​The stadium was abuzz as 30 riders clipped into their indoor-cycle shoes, began messing with the wheel and the lever, and got pumped for the second of four events to sweat for charity in support of Gratitude Generation. And the energy was palpable – the WheelPower Studio regulars were hitting 90+ RPM in the warm-up while a significant number of newbies were sweating already in fear, anxiety, excitement and, sometimes, just plain confusion as the lights dropped, the music blared and we hit our pace.

The one-and-only Tracy Chudnow Schy has a way with the playlist, and she certainly delivered with one pump-up anthem after another. We were “Heroes” (Alesso), who plan to “Save the World” (Swedish House Mafia), in “One Tribe” (Black Eyed Peas) while we’re “Not Afraid” (Eminem) to “Rise Up” (Andra Day) and proclaim: “This is Me” (The Greatest Showman)!

There were these and so many more great moments in the 45-minute, body-pumping, heart-filling, inspiring indoor-cycle ride to raise funds to support service projects and this amazing organization that has gone from one Facebook post planting a seed to a government-endorsed 501c3 charity in just five months.

Drenched in sweat, filled with pride and astonishment at the energy created in the stadium (both energy points earned on the bikes and in our spirits), so many of us hugged and snapped pics. We were feeling the endorphins surge through our bodies thanks to the satisfaction of tackling the class (regulars and beginners alike!) coupled with the knowledge that we did it all to give back. Something good for us and to benefit others!

Certainly we jotted down on a small banner what we were grateful for that day. Taking a moment to journal or just jot something down creates a moment of consciousness to practice gratitude, and that’s so good for you! It may not torch the calories like our ride, but the benefits are invaluable to our health and well-being.

Huge hugs and gratitude to Tracy, Donnie and the WheelPower crew for hosting us and reminding us to do something critical in our efforts to positively influence the world -- “Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey)!
​
Check out some fun pics from the event here. 
More opportunities to sweat for charity are coming up -- join us next week on our mats in an adult Yoga class. 

There are few things sweeter and more gratitude inspiring than kids from the ages of 3-15 and their parents and grandparents doing animal-named yoga poses and practicing meditation breaths together on a sunny, albeit brisk, Saturday afternoon. This was the scene yesterday for our first of four amazing March Madness fundraising events where we’re going to sweat for charity and raise funds to support g2 service projects. March Madness, in particular, will support our upcoming service project at our Launch Party to put birthday supplies in gratitude bags that will be delivered to foster children. (You can still sign up for any and all of our March Madness events AND our Launch Party April 15th!)

For this Family Yoga event, we were yogis adept at dancer pose mixed with true beginners and every level in between learning the art of belly breathing and toe touching, and the warm, sunny room welcomed us all. We worked our way through the alphabet as we did A-to-Z Yoga with the amazing Lani Gerszonovicz leading us and inspiring everyone to push outside of our comfort zones, find and listen to our inner breath and voices, and recognize how important it is to feel our inner energy. We even squeezed an imaginary ball between our palms, and it pushed back!

We stretched like a giraffe (triangle pose!) -- some of our little yogis even had some creative fun with their fingers and gave their giraffes a snack. We twisted on the floor and snapped like alligators, of course we were cats and dogs (downward!), and we practiced breath with intention and gratitude.

We finished our practice in group poses – blossoming flowers and hearts bursting with happiness and healthy perspectives. Everyone was glowing – and glistening from the heat – and the response was awe-inspiring. One thoughtful attendee brought “Live Happy” stickie notes we placed on our mats to remind us to “Be an Inspiration,” and “Be the reason someone smiles today.” Each and every person at the event was a reason to smile AND an inspiration!

Huge gratitude to everyone who shared in this event and to our awesome Kids’ Board members who did a great job representing us and supporting our causes. Big thanks to the generous hospitality of Shri Yoga Center and the amazing Lani Gerszonovicz, who has a contagious energy and the most happy, positive perspective. She’s a gift to anyone, and g2 is thrilled to partner with her. (Stay tuned for more opps to practice Family Yoga with her!)
​
Check out the amazing pics that captured the energy and gratitude flowing at our event - click here.
Namaste.