Health and Fitness

Senior Softball: The Retreads

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 9:00-11:00am

We have warm ups and batting practice at 9 AM  every Tuesday and Thursday from March until mid October. The warm ups are followed by a 9 inning scrimmage game with first pitch at   9:30.  Get out your softball shoes and glove and have a ball! The Retreads welcome all fitness and experience levels, as long as you’re 55+ (men) or 40+ (women). Most players are 65+. We believe in teamwork—sluggers can request a runner to cover the bases! There is a $25 fee payable to the Retreads that helps to pay for equipment, awards, web site and other expenses. For more information visit  www.charlottesvilleretreads.org

Open to all.

Location: Darden Towe Park

Contact: Larry Stremikis 434-328-2420

Primetime Fitness (ON SITE)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 9:15-10:15am

MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS, 9:15 AM

Join certified instructor, Maggie Schmidt for this class designed to build cardio-vascular strength, tone your muscles, and improve balance. It includes low-impact aerobics, body toning and stretching exercises. Appropriate for all fitness levels. Wear good athletic shoes and comfortable clothes.

REGISTER BELOW.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Primetime Fitness (ONLINE)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 9:15-10:15am

MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS, 9:15 AM

THE FEE FOR STANDARD MEMBERS WILL BE $38/MONTH including Wednesday's class. (IT IS FREE FOR PRIME/CHARTER MEMBERS) 

Join certified instructor, Maggie Schmidt for this class designed to build cardio-vascular strength, tone your muscles, and improve balance. It includes low-impact aerobics, body toning and stretching exercises. Appropriate for all fitness levels. Wear good athletic shoes and comfortable clothes.

Wednesday's Online class will be taught by Carolyn Altenderfer and will have a seperate online access link.

 YOU WILL RECEVE THE ZOOM LINK IN AN EMAIL RECEIPT ONCE YOU REGISTER BELOW.

Members only.

Location: Online

Low Impact Exercise Class (Online)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 10:00-11:00am

Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 30–April 22, 10:00–10:30 am

Join Joanne Coleman, a nurse practitioner trained in exercise physiology, for four weeks of low impact exercise via Zoom (30 minutes twice a week). If you have limited exercise tolerance and mobility, this is for you. Sessions will focus on increasing joint mobility, building exercise tolerance, and more. At the end of this class, you should feel comfortable choosing exercise programs to continue regularly. Free and open to all. Email Joanne to register. 

Open to all.

Location: Online

Arthritis Exercise (ON SITE)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 10:30-11:30am

Class is held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 am.

Exercise is important for joint motion and muscle strength. Maggie Schmidt leads this entry-level class, following the Arthritis Foundation Program, to help those with arthritis get moving again. A chair is used for balance. Come to class in comfortable clothing and athletic shoes with stability.

REGISTER BELOW. 

Members only.

Location: The Center

Arthritis Exercise (Online)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 10:30-11:30am

Class is held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 am.

Exercise is important for joint motion and muscle strength. Maggie Schmidt leads this entry-level class, following the Arthritis Foundation Program, to help those with arthritis get moving again. A chair is used for balance. Come to class in comfortable clothing and athletic shoes with stability.

YOU WILL RECEIVE THE ZOOM LINK IN AN EMAIL RECEIPT ONCE YOU REGISTER BELOW.

Members only.

Location: Online

Beginning Line Dance (Online)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 1:00-2:30pm

Every Tuesday and Friday!  

WILL MEET VIA ZOOM on TUESDAYS. 

WILL MEET ON-SITE at THE CENTER ON FRIDAYS! No need to sign up if you plan to attend on-site.

If you've never line danced before or have done a little here and there, this class is for you! Clear a space in your home and join in the fun! For instructions on how to join in via ZOOM, email program leader, Celia Pfautz at least one hour prior to the start of class. 

Members only.

