Term Blogging

Wow, it's been a full term since I last blogged. Surely this must put me in the category of older adults, that with the fact that I'm rapidly approaching 50 years of age. Funny, I feel like I'm just entering my thirties so I must be doing something right. Teaching my second term at Seattle Central and looking forward to several camping trips in the month ahead.
It's almost two months since the amazing World Rhythm Festival and my DVD has now taken form. The cover graphics and text are all complete and the 5 minute DVD promo will be complete within two weeks. Working hard to have it completed sometime in the fall. Stay tuned, I promise to blog more. (Picture of class at 08 festival)

Occasional Blogger

Well, I thought it was high time I post another blog. Since my last blog I've been working hard on my DVD as well as begun teaching a personal training certification course at a local college here in Seattle. Next week is the 15th Annual World Rhythm Festival to be held at the Seattle Center and this year I've had the opportunity to act as the program coordinator which is truly a blessing. Although it consumed many hours during the winter and early spring it's always nice to contribute to something so worthwhile. If you have a chance, stop by Saturday April 26th to pavilion A where I'll be teaching my fitness dance class with some amazing musicians. Hope to see you at next weekends festival and stay tuned for my upcoming DVD. Happy and warmer spring temperatures to come. Eric

Return From The Playa

Wow, what an amazing experience I had in the Nevada desert these past 10 days. I have just returned from my second burning man experience and this year I had the opportunity to teach two classes while I was there. I decided to schedule the classes at 11-am in the morning and learned the best time to teach on the playa (desert floor) is 1-am. Yes, that right just after midnight when it finally cools down a bit, which is definitely not 11am. I also lost 7 pounds over that time period from eating less because of the heat and having to either ride my bike or walk everywhere I went. Ultimately, I will put that weight back on over the fall and winter because of the coming holiday parties and cooler weather. The top picture was taken when I returned to my camp after being caught in my first sand storm. Now it's time to refocus my attention back on my DVD and creating original high intensity music to help you move. Ciao, Eric

Dance for Peace and Social Harmony II

Wow, what a fun and exciting time we had last weekend on Alki Beach. It was a pleasure to perform with Diano Garcia (congas), Josh Metz (bass), Tyler Orion (trap set), Thione Diop (Djembe), and Lance Scott (Djun Djuns). We played the music we've been working on for my up coming DVD and the response from the crowd was overwhelming. Thanks to all who came and all who were there in spirit for this amazing event. Please stay tuned as we continue creating high energy music for movement and fun dance routines for exercise. Look forward to seeing you at the next event, Ciao Eric

World Rhythm Festival 07

Thanks to everyone who made it out to this years festival and to all of you who couldn't and still were there in spirit. It was a blast with a amazing turn out for my workshop as well as the entire festival. The band is still creating fun energizing music to dance to and you can check out our latest tunes at our weekly Tuesday class now featuring drum and bass. Ciao and blessings, Eric

Q&A Expert in Runner's World April Issue

We'll it was nice to see my answer to a question from a reader of Runner's World Magazine in this Aprils issue. However, I did have to stop and think, hmmm do I really listen to country music for my cool down? I actually think country music is great and I had the opportunity to listen to quite a bit of it after graduating from college in 1985. I moved down south and lived with my grandmother for a year in the Florida panhandle while I decided what the next step in my life would be. It allowed me to experience a vastly different culture than the one I came from and a part of that was being introduced to country music. That being said I haven't listened to country music since that time, but do believe country music would make good cool down music because of its lower beats per minute. Check out the rest of the Q&A below or in a copy of this months issue (pg. 38). Ciao, Eric

Q: When I run with my iPod, I speed up on fast songs. Is that okay?
A: Sure. In fact, changing your pace by song is an excellent way to do interval training because typical tracks last three to five minutes-an ideal time for pickups. Put together a mix in which a fast song is followed by a slower one for recovery. For fast tracks, I like house, Latin, hip-hop, and rock. Stay away from beats that are too fast for your capabilities or workout goals. For slow songs, I go for country or pop ballads, easy listening, and world-beat music. Also, use slow songs for your warm-up and cooldown.
-Eric Wilson (compfit.com) is a personal trainer and percussionist.

Afro-Urban Groove

Please come join us at the 14th Annual World Rhythm Festival held at the Seattle Center April 13-15th. This is a free festival with dance & drum workshops along with amazing performances from around the world. I had the honor of leading last year's Seattle Rhythm Festival and assure you this years festival will be great. Saturday the 14th I will be teaching a workshop from 1:45-3PM in the Center House. Here's a picture from 2005's festival and hope to see you on the 14th. For more information visit http://swps.org/swps?zs=4488116743;dpage=indrhythmfestival