Let's Talk About Fitness...FREE For Ward 7 Residents!

I had been always interested in fitness and wellness from a very early age.  In High School, I fell in love with gymnastics and learned how to contort my body in various ways, do cartwheels, unassisted back bends, hand stands, etc.  Later on in life, I traded in that for a more aerobic type of living and did sports such as netball, track & field and cycling.  Throughout the years, I have maintained the same size (4) and an average weight of 132 pounds for my 5 feet, 4.5 inch frame.  I have been called skinny, maaga, slim, athletic but never fat -- not even when I was pregnant.  I love my size and I love the fact that I take care of my body by eating all the foods I love because I balance the work-out regimen.  Actually, maybe I just have good metabolism because in recent years...since 2005 in fact...I exercise in a gym ONLY when I am teaching a class.  If you are an instructor, you will understand that most times when you teach a class, you are so busy ensuring that the participants are doing the right thing, that you spend less time focusing on YOUR body work.  In recent years, I realized that I needed to tap into MY fitness goals, and so I took up running and the idea of weight training.  I LOVE running but never got into the discipline of weight training.  Truth be told, I love to look feminine so I prefer tone to serious muscles (on me).  When I found out that something was happening inside my own body and at the same time trying to cope with breaking up with an ex, I took up hot yoga (to challenge myself) and to be a student instead of an instructor (I have taught yoga and pilates since 2006). Hot yoga has changed my life and it will change my body again when I pick it up again (real soon).

That is pretty much MY story.  I was so busy talking about myself that I forgot that in the earlier stages of my fitness 'career' I got so much joy from teaching others and interacting with them, that at some point, I made a decision to make fitness for others one of my life's missions.  I used to be so antisocial when I entered the gym to teach my classes.  I just did not want to deal with men coming on to me, or the small talk or gossip that seems to be a huge part of the gym experience.  When you saw me coming, I would have on my earphones and would be looking mostly down to avoid eye contact (and I AM a social butterfly) because I just wanted to teach my class(es) and get out of the gym!  I came alive and VERY social when I was teaching my classes (especially my SPIN classes) and it is in THAT forum that most folks understand why I am called PEPPY.  I have done several fitness programs for many organizations.  I have been a  personal trainer to a few individuals.  I have utilized the services of a personal trainer myself.  I have taught myself many exercise formats.  I have paid to learn many exercise formats.  I have planned and managed several fitness and wellness retreats.  YES, I have done my homework, got certified, etc. etc. so I know my stuff.  Consider that story my Fitness Resume.

That brings me to the subject of this blog...took me long enough, right? 
THE WARD 7 FITNESS INITIATIVE

Not one to re-invent the wheel, I approached Donnita Bennett late 2011 about getting funding for this amazing program which affords Ward 7 residents the opportunity to GET FIT FOR FREE. I had done it for a few organizations in DC over the years.  "Rosie, I so LOVED your program, and I know we can do this, so let me talk to some people and I promise you that we will get it up and running!"  I admire her passion and I know that she would get it done, so I remained patient -- all the while providing her with everything she needed to approach funders, because quite frankly, someone had to pay for the program.

In early March 2012, I got a call from her.  "Peppy!"  She calls me Rosie or Peppy. "I just had a meeting and we are getting funded!  I am sooooo excited.  When can we start?"  Naturally, I was more than excited and the rest is HERstory, because here we are, halfway into the 3 month program and we have WENDY GOLDBERG of DCPNI to thank for funding this program.  I cannot thank Donnita enough and anyone who is reading this should also thank her.  She is truly an asset to the Ward 7 and DC community.

In the 6 weeks since we started, we have had 51 participants take the classes.  We have had 4 instructors (Rodney Jordan, Stephen King, Ange Anglade and Yours Truly).  We have had 5 class formats.  We have lost pounds, inches, and loads of sweat.  We have gained strength, inspiration, friends, confidence, our "sexy back" and discipline.


Ange Teaching TurboKick


Stephen King's Fitness Video

Sooooo, what are YOU waiting for?  Come and work out with us on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 6pm and on Saturdays at 8:30am and see how fitness (for FREE) will change YOUR life.  I dare you!

