This is the first installment of my “Confessions …” series where I’m going to take you through the various ways I keep myself busy while awaiting Chicago spring (never coming) and the 2010 triathlon season … hope you enjoy!

—————————————-

As a triathlete many times over, I have become a fitness junkie and am always intrigued by different work out techniques. When I first heard about the Yamuna Body Rolling class that was only offered in Chicago at the Trump Tower, I was eager to test it out for myself.

While my workouts generally consist of pushing my heart rate well past zone three and generating so much sweat that my preplanned Whole Foods stop is foiled because I can’t risk seeing my Whole Foods crush in my current state, my dance background appreciates the slower paced class that focuses on balance and strength.

Upon arrival, I truly didn’t know what to expect. Mary, our instructor, unpacked her bag and out rolled various balls ranging in 4 to 9 inch sizes. She promptly assigned us balls according to our size (smaller balls for smaller people) and began to demonstrate the Yamuna technique. I would try to describe it but I would assuredly lose you. Instead, I offer a quick tutorial from instructor Mary.

While farther along the “strange” spectrum, my abs, neck and legs were very sore the next day. My body felt loose, as if I’d released toxins and renewed my joints. I can’t scientifically link the two but I’d wager they are connected.

What I do know are the three main benefits of the Yamuna technique:

1. Strengthening weight-baring stretch

2. Stimulating bone.

3. Creating space in the body.

… intriguing, huh?

Yamuna is the name of the technique’s founder who has a rich history in yoga and is now an internationally acclaimed Educator, Bodyworker, Herbalist and Aromatherapist.

If you get a chance, go check it out. Details here.

What do you do to pass the winter-caged-in-gym-but-I-have-to-keep-moving time?

Please tell me! Also,let me know about any interesting techniques you’ve heard of and I’ll attempt to test them out!

Two solid years after their movie, Once, made them America’s favorite Irish sweethearts, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová still have the ability to make an entire room stand still.

Playing live in the Auditorium Theatre to nearly 4,000 people Hansard, Irglová and the band members from Hansard’s old group, The Frames have now all combined to comprise The Swell Season, and what a great collaboration it is. Playing for more than two hours and coming out for three encores for a total of 22 songs, The Swell Season covered nearly the entire new album, the full soundtrack from Once and a few classics from The Frames.

It was apparent that this is what Glen Hansard was made to do. His joy filled the entire theatre and at no point did the show feel produced. Numerous times he required the audience to sing along, even separating the audience to create harmonies to achieve the backup he wanted. And, despite Hansard and Irglová’s relational split earlier this year, their musical chemistry didn’t suffer for a minute. Hansard’s outgoing, chatty personality contrasted with Irglová’s reserved, introverted personality made for a great balance and intriguing push and pull as they rotated between piano and lead guitar all night.

A few highlights of the evening:

• Hansard and Irglová opening with “The Moon” by themselves, sitting on a blanket in the middle of on an empty stage
• Hansard moving to the very front of the stage by himself to belt out “Say It To Me Now” completely unamplified
• Hansard led, Chicago-born guitarist Rob Bochnik guitar assisted, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” with a full audience sing-along

Another unexpected treat (because I failed to do my research beforehand) was Rachael Yamagata, an entertaining and endearing opening act. Playing a short set including this and this while interspersing personal stories, making the songs that much more powerful.