Time Change: Everything you need to know about the clocks going forward this weekend

Independent.ie

Spring forward; fall back. In the early hours of Sunday morning, the country will lose an hours sleep as the clocks go forward to mark the start of what is called 'British Summer Time'.

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Spring forward; fall back. In the early hours of Sunday morning, the country will lose an hours sleep as the clocks go forward to mark the start of what is called 'British Summer Time'.

At 1am on 30 March, civil time in Ireland will be fast-forwarded one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), heralding longer, lighter evenings and, hopefully, the tentative beginnings of summer. It's called 'British Summer Time'.

In todays digitalised world many people dont have to worry about adjusting the hands on a clock - but heres the reasoning behind it.

The idea of British Summer Time was first proposed in the UK by William Willett, who happens to be the great-great-grandfather of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. He felt that valuable daylight was being wasted in the mornings during the summer months because people were still in bed.

In 1907 he published a pamphlet called The Waste of Daylight, in which he outlined his plans to change the time of the nations clocks. But when he died in 1915 the Government still refused to back BST.

It wasnt until a year later, in May 1916, that Britain passed the Summer Time Act and started changing its clocks twice a year. Ireland followed suit.

In 1940, during the Second World War, clocks across Britain were not put back an hour at the end of British Summer Time, in order to save fuel and money.

However, in subsequent years, they continued to be put forward an hour each spring and then put back an hour each autumn until July 1945. This meant that during these summers the UK was two hours ahead of GMT.

Proponents argue that British Summer Time is good for physical and psychological health, particularly in terms of relieving the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

1. It promotes more activity in the evening - good for general fitness, and good for businesses.

2. It's good for the environment, people are using electricity less with longer daylight hours.

3. Expect the traffic not to be as bad on Monday, clocks going forward have been linked to some surprising effects on traffic safety.

4. People generally feel happier, more energetic and have lower sickness rates in the brighter days after clocks change

5. Sex drive increases, carb cravings lower and SAD disorder improves once people feel the effects of spring and the longer daylight hours.

6. The lighter evenings are also said to reduce crime.

Well, theres always the risk of turning up late for a family dinner/ football match/ church service. But, on a more serious note, critics have said that changing the clocks is economically and socially disruptive, therefore cancelling out any benefits.

There are also a number of theories that suggest putting the clocks forward has a negative impact on the human body in 2012 a University of Alabama study found the risk of a heart attack surges by 10 per cent on the Monday and Tuesday after moving the clocks forward.

Summer Time begins on Sunday, March 26.

This means you should put your clocks forward at 1am on Sunday 26 or, failing that, before you bed down for the night on Saturday.

The chills: When your body is in need of more sleep it will begin to automatically prepare itself for rest, which involves cooling itself down. So if you find your teeth chattering at work, its likely that youre in need of more sleep.

An elevated risk of physical health issues: Just half an hour of sleep debt a measure of how people are making up on lost weekday sleep at weekends- can disrupt the natural rhythm of hormones in the body and lead to a much greater risk of diabetes and obesity.

A dangerous lack of concentration: Data shows that theres a distinct rise in the rate of car accidents in the week following the change so make sure that youre feeling fully awake and ready to go before jumping behind the wheel.

Mental health: Lack of sleep is intimately linked to depression. Studies have show that suicide rates tend to rise following the changing of the clocks and this is partly attributed to mental issues that can be brought on by a disruption in circadian rhythms.

Rise in irritability can be a problem for relationships: Less sleep equals higher irritability, elevated selfishness and thus more fights with your partner. Suddenly the fact that they didn't hang up the bath mat embodies the existential failures of your entire relationship.

- And a few methods underneath that may help you get back into your sleeping pattern after the change and potentially aid with sleeping and waking behavior in the future:

As tempting as it may seem, try not to have a lie-in on Sunday: It's likely that, if you sleep in late, you'll impinge on your night's rest. It's very important to keep regularity in sleeping patterns to make sure that you never have to feel like you're catching up.

