Rockin’ The Block Or More Accurately My Nia Classes
Posted by terrepruitt on June 17, 2014
I teach Nia for the City of San Jose and the YMCA. I have been teaching Gentle Yoga too, but that is different. The Gentle Yoga classes are usually smaller both the actually room we are in and the number of people. And with yoga we don’t need the music loud so often times my iPhone in the middle of the yoga mats serves us just fine. But with Nia we need the music loud. Not “Zumba-loud” because I still need to be heard over the music, but loud enough that I can hear my music cues and people can get a sense of the music. With most of my classes the number of students is more than yoga and the venue is larger. I actually have taught at some places where the audio system did not work so I tried using my phone and it did not have enough volume. With Nia people follow my lead, but they also move their body in their own way so it helps them dance when there is music to dance too. So since I teach in all different places and the audio system is not always the same I have a variety of speakers. I had been looking at one for a couple of years, but never wanted to invest the money. But one day my hubby and I were at Costco and we saw a device I had been looking at. He wanted to get it. I hemmed and hawed, but we came home with a Block Rocker.
I had almost bought one before but with every model they came out with something different so I was trying to decide which one to purchase. Then they came out with a Bluetooth enabled version. I wanted to know that I could still use an Aux cable because Bluetooth can be spotty. I had not been able to determine that from my shopping online at first. And then I forgot about it until I saw it in Costco. We pulled it off the shelf and checked it out. Read the box to make sure it would play music both ways — via Bluetooth or a cable. And my hubby put it in the cart. All the way around the store I kept thinking, “Yes. No. Yes. No.” and on and on.
We came home with it. We plugged it in and hooked it up to our devices. It was pretty cool. Both my husband and I have used it around the house. It does GREAT house sound. Our house is an acoustical “weird-mare”, but it works great. Both of us have used it out in the yard. But none of that is in a big room with people in it. And I am not complaining that the rooms I have been teaching in have sound systems. That is GREAT. I am very fortunate. I have not had the opportunity to use my big speaker.
My Group Ex Nia Class with the City of San Jose on Tuesdays and Thursdays is normally held in the dance studio. But this summer there is Summer Camp in there for the kids one week every month. So at the beginning of the year my supervisor moved us from the dance studio to the Multipurpose room. I didn’t know if this room had an audio system. I have been telling my class for months that we were going to be in the MPR for a few classes this summer. Then for the past two weeks I have been reminding them of the actual dates. I would have been very upset with myself if I had shown up and not be prepared. Here I have been preparing them for months and then I didn’t have music. I am soooooooooo glad I thought about my Block Rocker. This is EXACTLY what it is for.
I even remembered to charge it the night before. Ya see it is a Bluetooth device and it has a rechargeable battery so it can be used totally cordless. Squeeeee!
So I used it today and it worked GREAT. I am super happy. I love it when things work out. I am so glad that Costco had it and it was such a good deal. As I said, I had been shopping for them for a couple of years and was happy this one was priced lowest of them all. Even though it was the newest model.
Here is some information copied from the ION website:
•Streams music wirelessly from any Bluetooth music-playing device or phone
•Works with iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android devices, and more
•Input for a microphone (came with a microphone), instruments and other audio sources
•High-quality microphone included
•Built-in digital AM/FM radio and retractable antenna
•USB port for charging iPad, iPhone, or other devices
•Built-in battery provides up to 50 hours of use
•Bluetooth range of up to 50 feet
•High-output powered 2-way speaker
•1/8-inch auxiliary input for amplifying other audio devices
•Recessed wheels and telescoping handle for portability
•Rugged design to withstand heavy use
•Projects high-fidelity sound up to 150 feet away
•Built-in cradle for your smartphone, iPad, or other device
It does not have an equalizer so it will not be “perfect” sound. It is what it is. It is great . . . in my opinon . . . for exercise classes. Oooo, I am so excited. You know me, I like to share when I am excited about things. When I learn of something that helps make MY life easier I like to share. I like to let you know so perhaps it can help one of you.
Can you see yourself owning one? Do you think you could use one? Do you like to have people over for outside grilling and/or BBQing?
Terre Pruitt's Blog 
Sonja said
I also like a tiny pair of speakers that are wireless, and plug into my phone. I break out this tiny little bag from my car storage spot in the trunk when there is a need for music outside. Usually I supply Pandora on the phone at BBQ parties with this gem. Not too loud, but great for a tabletop. Your Costco unit sounds terrific. it is a tax write off so save your receipt! This is what small business breaks are all about, writing off and justifying purchases that are fun. Enjoy.
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terrepruitt said
I wish you would have reminded me about the receipt earlier, I think I just threw it away. I forgot about the speaker being on it! Drat! I don’t have any wireless LITTLE speakers, but I do a some Little Tweakers and an iSpeaker. They work good too. As you said, perfect just to have on hand. I am sure you have “saved” many BBQ parties! 🙂
Thanks for reading and commenting, Sonja!
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Michele said
Awesome!!! I am glad you came home with it! Yes I can see myself owning one of these 🙋. We have also been in the market for a wireless portable speaker system for a few years, thank you for sharing, now can I squeeze in a trip to Costco this week 😛?!?!?
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terrepruitt said
Really? Portable? Well, there you have it and you might like it. But remember, it has NO adjustability — AT ALL. There is volume and that is it. The reviews I had read while I was shopping stated this fact as one that many people did not like. They wanted to be able to adjust the sound, but you cannot, other than what your device allows (ya know, the iPads/Phones have “equalizers”).
I am glad this might have helped you. You might notice my cousin’s comment (Cheryl). She said they are happy with the sound.
Thanks for stopping by. Maybe we can get a quick call in this week?
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cherylmcgc@yahoo.com said
How funny, we bought one too!!! We are really happy with the sound. Hey since it is 9 am now guess I won’t be there. I am fighting a cold and did not sleep well last night. Have fun and give Sara a hug for me.
Sent from my iPhone
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terrepruitt said
Yay! Did you buy it at Costco? I bet you will use it a lot outside this summer!
I hope you feel better (cold-wise) and your wrist too! I’ll give Sara a Hug.
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