"Peppy, you are doing some great work. I truly commend you and I look forward to working with you. I am very passionate about the field of physical fitness." Lashonia Etheridge-Bey, Fitness Instructor

"Peppy, thank you for all you continue to do to empower our community.  You are truly a role model and I am happy to know you."  Jean Dunbar, DC resident

"It has been a pleasure attending all three trainer session each week. I plan to continue until the end and beyond."  Donna Burris, Participant

"Yes. I would love to continue pass July 12. Me and my niece really love working out close to home and the people are so encouraging. The instructors really focus on working your muscles and giving healthy food tips too. They are very encouraging." DFLO, participant

"Keep up the great progress that you're making.  I realize that in the middle of the classes it gets challenging, but you feel like a champion when you're done.  So keep your fire burning!"  Stephen King, Instructor

"Peppy, Thank you for asking to me participate in this amazing program... I absolutely LOVE teaching Turbo Kick which was completely new for the women who attend the class. but I must say these ladies kept coming back every Thursday and they got it.. They are a joy to teach and most importantly we have a total blast, burning fat and transforming our bodies."  Ange Anglade, Instructor

Welcome to Season 3 of PEP Talk TV

So, on Sunday, May 6, 2012, I decided to go ahead and shoot for Season 3 of PEP Talk TV!  I had been feeling tired of late (more like wanting to retire), I want a personal hiatus, I feel emotionally challenged, but really and truly, I am a firm believer in THE SHOW MUST GO ON!  I gather that after doing this, I can take a 2 week break and then come back up to continue the works...

I thought about working with Alex again and knew it was going to be bitter-sweet but quite frankly, he IS one of the best videographers around and we over here at PEP want nothing but the best.  Alex raised the bar as far as production quality in Season 1 and we had major challenges in Season 2 which included using 4 different videographers in 4 different countries, so of course all the shows did not look the same.  I wanted back the high quality of Season 1 with extras such as a 3-camera shot set, and going LIVE TO EDIT to make the final cut editing less taxing on anyone and my pocket, so Alex was it!  Something inside told me that it would end up being more sweet and less bitter.

I am a firm believer that THREE IS THE CHARM so I decided to go ahead with the shoot despite some apprehension.  Truth be told, timing IS everything and by Thursday, the timing felt RIGHT.  I did not think much about the shoot after I left work on Friday.  On Saturday, I avoided speaking to anyone related to the shoot because I knew I would be out all day.  I did not get home until about 11pm and went to bed around 2am.  I had so much on my mind that I do not remember sleeping, but I woke up energized at 8am.  I started house cleaning as soon as I got up and by 11am, I was drained and felt like sleeping allllll day but instead I meditated and got into the pep of things. 

My guests were on time but Alex and Nicole (my make up artist) were both running late.  "Relax Pep, just say whoooooooooosaaaaaaaah" I kept saying to myself, knowing that it would all work out fine.  Because I have been doing events from Wappy Kill Fillup, I know not to get myself all worked up and just allow things to fall nicely into place.  The cool thing about doing my own production is that I make the rules and I can also break them!

FAST FOWARD:  my face is done -- check; hair was done yesterday - check; all my kazillion outfits are on the bed upstairs -- check; house is clean -- check; food and drinks are ready -- check; guests are all in the place -- check; Alex is finally here -- major check; I have prepped my guests -- check; the show will go on in 5, 4, 3, 2...Hold on, I need ONE swig of red wine...OK then, 1 -- it's PEP time!!!

What was to be a 4 hour shoot ended up being a 12 hour shoot.  All the guests exercised patience and more importantly got to network and give great interviews.  Alex was awesome with Lewis and Trevor working as his set assistants, and almost everyone working with me to take photos all through the night.  The first interview was with Jalani Horton of Bambu Station (at 4:05pm) and the last one was with Loughton Sargeant of DC Caribbean Carnival (at about 11:30pm).  Fiona Wright hung in there on the late shift.  Sarge left right after his interview and then it was me, Alex and Lewis cleaning up and clearing all the equipment out.  NOW can I get to eat something?  NOW will I have the PEP to check out Bambu Station in concert?  Oh No!  I still have to drop my son, Khani home.  Soooo, I elect to eat some crab legs I forgot was in the fridge at 1:00am, we drop Khani home, and I think I closed my eyes to sleep around 2:15am on the Monday morning.

