Fitness & Movement   

This is the longest of the six major Yang-style tai chi movements, taking about 25 minutes to complete. Tai chi is known for developing balance, strength, and flexibility. It is a form of meditation in movement. In this class you will learn the first third of the forms, or about 36 moves, in a workshop environment.

This is the longest of the six major Yang-style tai chi movements, taking about 25 minutes to complete. Tai chi is known for developing balance, strength, and flexibility. It is a form of meditation in movement. In this class we will review the first 36 forms in a workshop environment. Additional forms will be taught as the group is ready.

This is the shortest of the six major Yang-style tai chi movements, taking about six minutes to complete. Tai chi is known for developing balance, strength, and flexibility. It is a form of meditation in movement. In this class you will learn all 24 forms and by the end be able to join other groups wherever you go.

Join us for a leisurely walk of up to four miles along the tree-lined shore of Paradise Lake. Let's connect with nature in a way that stimulates our senses and unclutters our minds while enlivening our bodies with easy walking. Let your to-do list take a back seat for a while and allow the nurturing energy of Mother Nature to slow you down as you appreciate the tranquility of your surroundings.

This class is for both beginning and experienced birders. Through observation and the use of binoculars, field guides, and birding apps, class participants learn to identify birds in their natural habitat. We will meet once a month at different birding locations for field trips that may involve 1-2 miles of walking.

This class is for students who have taken the "Birding in the Chico Area" class more than once. We will not cover birding basics and will spend more time in the field. We will meet once a month at different locations for field trips that may involve 2-3 miles of walking.

No previous Tai Chi experience is necessary. All the movements are slow and gentle, and no martial arts applications will be taught or practiced in this study group. These methods may help lessen body pain, correct spinal misalignment, cultivate a sense of internal energy, and rest the mind. Participants can wear comfortable roomy or stretchy clothing and some soft tai chi shoes or socks to wear on their feet.

Sutter Buttes State Park is one of the newer state parks in California and has no public access. We will meet with park staff for an exclusive tour of the beautiful Peace Valley where we will learn about the unique geology of the land, explore several historic and prehistoric cultural features, and observe and identify abundant wildflowers and birds. This is a 3-4 mile moderately difficult cross-country hike over uneven, rocky terrain with some short, steep hills and possible stream crossings.

Everyone can have better balance! Balance improves with practice under safe and friendly conditions. Participants will explore balance while sitting, standing, and moving through space, including walking in all directions. Participants will learn how various factors affect balance (and what to do about it), including muscle strength, flexibility, vision, vestibular sense, proprioception, coordination, and cognition. Come experience the art, science, and joy of re-establishing your body's stability and mobility.

Everyone can have better balance! Balance improves with practice under safe and friendly conditions. Participants will explore balance while sitting, standing, and moving through space, including walking in all directions. Participants will learn how various factors affect balance (and what to do about it), including muscle strength, flexibility, vision, vestibular sense, proprioception, coordination, and cognition. Participants will be asked to stay within their comfort zone while challenging themselves slightly. Come experience the art, science, and joy of re-establishing your body's stability and mobility.

Physical well-being allows us to live our longest, most capable, and fulfilling lives. Come ensure your well-being through mobility exercises. We'll practice balance, strength, agility, and flexibility movements that improve your mobility. Each class follows a similar routine that can be done at home, allowing you to look after the health of your body for many years to come. All ability levels are welcome. Please wear comfy clothing. Your body will thank you!

Physical well-being allows us to live our longest, most capable, and fulfilling lives. Come ensure your well-being through mobility exercises. We'll practice balance, strength, agility and flexibility movements that improve your mobility. Each class follows a similar routine that can be done at home, allowing you to look after the health of your body for many years to come. All ability levels are welcome. Please wear comfy clothing. Your body will thank you!

Let go of stress and come home to yourself. Over millennia, the sages of the Himalayan Yoga Tradition developed highly effective methods of movement, relaxation, and meditation. In this study group you will learn foundational practices from the Himalayan Yoga Tradition. Each session will have three phases: gentle movement and breathing, deep relaxation, and meditation. Members can expect to leave this class refreshed. Please note that the movements taught in this study group are not acrobatics. They are suitable for people with no yoga experience. If you've attended yoga classes and found them to be too strenuous or otherwise challenging, this study group is for you.

Stretch your body and relax your mind with one hour of gentle yoga. The instructor specializes in making yoga accessible to everyone at any age or physical condition. There is always a way to practice yoga. This class will include some discussion and lecture on the philosophy of yoga.

360-degree views will be one of the highlights of this moderate hike (4.5 miles round trip, 650' elevation gain). Our path will follow the Pacific Crest Trail into fir forest and then onto the ridge between Cub Creek and Butt Creek. Along the way we'll take opportunities to enjoy and learn about the flora and fauna. From our lunch spot atop the ridge we'll have beautiful views of Lassen and other nearby and distant mountains. Our pace will be leisurely. Bring your camera!