Location: Online

Chair Yoga (ON SITE)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 2:00-3:00pm

Also meets online Mondays and Thursdays 

Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support. Chair Yoga is one of the gentlest forms of yoga available. Complicated maneuvers and complex movements are not present in a chair yoga class. Within this type of yoga class, you can cover standing, seated and prone postures. Students can learn many kinds of yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and ways of relaxation, with the aid of a chair. This class is taught by member Julie Horne. Free for Prime and Standard Members.

CLASS IS FULL FOR APRIL! Please join the Monday and Thursday online class.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Move to the Rhythm Dance Party (ON SITE)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 3:30-4:30pm

It’s exercise and it’s fun! Move to a mixture of African rhythms and “old school” grooves. Join instructor Denise Zeigler-Pilgrim for this low-mid impact aerobic class that focuses on balance, flexibility, and cardio. 

REGISTRATION REQUIRED BELOW.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Move to the Rhythm Dance Party (ONLINE)

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 | 3:30-4:30pm

It’s exercise and it’s fun! Move to a mixture of African rhythms and “old school” grooves. Join instructor Denise Zeigler-Pilgrim for this low-mid impact aerobic class that focuses on balance, flexibility, and cardio. For Center members only.

REGISTER IN ADVANCE BELOW. YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL RECEIPT WITH INFORMATION ON HOW TO OBTAIN THE ZOOM LINK.

Members only.

Location: Online

Tai Chi (ON SITE)

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 8:30-9:30am

Stimulate your immune system, lower your blood pressure, decrease your stress and improve your balance: That’s not a bad scorecard for one hour’s worth of exercise each day! If you can walk, you can play. 

About the Exercise The exercise is simple -- in a series of movements based on a Taoist martial art, participants slowly relearn how to balance, purposefully shifting weight from side to side and then increasing the difficulty of the movements. The slow movements not only redefine balance, but also provide a workout similar to the old Charles Atlas "dynamic tension" exercises for muscle development. Participants currently range in age from 50 to 94 and allowances are made for personal stamina, strength, medical history, and ability. The atmosphere is relaxed and easy-going; participants running late for class are welcome to join in whenever they arrive.

REGISTER BELOW .

Members only.

Location: The Center

Tai Chi Mornings (ONLINE)

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 8:30-9:30am

Stimulate your immune system, lower your blood pressure, decrease your stress and improve your balance: That’s not a bad scorecard for one hour’s worth of exercise each day! If you can walk, you can play. Visitors are welcome to try it out! Taught by Bryan McKenzie. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:45am-9:45am - beginners should start on a Monday.

Background The Center has offered Tai Ji (an alternate spelling of Tai Chi) for 14 years. The teaching method allows participants to learn health aspects of the discipline, its connection to Chinese medical theory, meditation techniques for relaxation and to bolster the immune system, and even self-defense techniques. The system is based on the Three Emperors style of martial arts taught by Wang Zhenhua, a former coach at Beijing University. The Center’s program was initiated by Mr. Wang’s student, John Alton, Charlottesville resident and someone recognized by the Chinese government as an expert in Chinese health practices. Lei Xilai, an instructor who came to the states from the Beijing area, taught advanced classes at The Center and introduced new forms to the class. The current instructor, Bryan McKenzie, has taught for the past 12 years. Bryan is a student of Mr. Lei and Mr. Alton. Bryan leads the TaiJi group with a clear mind, with firm hands and a warm heart, and above all with gentle words. He has a great sense of humor and no pretense at all.

About the Exercise The exercise is simple -- in a series of movements based on a Taoist martial art, participants slowly relearn how to balance, purposefully shifting weight from side to side and then increasing the difficulty of the movements. The slow movements not only redefine balance, but also provide a workout similar to the old Charles Atlas "dynamic tension" exercises for muscle development. Participants currently range in age from 50 to 94 and allowances are made for personal stamina, strength, medical history, and ability. The atmosphere is relaxed and easy-going; participants running late for class are welcome to join in whenever they arrive.

