Fitness & Movement   

Welcome to the “United Nations of dance & music!” This recreational folk-dance class meets Wednesday afternoons in the Women’s Club of Bellflower. We discover that common step patterns underlie traditional dances from various world cultures. Schottiches, Syrtos, Sambas and Polkas, Horas, Pravos, Halays and Tamzaras fill our dance cards. Intriguing rhythms challenge our brains; sustained movements provide cardio exercise; and camaraderie and the joy of dance induces us to smile inside and out. Research in brain activity suggests that synchronous movement with a group activates both sides of the brain and enhances endorphins. Other benefits of dancing include increased strength, balance, coordination and agility. The musical styles, ranging from rousing to peace-inducing, call forth a wide range of feelings as well as a sense of community. Comfortable shoes that allow for lateral movement are recommended. The facility has a responsive wooden floor ideal for dancing.

Movement with low impact, non-aerobic practice to prevent disease, protect your health, increase concentration with meditation. Do nothing that hurts or feels uncomfortable. Objectives: Develop better balance; increase physical strength by stretching muscles, tendons; and supply greater amounts of oxygen to the body through deep breathing. Equipment: BRING YOUR OWN POLE. Purchase a collapsible painter’s extension pole that opens to 3-4 “ longer than your height, with rubber (not plastic) end caps (Ace Hardware or Lowe’s). Wear tennis shoes and loose, layered clothing.

This class is designed for anyone who wants to improve the flow of energy throughout their body and work on balance. My Tai Chi process will enhance your overall system harmony and incorporates many different styles. My teachings are open and available to anyone who wants to heal and feel fluidity in their life. Students may find that, over time, they exude a glow or energetic illumination!.   NOTE: time change to 11:30.  

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

This course introduces basic principles of Tai Chi Chuan through the learning of the classic movements of Yang Style tai’ chi. It is meant for Beginners. Through demonstrations and practice of movements students will apply five basic principles: relaxation, separation of weight, waist turn, upright body and virgin hands. While Tai Chi has its roots in Taoist philosophy and the martial arts of Qi Gong, this form of Tai Chi was developed primarily for its health benefits.

If you are familiar with basic principles of Tai Chi Chuan and have practiced in the past, come to this Intermediate class in the classic movements of Yang Style tai’ chi. Students will apply five basic principles: relaxation, separation of weight, waist turn, upright body and virgin hands. While Tai Chi has its roots in Taoist philosophy and the martial arts of Qi Gong, this form was developed for its health benefits. It seeks to create balance, flexibility and strength and awareness and connection between the body, the mind and the animating life force of Tao. Beginners meet on Tuesdays.

The ancient yoga principles for living a good life are noble and aspirational. The five moral restraints (nonviolence, not hoarding, not stealing, not lying and not giving into excessive desires) and the five moral observances (purity, contentment, tolerance, study expansion and surrendering) will be presented in accessible ways to implement in daily life. Come enjoy and experience a novel way of maneuvering through today’s challenging world.

Enjoy practicing flexibility, strength building, and balance through using different yoga poses or asanas. Participants need to be able to move from a seated position on the floor to standing with ease. Learn relaxation and meditation techniques that help reduce stress, depression and anxiety. Create a flexible and strong mind/body connection.

Do you want to feel younger, look younger, and supercharge your brain? Do you want to improve your posture, stand taller, and walk or move with more ease, and diminish back, neck discomfort? Practicing the ancient art of yoga has produced these results for ages!! Come and join our yoga community, and you will learn to stretch, breathe, laugh, and make friends! Come as you are— all levels are welcome!