There is a great new form of stress relief available in Castle Rock. It's called Aikido (pronounced 'eye'-'key'-do'). Aikido is a unique form of Japanese exercise that fully engages your mind and body providing an excellent outlet for stress relief. Aikido is a martial art, but can be practiced at any level of intensity according to the needs or physical capabilities of the student. Unlike most martial arts, there are no punches or kicks in Aikido so injury is extremely rare. A student learns to move their body effectively and efficiently by employing almost dance-like moves that first evade and then off balance their partner (who is pretending to be an attacker) without injuring him or her. In addition to providing stress relief and a clear state of mind, it has the added benefit of being quite cardiovascular. So you de-stress and get fit at the same time. People of all ages practice Aikido, but it is particularly beneficial for adults. In fact, you're never too old to start practicing Aikido. Several of our instructors' teachers in Japan continue to train in their 70s and 80s!

Lose yourself for an hour or so one, two or three times per week by engaging in this fun Japanese exercise that requires your complete and undivided attention. We promise you that when you're practicing Aikido you won't be able to think about anything else. You won't be thinking about what went wrong at work yesterday, what you didn't get done at home today, or what you have to do tomorrow. You will just be at Aikido, in the present, with an empty mind. This is what produces stress-relief and relaxation - a mind and body that are fully living in the present, not the past and not the future. Everyone, at one time or another, needs to hold their awareness in the present. In fact, many experts and philosophers have suggested that that is all stress really is: the product of living in the past, future or both simultaneously at the expense of living in the present. Aikido lowers stress by engaging your entire being. It also teaches you how to breathe properly during times of stress.

Exercising on gym machines like treadmills or elliptical trainers doesn't necessarily relieve stress because although you may be exercising, your brain is still free to think about and focus on all the things that stress you out each day. When you're practicing Aikido, you can't think of anything else but the present. The hour just flies by and you're left with a satisfying physical and psychological sensation that leaves you wanting more.

Classes are held weekday evenings in Castle Rock to accommodate working adults. We have several married couples who practice together. Parents who both want to de-stress through Aikido can take turns by alternating which nights of the week each attends Aikido class. Or, get a friend, neighbor or relative to watch the kids and come together.

If you don-t live in Castle Rock, don't let that stop you. About half of our students come from as far north as Westminster and as far south as Colorado Springs. Why? It's because our program is that good at relieving stress and because it is so much fun. "Aikido is my meditation," says Sue, a resident of Colorado Springs who commutes to Castle Rock to practice Aikido, "and I always feel great after class because it helps me shake off daily stresses. It is a wonderful [program] with a great vibe... I couldn't have asked for anything better."

Come discover how Aikido can serve as a catalyst for breaking stress in your life. We invite you to come try a class at our Aikido school in Castle Rock for free. Visit us at http://www.craikido.com/ or call us at 720-221-3665.