YOU WILL RECEIVE THE ZOOM LINK ONCE YOU REGISTER BELOW:

Members only.

Location: Online

Hiking-Wednesday (Offsite)

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 9:00-10:00am

The Center hiking group hikes on Mondays and Wednesdays. We hike in many different areas, including in Shenandoah National Park, along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around Charlottesville. Hikes are chosen by the hike leaders and range in length from  approximately 6-7 miles on Mondays and 6 -10 miles on Wednesdays. Total elevation gain can range between 600 to 2500 feet. Click here to view the 2021 hike schedule.

Please dress appropriately for hiking in the mountains, including rain gear, and hiking shoes or boots. Trekking poles are highly recommended and traction devices for boots may be necessary in winter. Bring lunch, snacks, 2-3 liters of water, a hat, and wear layers. Bug spray and sunscreen are a must in summer. Dogs are not allowed.

During this time of Covid, some of our procedures are very different.  We are only having nine hikers plus the hike leader on every hike. This is for the safety of everyone. Physical distancing is practiced throughout the day. We have a hikers email google group. The hike leaders send out emails about the hikes on Fridays for the Monday hikes and Sundays for the Wednesday hikes. Sign up is on a first come first serve basis. There is no carpooling and everyone is responsible for meeting at the trailheads. We meet at the trailheads at 9:00 am. This time may change in winter. Directions are included in the hike emails.  

We encourage a spirit of camaraderie and welcome new hikers to try it out! Due to the smaller groups during the pandemic, hikers must be Center members in good standing.

Please keep in mind that there are inherent risks in hiking, as in any vigorous activity. We always take care of each other but everyone is responsible for their own safety. Since hiking is such a vigorous activity, we do send a more detailed description of our hiking group and the expectations to all new hikers. 

If you have any questions or would like to be put on the email list, please contact Anne Colgate at annecolgate@gmail.com

Hike leaders:

Anne Colgate- annecolgate@gmail.com

Terry Metcalf- kerroppimom@gmail.com

Maynard Davis-davismk@sbcglobal.net

Steve Braintwain- sbraintwain@comcast.net

Hassan Gomaa-hassangomaa@yahoo.com

Members only.

Location: Offsite

Primetime Fitness (ONLINE) Wednesday

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 9:15-10:15am

THE FEE FOR STANDARD MEMBERS WILL BE $38/MONTH. (IT IS FREE FOR PRIME/CHARTER MEMBERS). Fee includes all classes M-F for the month.

Join certified instructor, Carolyn Altenderfer for this class designed to build cardio-vascular strength, tone your muscles, and improve balance. It includes low-impact aerobics, body toning and stretching exercises. Appropriate for all fitness levels. Wear good athletic shoes and comfortable clothes.

Wednesday's Online class will be taught by Carolyn Altenderfer and will have a separate online access link.

YOU WILL RECEIVE THE ZOOM LINK IN A RECEIPT EMAIL ONCE YOU REGISTER BELOW.

Members only.

Location: Online

Tone and Groove (ON SITE)

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 9:45-10:45am

Wednesdays and Fridays beginning April 7, 9:45-10:45 am

In this class you will gently strengthen your stabilizing muscles and core, shake off tension, exercise your cardiovascular system, but most importantly, have fun! Join Christine Bostic.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BELOW.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Hearing Health (ON SITE AND ONLINE)

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 10:00-11:00am

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81550481374

Meeting ID: 815 5048 137

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Senior Fitness (ON SITE)

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

Senior Fitness is an active class that instructs functional fitness. No matter your age or current physical condition, this class will focus on the foundations for strength, mobility, endurance and flexibility. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast or new to group classes, you can modify this class to meet your needs. Come join Alex, The Center’s fitness coordinator, for an engaging class that will help you get active and stay active!  Free for Members!

