If you've ever wanted to try a shoulder stand, now's your chance! In this 43-minute Level 2 class, Jill will lead you through a slow and controlled full-body workout, allowing you to contract your muscles with intentionality. After calming your mind with deep breathing, you'll warm up your body with familiar postures that stretch your neck, back, chest, sides, and hip flexors. V-sit, lifted leg, and lots of rolling will challenge your core and balance before giving the tricky shoulder stand a go. And don't worry if you need to make modifications—Jill offers plenty of ways to adapt the shoulder stand and other poses for varying skill levels. As you relax into hip release for the long hold, the Scriptures and meditations will invite you to place your hope and trust in God and believe that He is working all things for your good.
Excerpt from Holy Family School of Faith, Daily Rosary Podcast for June 4, 2020.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
For athletes, upper body strength and flexibility can be crucial, especially for certain sports like rowing, baseball, tennis, volleyball, and pole vaulting. When an athlete is weak in these areas, they can be susceptible to numerous kinds of injuries. Also, the low back muscles often compensate for the arms and shoulders which can result in injury or strain. This workout focuses on building strength in the upper body as well as stretching necessary muscles needed to support upper body movement. The Meditation will have you contemplating God’s gift of rest through sports.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Kick your practice up a notch with this advanced lunges class. Lunges are a functional, powerful exercise that helps you to tone and strengthen almost every muscle in the lower body including the core, quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. You will also stretch the hip flexors. There are so many benefits to lunges, we just had to include them in this series. The meditation will have you thinking about the importance of sleep.
Pope Francis, January 2015, Meeting with Families, Philippines
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Building on the Resistance Chest and Shoulders Gentle and Intermediate, this more advanced class gives the option to increase the weight, use kettlebells, and a few extra exercises. You will leave the class feeling fluid and strong – ready to take on the day! You can make it easier by decreasing the weights or harder by upping the weights and repeating the video.
Do you want to enhance your body's ability to burn fat? Grab a set of 1–5-pound weights and join Betsy for this 55-minute resistance training class. From squats and deadlifts to rows, tricep extensions, V-sit, and more, you'll perform dynamic exercises while holding weights, giving your entire body an incredible workout. Even if you choose to not use weights, Live! from Home: Fat Burner will get your blood flowing and make your muscles burn. The Scriptures and meditations give you time to reflect on how you fill your days and encourage you to seek and do God's will.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
Music from Keys of Peace by Francesca LaRosa (www.francescalarosa.com), The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Get outdoors with Tara in this balanced 40-minute workout that will refresh not only your body but also your soul. You will begin [Class Title] in a comfortable seated position, working on your breath and releasing any anxieties and worries so you can focus on the present moment, God, and the class. After warming up your body with a series of stretches, Tara will lead you through elevated chest lifts, high lunges, planks, single-leg V-sits, and other exercises—with suggested modifications—that will test your balance and strengthen your shoulders, back, glutes, core, and more. The Scriptures and meditations present rest and relaxation as opportunities to seek God, and they invite you to reflect on how you spend your free time. NOTE: At times it may be hard to hear Tara because of the ocean waves.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
Build strength in your legs and glutes with this 25-minute, lower body workout. While targeting the major muscle groups in your legs, you will gain agility, strength, and endurance. The meditation will help you to focus on Easter and God’s love for you.
