Zoom sessions offered by the Senior Center this winter include two new ways for seniors to exercise their bodies – QiGong and weight training.
The Southborough Senior Center is holding more exercise and wellness programs in January and February over zoom for members of the Friends of the Council on Aging. (The Senior Center newsletter includes an application on the back to join Friends of the COA for $15 per year.)
For all of the program below, pre-registration is required through the Senior Center at 508-229-4453. (Sign up opens tomorrow morning, January 5th, beginning at 10:00 am.) For the exercise classes, payments should be mailed in prior to the start of the first class.
Each zoom series has a suggested donation of $3 per session. Below is an overview of each class. (For more details go to pages 6-7 of the newsletter.)
I’m starting off with the Senior Center’s newest offerings, but also including the classes continuing from the fall.
QiGong
Tuesdays at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, January 12th through February 23rd. (No classes the week of January 18th)
Suggested Donation for the seven week session is $21
QiGong is an exercise for health and wellness. The class exercises are soft and gentle with focused breathing and an intenful mind. Movements are performed both seated and standing and suitable for all ages. There is no experience necessary.
With roots in ancient China, QiGong is part of the traditional Chinese medicine – a.k.a. Chinese yoga. It is still practice today along with modern Western healthcare in China – and beyond. Scientific research and experience has shown QiGong to be good for balance – posture – strength – quieting the mind – breath work – wellness and healing and much more.
The class is led by Instructor Bob Doherty, a certified practitioner with wellness expertise in QiGong, Reiki, Tui Na, and Meditation.
Strength Training Class
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 – 9:45 am January 5th through February 25th. (No classes the week of January 18th)
Suggested Donation for the seven week session is $42
The class will consist of total body strengthening and conditioning. At the end of the class, there will be core/abs/low back strengthening as well as full body stretching. All fitness levels are welcome to join.
Two sets of hand weights is recommended. Possibly 3 pounds and 5 pounds, or 5 pounds and 8 pounds if you’ve worked with weights in the past. (If you need to borrow weights, contact the Senior Center for arrangements.) A mat is also recommended for use at the end of the class.
If you have any orthopedic issues, please discuss them with instructor before taking the class so she can discuss any necessary modifications for you. (The Senior Center can help you get in touch to discuss concerns.)
The class is led by Instructor Sharon Longo, who has been teaching and training for over 30 years.
Stretch Break Class
Monday and Wednesdays 10:15 – 11:00 am January 4th through February 24th. (No class on January 20th)
Suggested Donation for the seven week session is $39
The stretch class consists of mat based (and standing as well), flexibility, mobility and stability exercises. Participants should have a chair, pillow or strap (can be a necktie or belt). Props will be utilized for a complete and total body functional class.
It is pitched as for seniors at all fitness levels, but there are some caveats. You must be able to get onto the floor/mat and back up, plus bear weight on hands and knees in a “tabletop” position. If you have any orthopedic issues, please discuss them with instructor before taking the class so she can discuss any necessary modifications for you. (The Senior Center can help you get in touch to discuss concerns.)
The class is led by Instructor Sharon Longo, who has been teaching and training for over 30 years.
Seated Chair Yoga
Thursdays at 1:00 – 2:00 pm from January 7th through February 25th
Suggested Donation for the eight week session is $24
A Yoga class for beginners to more experienced yogis.
Have fun while enjoying the benefits of movement, calming the mind, and relaxation. Stretch, twist and lengthen your bodies through a series of easy to follow repetitive movements. Combine with inhales and exhales, working with props to get the most out of every movement. The class begins with a medication and gentle warm-up to an easy flow of postures (depending on experience level) and ending in a final relasation of Savasana.
The class is led by Instructor Rebecca Reber, who has been practicing yoga for about 15 years.
Updated (1/4/21 10:52 am): I accidentally listed the wrong end date for QiGong.
