much stronger I have become both physically and mentally as a person. I struggle a lot with self-doubt and silks and the people that are a part of it has helped boost my confidence and become more outgoing.

I have always had a hard time with being a “fluid” person. In the military, everything from how far you step to how long your arms can reach is regulated. Silks has made me challenge that. To move with music and essentially float around. This was a concept so alien, it was hilarious trying to move and not stop at a set place. But I find myself even at home hearing music and thinking “oh I can do this move and move my hand like so” and on and on. I want to move and dance and just be silly and I can do that where a year and a half ago, it just didn’t happen.

ArtFit: What is your biggest achievement at ArtFit?

Cristine: Right now, I believe my biggest achievement was being able to perform in front of an audience. It’s one thing to be in a class of peers and cheering each other on when we are working on a particular skill but to be dressed up (full makeup and glam (not me in the least)); and accomplish something I have been practicing so hard on in front of complete strangers is in my mind awe inspiring.

ArtFit: What do you hope to gain or achieve in the future through the classes that you take.

Cristine: I want to stand tall and say I can do anything. And through that, maybe inspire the people around me to try something new even it if seems crazy. I tried Silks on whim and in the end, I found inspiration when I couldn’t find my way. I can’t think of doing anything else.

ArtFit: Please tell us about any positive experiences that you have had with ArtFit or anything else that you would like to share.

Cristine: With the help of Artfit, I have more confidence. I’ve become very fit and getting more flexible. By staying positive and working hard, before I knew it, I had lost over 50 pounds.

ArtFit: Tell us about any awards or achievements that you would like to share.

Cristine: One of my favorite working achievements is getting closer and closer to a complete split (inverted or otherwise). As a kid, to see someone do the splits is just so cool. To know I’m getting there is really inspiring to me.

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Artfit: What brought you to these classes?

 Arielle: I have always been interested in the art of pole dancing. I love the sensuality of it and how it allows me to be in touch with my feminine and masculine energy. I love how strong it makes me feel, and the satisfaction I get from learning a new move. I started pole a few years prior to coming to ArtFit in Houston, when a friend invited me to come to a private lesson that she was teaching for me and some of my friends. I fell in love with it, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the time or the funds to continue. Once I moved to Lubbock for graduate school, I knew I needed to invest in some sort of artful escape that would keep me sane to balance the stress of pursuing a graduate degree in engineering. Therefore, I used this as an opportunity to get serious about pole dancing, and thus I found ArtFit through a Google search. Since then, I push myself to attend at least 1 class a week, and I have loved it ever since!

ArtFit: What benefits have you gained from taking these classes?

Arielle: This class challenges my strength on so many levels! I have gained a new sense of mind/body connection, that has translated to both my pole work, and my workout regime. Having come from a weightlifting and sports background, you would think this mind/body connection should be innate. However, practicing it with pole dancing has pushed my body to another strength level that I would have never been able to harness with just weightlifting. Another benefit I have gained, along with physical strength is an overall higher sense of self. I have a better appreciation and love for my body and its capabilities through pole dance. Pole dancing has also led me to want to explore other forms of art and body movement, like yoga.

ArtFit: What do you hope to gain or achieve in the future through the classes that you take? 

Arielle: Pole dancing has definitely helped me appreciate the skin I’m in and everything that comes with being me. So, I hope to continue to grow in my self-love journey through getting stronger and more confident with my pole skills. I also hope to soon advance to the intermediate/advanced pole classes, and perhaps one day try a Lyra class!

ArtFit: Please tell us about any positive experiences that you have had with ArtFit or anything else that you would like to share.

Arielle: Overall, my 2 years at ArtFit have been very positive. Classes with Olivia are amazing. I love the energy she brings to the course, and her amicable nature. Because of this, even on days that I don’t feel as though I have done my best in class or I’m just having a sucky day, she and the rest of the class always help to bring me out of my funk. She also always gives the best explanations for moves, that allow for easy translation onto the pole. Last year, around the time we were supposed to have the showcase, both Olivia and Erika were so supportive of me and helped me a lot with creating choreography for my routine. I look forward to this year’s showcase!