Fr. Ben O’Cinnsealaigh, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Cincinnati, OH, based on his column for the week of Feb. 28, 2021.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Fire up the muscles in your entire body and put your balance to the test with Easter: Revival. You will begin this 58-minute workout in a cross-legged seated position, working on your breath, calming your mind, and loosening up your neck, back, shoulders, chest, and hips. And then the fun begins. Chris will keep you moving—and smiling—as you flow through high and low lunges, squats, and leg lifts that target your hamstrings, glutes, and quads. You will also find chest lifts and planks scattered throughout the class that open up your chest, strengthen your back, and work your core. The Scriptures and meditations invite you to consider all that Jesus has done for you—especially in rising from the dead—and encourage you to reflect on what God might be asking of you at this time in your life. By the end of this revitalizing workout, you will be moving better and ready to positively impact the people you encounter today.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
Whether you're not sure if you're ready for a Level 2 class or you're looking for a workout that will challenge you even more, give Live! from Home: Adapt a shot. Every posture and exercise in this 44-minute class can be modified to fit your skill level, meaning you can dial it back if you're not quite there or add weights to work even harder. Like all Pietra Fitness workouts, you'll begin by lengthening through the spine as you focus on your breath and thoughts of gratitude. Get the blood flowing with a few arm circles, side bends, hanging posture, and other gentle stretches that will warm up your entire body. After a few squats, come to hands and knees to work your back (specifically your rear delts), shoulders, and triceps. Engage your core to come to plank and elevated chest lift on toes, and then step into a deep lunge to stretch your inner thighs and hip flexors. Arabesque will challenge your balance and build strength, while V-sit and a shoulder stand will target all the muscles in your core. After relaxing into the long hold, you will roll onto your back for winddown stretches that open up your hip, stretch your hamstrings, and release any lingering tension in your back. The Scriptures and meditations will remind you that God is a loving Father who cares for you.
Fr. Ben O’Cinnsealaigh, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Cincinnati, OH, weekly bulletin column, week of June 20, 2020
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Want a full body workout that pays special attention to the shoulders, arms, and upper back? Then Upper Body is the class for you. In this 46 min. workout, you will begin on your back with deep breathing and gratitude for all of God’s many blessings. You will continue the warm-up in a seated posture then move into a series of planks, push-ups, lunges, and flows. The flows take on a faster pace as you progress through the class incorporating upper body work in the different poses. Your shoulders are one of the most frequently used muscle groups in the upper body and you engage them whenever you use your arms to lift, push, pull, carry groceries, etc... You will appreciate strengthening all the muscles in your shoulders, arms and upper back as move more easily in your day. Before hitting the wind down, Jill works your balance and strength. The Scriptures and meditations focus on desiring God and holiness, filling you with the eagerness to want to desire God.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
Heavenly Father, Soar, Trust in You, King of Angels, Springs of Living Water by SpiritFit Music (SpiritFitmusic.com), Christus, Gradual for Good Friday, Adoremus, in Honor of the Blessed Sacrament by the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (stmichaelsabbey.com)
Are you looking for a cardio class that is different, fun, and will engage your mind? Forget your traditional workouts, put on your gloves and get ready for a full body workout like no other! Fitness boxing is a fantastic cardio workout that improves strength, oxygen levels, and cognitive skills. It requires you to put your entire body into it, pushing off from your feet, rotating your torso, coordinating body and hands, as well as your brain – all at once. Marked as advanced, but suitable for intermediate by stopping for more breaks and listening to your body. Don’t worry if you don’t have gloves, just use your hands and join us for this high-energy, sweat-inducing boxing workout!
If you are looking for a full-body exercise that increases strength and flexibility, Inchworm is for you! This class will work your legs, arms, core and back, while the meditation will have you focusing on unity.
Fr. Ben O’Cinnsealaigh, Our Lady of Victory Parish Bulleting, July 10, 2022. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This 39-minute Level 2 class is filled with exercises that will help you improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. As you work through each posture with Jill, you will enjoy listening to stringed instrumental music that is both peaceful and energizing. You will begin this class either kneeling or standing to focus on your breath and gratefulness to the Lord. After a warm-up that includes a variation of angel-arms and gentle stretches and twists, you will bow as you listen to the bodily prayer verse: “My refuge and my fortress, my God in Whom I trust!” The workout includes single-leg deadlifts, three-way squats, lunge II, angle pose, open arabesque, deep lunges, and high lunges that will strengthen nearly every muscle group and challenge your balance. If you want to increase the intensity of your workout, you can join Jill in wearing a resistance band around your legs as you move into a series of squats, bridges, crunches, and leg-lifts. No band? No worries, you will still get a workout! Next, the double knee stack and double hip release precede the hip-release long-hold. During the long-hold, you will listen to the meditation on the relationship between anxiety, control, and trust in God before you enter a few wind-down stretches and relax into Quiet Pose. The prayers and Scripture encourage us to lay our anxiety aside by trusting in God.
