Fitness   

Class Overview

Research shows that anyone who has successfully defended themselves in an attack had a few things in common. They recognized the threatening situation quickly, clearly defended their boundaries, and used physical means when it was necessary. During this comprehensive self-defense course, learn to recognize potentially unsafe situations and protect yourself with confidence. Discover the ploys and manipulation commonly used by attackers or people who seek to harm you. Learn and practice releases from common grabs. Discover how to use your body language and voice to deter attacks. Learn how you can assess risks to defuse, deescalate or evade before a physical assault ever happens. This is a progressive skill-building course. Come prepared to challenge yourself and enjoy the self confidence you will gain!

Learning Outcomes

Participants will gain a basic understanding of personal safety and self-defense in order to:

• recognize “red flags” that someone may mean harm
• use their “exit strategy” skills to thwart intended harm
• use physical skills to disable an attacker and escape, if necessary
• seek support and appropriate self-care after an intended assault

Who Should Take this Class?

• Anyone who wishes to learn everyday personal safety and self-defense skills

In the Media

Class Overview

As people age, most of us become less active and less mobile, and we sit tend to more. This is normal, and as a result, our bodies stiffen up. In this rewarding workshop, learn the power of breathing and how you can improve the quality of your breathing and have better movement as a result.

Did you know that the diaphragm is the primary muscle we use for respiration and it also becomes flabby and weak? If you want to move better in your daily life, or perform at your highest level when you exercise, practicing better breathing is the key. 

Learn to breath optimally and to strengthen your diaphragm by doing exercises that feel good. Enjoy the freedom and sense of well-being that comes from feeling better overall, increasing your looseness and mobility, and sending oxygen more fully to all parts of your body. 

Please wear comfortable clothes when you attend this online workshop. No prior knowledge of biology and related subject required. This course is part of our Senior Series, courses designed for older students offered during the daytime on diverse topics, though students of all ages are welcome!

Learning Outcomes

During/by the end of the workshop, students will: 

• understand the basic knowledge about the diaphragmatic muscle and the intercostal muscles 
• learn about B (breath), R (relax), A (joint alignment), I (isolation), N (nurturing movement ability)
• practice techniques of maintaining natural alignment of the spine through postural breathing techniques
• maximize safety and effectiveness by exhaling on the movement involving exertion and inhale on the return movement

Who Should Take This Class?

• Anyone who wishes to improve body movement
• Those who wish to learn better breathing to get rid of mental stress and body stiffness
• Everyone who would like to learn how breathing connects to body movements in general
• People who are interested in safe and effective increase in mobility through relaxation in limited space and time
• This course is part of our Senior Series, courses designed for older students offered during the daytime on diverse topics, though students of all ages are welcome!

Class Overview

Tai Chi is a health sustaining exercise and a tool for improved body awareness. Practiced by the elderly for balance and circulation and the young for relaxation and martial arts, it is a wonderful holistic activity for all ages.

During this class, you'll learn:

• the Yang Tai Chi short form, which is comprised of 35 individual movements
• Chi Kung, a warm-up exercise and relaxation activity with 18 movements
• elements of Chinese Medical Philosophy, such as Yin/Yang theory and Five Elements transformation
• the basics of Taoist philosophy

We'll focus on learning the entire Yang short form, and you'll receive guidance in developing your own regular practice at home.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this class, you will be able to:

• learn basic warm-up stretches to improve your overall movement
• discover the Yang-style short form of Tai Chi
• practice the Yang-style under the direction of an expert instructor
• gain knowledge about the history and background of Tai Chi

Who Should Take this Class?

• Individuals seeking a low-impact exercise routine
• Anyone interested in improving their coordination and balance
• People interested in developing their focus, relaxation and overall wellness