ArtFit: What is your biggest achievement at ArtFit?

Arielle: My biggest achievement is finally (sometimes) knowing how to invert! With more practice and strength training, I know I will be able to do inverts more seamlessly and continue to learn more inverted pole moves.

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You’ve heard of pre-natal yoga, but have you heard of pre-natal belly dancing? If you’re looking for an exciting way to stay fit while pregnant, give belly dancing a try. In addition to being entertaining, belly dancing during pregnancy has a wide range of benefits.

Health Benefits: Belly Dancing Strengthens Your Pelvis & Core

Belly dancing can strengthen abdominal muscles, pelvic floor muscles, vaginal muscles, and even the birth canal. Keeping these muscles toned can considerably enhance the childbirth experience. Tucking and untucking your pelvis along with moving your hips works your core muscles, which can help increase your center of gravity and balance. Strengthening your core can result in better posture and helps to keep weight evenly spread throughout the body. You can even use the fluid dance movements you learn in class, such as hip circles, hip rocking, and swaying, and figure eights while laboring!

Emotional Benefits: Body Positive Feminine Dance

Whether you are emotional about your changing body or embracing it, belly dancing can increase your body awareness and celebrates the feminine frame of all shapes and sizes. Learn to embrace your curves and motherhood with this empowering form of dance. For even more information visit our Belly Dance page https://artfitlubbock.com/bellydance-classes-lubbock/

Community Benefits: Meet other Women

The ArtFit belly dance community is very embracing. Meet women of different ages and life experiences, and you may even make life-long friends! This unique dance studio is about empowering women and supporting each other. Just be prepared to laugh – a lot – during class, (which has its own list of health benefits).

Belly Dance Classes Available:

Beginner Bellydance is on Mondays at 7 pm, and Intro to Tribal belly dance is on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Sign up for classes here.

Instructors Cheryl, Carla, & Theresa would love for you to join!

Disclaimer: As with everything during pregnancy, you’ll want to clear belly-dancing with your health care provider.

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Everyone love this grain free option for the classic chocolate chip cookie. It is one of the most popular recipes in our house. It is lower in calories than the average chocolate chip cookies. This recipe uses almond flour instead of traditional flour. This reduces the carbohydrates that turn to sugar and fat in the body. Almond flour is not only low in carbohydrates but high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and good fats. This recipe replaces refined sugar with pure maple syrup. Some type of sweetener is necessary to make the cookies sweet, but maple syrup is lower on the glycerin index. This means that it affects your blood sugar less than regular, refined sugar. Plus, it contains up to 24 antioxidants. This makes the cookies nutrient dense and a much healthier option.

Ingredients:

1 egg

3 tablespoons for organic pure maple syrup

2 cups almond flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chocolate chips (I love the Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips but if you are really wanting to cut your sugar intake, Lilly’s brand uses Stevia to sweeten their chip.)

1 teaspoon real vanilla extract

2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375.

Combine melted coconut oil and syrup and mix together.

Add the egg and vanilla into the mix and whisk.

In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix then together.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Grease the cookie sheet with coconut oil

Scoop cookie size amounts of batter on to cookie sheet

Flatten for easier baking

Bake 8 or 9 minutes until edges begin to brown

Let cool and enjoy!

16 Cookies

Calories: 74

Total fat: 5g

Carbohydrates:8g

Sugar: 7g

Protein: 1g

COMPARE TO THE AVERAGE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE

Calories: 245

Total fat: 12g

Carbohydrates: 32.2

Sugar: 19

Protien: 3g

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by Theresa Masey

Many people wait for too many things. They wait until, “I’m skinny… have more money… more time, more….” everything. I have learned to not wait, anymore. Go and do! Take an hour and do something that you want. I understand that there are other things that need to be factored in, but take an hour to get your nails done, go out for coffee, or see an old friend. If there is something that you want to do, learn or see, do it! Go for a walk. Go for a bike ride.

I used to go to work and go home. I gained a lot of weight sitting on the couch. Then, I discovered bellydance and lost a lot of weight, because I was doing something. I don’t weight anymore.

