Health and Fitness   

Have you decided that yoga is not for you because you think it is going to be hard, you are too stiff or you tried it once and found it too taxing to continue? Chair yoga is a wonderful way to experience the benefits of yoga without the difficulties of a regular practice. We will begin at the beginning and modify traditional yoga into accessible variations. Everyone can do yoga, no matter our flexibility! Recommended textbook: Lightening Up: The Yoga of Self-Acceptance by Tony Wolff (2022), ISBN: 978-1479306510.

Treat your feet as if they were grandchildren! In this course based on the Feldenkrais Method, we will learn to mobilize the joints and soft tissue of the feet to improve flexibility, circulation, sensation and, ultimately, balance. Each week, we will begin with a floor lesson to improve awareness and flexibility throughout the body and will end with a standing lesson to promote balance. We will also discuss shoe fit, reflexology and direct foot care. Prerequisites: Participants must be able to reach their own feet to effectively learn mobilization skills and to get down to the floor independently. Note: As the course is progressive, participants should register only if they can attend all class meetings. Materials: Mat (required); rolled towel/bolster for neck or knees (optional).

We will enjoy a different hike each week to learn about the ecology, history and land-conservation efforts of the Southern Appalachian region! Each week we will hike on a different Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy property, conservation easement or U.S. Forest Service land. Prerequisites: Before the course begins, participants must be able to hike at least four miles on varied terrain with an elevation gain of up to 1000 feet. Note: All trailheads are located within a 50-minute radius of the Reuter Center. Materials: Hiking boots, rain jacket, backpack and water bottle.

Are you worried about losing your balance? While a common concern for older adults, there are simple ways to improve steadiness and reduce risk of falling. We will learn practical exercises to build strength for stepping safely, improve mobility for day-to-day activities and build confidence around balance. Prerequisites: Exercises will be done seated and standing next to a chair. Participants should be comfortable getting up and down from a chair unassisted and standing for 15 minutes at a time. Notes: As this course is progressive, participants should only sign up if they plan to attend each week. Former participants who wish to repeat this course may sign up during open registration.

Have you done yoga in the past but now find traditional poses too taxing? We will practice mindfulness, adapt standing and floor poses to a chair in order to reintegrate an active yoga practice into our lives, and accept and enjoy our bodies just as they are! Prerequisites: CFS’s Beginner Chair Yoga or equivalent experience; contact the instructor with questions. Recommended textbook: Lightening Up: The Yoga of Self-Acceptance by Tony Wolff (2022), ISBN: 978-1479306510.

Has your yoga practice stopped being enjoyable? Are the poses becoming more difficult or even impossible? Did you quit because you kept hurting yourself? If for whatever reason you no longer find joy in practicing yoga, this course is for you! We will practice mindfulness and explore modifications to traditional poses in order to return to the essence: sthira sukha asanam (“right effort”), or finding a good balance between effort and relaxation. Prerequisites: Participants will need to be able to get up and down from the floor, and have/have had a regular yoga practice. Recommended textbook: Lightening Up: The Yoga of Self-Acceptance by Tony Wolff (2022), ISBN: 978-1479306510. Materials: Yoga mat, cushion, strap/belt and other props if needed.

We will explore easy plant-based dishes—using neither animal products nor processed foods—inspired by a different world cuisine each week: Middle Eastern, Asian and Mexican/Caribbean. The instructor will prepare dishes from a shared set of recipes, after which participants will enjoy a lunch together. Note: We will meet each week at the instructor’s home, approximately a 10-minute drive from the Reuter Center. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $30 for groceries.

We will explore easy plant-based dishes—using neither animal products nor processed foods—inspired by a different world cuisine each week: Middle Eastern, Asian and Mexican/Caribbean. The instructor will prepare dishes from a shared set of recipes, after which participants will enjoy a lunch together. Note: We will meet each week at the instructor’s home, approximately a 10-minute drive from the Reuter Center. Materials fee (payable to instructor): $30 for groceries.

Both Western and alternative medicine have turned their attention to the role breathing plays in health. We will explore the physical, biochemical and spiritual dimensions of breath based on current research outcomes for self-regulation. We will investigate the advantages and disadvantages of breathing techniques to help regulate stress and improve health, mental clarity and sleep. Note: Participants should wear unrestrictive clothing and may choose to do some exercises while lying on the floor. Recommended textbook: Consciously Exhale: The Power of Breath by Lillah Schwartz (2026), ISBN: 978-0964383535. Materials: Yoga mat, small blanket and book to use as a light weight.

Explore our glorious Blue Ridge Mountains! We will enjoy trail-hiking while practicing essential safety precautions using various hiking equipment and navigational tools. We will start with an easy trek and gradually work up to approximately three miles in distance with less than a 700-foot increase in elevation. Prerequisites: Participants must have experience hiking and be able to walk up to three miles on uneven terrain with elevation. Note: Trailheads are located within a 45-minute radius of the Reuter Center. Materials: Good hiking shoes, water and appropriate clothing (required); hiking poles and a pack to carry personal items (strongly recommended). Contact the instructors if you have any questions.

Join us for intermediate hiking experiences in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains! Hikes will take place each week at various locations and vary in distance from four to five miles, with an elevation change of up to 1000 feet. Prerequisite: This course is for experienced hikers only; participants should be able to hike at least five miles on uneven terrain with rocks and roots. Note: Trailheads are located within a 45-minute radius of the Reuter Center. Materials: Hiking shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, snacks, backpack and whistle.