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for October 16, 2020, Break the Anxiety Danger Cycle. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
One of the unique benefits of Pietra Fitness is that every workout stretches and strengthens not only your body but also your mind and your soul. If you need some extra motivation and courage to face the big and little struggles of daily life, Live! from Home: Makin' Waves will give you the boost you need. You'll begin this 36-minute Level 1 class calming your mind and nervous system with deep breathing and thoughts of gratitude and Christ. As your body relaxes and the bodily prayer verse reminds you that God can make all things new, you'll easily flow into dynamic exercises and postures like lunges, leg circles, and open arabesque with energy and focus. The Scriptures and meditation help you reflect on the way you handle difficult situations and invite you to surrender to God's Holy Will.
The Word For You Today, Sept., Oct., Nov., 2011, October 9, pg. 24
Music from Keys of Peace by Francesca LaRosa (www.francescalarosa.com), The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Besides a mat, you will need an open wall for this class. In this 21-minute video, Annie uses the wall to help you open the chest and shoulders while in Lunge 1, as well as exploring good form in Angle and Open Arabesque. She throws in some flows with push-ups to make it more of an Advanced class. The class is concluded with legs up the wall, which is always relaxing yet rejuvenating. The meditation will have you focusing on peaceful stillness.
Annie Tinker, Foundation 3 Pro Certified Pietra Fitness Instructor
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Watch “Back Resistance Introduction” before doing one of the back resistance classes for the first time. As you become comfortable with the advanced class, try adding a little more weight or repetitions. You will need a barbell, body bar, or hand weights.
This is the 2nd class in the series that is designed to help postpartum women realign the spine, strengthen the back, abs, and pelvic muscles, and help with relaxation, stress management, and spiritual and emotional well-being. This series of classes are progressive, so start with #1 and only move on to #2 when you feel you have mastered this class without losing form. The meditation will have you contemplating receiving help during this time. If you have not already, check out the Foundational Postnatal videos with Dr. Jillian Stecklein.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
Gregorian Chant is by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico of Mignarda.
This is the 5th class in the series that is designed to help postpartum women realign the spine, strengthen the back, abs, and pelvic muscles, and help with relaxation, stress management, and spiritual and emotional well-being. This series of classes are progressive, so start with #1 and only move through the series when you feel you have mastered this class without losing form. The meditation will have you contemplating providing security in a broken world. If you have not already, check out the Foundational Postnatal videos with Dr. Jillian Stecklein.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
Gregorian Chant is by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico of Mignarda.