I have been doing silks for the last three months. I am doing 30 minutes at a time two to three days per week. What have I learned? That it hasn’t gotten easier. I have gotten stronger because I am not weighting anymore. It is true, I have struggled, but I stayed and fought. I earned it! I made my decision to try, and what I gained is so much more than strength or a rockin’ body. I gained self-confidence and more self-esteem.

In this world of Instagram and SnapChat, we need to slow down. Take the time to learn, work, and struggle. We should do whatever we want to. It doesn’t matter if we are short, tall, fluffier, or skinner. Don’t give up because it is hard. Try harder. Fight for it. Refuse to let others bring you down. Never be afraid of falling because it means you tried. After you fall, the only way is up!

I want people to see that anyone, who wants it bad enough, can do this. Yes, it will be a struggle. It will be difficult. It will be worth it.

About the Author

Theresa discovered ArtFit by accident when she saw a belly dance performance by Cheryl and the ArtFit troupe at a local fundraiser. She began classes after signing up for a version of the “Biggest Loser” at her work. Going into this competition, she knew that she had to find a workout program that was more motivating than going to a gym. She participated in her first belly dance class in March of 2006.

There was no turning back! She was hooked!

She has been studying under Cheryl for the last 11 years learning, perfecting, and performing. She can be seen regularly performing as a soloist and troupe member.

Theresa has completed Teacher Training and a mentorship with Cheryl. Through her mentorship, she has found her own personal style of dance and her personal style of teaching as well. She regularly teaches the beginner belly dance class for women with “curves and all”. She also is a substitute for the intermediate and advanced level belly dance classes and helps out where ever she is needed.

Theresa believes that no matter what size, everyone can learn to dance, “Give it a shot. What do you have to lose?”

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This is the time of year when many people make resolutions to change bad habits or create new, good ones for the coming year. Some of the most popular resolutions revolve around losing weight or beginning a workout routine. Some are successful and some…not so much. There are a handful of reasons that many resolutions are unsuccessful. It has absolutely nothing to do with willpower but everything to do with motivation and consistency.

Successful Fitness Resolution Tip #1: Find a positive focus.

All too often we start an exercise regime with a negative mindset. Either, the focus is on the aspects of our bodies that we want to change or how we are going to hate going to the gym. Instead of this negative mindset, find an activity that you enjoy doing. Focus on becoming accomplished in something. Many of our dance, aerial, and martial arts students continue because they are motivated by learning and perfecting an art form or sport. They are not focused on what their body looks like. They are focused on what it can accomplish. This reduces the stress of having to exercise and makes it an enjoyable activity, not a chore.

Successful Fitness Resolution Tip 2: Accountability

Self-motivation can be difficult even when you are doing something you enjoy. Having someone else that you are accountable to is very helpful. I am not talking about someone that says, “Did you work out today?” and makes you feel bad if you didn’t. I am talking about finding someone who will go with you. Someone who will call you and say, “I’ll see you in 10 minutes”.

Can’t find someone like that? Take a class. A financial commitment can be a good motivator. Who wants to spend money and get nothing in return? Take the plunge and make a financial commitment to a class that you enjoy. You will be more likely to show up. It would be even better to find a class that has a group of people that are supportive and encouraging. A class with awesome people can become the support system that carries you through those days that you just can’t find the motivation to get moving.

Successful Fitness Resolution Tip #3: Scheduling

Schedule your exercise time into your week like you would a job. No option. If you don’t, it is too easy to say, “I’ll do it tomorrow”. For many people beginning an exercise program is a complete lifestyle change and consistency is the key to success.

Successful Fitness Resolution Tip #4: Look at each day as an opportunity

Everyone falls off the bandwagon. We splurge on deserts or skip a week of workouts. Many people walk away when this happens. Don’t let those days dishearten you. Each day is a new opportunity to make positive choices. What you did yesterday doesn’t matter. Focus on what you can do today.

Beginning the New Year with a commitment to improving your health is always a positive step. It is important to start with a positive attitude and continue with positive motivation. It the end you will be glad that you made the commitment.

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