Theres no point going to sleep if youre awake: If you go to bed in the knowledge that you're not going to get to sleep any time soon, all that you're doing is lying down, thinking about how long it is until your alarm goes off and growing anxious. Stay up for a bit and read a book or listen to relaxing music, anything to take your mind off actually trying to drift off.

No tablets in bed: It can be very tempting to send off a few emails or watch a couple of programmes before going to sleep but it's important to keep the bed set aside for sex and sleep only. The human brain's natural inclination is to make association with objects so if you're on your tablet for an hour before bed, it's likely to become a habit.

Ease off the caffeine after lunch: Research has shown that caffeine consumed up to six hours before sleep is likely to have a negative effect on sleep patterns so try and keep coffees to the morning.

Independent News Service

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Time Change: Everything you need to know about the clocks going forward this weekend - Irish Independent

The opening day of the inaugural Starry Nites Festival took place ona beautiful sunny day, Saturday, March 18. The festivities unfolded on one of the first days of spring, in the back mountains of Santa Barbara. The eclectic multi-stage music celebration drew a respectable crowd of eager and upbeat music fans but fell short of reaching the 3000-capacity set for the first year.

The spectacular setting was the aptly named Live Oak campground at the top of the San Marcos mountain pass. The campsites stretched along the Santa Ynez river, which was flowing freely for the first time in years after this winter's drought ending rainy season. Campers nestled their tents and hammocks in a meadow of California oak trees, providing a shady canopy from the sun.

Just after noon, the local Santa Barbara band, Afishinsea kicked off the festival on the modest Santa Barbara stage. The moody jam band is well known in the area as an experimental powerhouse of Indie music tunes. Next, to the stage, a tent was set up with a full-service bar and a studio of sorts set up by Roland music. Several different sets of instruments were left to musicians and music fans alike to form impromptu jams throughout the festival. A delicious barbecue stand completed the outside village.

Later in the afternoon, the main Starry Nites village opened complete with two main music stages, several gourmet food trucks and another well stocked full service bar. A large green grassy meadow, exuding the scent of fresh spring flowers, surrounded the outer areas around the stages. Closer to the action, picnic benches carefully placed under the shade of large California oak trees provide seating options for music fans. It was such a relaxing setting; one festival goer could be seen laying on the grass reading a college textbook, well others fell asleep in the tall grass.

The music began on the Cachuma stage, the smaller of the two just after 2 in the afternoon, with only a few people standing in front of the stage in the hot afternoon sun. But by the time the powerful Los Angeles rock band, The Feels took the stage; a small crowd had gathered to hear some great hard rock. In fact, most of the bands, playing at the festival shared an affinity for wailing guitar drenched jams. From the classic 50th anniversary show by one of the first psychedelic rock bands The Strawberry Alarm Clock to the young punk antics of the aptly named Thunderpussy, the show featured multiple generations of incredible musicians.

Thelo-fi indie-rock band, Elvis Depressedly made the trek from Asheville, North Carolina, a city similar to Santa Barbara in many ways, to play an engaging sunset performance. This prolific group has produced no less than eight records in the last seven years. As the sun began to set, the American punkabilly duo The Kolars brought an ever-growing crowd around the stage to life. The married duo of Rob Kolar and tap dancing stand up drummer Lauren Brown bring a persona to their upbeat music, that was first fashioned in their band He's My Brother Shes my sister.

For many, the next band to play was the biggest draw to the festival. As second night headliner Alan Parsons looked on from behind the Cachuma stage, The Strawberry Alarm Clock swarmed the main Starry stage. Remarkably, five of the seven original members of this band formed in 1967, still play the San Francisco style psychedelic rock sound that they helped invent. They were joined by Howie Anderson on rhythm guitar and vocals. Drummer Randy Seol joked thatHowie was the newest member of the band only playing with them since 1986. Randy also joked that the band's other drummer, Gene Gunnels had to leave the group right before their first big hit,Incense, And Peppermints,because his girlfriend gave him an ultimatum to get a real job or she would leave him. The sound crew struggled getting so many instruments microphoned correctly. The set ended up being pushed back 45 minutes behind schedule. But once the band did play, the sound was nearly spot on, and the group was allowed to play their entire 18 song set, delighting the audience including Parsons. The chief architect of the band's music, keyboardist Mark Weitz played with the band for the first time since a near-fatal car crash last August.