REGISTER BELOW.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Ageless Grace (ONLINE)

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 1:00-2:00pm

Meets every Monday and Wednesday, 1:00-2:00 pm 

A new and fun way to move that includes a chair (seated dancing; standing is optional)! great music from 40's big bands to today’s music, creativity and a sense of humor! A mind-body program designed by fitness specialists to stimulate the whole body-head to toe- as you listen, recall, move and sing along with hit tunes, promoting a sense of well-being and joy.

What makes this program more interesting and enriching is that Ageless Grace® is both a body and brain exercise. Ageless Grace® is based on the science of neuroplasticity: the ability of the brain and nervous system to change its structure and function, and to continue to change it throughout our lives, to keep us youthful and vital.

Each of the 21 exercise tools emphasizes a different technique, such as joint mobility, spinal flexibility, right-left brain coordination, kinesthetic learning, cognitive function, systemic health, balance, self-esteem, confidence and playfulness.

These classes are led by Sheila Queen, Certified Educator.  

YOU WILL RECEIVE INFO ON HOW TO JOIN IN ONCE YOU REGISTER BELOW:

Members only.

Location: Online

Square Dancing Lessons - (ON SITE)

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 2:00-3:00pm

Jim Hassmer, a member of The Virginia Reelers Square Dance Club will guide participants in learning the 71 basic movements of 8-person square dancing. All levels are welcome! Terrific fun as well as good for your brain, body, and social life. Free and open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Ping Pong (ON SITE)

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 2:30-3:30pm

We've got the ping pong tables, paddles, and ping pong balls! Now we need you, no matter what your skill level is. Stop by anytime during the scheduled event for an informal game. Free to members.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Tap Dancing Lessons - Beginners (ON SITE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 10:30-11:30am

Classes are taught by Diana Freeman, a Royal Academy of Dance Instructor.  Diana has taught ballet and tap for over 40 years.  She was also a member of a Seniors Tap Dance team, competing in European championships and winning three consecutive years in two categories.  Tap dance offers a fun way to exercise.  If you "used to" tap, it's not too late to dust off your tap shoes and re-learn this skill.

Standard Members - $40/month; Prime Members - included in membership

REGISTRATION REQUIRED BELOW.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Chair Yoga (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 10:30-11:30am

Meets every Monday and Thursday at 10:30 am

Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support. Chair Yoga is one of the gentlest forms of yoga available. Complicated maneuvers and complex movements are not present in a chair yoga class. Within this type of yoga class, you can cover standing, seated and prone postures. Students can learn many kinds of yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and ways of relaxation, with the aid of a chair. This class is taught by member Julie Horne. Please email Sam Johnson for instuctions on how to join the class.

Members only.

Location: Online

Balance and Stabilization (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 11:45-12:45pm

Class will not meet on 4/8/21

This class utilizes a unique blend of the world’s best exercise methods to give you long-lasting joint health, unparalleled strength, greater ranges of motion and injury prevention. Your workouts should inspire your potential and fuel your passions. Join Alex Waltrip, fitness coordinator for this very beneficial class. Appropriate for all fitness levels. 

For Center members: $30/month for standard members; Free for Prime/Charter Members). Registration is required for all.

YOU WILL RECEIVE THE ZOOM LINK ONCE YOU REGISTER BELOW.

Members only.

Location: Online

Balance and Stabilization (ON SITE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 11:45-12:45pm

Class will not be held on 4/8/21!

This class utilizes a unique blend of the world’s best exercise methods to give you long-lasting joint health, unparalleled strength, greater ranges of motion and injury prevention. Your workouts should inspire your potential and fuel your passions. Join Alex Waltrip, fitness coordinator for this very beneficial class. Appropriate for all fitness levels. 

This class will be taught on-site and also ZOOMED. If you plan to join by ZOOM, email Alex at least one day prior to the start of the first class to obtain the link.

For Center members: $30/month for standard members; Free for Prime/Charter Members). Registration is required for all.

Register below.

Members only.