We will explore the beautiful Bobelaine Audubon Sanctuary, hiking 5-6 miles of gorgeous, pristine riparian habitat. Mostly flat, but can be uneven and muddy depending on the weather. You should be fit for moving at a quick pace. We will hike through mature oak forest, open grassland, sloughs, a small lake, mixed riparian woodland, and the west bank of the Feather River with over 200 bird species reported.

This class is for women who have completed the initial HOOFers class and are now part of the ever-expanding women's hiking community of HOOFers. Skipping the required lecture component of the initial class, we will practically apply and expand our skills during our scheduled hikes. We will focus on problem-solving skills, expanding our navigation skills, and discussing and practicing safety and emergency skills.

This is an introductory class for the those with little to no experience. Topics covered will be equipment; safety; entering, exiting, and maneuvering the vessel; and self rescue. You can choose to focus on kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, or both. The class will include a short lecture, followed by on the water instruction, supervised practice, and a paddle up the shoreline. You will have ample opportunity to use your newly learned skills while enjoying the peace, beauty, and wildlife on the Forebay.

Join us for an outdoor adventure exploring an interesting place in our community. Our walk will be approximately 1-3 miles on relatively flat, even surfaces. We will meander at a leisurely pace. Participants should be comfortable walking and standing for up to two hours. We will be visiting the Mendocino National Forest Chico Seed Orchard where Vickie Stoll will lead us on a tour focusing on the flora, fauna, and history of the Chico Seed Orchard.

Join us for an outdoor adventure exploring an interesting place in our community. Our walk will be approximately 1-3 miles on relatively flat, even surfaces. We will meander at a leisurely pace. Participants should be comfortable walking and standing for up to two hours. Lynn Haskell will lead us on a tour to view and learn about a variety of Downtown Chico artworks, including sculptures, murals, tiled benches, and fountains.

An adventurous way to travel through Oroville! Wildlife abounds on this section of the Feather River. Numerous types of birds, waterfowl, raptors, and even otters can be observed while paddling downstream. You will learn some water safety signals and moving water boat handling skills. We will then travel downstream through the local riparian landscape in either a single or double inflatable kayak.

This low-impact, physically active kayak adventure is a great way to view the ecology of the area. There is abundant wildlife, including many species of waterfowl and raptors. We will be paddling on open flat water in either a single or tandem kayak. Our paddling trip will take us to an island in the Thermalito Afterbay.

Where safety meets socialization! Join Butte County Public Health for walks around Chico and learn how to be a safer pedestrian every time you leave your house. Pedestrian safety is an important topic, as everyone is a pedestrian. During this class we will go for social walks, identify how we can get around safer, and get to know each other all at the same time. Safety items will be provided to participants of the class and each walk is about 1.5 miles long.

Tai Chi for Arthritis was developed in 1997 and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Arthritis often gets worse without proper exercise. Tai Chi for Arthritis helps to improve muscular strength, flexibility, balance, cardiorespiratory fitness, and clarity of mind. The gentle and slow movements help to improve the flow of energy and healing, and it is enjoyable and calming.

Tap dance involves rhythmic, percussive, and precise movement of the feet while promoting the flow and individual style of the entire body. Classes will include warm-up, structured movement phrases that will build in complexity, and creative explorations. All levels are welcome. Good standing balance is recommended.

Tap dance involves rhythmic, percussive, and precise movement of the feet while promoting the flow and individual style of the entire body. Classes will include warm-up, structured movement phrases that will build in complexity, and creative explorations. All levels are welcome. Good standing balance is recommended.

Join us for our Wednesday morning park walks! If you want to start a walking habit, add to your daily step count, spend a morning with old and new friends, or just enjoy beautiful Lower Park, lace up your shoes and join us. Each week, you have the opportunity to choose a 1-mile route looping at Hwy 99 or a 2.8-mile route looping at the 2nd bridge (Cedar Grove).

We'll hike a moderate 4.5 miles with 450 feet of elevation gain along Colby Creek, on forest trails, and through meadows filled with wildflowers. The trailhead is at 4,750 feet, high enough to escape the valley heat. Our pace will be leisurely, with time to take photographs, observe and identify wildflowers and birds, enjoy the views, and make new friends. Team up with other women to enjoy a fun day outdoors!

Learn fun social dances from around the world, including Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Greece, Israel, Scotland, and the United States. Line, circle, and couple dances. No partner required.

This class is a chance for you to explore and reveal your truest movement potential. The class starts with a gentle warm-up for the body-mind-spirit. It progresses to movement phrases guided by the teacher and interpreted by you for your own best interests. Dancers will explore time, flow, breath, weight, space, balance, imagery, focus, memory, relationships, harmony, and disharmony. Maybe you will also unlearn some movement habits that no longer serve you.