As night fell all girl Seattle punk rockers, Thunderpussy had even bigger sound issues on the Cachuma stage. Already behind schedule because of the delayed Strawberry Alarm Clock set, the band had to stop after first losing the minimal lighting on the stage and then half of their microphones, to a generator overload problem. Charismatic lead singer Molly Sides made the best of the situation by prancing about and chatting uptake audience. Once lead guitarist Whitney Petty got her sound working, she broke into a wailing guitar riff sending Sides into a convulsive dance craze and the band never slow down for the rest of their shortened set.

Portland's veteran Indie rock band, The Dandy Warhols turned in the next set of the night, the most intense and angelic of day one. Their moody guitar drenched jams seemed to catch the essence of the festival and played an extended set to the largest crowd of the night. She Wants Revenge from nearby San Fernando Valley brought their somber retro rock sound to the Cachuma stage next, but the minimalist production values of the smaller stage did not suit their style well, and it was an uneventful set.

By the time The Kills played their closing main stage set, well behind schedule, many festival goers had left to negotiate the mountain pass back to the city, or retired to enjoy the serenity of the campground. But the band turned in an energy infused set of intense music that has endeared the band to the likes of musicians like Jack White. While the end of their set just after midnight meant the end of the evening for most attending the festival, several dozen music fans made their way in the dark to the little acoustic stage in the woods. One of the unique aspects of the festival, the acoustic stage featured performances by, the Kolars, enigmatic Los Angeles singer Pearl Charles and Dandy Warhols guitarist Brent Deboer. The soulful performers played tunes until nearly 3 am, while music fans lounged in the meadow, smoking, drinking, dancing and star gazing into the awesome crystal clear mountain sky. It was truly a Starry night.

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Starry Nites Festival 2017 | Day 1 | Review - Grateful Web

Preschool SVOD app Hopster has launched a new digital playroom hubcalled Senseto help kids, particularly those with autism, develop sensory processing skills. Along with the extension of the app, Hopster is also debuting original content focused on accepting and tolerating differences.

The playroom will appear inHopsters special themed area, andwill be available on April 2 at the launch of Hopsters Celebrating Differences and Similarities campaign.

New original animated fare supporting the initiative includes Punky, about a young girl with Down Syndrome; Mouk, a show introducing kids to different cultures and customs; African cultural showBino and Fino; The Adventures of Zee, about Arabic culture; and Signed Storiesclassic fairy tales told throughnarration and sign language.

The extension hopes to both relax kids and let them play. Itincludes nine screens with various textures, sights and sounds that kids can interact with by using their fingers. It is designed to helpdevelop fine motor skills, especially when it comes to rotation and positioning.

On the relaxation side, asection of the app includes calm and meditative animations using water and bubbles, as well as relaxing instrumental music and sounds.

Sense has undergone intensive user testing and Hopster consulted with parents andspecial educational teachers to create a product that best fits the needs of kids with autism. In that vein, there are two color options within the appfor kidswith sensitivity to light and color.

The news comes just after Sesame Workshop debuted its first autistic character on the seriesto expand its autism initiative.

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Hopster launches digital playroom for autistic kids - Kidscreen

Krystyna Serhijchuk, Columnist March 22, 2017 Filed under Columns, Opinions

Most students usually get ready to study with a stack of books and a laptop equipped with playlists curated by Spotify. Many of these are generic, comprised of classical music and somber acoustic songs. More often than not, these playlists lull me to sleep before they motivate me to study. One of Spotifys most popular study playlists actually features songs under the artist title Sleeping Music.

Studying while listening to music has health benefits. Relaxing music helps decrease anxiety and stress, improving your mood by motivating you to work. This improvement in mood has also been shown to improve memory, as a positive mood is linked to indirectly boosting memory formation.