Location: The Center

NIA - Moving to Heal (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 12:00-1:00pm

Nia is a holistic fitness practice that combines dance, martial arts & healing arts (mindfulness). It is based on the intelligent design of the body. Each workout brings mindfulness to your dance movement experience that will leave you feeling energized, mentally clear and emotionally balanced. It is non-impact, done barefoot and is adaptable to individual needs and abilities.

Nia Moving to Heal is a modified Nia experience, designed for anybody seeking a gentler movement practice to complement and facilitate healing of body, mind, emotions, and spirit. This class will help you feel better move by move, breath by breath. Each class has a focus & intention to assist you in “Dancing Through Life”.

For over 35 years Nia has been helping people use movement to feel better. Your body is designed to move! No matter what your physical circumstances, you can use movement as medicine.

Join Sheila Queen, NIA Blue Belt and Moving to Heal Instructor.

ONCE YOU REGISTER BELOW (IN ADVANCE), YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL RECEIPT WITH INFORMATION ON HOW TO OBTAIN THE ZOOM LINK.

Members only.

Location: Online

Unwind Yoga (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 12:00-1:00pm

In this class you will use various movement approaches including: somatics, qi gung, restorative and hatha yoga to deeply relax the nervous system, gently release tight muscles, connect with our respiratory systems via the practice of both control and release of breath. Christine Bostic is the instructor. Space is limited. For Center members. Prime members - free; Standard members - $25/month. 

ONCE YOU REGISTER BELOW, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL RECEIPT WITH THE ZOOM LINK AND PASSCODE.

Members only.

Location: Online

International Folk Dance (ON SITE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 2:30-3:30pm

Come and learn an International Folk Dance or two!  You’re invited to learn and dance along to a few easy to learn folk dances. This is a great class for beginners! Dance along or just watch and listen to the music.  We’ll have dances from countries such as Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria and others.  The class is currently also offered on Zoom. For instructions on how to join in the class with ZOOM, email Bill Shaw at wjshawiii@gmail.com  Free and open to the community.

Please register below.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Getting on Track with Your Fitness Program - (On-site)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 4:15-5:15pm

Make the most of your work out! Join experienced personal trainers, Pete Cross and Beth Valorz as they walk you through the many facets of an effective work out in The Center’s fitness room. You will learn about each machine, tracking your personal routine and more.  Space is limited to 6 people per session. Free for Prime members. $10 for Standard members.

The April 22 session is full. Register below for April 29.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Zumba (ON SITE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 4:30-5:15pm

Ditch the workout, join the party! Often called “exercise in disguise”, Zumba is a dance party inspired by Latin and international moves and music. The steps are easy to follow and adaptable to all fitness levels. Improve cardiovascular fitness, de-stress, and have fun! Join certified fitness instructor, Christine Thalwitz who has been dancing and teaching group exercise in the Charlottesville area for more than 30 years. Standard members and guests- $25/month; Prime members are free!

REGISTRATION REQUIRED BELOW.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Intermediate Line Dance (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 22, 2021 | 6:15-8:15pm

Open to all.

Location: Online

Friday Fitness with Alex (ONLINE)

Friday, April 23, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

FRIDAYS, 11:00 AM  

This class will be a hybrid of Senior Fitness and Balance and Stabilization. Join Alex for a combination of both aerobic strength training and exercises that are designed to develop better balance. Free for Center members

ONCE YOU REGISTER BELOW, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL RECEIPT WITH THE ZOOM LINK.

Members only.

Location: Online

Pressing Reset (On site)

Friday, April 23, 2021 | 11:30-12:30pm

THIS CLASS WAS PREVIOUSLY ORIGINAL STRENGTH...   CLASS WILL NOT MEET ON 4/9/21

When you were a child, you experienced life through your body. Through learning how to move, you nourished and developed your brain and your body. From the beginning, you were pre-programmed to move with grace, fluidity, strength and power through your original movement patterns. No one needed to teach these movements to you; as a baby your body just knew to do them. 

