Holistics
Holistics is a new form of gentle, relaxing exercise that helps health, happiness and personal development. It consists of stretches, movement with a partner, visualisation and breathing exercises. Holistics promotes vitality, confidence, and improved handling of stress. It's social, fun and focuses on useful life skills, like keeping calm under pressure. It's suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities. Invest in yourself - try it this week.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How will Holistics benefit me?
There's a lot out there and we're all busy people, so why invest your time doing Holsitics? Well for starters, Holistics is really good for you, promoting all-round physical and mental well-being. By improving your health, happiness and grace it will enhance your appearance, confidence and level of relaxation in ways regular exercise can not. Holistics will also benefit your daily life through body awareness, improvements to breathing and posture - helping you overcome stress, feel great and grow as a person.
So what do people actually do in the classes?
Classes involve stretching, relaxation, balancing, strengthening, self-massage, breathing, awareness and movement exercises. There's paired practice, group games and some chatting. It's mellow and unlike some healthy things - lots of fun!
How is Holistics different from other exercise classes?
Holistics is unique in a number of ways. Firstly, as the name suggests, it's for the whole person, dealing with mind, body, emotions and spirit. To me "Holistic" just means taking everything into account, so if you it sounds a bit "New Age" don't stress. Secondly, Holistics teaches skills that can be used to improve work and family life - this is implicit in some others arts but is up-front in Holistics so happens much quicker. On a purely physical level you will spend more time moving and upright, and less time on the floor holding poses than in a yoga or Pilates class. One thing people often like about Holistics is that it involves interacting with other people. If you want interesting, social exercise it'll will be your cup of tea.
Where does it come from?
Holistics combines various things from East and West, that I've spent years exploring. Elements are drawn from aikido (a harmonious martial art), co-operative games, Somatics (the study of the body as experienced from within), psychology, Non-Violent Communication, dance, sports science and meditation.
Who can join in?
Anyone can benefit from Holistics classes. It's suitable for people of all ages and body types. If you have a physical injury or disability, exercises can easily be adapted to suit you. While it can be vigorous for those who want it to be, it doesn't necessarily have to be. People who want fun, interesting exercise to harmonise mind and body, to de-stress and gain natural grace and confidence love Holistics.
How often to I need to do it?
You can practice Holistics as often as you like. You'll benefit from a single class which will likely leave you feeling both relaxed and energised, and the more you practice the more you will benefit. For the greatest gain commitment is necessary and one or two classes a week are recommended. All classes begin with an exercise routine which you can learn and repeat whenever you like. As most of Holistics is done standing up you can do the exercises in almost any setting (e.g., your garden or living room).
Holistics is taught in a fun, non-judgmental and playful manner, where you can celebrate who you are. In Holistics your body is never wrong and is always worth celebrating. As well as toning, lengthening and balancing your physique, the Holistics approach will help you feel vital, youthful and attractive from the inside out.
Holistics sounds a bit unusual...
Yes, Holistics is likely to be different from stuff you've done before. It really works with the whole person, exploring body, mind and emotions, and this can be a new experience. It's also grounded in scientific study, being drawn from a body of research that has been used widely with large corporate, non-profit and military clients around the world*. You are welcome to decline any exercises at any time. If you're curious I invite you to observe a class free or try a class and only pay if you leave smiling.
How much does it cost?
I recommend people get a four class card as it takes a few sessions to appreciate what Holistics is about and establishing a regular practice is crucial to feel the benefits. Cards are £30 (conc. £22). One-off visitors may pay £8 (£6). Daytime classes are £6 (less for gym members). If money is an issue please talk with me and we'll work somthing out, as I'd rather you take part than not and we've all been skint at one time or another.
What should I wear?
Whatever you'll be comfortable moving and stretching in.
Things people have said about Holistics:
"I felt fantastic"
Niki, Yoga Haven instructor.
"Holistics helps me see into how my body and mind are linked, and how with intention, I can become the qualities I want to have, like confidence and effectiveness. I find it relaxing, playful and useful in my everyday life."
Hannah, 27, Brighton (dancing with an underweight friend, right)
"It made me feel nice and relaxed and I left with a more positive frame of mind."
Dan, Brighton
"I was especially in need of relaxation this weekend and I thoroughly enjoyed your class for that reason...Thank you so much for
allowing me to forget my anxieties. Keep up the good work."
Monica, Brighton
"Thank you with all my heart for the Holistics sessions. I feel more confidant and more centred using my inner strength in conflict situations. I found Holistics to be fun and freeing."
Diana, Scotland
"I have appreciated your Holistics sessions each morning. I felt alive and vibrant. I was delighted by the awareness in my body and remembering my strength and health. The techniques you have taught me will inform my future wellbeing and I appreciated the clarity and authority of your teaching style."
Gilli -" participant in 5 day Non-Violent Communication Retreat involving Holistics.
It Sounds great! What do I do now?
Give me a ring (07762 541 855) or put it in your diary and just turn up.
Brighton Venue
Thursdays 7.45-9.15pm
- 28 Bond St, North Laine
NEWS
***Upcoming Connection Workshop - Sept 7th***
***Holistics featured in YMCA Fit Magazine***
***Holistics and Non-Violent Communication***
***Holistics at Buddhafield***
***EMBODIED PEACE-BUILDING PHOTOS***
***CLASS TIME CHANGES***
There have been a lot of class time changes over the last few months so watch out if you have an old flyer! The ones here online are always the up-to-date reliable ones.
***Integral Transformative Practice Seminar Success***
Contact Details:
07762 541 855
All about me...Trainer Experience and Qualifications
My name's Mark Walsh and Holistics is my life, love and work. I really enjoy what I do, am from a family of teachers and classes are the highlight of my day. My experience as a live-in martial arts student, and in working for charities in Brazil, Ethiopia and the Middle East brings depth to the work, and my training in somatics (the study of the body experienced from within) is unique in the UK. I really enjoy helping people through Holistics, and know that it's a small contribution to a healthier, happier and more peaceful world. Here are some of my qualifications:
- 10 years of aikido training and teaching on five continents...takes a bow
- Periods of intense residential training under various masters....ow
- Internationally recognised black belt and British Aikido Board qualification....looking good!
- Three years running international projects and organising conferences for a charity world-wide - Aiki Extensions Inc, including work with children in an Ethiopian HIV awareness circus and in the slums of Brazil...crazy times.
- Four years in the outdoor education industry, including teaching of climbing, abseiling, team building, orienteering, fencing, archery, snowboarding and trampolining....Bo'ing!
- Experience of other martial arts including judo, jujitsu, karate, tae kwon do and Systema....Hi'ya!
- Bsc(Hons) Psychology, Leeds University...not just a holistic face.
- Residential training in Somatics (the study of the body experienced from within) in California (Strozzi Institute) and Ohio (Being In Movement)
- Experience of dozens of gyms, hotels and health-clubs world-wide.
- Three years Non-Violent Communication training, including residential retreats and studies with NVC founder Marshall Rosenberg. Peace-out.
- Training in several schools of massage.
- Courses on meditation and Buddhism...Ooommmmmm.
- First aid courses most recently with the British Red Cross...not that we'll need them :-)
*E.g. The Trojan Warrior research project conducted by the US Army and Marine Corps. Statistics and anecdotes from this work can be found in the book, In Search of The Warrior Spirit by Richard Strozzi Heckler, a mentor of Mark Walsh.
Holistics Logo Design - Sarah Edwards-Tooke.