South Bend Indoor Activities

Criticism and competition are hazardous waste, according to Kara Schmidt. She’s seen them ravage many lives as they strip away confidence and the capacity to celebrate uniqueness. That’s why she founded Spacious Heart Yoga. Along with a team of caring teachers, she leads Anusara-inspired Hatha yoga classes that emphasize self-growth and community building through sequences of ancient poses and easy-to-follow alignment cues. Here, students journey toward a place within themselves where knowledge flows and peace abounds. Instructors facilitate this trip by adjusting pose alignment and providing modifications that make the ancient exercises safe and fruitful for all levels of strength, mobility, and flexibility. Stress and negativity melt away as students practice deep-breathing exercises that focus the mind and awaken the spirit. The studio’s Explore series welcomes yogis of all levels with basic poses and a strong focus on the mind-body connection, and the Expand series introduces intermediate and advanced students to poses as playful as a puppy’s first game of Red Rover.

Founded five years ago, the Battle Creek Bombers have already shown their mettle, earning the title of 2011 Northwoods League Champions in 2011. The Northwoods League, one of the nation’s most competitive collegiate summer leagues, offers its top-caliber players minor league internships without jeopardizing their college careers. This season, the Bombers hope to conquer their league again and send more of its players to the MLB, having already done so for alumnus Tony Sanchez, who was the fourth pick in the 2009 draft. Led by Daniel Rockett, their top 2011 scorer with 46 runs and 43 RBIs, the team will surely spend this season launching home runs without the help of covert trebuchets.

While the players focus on the game, their mosquito mascot, Mo-Skeeter, mingles with roaring crowds in the Bomber’s home venue, C.O. Brown Stadium. Patrons can look on from general seating or opt for the more luxurious HBC fan-deck seats, where panoramic views complement an included all-you-can-eat feast with draft beer and hot dogs.

The theater is part of the artistic arm of the First Presbyterian Church, and auditions for the troupe's roughly six annual plays are open to anyone. An art gallery doubles as the lobby for this 300-seat auditorium, which regularly hosts well-known ensembles, including past acts The King's Singers and saxophonist Ashu.

Fingers reach to the ceiling as toes plant themselves into the bamboo flooring and instructors lead students of all ages and abilities through mind-soothing and body-invigorating Hatha- and Vinyasa-style poses set to tranquil music. East Wind Studios aims to lead patrons down a path toward mental and physical wellness through yoga classes and workshops. Their yoga classes immerse beginners in the mind-and-body-uniting art. Students gain a deeper understanding of the poses, which range from gentle and relaxing to vigorous and sweat-inducing, while achieving clarity and relaxation through focused breaths.

In addition to the body-bolstering classes and workshops, East Wind Studios hosts meditation and spirituality sessions. Staff members and special guest speakers lead talks on meditation, chakras, essential oils, and healing, which is designed to teach students to channel positive energy into their bodies or a time capsule for their great great great great great grandchildren's future use.

Kids can’t be expected to care about their health when video games, cartoons, and outdoor adventures are vying for their attention. That’s why the adult leaders of the Memorial Health Foundation devised a plan to get kids excited about health: HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum. Born of the founders’ desire to foster a healthier current and future community, the museum appeals to youngsters through educational forms of entertainment. Its exhibits incorporate amplified versions of many of kids’ favorite pastimes, including a life-sized rendition of Operation and numerous computer games. A rock-climbing wall and tree house with a slide encourage kids to learn through movement, which is exactly how adults learn how to escape charging bulls. Youngsters can explore the space with their families or partake in programs such as children's camps.

The Grand Rapids Wedding Affair sets brides-to-be and their fiancés loose to explore, meet, and bounce ideas off some of west Michigan's most sought-after wedding experts. Dozens of exhibitors converge to create a buffet of possibilities that range from bridal fashions, cakes, and catering to gift registries and photographers. Couples can also scope out postceremony services, including reception halls and honeymoon destinations.