Increase your upper body strength and boost your confidence with this 30-minute arms and shoulders workout. You will begin Advent: Armed with Faith calming your mind with deep breathing and feel-good stretches that will lengthen and loosen the muscles in your body. Once you transition into the main part of the workout, you can expect to work your shoulders, triceps, biceps, back, and entire core with overhead presses, pull-downs, planks, push-ups, and more. The Scriptures and meditations throughout this energizing class invite you to reflect on ways that you can bring the people in your life closer to God—especially during Advent.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Shepherds and Stars by Stanton Lanier, Si Amulem by the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey
This 34-minute class is designed to tone your legs, glutes, and abs, help you get fitter, and help you in everyday movement and sports. It also helps maintain good balance and stability. No weights are necessary! The meditation will have you thinking about Simplicity and Prudence.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Get ready to fire up your shoulders and core in this challenging 45-minute workout that targets your shoulder stabilizers. As with all Level 2 classes, this workout is Intended to be difficult—but you can modify the poses to fit your skill level.You will begin Shoulder Stabilizer standing in good posture pose, taking deep inhales and calm, smooth, even exhales as you call to mind what you are most grateful for today. Warm up your shoulders, sides, and entire body with angel arms, side bends, standing forward fold, and pike pose. Transition to hands and knees to loosen up your spine before beginning a series of exercises to open up chest and stretch and strengthen your back and legs. Turn up the heat as you flow through Lunge 2, angle pose, airplane, revolved angle pose, pike, and elevated chest lift on toes, engaging all your muscles and challenging your balance. Work your core, shoulder stabilizers, and back with a variety of planks, push ups, twists, chest lifts, and back bends. You'll be ready for a break by the time you come to wide leg forward fold for the long hold and wind down with feel-good stretches. The Scriptures and meditations will help you reflect on our basic human need to give and invite you to reflect on a way to give of yourself to someone in need.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
Music from Keys of Peace by Francesca LaRosa (www.francescalarosa.com), The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Step into the new year with purpose as you join Jill for this upbeat level 2 class, enlivened by forward-moving instrumental music. You will begin by deep-breathing in a seated position, which will help you relax and refocus as you prepare to strengthen your mind, body, and spirit. After warming up, Jill will lead you through a whole-body strengthening series that includes high-lunge, deep-lunge, arabesque, pike, lunge II, reverse lunge II, and angle pose. Jill adds variety to some of these well-known poses that will add an extra challenge to your obliques, abdominals, and balance. As you enter hip release for your long-hold, you will listen to a meditation on setting goals in the new year, making sure to include physical, intellectual, and spiritual goals. The bodily prayer verse will remind you that the Lord alone knows what is best for you--so be sure to plan with Him!
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Fast-paced flows, squats, lunges, and tough sequences that will throw your balance for a loop and have your legs burning give this challenging Level 1 class its name. Whether you're stretching long in pike split and reverse lunge 2 or making small pulsing movements in a squat, Live! from Home: Leg Day will strengthen all the muscles in your legs, glutes, and core. The Scriptures and meditations invite you to reflect on how you spend your days and will inspire you to make good use of your time.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This Level 2 class may only be 39 minutes, but it's jam-packed with heart-pumping flows and dynamic exercises that work your entire body and leave you feeling strong and energized—and out of breath. The upbeat music will inspire you to push even harder, whether that means challenging yourself with extra push-ups or holding a tough posture longer. Get ready for an intense workout that you'll want to include in your fitness routine at least once a week. The Scriptures and meditations in Live! from Home: Jammin' invite you to reflect on how you prepare your soul to receive God's Word and how attentive you are to your inner life.
Fr. Ben O’Cinnsealaigh, Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish, Cincinnati, OH, Inspiration for the week of July 12, 2020
Gregorian Chant by The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Do you want to incorporate a cardio component into your Pietra Fitness workout? If so, try Cardio #6: January Jumpstart with Betsy. As a high-intensity-interval training class, “January Jumpstart” is fast-paced and upbeat. You will warm up by marching in place, skipping with a reach, cherry-pickers, jogging in place, and squats. The main section of the workout consists of a series of four exercises repeated four times (inchworms, mountain climbers, oblique crunches, and lunges with knee drives). This series will surely get your heart pumping and strengthen your whole body. Feel free to adjust the pace as you need to. The music will change to Gregorian Chant as you slow your heart-rate and your breath during the cool-down. Betsy will lead you in a few gentle stretches and encourage you to consider this quote by Saint Hilary “The chief service I owe you, O God, is that every thought and word of mine should speak of you.” Because this is not a traditional Pietra Fitness class, round out your workout today with a Gentle or Level 1 class.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This is the 4th class in the series that is designed to help postpartum women realign the spine, strengthen the back, abs, and pelvic muscles, and help with relaxation, stress management, and spiritual and emotional well-being. This series of classes are progressive, so start with #1 and only through the series when you feel you have mastered this class without losing form. The meditation will have you contemplating to whom do your children belong. If you have not already, check out the Foundational Postnatal videos with Dr. Jillian Stecklein.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
Gregorian Chant is by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico of Mignarda.
