Sweat for Haiti

Date: December 17th, 2016

Time: 9am to 1pm, Ripley Grier Studios, 520 8th Avenue

2pm to 7pm, Vitor Shaolin Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy, 780 8th Avenue

In the midst of this current political climate, it may surprise you to know that we are holding a fitness charity event to help Haiti recover from it’s most recent natural disaster. The media’s predominant focus is on the DAPL, social injustice, post-election concerns and women’s rights- ALL worthy of our attention and issues that we, at SMARTer Bodies, care about and continuously advocate. It’s easy to forget, however, that our neighbors in the Caribbean are still struggling to find loved ones and rebuild their homes. The small country continues to struggle from the earthquake that devastated its land 6 years ago. But in October, Hurricane Matthew aggressively swept through Haiti wreaking havoc on the fragile land and civil infrastructure that Haitians worked so hard to rebuild. Aside from the 1000+ people that have died during the storm there is now the spread of disease, like cholera, taking lives. To read more about the most recent tragedies this click here.

haiti

We know it’s difficult to not succumb to the inertia of global-issue overwhelm. Many of us feel powerless to help ourselves, let alone extend help to others so far away. We feel that in times like these, it is important not to lose sight of those who are in desperate need. Kim, our co-founder, has done the research and made the connections to find a charitable association that you can trust to help the Caribbean’s forgotten. The Haiti Development Project has a specific mission

Haiti Development Project (HDP) speaks for thousands of invisible children in rural Northwest Haiti who are growing up illiterate and without the necessary resources to succeed in life.

For this important reason, Haiti Development Project (HDP) is championing the cause for universal primary education enrollment for thousands of unschooled children in rural Haiti.

We are one of a small number of NGOs operating and planting seeds in a region that is mostly isolated, poverty-stricken, underdeveloped and neglected.

It’s difficult to be charitable even when you want to given all the corruption that happens in non-profits. Kim has taken the time to personally speak with the founder of HDP, an employee of the UN, Nionese Prudent, who was more than happy to answer all of Kim’s questions and make herself personally available to help with this project.

We can assure you that this non-profit is a aware of and committed to negating the corruption that makes people hesitant to send financial assistance. Here’s an organization that will continue to rebuild the lives of the students who have been once-again impacted by uncontrollable forces.

You can give by clicking this link http://www.haitidevelopmentproject.org/ or by going to our charity event. It’ll be a day of fitness and fun! Teachers are volunteering to teach classes that you can enjoy while giving to people who are in need. Classes will be held at 2 different locations in midtown Manhattan. Classes will be $25 each and 100% of the proceeds will go to the Haiti Development Project. Class descriptions and schedule as well as teacher bios can be found below. Also, for the months of November and December our book, Exposing Yoga Myths will donate 50% of our profits towards the cause. You can find our book on Amazon or the e-book on https://smarterbodies.com/exposing-yoga-myths/

Here’s our class line-up. Please note that the link to sign up for the class is in the class description below the schedule:

Class time	Instructor	Class Type	Location
9:00 AM	Marcus	SMARTer Strength and Cardio	Ripley Grier
10:00 AM	Kim	SMARTer Interval training	Ripley Grier
11:00 AM	Abby	SMARTer Flow Yoga	Ripley Grier
12:00 PM	Christopher	ConBody Bootcamp	Ripley Grier

2:00 PM	Mario	kickboxing	vsbjj
3:00 PM	Alvaro	No Gi BJJ	vsbjj
4:00 PM	Julio	“Fighting Dirty”	vsbjj
5:00 PM	Rafael	Women’s self defense	vsbjj
6:00 PM	Kim	Yoga	vsbjj

Class descriptions:

SMARTer Strength and Cardio with Marcus:

A 60 minute workout using nothing but your own body weight. We will incorporate full body strength and cardio moves to build a great sweat and some muscle as well! This class requires a moderate amount of effort and is better suited to those who are used to more moderate training. Open to all ages (18+).

Sign up here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sweat-smarter-for-haiti-at-ripley-grier-tickets-29709429704

SMARTer Interval training with Kim:

This class is sure to get your heart pumping and sweat dripping, no matter what fitness level or age (18+). Appropriate modifications will be shown for every movement. This class requires no equipment, but will cover balance movement patterns in all 3 planes of motion and integrate the whole body. Since this class is based on timed work to rest periods with active rest in between, you can be sure that no matter which modification you choose, you will getting a great workout!

Sign up here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sweat-smarter-for-haiti-at-ripley-grier-tickets-29709429704

SMARTer Flow Yoga with Abby:

Take the principles of SMARTer Bodies (evidence based training built on techniques proven to be reliable) and bring them into a flowing Yoga class! This is a great opportunity to see how we take the Yoga Myths and bring them to what you might typically see in your Yoga classes. Take this class so you can know better what kinds of modifications will work for you! This class is open to all levels and all ages (18+).

Sign up here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sweat-smarter-for-haiti-at-ripley-grier-tickets-29709429704

ConBody Bootcamp:

You my have heard about ConBody as one of the hottest fitness trends in NYC right now! This military/prison cell bootcamp class requires no equipment and integrates calisthenics, cardio, endurance training and strength training. For more information visit www.conbody.com

Sign up here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sweat-smarter-for-haiti-at-ripley-grier-tickets-29709429704

Kickboxing with Mario Hernandez:

This class is an excellent way to burn some calories while learning effective striking techniques! Open to all levels, but be prepared for a challenge. Note: If you have your own boxing gloves, please bring them.