I woke up around 8am this morning (Monday) all hyped to post the photos which are sooooooo beautiful.  I am checking my emails and text messages and getting loads of positive feedback on what an incredible experience it was for many.  My friend tells me I looked incredibly stunning on set and that I did extremely well, and asks me how I feel about the shoot and my honest reply is "Truth is, the energy was HIGH, I loved doing it, but when I am in full PEP mode, I do not get to really see myself and the interaction with the guests, sooooo I am now totally obsessed with seeing the footage, so ALEX better beware."

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/103299916288205365448/albums/5739853667316255777

...to be continued.

Yaa Gyasi Peppy Parke
Creator/Producer/Host of PEP Talk TV & Radio
www.yaapeptalk.com
www.youtube.com/user/mspeppy

It was Indeed a Wonderful Night when Women United

Sooooo, March was Women's History Month and like I have been doing for the past years since 2006, I HAD to produce an event celebrating the "womanhood of women" (Tony Roberts aka T Rob said that while he was interviewing me on International Women's History Day, March 8).

Anyway, unlike previous years, this year I wanted to partner with a woman I admired because quite frankly, I was tired of doing things on my own. Picking Ange Anglade was a no-brainer and she was the only person I asked. WHY? Because the energy was right and I admire that she is committed to HER cause and the cause of other women who are doing great things in various communities. We really need more wonderful women to come together and create partnerships that speak volumes.

Ange and I set about producing an event called 'Wonderful Women YouNite' a theme I chose because I wanted women to come together on ONE night, UNITE with each other, express their wonderfulness (new word?) and also leave feeling that even though other women performed on stage, they felt like it was "MY NITE."

Did we achieve our goal? HELL TO THE YEA! If you do not believe me, ask somebody. I am feeling so incredibly special inside that there is no negativity that can take that away. Cheers to an amazing event which closed out Women's History Month 2012.

Special thanks to all our sponsors who rallied behind us to make this event less costly for us and more special for everyone who shared the stage: Sankofa International, Loide Rose Jorge, Angella Liddie, Brunson Investigations, Therese Prentice, and Joelle Cohen-Wright. Very special thanks to my friend and our support, Lewis Buchanan; Life DePICted Photography who donated photography services; Beauvais Productions who donated video services; and DJ Afrikan Roots, who donated her DJ services.

To Reshada Pullen, our featured artist, we are forever indebted to you and thank you for your incredible gift. Please also note that this piece which was created by Reshada is on auction until the end of April. The current price is $150 so send in your bids to reshadap@gmail.com.

Our performers made the event sooooo awesome so we thank them all so very much: Strykers Posse Reggae Band, Chardelle Moore, Sheila Nychole, Ruth Ann Brown, and Ayanna Gregory. The entertainment was stellar and the women rocked the mic!

Special thanks to our logistics team: Akilah Karima, Tony Martin, Odette Wong, Becky Jean-Charles and Carole Brown.

Many thanks to Elias and the RAS Restaurant and Lounge crew for hosting us. For those who attended the event, we say thanks for spending your Saturday evening with us. Many of you could not make it but supported in various ways, so we thank you too and hope you will continue to support uplifting events.

Please post your comments if you feel so inclined and stay tuned because this will be a moving target.

Yaa Gyasi Peppy Parke
www.yaapeptalk.com
peppypromotions@gmail.com

Click on the link below to see the online Facebook photo album by Omar Rafik:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.421980941152821.126043.100000227573641&type=1

ME TIME! No Kidding

As we are in the middle of the last month in the first quarter of 2012, I am very reflective on the goals I have set for myself this year. Because I can see my vision board every day, I am constantly reminded of the things I have made a firm commitment to achieving (despite the challenges). I am seriously working towards them, but I also understand the need to be gentle on myself. Sometimes we underestimate the time we need to complete things and get bent out of shape when they do not seem to be completed 'on time'...the important thing, however, is to put the action plan in place. I actually feel very good about my action plan, and I am looking forward to working hard(er) to make those goals into realities in the upcoming months.

I do have to confess that one of my challenges remain finding spare time to do something just for ME. It is not about taking vacations, it is not about hanging out, it is not about spending quality time with others...it is about making time for ME TIME.

I must admit that in recent months I have gotten much better at turning off electronic gadgets, and shutting out external noise, but I am searching for that TIME that is reserved solely for me. The other day I found myself getting very overwhelmed with the many tasks I was doing (especially during this month) and to make things worse, I was getting very antsy with those around me. I just wanted to STOP but am so accustomed to going and going and going that I did not know how to stop! Something internal forced me to stop, and at first it shocked my system so much that I did not understand what was happening to me. Then, I gave in to the feeling and allowed my body to just be still and rest. The great thing is that the world did not end, nothing was an emergency in that moment (which turned out to be hours) and after my brief ME TIME, I felt less miserable and more recharged to continue the works.