Shoulders and core and glutes, oh my! This 43-minute total body workout will stretch and strengthen your body from head to toe, increasing your range of motion and filling you with a sense of accomplishment. Get ready to work on your endurance, too, as you perform multiple reps of each exercise. The Scriptures and meditations invite you to reflect on the true meaning—and source—of peace, filling you with tranquility and empowering you to bring peace to everyone you encounter.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
If you don’t have time for a long workout, but you want to warm-up, elevate your heart rate and sweat, and then wind down with a beautiful stretch and pray at the same time, then this class is for you! You can do it all in less than 30 minutes! If this is your first time trying it, see the short Instructional Video prior to beginning. Don’t forget your water and towel! The meditation focuses on Friendship with Jesus.
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for January 24, 2022, Friendship with Jesus. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This is the 3rd class in the series that is designed to help postpartum women realign the spine, strengthen the back, abs, and pelvic muscles, and help with relaxation, stress management, and spiritual and emotional well-being. This series of classes are progressive, so start with #1 and only move through the series when you feel you have mastered each class without losing form. The meditation will have you contemplating marriage. If you have not already, check out the Foundational Postnatal videos with Dr. Jillian Stecklein.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
Gregorian Chant is by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico of Mignarda.
A strong core is crucial before building and toning the muscles in the rest of the body. The exercises Jhoe uses will build the core while improving posture, all without incorporating planks (for those with wrist or shoulder issues). You have the option to use your own body weight, a weight, or any household object. The meditation will have you thinking about Simplicity: characteristic of Spiritual Childhood.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
A strong core can stabilize your spine, keeping your back healthy and making movement easier and more fluid. Allison uses a wide variety of exercises that engage the muscles that stabilize your spine, which will help improve posture and core stability. As you work on this class and get stronger, you will likely be on your way to moving with less pain and more core strength. The meditation will have you thinking about how God had you in mind from the beginning.
Excerpt from School of Faith Daily Rosary, Omniscience and Human Freedom
If you are looking for a fantastic upper body workout, you will love Upper Body Sculpt. Just as in all Pietra Fitness classes, you will begin this 35-minute routine working on your breath—focusing on the present moment and calming your nervous system. Tara will then guide you through a series of stretches to loosen up your neck, chest, shoulders, sides, and the entire backside of your body before entering into the main focus of the workout. Get ready to strengthen your triceps, biceps, shoulders, chest, core and back with planks, pushups, chest lifts, and more. You will also work your glutes and quads as you do arm work while in lunge 2, and release tension in your inner thighs and hips during the long hold. The Scriptures remind you of the presence of the Holy Spirit within your soul, and Tara teaches you a powerful way to reflect on the words in the meditations.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
Come ready to work hard, and prepare to sweat! You will challenge your whole body while focusing on balance and core strength using a balance dome (bosu ball). If you don’t have a balance dome, no worries, you can use the floor and still get a good workout. Light to medium weights are used but not required. The meditations will have you focusing on the Beatitudes and how they are the owner’s manual to life.
Holy Family School of Faith, Rosary Meditation for February 25, 2022, The Owner’s Manual to Life. Used with permission.
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Besides a mat, you will need an open wall for this class. Annie will lead you through exercises that will prepare you to work on a handstand against the wall. You do not need to do the handstand to benefit from the class, but it is nice to work on it. The meditation will have you focusing on inviting Jesus to protect your home.
Annie Tinker, Foundation 3 Pro Certified Pietra Fitness Instructor
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Are you looking to work out your upper body without needing any extra equipment? Then Body Weight: Upper Body could be just what you are looking for. This class will build strength and muscular endurance in the upper body simply using the weight of your own body to challenge your muscles.