This month, Ive been experimenting with music that wont make me crawl into bed, but instead keeps me focused and alert while remaining relaxed. Here are some of my favorite discoveries, in no particular order:

Dial M for Monkey & Animal Magic

Bonobo is a British producer and D.J. Both of these electronic albums are downtempo and chill, but succeed in remaining dynamic and interesting. This creates a perfect relaxing yet engaging sound that works well for a studious environment and state-of-mind. His song Flutter off Dial M for Monkey is one of my absolute favorite songs to study to.

Endroducing

I first came across this album due to a curiousness about the top U.S. albums that were released during my birth year. Turns out, Endroducing.. was ranked one of the best albums of 1996, and with good reason. This album is composed almost entirely of sampled content that DJ Shadow obtained from vinyl records during record shop visits, hence the record shop album cover. Pitchfork calls this album spiritual, and one that is equally enjoyed by turntable nerds, the trip-hoppers, the frat boys, the hippies or the ravers. In other words, this album will likely appeal to anyone. The ethereal instrumental hip-hop beats are great in terms of keeping yourself motivated and alert while studying.

Since I Left You

This album is also filled with tons of samples that are used uniquely, creating an album that sounds like nothing else. This electronic album includes vocal samples that have a sonic function, and will not likely distract you while studying. The structure of the songs feels mixed and chopped, while still creating a repetition in samples and vocals. I find this to be one of the most energizing and motivating albums to listen to while doing work or studying.

January Sun Kedr Livanskiy is a Russian singer and producer who initially interested me because of her Slavic origins. However, you dont need to understand Russian to enjoy her dreamy and synthy experimental house music. Not understanding the lyrics is a plus for studying. Listening to music with lyrics (that you understand) while reading or writing tends to distract you, making you less efficient in absorbing information. A great way to combat this is by listening to music in a language youre less or not at all familiar with. Ive found Kedrs music to be both calming and interesting due to its experimental nature, which is a great mix for studying.

Mystere & Psycho Tropical Berlin La Femme is a French psych-punk band with a hypnotic and synthetic sound. Like with Kedr Livanskiy, La Femmes French lyrics work well for studying if you have limited or no understanding of the language. The French lyrics have a great sound regardless of your understanding, and creates a calming effect. The tone of the songs varies from more uplifting and motivating to somber and calming. Theres great variety within these albums, allowing you to pick and choose which work best for you while studying.

Krystyna is a junior in English. [emailprotected]

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Study to music that isn't Mozart - Daily Illini

This years dates for the eighth iteration of Champaigns DoCha chamber music festival have been solidified. DoCha will occur over the weekend of March 31 - April 2 at the Orpheum Childrens Science Museum Theater.

The distinguished festival will feature a lineup of acclaimed local and visiting musicians from the chamber music field, including several faculty members from the University of Illinois. All events are free and open to the public.

See the full press release below for a breakdown of the daily itinerary and other information. Find out more about DoCha here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DOCHA, CHAMPAIGNS PREMIER FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR ITS

EIGHTH SEASON PRESENTING WORLD-CLASS MUSIC.

ENJOY GREAT MUSIC IN AN INTIMATE CABARET-STYLE SETTING OF THE

ORPHEUM THEATER.

March 31 - April 2, 2017

Champaign, ILDoCha, downtown Champaigns premiere free music festival, announces its eighth season, March 31 April 2, 2017. The beautiful and historic Orpheum Theater will once again serve as DoChas venue for the 2017 festival. DoCha will transform this former vaudeville theatre into a cabaret-style, live music venue. Guests will be welcome to enjoy food and drinks at tables set up inside the theatre while listening to great live chamber music in an intimate and stylish setting. All events continue to be free and open to the public.

Committed to the idea that music can and should be enjoyed by all people, DoChas festival events will be fun-spirited, informal, engaging, collaborative, and educational. Tables and chairs will be set cabaret style around a centrally-placed stage allowing guests to experience the live music performances up close while enjoying food and beverages that will be sold at each evening event. The event is casual and we extend an open invitation to the entire community to join us for a relaxing evening of world-class music.

