Class Descriptions

ALL bodies need to keep moving. Classes are sequenced to create movement, increasing range of motion, strength, stamina, endurance; improving balance and mental focus. There is also a focus on fascial movement, exercises for bone health. Many of the classes will use hand weights.

Classes are considered All Levels. If you have any restrictions or limitations and would like to participate in the classes, please contact Ann prior to attending any classes. She can answer and address any questions that you may have. Practice at your own risk.

"Gentle" and chair themed classes: Perfect for those under a doctor's care and starting (back) to add movement into their routine. Some health conditions may include cancer, osteopenia, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Many have had surgeries, treatments and taking medications. This impacts their ability to move well, they may have physical limitation and certainly affects their quality of life. Classes will focus be regaining range of motion, improving balance, cognition (brain fog), strengthen the body. The classes will increase/improve flexibility, mobility while reducing stress and tension in the body. Lymphatic drainage and circulation exercises are generally incorporated into the cancer classes. There are many side effects that accompanies treatments and medications (insomnia, fatigue, depression, digestive issues to name just a few) and are addressed in the classes. Students are always encouraged to practice at their own pace and take as many breaks as needed.

Of course, if you are under a doctor's care, please consult with them to approve any new physical activity and follow their orders. If you feel any pain, discomfort, dizziness, nausea during or after the class(es), please contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Yoga

Yoga certainly has many benefits to help heal the body and calm the mind.

Some of the benefits include:

Yoga detoxifies the body. A practice with movements, gravity and resistance assists the body to remove toxins from the body.

Yoga strengthens the body. Treatments, medication can weaken the body. Practicing with props, using their body weight will help strengthen muscles and bones. It can provide the same cardiovascular benefits without the risk to the joints and pain. The body moves, the heart beats, the blood flows and helps to build a strong heart.

Increases Range of Motion and Flexibility.

Keeps the spine strong and helps improve posture.

Strengthens the immune system.

Manages weight gain, pain fear and anxiety.

Enhances body image and empowerment and overall send of well being.

Yoga Fusion, Hatha Yoga: Focusing on strength, stamina, balance and endurance. Hand weights, stretch bands may be used during the classes.

Gentle, Viniyoga: More therapeutic in nature. Focus on range of motion, circulation, strength, flexibility, mobility and balance. The pace of the class is slower to allow the opportunity to reduce stress and tension in the body and mind.

The Gentle and Viniyoga classes are standing and floor movements. Participants will also practice poses on their hands/ knees.

Chair Yoga: Entire class is practiced seated in a chair.

Chair Assisted Yoga: Both seated and standing exercises and poses practiced. The chair can be used for support if needed. Emphasis on strengthening lower body and improving balance while standing.

Fitness

Strength and Fascial Fitness Benefits may:

Improve cardiovascular health, stamina and endurance.

Control weight and improves body image.

Improve quality of life and mental health.

Keeps bones, muscles and joints healthy.

Improve your ability to perform your ADL's (Activities of Daily Living).

Reduces risk of falling.

Fascial fitness and movements improves flexibility, range of motion in a safe manner. Movements help the fascia (connective tissue) remain healthy and pliable. It also helps the body move lymphatic fluid to assist with flushing out toxins from the body. This inturn, improves the immune system.

Classes focusing on using handweights, Stretch bands, body weight. Also working at the wall and using chair for support. Exercises will involve balance work, strengthening the muscles, improving hand/eye coordination, whole coordination, bone strengthening exercises.

Tai Chi & Qi Gong

Tai Chi Flow & Qi Gong

Tai Chi:

Has been practiced for hundreds of years. Considered as a 'soft' form of martial arts. This Yang Style Tai Chi and Qi Gong Flow combination is practiced in the classes.

Qi (pronounced 'chee') Gong:

Is thousands of years old and part of the main 5 practices in the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) field. In a Qi Gong class, acupressure points, Qi Massages and working directly with improving one's inner energy flow- for improved health, vitality and longevity are practiced.

Some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi Flow and Qi Gong may include:

Improving balance and coordination.

Improves cognitive function.

Increasing flexibility, strength, mobility, stamina and endurance.

Reducing stress and tension in the mind and body.

Maintain healthy weight and blood pressure.

Improve heart health and immune function.

Lower risk of falling.

Pain relief.

Improves mood and mental health.

Improves posture.

Reduces fatigue.

Improves sleep.

Chair Tai Chi Qi Gong Flow:

Students are always welcome to practice seated if needed.

Qi Gong~ Radiant Lotus Women's Qi Gong

Created by Daisy Lee, RLWQ is an amazing practice designed for women of all ages.

With a focus on her equation to stand in Vertical Alignment, women can improve their emotional and physical health.

Practices include Shaking, Cupping, Tapping. Qi massages, Tibetan Sound Healing. Beautiful sequences to harmonize women's mental and physical wellbeing. Women will learn to balance their hormonal systems, how to feel calm, centered and grounded in the midst of stress or turmoil that may be surrounding them in their lives. How to discover and live with equanimity.

Check back for any upcoming 6 week RLWQ series that will be offered throughout the year.

Breathwork

You will learn different breathing techniques. This will depend on your health status and intention. You will learn breathing techniques from Yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

While there are numerous variations of breath work, there is a method that is adhered to and should not be practiced 'just for fun.'

If you are under the care of your doctor, it is advised that you seek their clearance before starting a new breathing practice.

Yoga Nidra

R&R Sleep Meditation

Yoga Nidra means 'yoga sleep'

Do you really sleep in a Yoga Nidra session?

Yes, many do and IT'S OK!!

With my as your Yoga Nidra Facilitator, welcome to the world of relaxing and letting your mind and body ... GO.

I will lead you on a journey of your inner self discovery, assisting you to noticing what your internal landscape looks like.

There is NOTHING you will need to do. no movements. NOTHING to figure out.

Just listen to my voice and see what you find out about yourself and what's waiting to be discovered in your unconscious thoughts.....

After a 35 min Nidra session you may feel relaxed, both physically and mentally.

Relaxed yet rejuvenated.

ENJOY