Isn't it amazing what REST can do for the body?

Anyway, while we are still in March and many of us ladies are still trying to manage our time management, I encourage you to pause and take at least ONE DAY this month to connect with self. I understand that the 24 hours in a day feel shorter these days, but we must find the time to do it. Try it and then let me know how wonderful it is for your spirit.

Now, since I tend to be on the greedy side and find myself wanting more of the things which make me feel good, I plan to do it again very soon. Please consider joining me on this one day personal retreat during Women's History Month as we get our fabulous selves rejuvenated for the next quarter ahead.

Today, I am sending some positive love and light to Stefanie Belnavis (featured on left side bar).

Let's toast to a happier and healthier spirit,

Rosie "Peppy" Parke

Creative Director

Peppy Entertainment & Promotions

Get the entire Newsletter here:

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs011/1101622011376/archive/1109526845732.html

· · · Share · Delete

• 
  
• You, Jackie Wright, Yasmin Anderson-Smith, Nicole Wright and 2 others like this.
• 1 share
• • 

    Yaa Gyasi Peppy Parke http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs011/1101622011376/archive/1109526845732.html

    

    Ghanaian Queen Mothers Visit DC, Spring has Sprung, and more...weekly News from PEP!

    archive.constantcontact.com

    Pepisode 13 features a husband and wife team, Everton & Andrea Grant who cook to...See More

    March 15 at 2:00pm · ·
  • 

    Yaa Gyasi Peppy Parke

    ‎"I remember I was telling you a while ago about your "going and going and going...". Nice to know that you "see it" now and that you at least a little bit occassionally are taking it easy. It gives those of us concerned about you a littl...See More

    March 15 at 2:25pm · · 1
  • 

    Fiweh Yaad Dis a one good picture a yuh..

    March 15 at 10:22pm · · 1
  • 

    Yaa Gyasi Peppy Parke So y u neva choose da one ya, star? LOL

    March 15 at 10:26pm ·
• 

  Write a comment...

LOVE YOUR BODY

This week, I am happy to be speaking about the BODY and why we love it. Many of us have a love/hate relationship with our own bodies based on age, weight increase or decrease, health issues, diseases and dis-eases, mood, and more. Let's face it, no matter how beautiful your body is, there has been at least ONE time in your life when you felt a little hate for it, right? Maybe you were a week before your period (ladies), and the bloating just got on your last nerves. Maybe you had a severe acne breakout and you did not feel so beautiful because you were seeing more bumps or dark spots than your normal skin tone. Maybe you were pregnant and felt very fat and un-sexy because you lost your sex drive and/or was too tired to get in the mood. Let's not leave the men out -- maybe you got a little richer and started over-indulging on those beers and then you looked like you were five months pregnant and you saw another guy with a 6-pack. Maybe you were going through a low period in your life and started abusing your body with alcohol, drugs, over-eating, etc. And since men have two heads, maybe your lower head was going through a "slow period" and you felt a little insecure. Almost all of us have seen someone with an unbelievably incredible body and felt a tad insecure about our own body...it happens. I could go on and on, but I am sure you have been there (at least once in your lifetime). In all honesty, it is pretty normal to have that on and off feeling about our bodies, and when it comes to body consciousness, we are our worst critic. It does not matter who is telling you how great your body is...if you feel (at that time) that your body is not beautiful, they may as well be speaking to a wall. Put those instances and nuances aside, can you really say "I LOVE MY BODY" and mean it?

For me, loving my own body came with loving and accepting myself from a very early age. I grew up on the skinny side and inherited small wrists and calves (and the slimmer genes) from my father's side of the family. When everyone in my neighborhood used to tell me that I am walking on my hands because my calves were noticeably slim (not because I was literally walking on my hands), I just smiled and said "Galang bout yuh bizniz and leff mi cyaaf dem. Betta cyaaf dan cow." Even now when folks tell me "Oh My God, your wrists are sooooo small," I just smile and tell them to buy me custom-made bracelets. When fat or big-boned girls tell me how skinny I am (because they are looking company), I tell them that at least I can touch my toes and don't have to worry about obesity. And these days, when I am getting more mature and seeing very visible changes in and on my body, I just say "WOW" and keep it moving. You see, I have more appreciation for my body now than I ever did, and I have always loved my body. I have taken care of it over the years and I know that my body is healthy, fit and beautiful. I have always been very flexible but have traded in the cartwheels, hand-stands, back flips and walking on my hands because with age comes

2011 Love Your Body Poster Winner

timidity. These days, I push myself by trying to master yoga postures and by staying active. I get a kick out of it when I prove that I am fitter than many decades younger than me. I really get a thrill when I pass myself in the mirror and smile because I love my reflection.