The festival will feature some of Champaigns own world-class, internationally acclaimed musicians, scholars, and music educators as well gifted young musicians in unique artistic collaborations both within and outside the chamber music genre.

Highlights for 2017

Young Peoples Concert on Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m at the Orpheum Childrens Science Museum featuring Finding Forms, Composer-in-training Wolfgang Amadeus Schmutzinberry has been commissioned to write some music for the local Pickle Parade. But, before he marches off, he needs to learn how to combine different melodies in clever patterns to create musical forms such as ternary, rondo, and theme and variations. Featuring Rami Vamos & Natalie Monterastelli. This program is Family friendly and open to the public!

Gourmet savory and sweet snack plates prepared by Pekara Bakery and Bistro and wines* and other beverages will be sold by art mart at the venue.

*Pending issuance of State and local permits

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

All events are free and open to the public. All events will take place at the Orpheum Childrens Science Museum Theater in downtown Champaign: 346 North Neil, Champaign, IL 61820.

Friday, March 31st

7 p.m. Jazzissimo,featuring jazz greats Larry Gray and Jim Pugh, this duo will be joined by friends for an evening sure to entertain. Come enjoy original works and jazz standards by these world-class artists.

* Open to people of all ages.

Saturday, April 1st

1 p.m. Young Peoples Concert: Finding Forms, a comical and educational musical. Family friendly and open to the public. Composer-in-training Wolfgang Amadeus Schmutzinberry has been commissioned to write some music for the local Pickle Parade. But, before he marches off, he needs to learn how to combine different melodies in clever patterns to create musical forms such as ternary, rondo, and theme and variations. Featuring Rami Vamos and Natalie Monterastelli.

7 p.m. La Grande Bellezza,String orchestra Camerata Illinois with guest soloists Stefan Milenkovich, Dmity Kouzov, Megan Freivogel, Daniel McDonough and Michael Cameron performing masterpieces by Vivaldi, Bottessini, Puccini, Wolf and more. Please join us for an evening abundant in string virtuosity!

* Open to people of all ages.

Sunday, April 2nd

5 p.m. Bohemian Rhapsodies, A celebration of works by bohemian composersDvorak, Muczynski, and songs by Tchaikovsky performed by Yvonne Redman, Julia Fedoseeva, Dmitry Kouzov, Stefan Milenkovich and the Meliora Trio. * Open to people of all ages.

DoChas 2017 festival is made possible in part by the generosity of community partners and individuals including the Orpheum Childrens Science Museum, Barham Benefit Group, Sullivan-Parkhill Imports, Koester & Bradley, LLP, BodyWork Associates, Dixon Graphics, Adams Outdoor Advertising, Pursuit Institute, Darrell Hoemann Photography, Class Act, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois School of Music and the College of Fine and Applied Arts.

About DoCha

DoCha creates chamber music-based experiences for all people that engageall of the senses. Committed to the idea that chamber music can and should be enjoyed by everyone, DoCha is fun, engaging, collaborative, educational, and its performances are free. DoCha began as a collective effort among University of Illinois faculty, students, community members, and friends to experiment with new and adventurous ways to present chamber music for the 21st century.

For more information about the festival, visit http://www.docha.org.

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Dates for DoCha Chamber Music Festival 2017 announced - Smile Politely - Champaign-Urbana's Online Magazine

Here are some local events taking place today:

Art and Coffee,10:30 a.m., Philomath Community Library, 1050 Applegate St. Those 16 or over are invited to join in a relaxing morning of art, coloring, conversation, music and treats. Bring your own supplies or share the library's.

Coloring for Everyone,6:30 p.m., meeting room,Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave. Supplies, coloring pages and relaxing music provided.

Stakeholder Committee of Philomath Downtown Streetscape Project,7 p.m., council chamber, city hall, 980 Applegate St.

Corvallis Community Band: Topsy-Turvy: The Music of Edward Elgar and Gilbert and Sullivan,7:30 p.m., LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St. The band in concert, with assistance from the Corvallis Academy of Ballet and OSU vocal students. Information: c-cband.org.

