Zen Jump combines Zen yoga and jump roping for cardio workout that’s “fit” for the road
With frequent travelers in mind, The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne recently developed a new fitness class called Zen Jump exclusively for the AAA Five Diamond resort that’s easy to do while away from home and light enough to pack in a suitcase or briefcase without setting off warning signals during security check points at the airport.
Taught by the only certified Zen Yoga instructor in South Florida, the 30-minute workout takes place outdoors on the Grand Lawn overlooking the ocean and artfully blends the ocean air with the use of a jump rope in the Zen Yoga signature style of Tai Chi movement, Qigong energy breathing and gentle stretching. After the initial warm-up, the class proceeds with a jump rope routine—integrating Zen Yoga breathing and body awareness—that’s fun and simple enough for any fitness enthusiast to perform.
“Several guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne expressed how energized they felt following my Zen yoga class and requested a cardio component to complete their workout,” said Sonia Mesa, Zen Jump instructor. “Since jump roping is used in martial arts training to build endurance, it seemed a natural way to balance the internal Asian arts of Zen yoga.”
Not only does Zen Jump embody the mind and spirit, but the class offers numerous other benefits as well including core-abdominal strengthening, fat and calorie burning, cardiovascular and muscular endurance, enhanced balance, reflexes and hand-eye coordination, toxin release and improved flexibility and agility. Best of all, Zen Jump is inexpensive and requires minimal equipment—comfortable, well-cushioned athletic shoes and a jump rope.
Zen Jump is offered at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne on Mondays at 6 p.m. and is $10 for guests and $15 for locals, which also includes access to a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, sauna and steam room. In addition, the resort offers a number of other innovative classes including Poolates (a form of Pilates in the pool), spinning, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and kickboxing. Personal trainers are available upon request. For more information or to schedule a private class, call (305) 365-6917.
About Sonia Mesa
Seeking ways to offset the physical demands of work and challenging sports including Women’s soccer, rock climbing, Hatha yoga, triathlons and English-style equestrian, Sonia Mesa decided to embrace the eastern arts in 1989 first with Chen-style Taiji and Rinzai Zen Meditation, before becoming certified in Zen Yoga and Wisdom Qigong. The Miami-resident is one of only two instructors in the state of Florida certified to teach Zen Yoga and leads classes and wellness workshops around the community and at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne.
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