In this 5 minute video, Jhoe will take you through the 8 layers used in Cardio Kickboxing #1. Learn the layers before trying it in the fast-paced workout. Looking for a low impact option? As a BONUS, Jhoe takes you through a low impact option you can learn before doing the class.
A fast-paced advanced workout that hits every aspect of your physical fitness: strength, cardio, and flexibility. First, warm up and prepare for the workout by moving the spine in all directions and firing up the core. This workout includes two sets. Each set has a strength portion, a cardio portion which includes kicks, and a stretch portion. Bring a towel and water, you will need it as you head into the wind down. The meditation will have you contemplating the Birthday of Our Lady. Leave this class feeling strong, confident, and closer to Mary.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
After the warm-up, Robin gets right to work on the upper body. Some of the poses use optional weights, but some use your own body weight to build strength and endurance. The meditation will have you contemplating the Simplicity of Mary.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Looking to take your Pietra Fitness practice up a notch? Raise the Bar incorporates exercises and postures that are sure to challenge your balance, flexibility, and overall strength. From V-sits and half-linked backbends to unique twists and poses, this 49-minute class will ignite every muscle in your body. The Scriptures and meditations remind you what it means to be a child of God and invite you to reflect on ways you can have more trust in your Heavenly Father.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
Looking for a leg workout that tones your lower body, makes you sweat (or glisten), and leaves your whole body feeling strong and energized? This 58-minute class is for you! With quick transitions and compound exercises that engage multiple muscles at the same time (think squats with bicep curls, reverse swan dives, mountain climbers, and side lunges), Live! from Home: Glistening will get your heart rate up and work muscles you didn't even know you had. But that's not all. Just like every Pietra Fitness class, this Level 1 workout incorporates feel-good stretches to increase your flexibility and range of motion, release tension, and provide relief for the muscles that you just worked. The Scriptures and meditations will remind you that calling out to God in times of need is a true sign of trust in Him.
Clare Schiller, Foundations 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
Building strength in the lower body is essential during pregnancy for overall stability, to help prevent imbalances, and to ensure you feel supported with your changing body. This class is suitable for all trimesters, but please listen to your own body and make modifications when needed. Leave out anything that doesn’t feel right to you. The meditation will have you thinking about God knitting the child in your womb. Check out The Foundational prenatal videos with Dr. Jillian Stecklein that will teach you how to find and work the pelvic floor, bracing the core for pregnancy, and other great info for pregnant women. 2 blocks and a couple of pillows are needed for this class. If you don’t have blocks grab a bunch of extra pillows and blankets so that your head is above your heart at the beginning of class.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
The beautiful, calming music during class is by Francesca La Rosa, and the amazing Gregorian Chant is by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico of Mignarda.
Besides a mat, you will need an open wall for this class. After warming up, you will go through a flow and then hold up the wall in High Lunge, use the wall in Extended Leg Reach, and then work on a Handstand Prep. The Long Hold feels amazing in Inner Thigh Stretch on the Wall. The meditation will have you pondering Jesus as the Gate.
Pope Francis, Angelus Message on the Gate of Faith, 2013
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This intermediate full body prenatal class is suitable for all trimesters, though some 3rd trimester moms may need to modify. Josette offers modifications but you are encouraged to make other adjustments if needed. It is important to always listen to your own body so if something does not feel right, come out of the pose, or take a break. The meditation will have you contemplating the beautiful gift you are carrying. Check out the Foundational prenatal videos to learn how to find and work the pelvic floor, bracing the core for pregnancy, and other pertinent info for expectant mamas. Go ahead and grab a chair, a couple of pillows, water, a block, and any other props you would like for support.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
The beautiful, calming music during class is by Francesca La Rosa, and the amazing Gregorian Chant is by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico of Mignarda.