For more information, see Thursdays E, the calendar in each days edition or http://www.gazettetimes.com.

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Today's Highlights (March 21) | Events-calendar | democratherald.com - Albany Democrat Herald

What is your idea of perfect happiness? My definition of happiness is to be in balance with your life, your principle. Enjoying the life you are happy with and spending your time accordingly.

Which living person do you most admire? People who are true to what they believe, who can lead a life true to themselves and dont follow others.

What is your greatest extravagance? I like mountain climbing. I really enjoy taking these off trips to the mountains on my own or with my friends, just getting myself away from the world. And the same goes for swimming. I love swimming and I am a good swimmer.

What is your current state of mind? I am happy because I am pursuing this dream to get recognition for our wines for many years, and finally I am seeing that its happening.

What is the quality you most like in another person? Humbleness and being transparent and honest. Just be yourself.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life? My wife and my four daughters. I live for them.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Finesse and elegance [breaks out in laughter]. I am embarrassed to say but its true. We were always trying to express what we do, and I think I overused it. I apologise for that.

When and where were you happiest? I love a house by the sea, overlooking the ocean. Nice music, relaxing mood at home with my family.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? Id like to have more patience and to be more in control.

Which talent would you most like to have? I would like to have more artistic talents to appreciate music and art.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? From a business perspective, we helped the world to recognise quality wines from Chile, and to put Chilean wines on the map. Thats something on the professional side, but on the family side, I am very proud of my family, my daughters.

Where would you most like to live? I love living in Chile, but its far from the rest of the world. Its a long journey to everywhere we go but its a lovely place, with ideal weather.

Who is your favourite writer? Isabel Allende, a Chilean writer. She has very nice novels on Chile. She is a very talented writer.

Who is your hero of fiction? Let me think about that. Normally when you think of hero of fiction, you think of Superman. I dont know if he is my hero but thats what comes to my mind when I was reading comic books.

What is your greatest regret? I had the loss of two children. They were born but suddenly died. Its a lifelong regret.

What is your motto? This is just the beginning.

Who would be your ideal dinner party guests and what three wines would you serve? I guess I would love to invite Angelina Jolie. I would have to say my wife as well, but [would invite them] separately of course [more laughter]. Also, Jeannie Cho Lee MW, who is a very fond friend of mine. Every time I come to Hong Kong, I would try to see her. Its funny she also has four girls so we are really good friends. I would have a very nice selection of wines, starting with Aconcagua Costa Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, perhaps followed by some nice Cabernet from Chileand Bordeaux. I love Margaux, its my favourite first growth. I was also very close to the late winemaker Paul Pontallier. We spent some time in Chile together. Margaux has been my benchmark wine, and of course I would serve ViedoChadwick.

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Proust Q&A: Eduardo Chadwick - The Drinks Business

(HealthDay News) -- Ever wonder why environmental sounds are so relaxing? Just getting outside in nature has been shown to be therapeutic.

According to David Yaden, a research fellow at the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Center, "in a natural setting, people are more relaxed and less stressed."

In Japan, they call this practice of getting outside in nature shinrin-yoku, which is roughly translated as "forest bathing."

Indoors, environmental sounds remind us of being out in nature and may also be something for the mind to meditate on, no different than staring at a candle flame, or repeating a mantra or listening to relaxing music. So listening to a recording of environmental sounds or relaxing music that incorporates environmental sounds can be a soothing alternative to actually going outdoors and listening to the real thing.

Our minds often break away from the present moment and create stories that are sometimes stressful: We worry about the future and things that may never happen, and get angry about things that have already happened and can't be changed.

But when we focus on the gentle sound of a babbling brook, or any other natural sound -- like crickets or birds chirping, or even the sound of waves crashing on a beach -- we bring our minds back into the present moment. We are, in effect, practicing mindfulness.

And mindfulness has been shown to lower stress, reduce anxiety, boost the immune system and help with depression.

