YBR me
Dean/St. Mary's Health Works presents a class in Yamuna Body Rolling taught by yoga teacher and certified fitness instructor Laura Flanagan. YBR involves rolling the body over balls in various routines that "re-educate" muscles, release energy and realign the body. Two classes are upcoming, one at the Dean west clinic (Nov. 1Dec. 20, 5:30-7 pm) and one at the east clinic (Oct. 31Dec. 19, 5:30-7 pm) ($90). Call 608-824-4400 to register or click here. Flanagan also teaches through Body in Balance and the Mind Body Center in Madison.
Green shoes
If you're looking for snappy shoes that are made out of earth-friendly materials, the online shoe emporium Zappos.com has the capability to let you search for eco-friendly footware, though the pulldown option is hard to find. (Hunt around, or click here). There's not much -okay, nothing - in the way of dress shoes; the selection runs the gamut from athletic to casual. There are models from Timberland, Keen, Earth, Draven, Teva, Ahnu and Etnies, though the most documented eco-friendly are "Green Toe" shoes from Simple.
Simple and most other brands are available locally, so there's no need to mail-order - if you're more of a trier-onner when it comes to your loafers. The good news is that these brands are not only trying to be good to the earth, they want to be good for your feet (cork in the footbed is an antimicrobial and has strong cushioning properties, for example). Some of the products that go into the shoes are recycled (milk jugs, car tires) and some are natural sustainable materials (bamboo, jute, crepe, cotton and felted wool).
Pet healers
Animal behaviorist and the host of Wisconsin Public Radio's "Calling All Pets" Dr. Patricia McConnell will speak on "the science behind [our pets'] ability to act as healers and friends." "For the Love of a Dog: Healing Hearts, Body, & Soul," an evening of slides, videos and discussion, is sponsored by Meriter Hospital and will take place Nov. 1 at 7 pm in the Bolz Auditorium, 1010 Mound St. ($10). Call 608-417-5900 to register.
Get out
Looking to get some real outdoor exercise? Wisconsin Women's Rugby is looking for new players (18 and older). Show up at a practice (5:45 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays, Yahara Rugby Field, on Hwy. AB just off of Hwy. 12/18 east - near the Crossroads Tavern). Rugby teams have 15 players divided into forwards and backs, with the larger forwards trying to win possession of the ball and the smaller backs trying to score. More about the sport and the team at www.wwrfc.com or call 712-1481.
Stay in
You have to admire a sport that describes itself as "Like soccer in the water, but more violent." Co-ed Masters Water Polo thrashes around the Middleton High School pool from 3:30 to 5 pm Sundays. The team started in February and hopes to have a tournament before the end of the year; otherwise, meets are lined up for 2008. The pool is at 2100 Bristol St., Middleton; for more info, call 608-239-0064 or see www.badgerwaterpolo.com.