Working on upper body strength during pregnancy will help you to have good posture as well as with all the lifting and carrying you will be doing after the baby is born! You’re welcome! This class is suitable for all trimesters, but it is important to always listen to your own body. Josette gives modifications but if anything does not feel good or right to you, don’t do it. Feel free to take a break whenever you need to and come back when you are ready. If this is your first time doing a prenatal video, make sure you check out the Foundational prenatal videos with Dr. Jillian Stecklein to learn how to find and work the pelvic floor, bracing the core for pregnancy, and other great info for pregnant women. Grab a chair, a couple of pillows, water, a block, and any other props you would like for support, and let’s get started. Make sure you have received clearance from your healthcare provider to exercise before doing this class.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
The beautiful, calming music during class is by Francesca La Rosa, and the amazing Gregorian Chant is by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico of Mignarda.
Have you always wanted to learn how to do an Arm Balance? If so, this is the class for you. Join Jill as she prepares your body to practice Arm Balance in this 32 min Level 2 Class. Have fun as you challenge yourself, even if you wobble! The meditation will help you to contemplate the meaning of lighting candles.
Pope Francis, Patris corde, December 8, 2020
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Besides a mat, you will need an open wall for this class. Annie uses the warm up and workout to prepare you for headstands against the wall. You do not need to do the headstands to gain benefit. In fact, you may want to do this class many times before even attempting a headstand. The meditation will have you contemplating healthy boundaries in your life.
Annie Tinker, Foundation 3 Pro Pietra Fitness Instructor
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
Core stability during pregnancy helps support the pelvic organs as the baby grows, lessens back pain, and can help ease delivery. Nila will give modifications but if anything does not feel good or right to you, let it go. If this is your first time doing a prenatal video, make sure you check out the Foundational prenatal videos to learn how to find and work the pelvic floor, bracing the core for pregnancy, and other great info for pregnant women. You will need a chair, a couple of pillows, water, and any other props you would like for support. The Scripture, prayers, and meditations will have you thinking about praying for your child. Please check with your healthcare provider to be cleared for exercise before starting any kind of workout regime.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
The beautiful, calming music during class is by Francesca La Rosa, and the amazing Gregorian Chant is by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico of Mignarda.
This is a gentle class either seated in a chair or standing, using the chair for balance, and is suitable for all trimesters. Even though this class is gentle, it is still important to always listen to your own body. Nila gives modifications but if anything does not feel good or right to you, leave it out. Feel free to take a break whenever you need to and return when you are ready. If this is your first time doing a prenatal video, make sure you check out the Foundational prenatal videos with Dr. Jillian Stecklein that has great info needed for these classes. The meditation will have you contemplating being co-creators with God. So, grab a chair and have water handy and let’s get started!
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
The beautiful, calming music during class is by Francesca La Rosa, and the amazing Gregorian Chant is by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico of Mignarda.
Improve your fitness, stamina, and overall health. If you are comfortable with an intense fitness class and are looking for a powerful Pietra Fitness class where you will improve your fitness, stamina, and overall health, then this is the class for you. Jhoe moves at a bit faster pace then will hold your body in a particular position which fires up your muscles and makes them work hard to keep you there, boosting your muscle strength and endurance. Props are used but not necessary. The meditation will have you contemplating Psalm 46.
Excerpt from Sarah Christmyer, Lord Make Haste to Help Me
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichabbey.com)
A plank is a full-body workout that strengthens and tones your core, glutes, arms, and legs and helps to build a solid foundation for any full-body workout. And the best part is that it requires no extra equipment, relying totally on your own body weight. The meditation will have you thinking about the Simplicity of Jesus. Planks can be challenging and require that you use good form. Be sure to watch Simplicity: Planks INSTRUCTIONAL and Simplicity: Planks 2 and 3 Point Stability INSTRUCTIONAL before attempting the workout.
Excerpt from In Conversation with God, Francis Fernandez (Scepter Press)
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This class is all about circles – circling the legs and arms, working the joints while still hitting all major muscle groups. A step up from the gentle class of the same name, it is sure to leave you feeling energized and ready for your day! The meditation will have you contemplating Psalm 62.