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Stress Buster | Health | pantagraph.com - Bloomington Pantagraph

Here are some local events taking place today:

Art and Coffee,10:30 a.m., Philomath Community Library, 1050 Applegate St. Those 16 or over are invited to join in a relaxing morning of art, coloring, conversation, music and treats. Bring your own supplies or share the library's.

Coloring for Everyone,6:30 p.m., meeting room,Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave. Supplies, coloring pages and relaxing music provided.

Stakeholder Committee of Philomath Downtown Streetscape Project,7 p.m., council chamber, city hall, 980 Applegate St.

Corvallis Community Band: Topsy-Turvy: The Music of Edward Elgar and Gilbert and Sullivan,7:30 p.m., LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St. The band in concert, with assistance from the Corvallis Academy of Ballet and OSU vocal students. Information: c-cband.org.

For more information, see Thursdays E, the calendar in each days edition or http://www.gazettetimes.com.

Follow this link:

Today's Highlights (March 21) | F.Y.I. | gazettetimes.com - Corvallis Gazette Times

Photo courtesy of Pure Barre.

From the second you walk inside Pure Barre Montclair, youll feel inspired to create a stronger version of yourself. The studios interior design is modern, cool and sleek. The front desk is decorated with cute hair ties and socks. Athleisure Wear brands like Alo and Beyond Yoga line the wall adjacent to a small bar topped with fresh water and healthy snacks. Walk into Pure Barre a little further, and youll come across a cubby area where customers drop off their bags and coats and pick up their weights and bands. Glass doors open into the studio space lined with ballet bars.

Pure Barre has generated a strong customer base since its December opening at the corner of Valley Road and Bloomfield Avenue. Three highly qualified teachers instruct all ages in all different class sizes, usually around 23 people. The 55 minute classes sculpt your arms, chest, back and legs with small muscle contractions. Stretches between every exercise keep your limbs limber. Pure Barre teachers set the tone with soft lighting and relaxing music during the stretch. They also help you kick it into high gear as you squeeze out that last ab workout with upbeat music and encouraging words.

Pure Barre accommodates students with classes seven days a week. Class time ranges depending on the day of the week. Pure Barre starts at 5:15 a.m. most days and ends around 7:30 p.m. Exercises differ depending on the teacher and the music playlist, but there are no levels. Students are encouraged to only do as much as they can.

Co-owners Chrissel Battaglia and Wendy Vignali have known eachother for over 20 years. Battaglia broke her foot seven years ago and was on crutches for months. She joined Orangetheory in November of 2015 to rehabilitate her foot and get back into shape, where she learned the value of having a coach. Vignali brought Battaglia into Pure Barre one day, where the friends reconnected over their love of exercise and strength training.

Wendy said, Lets open our own Pure Barre! and began drawing up plans, said Battaglia. I just went along with it. I never thought it would really happen.

Pure Barre Headquarters approved their idea for a store right away. Suddenly, they had to find a space. Vignali did some work and found the space Montclair. Battaglia designed the studio. The co-owners looked for teachers to go through the Pure Barre training, and Vignali herself became a certified teacher. Soon, their far-fetched dream became reality.

This was like a big joke a year ago, and now its reality. Its amazing. Were excited to be in a new phase, we did it on our own and the community is responding well, said Battaglia.

Pure Barre is currently adding more teachers, classes and events to their schedule. They promote a juice cleanse, host mimosa Sunday and even offer classes called Bring on the Men. Now, Pure Barre is hosting a March Madness challenge for customer to attend 20 classes in 31 days for a chance at a prize. Whether youre a bride-to-be trying to stay healthy, a new mom trying to get back into shape or a busy professional seeking relief at the end of a workday Pure Barre can help you hustle. Walk in for your first complimentary class at 650 Bloomfield Ave., or call 402-882 2773 to see if youre ready to raise the bar.

Aloe, barre workout, Beyond Yoga, Bloomfield Ave., cardio, core, flexibility, healthy, low impact workout, montclair, muscles, Orangetheory, posture, Pure Barre, resistance, strength, studio, technique, tone

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Pure Barre Classes Create Change - The Montclair Dispatch (press release)