As adults we stopped exploring our world through movement. Generally, we stopped using our bodies and became stagnant. There are things we believe we can no longer do due to fear, pain or lack of health. This was never the truth! The truth is that you can be strong and move well your entire life. In this class we will PRESS RESET, returning to and retraining our bodies to their “factory settings” – the original movements which bring about healing, strength and resilience. You will move at your own pace as you explore your original strength.

Questions? Contact Beth at bethvalorz@gmail.com

PRESSING RESET! Finding Strength Through Original Movements Check it out with Beth Valorz Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Original Strength Trainer.

 REGISTRATION REQUIRED BELOW! SPACE IS LIMITED.

Members only.

Location: Onsite

Beginning Line Dance (ON SITE)

Friday, April 23, 2021 | 12:00-1:30pm

If you are fairly new to the word of line dance or have never tried it out, this class is for you. The beginner's class is for Center members.

EMAIL INSTRUCTOR,  CELIA PFAUTZ for inquiries.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Celia Pfautz ckpfautz@gmail.com

Improvers/Intermediate Line Dance (ON SITE)

Friday, April 23, 2021 | 1:30-4:00pm

This class is for those with some line dancing experience.  This class is held every Friday. Open to all.

Contact Celia Pfautz  for more information.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Contact: ckpfautz@gmail.com

Hiking-Monday (Offsite)

Monday, April 26, 2021 | 9:00-3:00pm

The Center hiking group hikes on Mondays and Wednesdays. We hike in many different areas, including in Shenandoah National Park, along the Blue Ridge Parkway and around Charlottesville. Hikes are chosen by the hike leaders and range in length from approximately 6-7 miles on Mondays and 6-10 miles on Wednesdays. Total elevation gain can range between 600 to 2500 feet. Click here to view the 2021 hike schedule. 

Please dress appropriately for hiking in the mountains, including rain gear, and hiking shoes or boots. Trekking poles are highly recommended and traction devices for boots may be necessary in winter. Bring lunch, snacks, 2-3 liters of water, a hat, and wear layers. Bug spray and sunscreen are a must in summer. Dogs are not allowed.

During this time of Covid, some of our procedures are very different.  We are only having nine hikers plus the hike leader on every hike. This is for the safety of everyone. Physical distancing is practiced throughout the day. We have a hikers email google group. The hike leaders send out emails about the hikes on Fridays for the Monday hikes and Sundays for the Wednesday hikes. Sign up is on a first come first serve basis. There is no carpooling and everyone is responsible for meeting at the trailheads. We meet at the trailheads at 9:00 am. This time may change in winter. Directions are included in the hike emails.  

We encourage a spirit of camaraderie and welcome new hikers to try it out. Due to the smaller groups during the pandemic, hikers must be Center members in good standing.

Please keep in mind that there are inherent risks in hiking, as in any vigorous activity. We always take care of each other but everyone is responsible for their own safety. Since hiking is such a vigorous activity, we do send a more detailed description of our hiking group and the expectations to all new hikers. 

If you have any questions or would like to be put on the email list, please contact Anne Colgate at annecolgate@gmail.com

Hike leaders:

Anne Colgate- annecolgate@gmail.com

Terry Metcalf- kerroppimom@gmail.com

Maynard Davis-davismk@sbcglobal.net

Steve Braintwain- sbraintwain@comcast.net

Hassan Gomaa-hassangomaa@yahoo.com

Members only.

Location: Offsite

Meditation on the Inner Light (ONLINE)

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | 2:00-3:00pm

Held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83919817100

Meeting ID: 839 1981 7100

Experience refreshing moments of calm, balance, and peace any time you want through meditation. As you relax, feel your stress melt away. Discover how meditation can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Benefits of Meditation for the Body

By alleviating stress, meditation can improve your physical health. One of the physical benefits includes reducing the risk of stress-related illnesses.  Medical researchers and doctors have reported the effects that stress has on the body. A number of illnesses are the result of stress. For this reason, medical practitioners recommend meditation to their patients to reduce stress levels. This includes meditating to decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. They recommend meditation to enhance the body’s immune response. Hospitals and medical clinics even offer classes in meditation to patients.