As a female, you will either move from having a coca-cola bottled shape to becoming more of a pear or God forbid, an apple if you do not take care of your body. As a male, you will most likely start looking like your pregnant wife if you are not careful. In an age where the images that our children are seeing in the media are so air-brushed, augmented, lifted, lipo-sucked out (new word alert!) we have to start teaching them to love, respect and accept their God-given bodies. As parents, we also have to lead by example and we have to feed them right. Childhood obesity has been on the rise for many years now, but THAT is another topic.

A beautiful body does increase self-confidence. Feeling good about your body is a great way to start feeling good about your overall self. You do have the power to change your body. If you are not loving YOUR body, start doing whatever it takes to get it beautiful so you can start loving it and then you some more.

Last week, I asked a number of women (and I chose women because we are more body-conscious) to send me one sentence saying why they love their bodies so please scroll down to see what many had to say. I got so many responses and photos that I had to create a special place for all the beautiful women who sent them to me.

Cheers to loving our bodies,

Yaa Gyasi Peppy Parke

Creative Director

Peppy Entertainment & Promotions

I LOVE MY BODY BECAUSE...

Helen Morgan

"I love my body because it has taken a beating and it is still ticking and every scar is a reminder of a battle won!"

Helen Morgan, FL

"I love my body because it is beautiful and it always whispers to me when it feels something just isn't right."

Melrose Parks, Canada

"I love my body because it is invaluable and because it is the most powerful tool-instrument created for the universal purpose of mankind, it is multi faceted and reflects the beauty and creative mind of the Master builder."
Anonymous, MD

"I love my body because it has its own unique way of moving with this fluidity that is quirky and clumsy, yet graceful and sensual that defines who I am and nobody else."

Shauna Chin, CA

Rose Anugah

"I love my body because it is exceptional, and its only me who have this exceptional black beauty body."

Rose Anugah, Ghana

"I love my body because at the moment, I can eat whatever I want and not have to work out."

Jacqueline Hall, Maryland
"I love my body because it's the only one I have thru good and bad times. We work well together."

Claudette Henry, MD
"I've come to love my body more and more as I age because God made it perfect the way it is and I accept it."

Keisha Largie, MD
"I'm blessed with curves, cushion and handles of love, so I feel sultry, juicy and free at 42 -- to just be me!"

Karen Jones, DC

"I love my body because although I have small curves, it reminds me of the beautiful genes I endure from my family."

Shauna Anderson, MD

Ethlyn Grant

"I love my body because it is a reflection of God's magnificent creation and it is the only one that I will ever have."

Ethlyn Grant, MD

"I love my body because it is the core of my everything without this beautiful gift from God nothing would be possible."

Judith Buckley, Canada

"I love my body because even though some may see its imperfections, it was perfectly made in God's sight."

Nicole Wright, MD

"I love my body because it represents my roots." Chardelle Moore, MD

"I love my body because it represents, my beautiful brain, my source of passions, emotions, laughter, pain, creativity, and memories."
Taishi Hyatt, VA

"I love my body because I love me; I stand for me and no one else can give account for me but me. I love myself and my body always."

Andrea Miller, Jamaica

"I love my body because I got the tools and will power to change it!"

Dolly Riley, MD

Ghana has changed me for the better

I went to Ghana and now I know. There is so much I could write about my experience but I am still taking it all in. Suffice it to say, I have never been ANYWHERE in the world that I felt such a strong sense of connection.



My new name is Yaa Gyasi Asantewa Peppy Parke and I love it. TTYL but for now, enjoy some of the photos from my trip by clicking on the links below:

Final Conference in Accra, Ghana.

The First Few Days

Some of My Favorite Moments

Enjoy some of these videos:

Peppy Interviews Professor Nuts at 2011 Jamaica Day Festival