Yoga & Tai Chi
Tai Chi – Boost (Thursday, 10:00-11:30)
Leader: Laurie Jeffrey
Capacity: 55
Location: WSUC Gym
This is primarily a practice session for those registered in Introductory Tai Chi class. Beginners who wish to improve their knowledge and execution of the 108 moves will have an extra day of practice and the opportunity to work with continuing students. This class will benefit anyone trying to improve their Tai Chi moves. This class follows the same format as the introductory class and will pick up where we left off before the Christmas break. As it does not fill to capacity, the priority will be set at Priority 4 so that applicants will not have to choose.
Tai Chi – Introductory Part 2 (Tuesday, 9:00-10:00; 10:30-11:30)
Leader: Carmen Grosse
Capacity: 35; 35
Location: WSUC Gym
Introductory Tai Chi involves learning a sequence of moves comprising 108 movements in addition to some exercises over several months that gradually and gently work to improve balance, strengthen all aspects of the body, promote greater flexibility and reduce tension. This style of Tai Chi is based on the teaching of Mr. Moy Lin-shin, a Taoist monk who came to Canada in 1970. Each week 3-4 moves are taught for beginners. Comfortable clothing and flat soled indoor shoes are all that is required. Regular attendance is encouraged as each week’s lesson is built upon the previous week. Only participants already participating in the class should apply. Anyone with previous Tai Chi experience (but not registered) can also apply. The leader will contact you for details. The course will continue in January from where we left off before the Christmas break. The priority is sent to Priority 4 so that applicants will not need to rate.
Tai Chi – Continuing (Monday, 10:30-12:00)
Leader: Doug Cartan
Capacity: 50
Location: WSUC Gym
This style of Tai Chi follows the form introduced by Mr. (Master) Moy Lin-shin. Instruction for this session will emphasize the back half of the Tai Chi set (a set review from moves 56 to 108). Elements of the set such as spinal turning, sitting and stretching will be emphasized in addition to proper alignment in each of the moves. Students must have completed a beginners Tai Chi course in Mr. Moy’s style and be prepared to work diligently in the company of others. All moves can be adapted to a student’s capability as they deepen their understanding of the basic Tai Chi set. Flat soled shoes are recommended. This activity will accept all students who apply.
Tai Chi – Practice (Friday, 10:30-12:00)
Leader: John Pyl
Capacity: 50
Location: WSUC Gym
This class is a Tai Chi practice session, with little or no specific instruction. Usually, three sets of the 108 Tai Chi moves are performed with a short break in between. Sets are usually accompanied by music. During the break participants join together for coffee and snacks in the WSUC Friday breakfast room. Participants must know the 108 moves of the set to participate. This class does not exceed capacity therefore it is set to Priority 4 as the only option.
Chair Yoga (Tuesday, Thursday, 9:00-10:00)
Leader: Ross Thomson
Capacity: 100
Location: Memorial Centre Hall
We’ve all noticed as we age we start to lose flexibility and strength which slowly leads towards giving up a lot of the things we love to do. Chair Yoga is an excellent exercise option for seniors of all fitness levels who have joint issues or are unable to stand for long periods of time. While using the chair, we combine proper body movements with breathing techniques to improve flexibility, strength, balance and mental health. Chair yoga is a great foundation for sustaining a healthy body and happy mind. Participants should wear comfortably loose clothing so that they can easily move and stretch. Participant selection will be given to those who rate this activity as a high priority with fewer activity selections. If there are many applicants who choose a high priority for this activity, we may need to use a lottery system to select participants.
Chair Yoga (Friday, 9:00-10:00)
Leader: Joanne Hanley
Capacity: 60
Location: Memorial Centre Hall
Exercise is one of the many activities that can become more difficult as we age. However, movement is incredibly important for both our bodies and minds. Thankfully, there are many ways to adjust exercises to make them more accessible! Chair yoga is a form of yoga that modifies traditional yoga poses so they can be done while seated or standing on the ground while using the chair for support. A chair will help with your stability and balance, allowing you to focus on the poses. This makes yoga accessible to individuals who may find standard yoga poses challenging, including seniors, those with mobility issues, or people recovering from injuries. Chair yoga is not just a practice but a journey towards better health and well-being. Incorporating a daily routine of chair yoga can improve flexibility, muscle tone, joint pain, and mental well-being. Start your chair yoga journey and embrace the path to a healthier, more flexible, and tranquil you. For your comfort and to aid in modifying some postures please bring a tie/strap, and blocks. A regular men’s tie or bath robe tie can be used. Blocks and straps can be purchased at the dollar store. Layer your clothing as you may get warm and cool off at the end of class. Participant selection will be given to those who rate this activity as a high priority with fewer activity selections.
Mat Yoga (Monday, 1:15-2:15)
Leader: Jo-Anne Hanley
Capacity: 47
Location: Salvation Army
The yoga class will begin with a grounding and calming breath meditation. You will then be led through a gentle class focusing on flowing from pose to pose, and linking the movement with the breath. Participants will be introduced to yoga postures through step-by-step verbal description and demonstration. You can expect an emphasis on simplicity, repetition, and ease of movement. Full-body relaxation and balance are the goals, as we make a full circuit of the body’s range of motion with standing postures, twists, backbends, forward folds, and hip openers. For your comfort and to aid in modifying some postures please bring a yoga mat, blanket, tie/strap, and blocks. A regular men’s tie or bath robe tie can be used, blocks, mats, straps can be purchased at the dollar store for a reasonable cost. Layer your clothing as you will get warm and cool off at the end of class. You may want to bring socks with grippers on the bottom if you are not comfortable with bare feet. To enjoy the full experience of this class it is best if you are able to move from the floor to standing easily. If you have recently had a knee or hip replacement or have difficulty kneeling, chair yoga may be the better option to start your yoga journey. Participant selection will be those who rate this activity at a high priority and consideration to those with fewer activity selections.
Yoga: Pilates Intermediate (Wednesday, 11:45-12:45)
Leader: Kim Wark
Capacity: 50
Location: WSUC Gym
All your favourite poses, slow and steady. This includes sun salutations, warrior poses, core exercises, and hip and back openers. We do standing, kneeling and lying down poses. Beginners are welcome; poses have options for different abilities and to accommodate injuries. You should have good mobility in your hips, knees, shoulders, back and wrists. The benefits of the class are prevention of injuries, increased range of motion, increased strength, improved balance and relaxation. Be forewarned that you will feel some soreness the next day, which is a sign of muscle repair and growth! Bring a yoga mat, a water bottle, and wear bare feet and workout clothes. Acoustic pop music plays in the background. Select Priority 4 because this class has plenty of room.