Excerpt from Sarah Christmyer, Lord Make Haste to Help Me
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichabbey.com)
This intermediate class focuses on the legs and is suitable for all trimesters. Strength in the lower body is necessary to support your body during pregnancy, keeps your hips mobile, and helps keep aches and pains of hips and lower back at bay. Even though it’s an intermediate class, Nila offers modifications, but you can also modify anything that is not right for you, so give this class a try! If you haven’t already, please check out The Foundational prenatal videos with Dr. Jillian Stecklein. They will teach you how to find and work the pelvic floor, bracing the core for pregnancy, and other great info. Have a chair handy, a couple of pillows and maybe a block. It’s always good to have water nearby to stay hydrated. Check with your doctor that you have clearance to exercise before beginning.
Clare Schiller, Foundation 3 Pietra Fitness Instructor
The beautiful, calming music during class is by Francesca La Rosa, and the amazing Gregorian Chant is by Donna Stewart and Ron Andrico of Mignarda.
It’s amazing how much you can do in a chair! Work on spinal mobility while strengthening the core with this class that is jammed pack with twists and turns all while sitting in a chair. You will leave class feeling energized. The meditation will have you thinking about Clarifying the Essentials. If you are new to Pietra Fitness, you may want to start with one of the gentle chair classes.
Holy Family School of Faith, https://www.schooloffaith.com/
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
This short workout uses a stability ball to give you some fun and different ways to work the core. Jhoe offers some advanced exercises that requires strong stabilizers and knowledge of a stability ball. If you are new to an exercise ball, take it slow and realize there are risks for falling off the ball, particularly in some of the more advanced movements. Perform the exercises slowly and with control. Maintain proper body position.
As in Pietra Power Kick 1, this class is a fast-paced advanced workout that hits every aspect of your physical fitness: strength, cardio, and flexibility. After the warm-up, you will be taken through a series of Squat + Presses along with Squat + Roundhouse Kicks. In the second series, Jhoe will lead you through front and back kicks along with lateral ladder runs in place and squat jumps. Bring your water! You will need it!! Don’t worry, the wind down is soothing and relaxing so you will leave the class feeling strong yet calm. The meditation will have you contemplating Mary, our Mother in Faith.
Deacon Keith Fournier, Behold Your Mother: Jesus Gives Us His Mother and Expands the Family Circle, Catholic Online, http://www.catholic.org/news/hf/faith/story.php?id=47749
Sarah Christmyer, Behold, Your Mother: Comfort from the Cross, http://biblestudyforcatholics.com/behold-mother-comfort-cross/
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)
In the Simplicity: Planks video, Jhoe takes you through different planks to work your entire body. In this instructional video, she deconstructs the planks, helping you to have better form and to learn what muscles to engage. She also teaches you how to incorporate pelvic floor work and how to modify. Watch this video before doing Simplicity: Planks or any time you would like to learn more about or perfect your planks. Also, look for Simplicty: Planks 2 and 3 Point Stability INSTRUCTIONAL for a further tutorial for the planks video.
In the Simplicity: Planks video, Jhoe takes you through different planks to work your entire body. In this instructional video, she deconstructs the 2 and 3-point stability moves, helping you to have better form and to learn what muscles to engage. Watch this video before doing Simplicity: Planks or any time you would like to learn more about or perfect your planks. Also, look for Simplicty: Planks INSTRUCTIONAL for a further tutorial for the planks video.
Join Robin in this uplifting chair class that will leave you feeling strong and ready for your day. She uses weights, but you can use soup cans, water bottles, or nothing at all! The meditation will have you contemplating being who you are: He calls you by name.
Pope Francis, Gaudete Et Exsultate, On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World
The Nobertine Fathers of St. Michael's Abbey (www.stmichaelsabbey.com)