Heartmark Yogalates

This book is a manual to help teachers, students, and parents perform a fusion of yoga, pilates, and ballet, and make hearts with their body at the same time. The HeartMark Yogalates is a unique program that begins at the bottom of the feet, working muscle groups incrementally in order up through the neck and face. Each area stretches and strengthens in pose-counter pose, working with the breath. Hearts, gradual stretching & strengthening, and careful breathing are the main characteristics. Another motif is the ongoing flexing and pointing of the feet, mental exercises, and the mind-body connection. The atmosphere is one of self-acceptance, positive reinforcement, and harmonious connection to one's body and to others all around. Artist and inventor Tali Lehavi invented the heart hand gesture and dedicated her entire adult life to make it popular. Though the heart hand gesture, called the HeartMark, seemed obvious to Lehavi, breaking traditional ballet, yoga, and pilates poses took an open heart and a strong belief that love will spread smiles and joy. "Students of all ages enjoy making hearts. The trademark HeartMark--heart hand gesture--helpsstudents focus inwardly, breathe, and send out positive vibes across the room. It helps studentsSee What They Love!TM" --Lehavi"Often, we get locked into routines that are not necessarily beneficial to us. A small change in the angle of the fingers shows us how to think outside the box--our own (heart) box!" --Tali LehaviLehavi worked tirelessly for years to promote the heart hand gesture. It is because of her work and her publicity that artists like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber are now using Lehavi's trademark gesture! Artist and visionary Lehavi was awarded a US Patent for this unique method of using hearts.