Class Descriptions

Aqua Aerobics:

A fun deep and shallow water workout in the pool. It consists of cardiovascular endurance training, shaping and strengthening all muscle groups, increasing flexibility, usingstate of the art equipment. No swimming skills needed. Instructor: Annette Watt

Boxercise:

A combat sport dating back to Ancient Greece, boxing is fun, high intensity interval training. Using a circuit training format, students achieve full-body (cardio/aerobic, strength training/muscle building) workouts while learning punching and defense techniques and reinforcing those skills working with each of the nine training stations. All equipment provided.  Instructors: Jose Portillo 

Fencing:

One of the first Olympic sports, the art of fencing has evolved from swordsmanship used for duels and self-defense. Centered in the study of épée fencing, students learn fundamental skills used in competition and progress by studying and practicing advanced techniques and strategies. Equipment provided. Instructor: John Crouch

Tai Chi

Calm the mind. Relax the body. Sink. These are the goals of a Tai Chi practice. This ancient art incorporates joint-loosening exercises, standing meditation, and gentle flowing movements to promote balance, coordination, and the release of physical and mental tension. Instructor: Sam Killpack

Pilates:

Pilates works to strengthen deep abdominal musculature, lengthen the spine, increase body awareness, build muscle tone and gain flexibility. At the same time, it challenges the mind for concentration, precision and breathing. Classes focus on fundamentals to gain an insight into proper muscle usage, and then move into a variety of exercises. Beginner to advanced levels Various Instructors

Karate:

The class is open to everyone regardless of experience, age and physical condition. The class is very beneficial for health and physical fitness improvements, improvements in flexibility, coordination concentration, concentration, overall wellness and also for self-defense.
All members of the class are eligible to test for rankings when ready under Master Takayuki Mikami 9th Degree Black Belt of the Japan Karate Association and Chief Instructor of the Louisiana Karate Association in Metairie and Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association/American Federation and are also welcome to attend his classes, clinics and seminars. All ranks are recocignized by The Japan Karate Association in Tokyo, Japan.
Ben Faulks, an original member of the class says, “I have been a member at the NOAC for a number of years and the addition of the Karate class to the member offering has been my all-time favorite value-add to the club. The instruction of Sensei Doug Walsh has been consistently engaging, challenging, supportive, and encouraging. The classes always provide me with a satisfying physical and mental workout. Practicing and learning legitimate Shotokan Karate in the beautiful space of the club’s expansive Rampart-facing ballroom has been amazing. Also, as our NOAC’s karate class is a satellite of the official JKA, I recently had the honor and privilege of attending a clinic class and belt-rank tests with Master Mikami, a living legend in the world of the martial arts, who presides over our region. For anyone interested in trying a class, I want to share that my participation in the Karate class has provided me with excellent experiences and yielded satisfying milestones in both physical fitness and personal development.”
David Rizzo and his wife Grace Thacker are both in the class and have been since the very first class. David says, “My wife and I joined the NOAC Karate class having no prior martial arts experience. The instructor is very experienced and he is able to tailor each class to the level of the students who are participating that day. The classes are great exercise and I have enjoyed learning the traditions of the Shotokan style of Karate. I recently took the yellow belt Kyu test with Master Mikami at the Louisiana Karate Association. The NOAC class is taught in the traditional way, so I  felt right at home in a real dojo.”
Grace Thacker: I’ve been taking it for a year now, and I enjoy the multi-planar movements. It’s an excellent complement to running, working auxiliary muscles and enhancing range of motion. The class works well for students of all abilities. I started with no background in marital arts at all, but we also have students who are black belts, or who have practiced another type of martial arts. We are all able to practice together at our own level. The class has opened up other doors for us, as well. I’ve been able to belt test at two outside dojos and take karate clinics from other senseis. What started at the NOAC has lead me to a larger, international athletic community.
Byron Carr: I was extremely pleased to learn that New Orleans Athletic Club was including Shotokan karate to its excellent lineup of services offered. The instruction by Doug Walsh, 4th Dan and his Sensei Takayuki Mikami is excellent. I began training Shotokan karate in the early 70s and it has been a positive and gratifying part of my life. Benefits gained include improved cardiovascular health, balance, reflexes, strength, and overall mental health by increasing one’s self confidence, respect and mental toughness.

Spinning:

Power Cycle is a stationary bike workout that offers all the cardiovascular benefits and none of the impact associated with aerobics and running programs. The session is 45 minutes consisting of approximately a 5 minute “warm up” period, a 35 minute “work” period, and a 5 minute “cool down”period. It is perfect for members who are looking to take their athletic conditioning to a higher level.  Various Instructors

 

Wendell’s Cardio Classes:

Cardio Interval:

Monday – medium weights                Wednesday – high and low impact with heavier weights

Boot Camp:

Provides a high intensity cross training class alternating intense, repetitive aerobic activity with a variety of muscle-toning activities using resistance weights and a variety of exercises to focus on toning.

Cardio Kickboxing:

Experience power and energy in this action packed cardiovascular workout performed on a step with risers. Weights and floor work incorporated as well.

Intervals:

High intensity weights with cardio interval class. It includes kickboxing, core work, and more.  All levels welcome.

Tony’s Cardio Classes

Hard Bodies:

This class is designed to give a toning workout that is geared for the beginner, intermediate, and advance participants. Intensity is achieved by varying the weight size along with a number of repetitions. In addition, various exercises are used for the same muscle group to achieve proportionate muscle development. The class is centered on toning the major muscle groups with an emphasis on form and technique.

Sprint Step Three:

Combines the cardio benefits of aerobic activity (while maintaining target heart rate) with the bench stepping benefits of toning and strengthening the lower-body muscle groups. Toning and strengthening are achieved through the use of repetitive movements while engaging the step and the use of power moves, respectively.

Step Challenge:

A classic, high intensity fat burning class using adjustable platform. Moderate to high impact moves.

Elaine’s Yoga Classes:

Elaine is a yoga ‘grandmother’ certified by the Yoga Alliance at the highest level and has been teaching since 1971. She is familiar with the major styles of yoga and tai chi chuan / chi kung and teaches from her experience with many masters. Her yoga emphasizes the most important yoga poses, movements and meditations taught by her Asian teachers and verified by American research. This yoga is designed to produce the best strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, endurance, relaxation and enlightenment in the body and the mind. Classes are open to all levels. Practitioners are encouraged to practice mindfully according the strengths and limitations of their own body while contributing to the class consciousness of calm, peace and love. Instructor: Elaine Agamy

Vinyasa Flow:

The word Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement.” The teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale.  Instructor: Thomas Williams

Jivamukti Yoga/Flow Yoga:

A challenging and rigorous form of vinyasa flow based asana where original scriptures are cited through spoken word, Sanskrit is chanted, and an inspiring musical soundtrack is a part of every class. Jivamukti is translated as a free soul living upon the earth. The practice of ahimsa, or non-harming to others, is also a strong foundation. Certified and taught with permission by founders Sharon Gannon and David Life. Levels vary from I-III. Level I accommodates best to all beginners and those beginning again, or to those with special needs. Various Instructors

Zumba:

The routines feature aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body. Zumba utilizes the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning and total body toning.  It is a mixture of body sculpting movements with easy to follow dance steps.  Instructor: Claudia Vallejo