Benefits of Meditation for the Mind

Meditation produces a deep state of relaxation and a calm mind, providing mental benefits.  Studies have shown the positive effects meditation has on the brain and on improving memory. It also enhances concentration, attention, and focus. Meditation can improve concentration, whether one needs to concentrate for sports, education, work, or hobbies. When focused, we can increase our effectiveness and productivity. Sports figures and champion athletes have reported that meditation helps them to improve their focus to prepare for competing in their sport at the highest level.

Benefits of Meditation for the Emotions

Your emotional wellness, too, can be enhanced through meditation, resulting in inner tranquility and joy. Through meditation, you can reduce anxiety and depression that are caused by feelings of hopelessness and disappointments in life. When these are the result of emotions, such as feeling isolated or lonely, or a sense of sadness from dealing with life’s losses, meditation can supplement the support received from professionals.

When you meditate, you tap in to a place of happiness and peace. This increases a sense of positivity.  You realize that, beyond your daily problems that cause emotional pain, there is a pool of joy within that you can access and feel more joyous.  Meditation helps you to recharge, refresh, and rejuvenate.  When you feel happier, you are calmer and more balanced. This creates a ripple effect that will radiate to others.

Gerry Gorman, recently retired engineer, engineering manager, and business development executive has been a student and practitioner of meditation for over 40 years. He describes a very practical form of meditation and explores how a meditation practice can help each of us develop a healthier perspective to fully appreciate life. He and his wife, Penny, have been married for 38 years and have two grown sons. 

free

Open to all.

Location: Online

Colon Cancer Screening and Polyps with Dr. Lauren Carlini (ONLINE)

Thursday, April 29, 2021 | 3:00-4:00pm

The recommendations for when you should schedule colon cancer screenings and how frequently can be difficult to determine, even for a physician. These recommendations can change based on your family history and whether polyps (and polyp types) were found during prior colonoscopies. Doctors can help their patients navigate these complicated topics, but it is extremely helpful for you to be able to possess a baseline level of knowledge so you can better advocate for your health.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89736792257

Meeting ID: 897 3679 2257

About the Presenter:

Lauren Carlini is currently a second year gastroenterology fellow at UVA. She grew up in Texas, but has moved many places in the US for her education and medical training. She loved her time as a medical student at UVA so much that she decided to move back for her fellowship training after completing her internal medicine residency at Vanderbilt University. Her ties to The Center go back to her time in medical school, and she is excited to share information about colon cancer screening recommendations with its members.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Silver Swans Ballet Class

Monday, May 3, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

Whether you're a seasoned professional or brand new to dance, this class is a great way to move. Silver Swans (a program of the Charlottesville Ballet) incorporates classic ballet principles and will focus on flexibility, strength, and conditioning, but mostly on fun! Get on your toes and join instructor Maria Chee*. Center members free; Guests $6/class 

*Maria W. Chee holds a bachelor’s and master of arts in dance, a Ph.D. in anthropology, and a master of arts in anthropology. She studied ballet, modern, jazz; dance production; as well as dance history and research. She has taken classes at the Martha Graham School in New York, and has spent intensive sessions with Bella Lewinsky, members of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, and Ballet Jazz of Montreal. She has more than ten years of teaching experience as a state licensed teacher in adult education and as a lecturer at college level.

Registration required below.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Pathways to Flourishing Health Series (ONLINE ONLY)

Friday, May 7, 2021 | 12:00-1:00pm

Click on this Zoom link a few minutes before the program starts:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89510235564

If joining by telephone, dial
        +1 301 715 8592 

Meeting ID: 895 1023 5564
        

Open to all.

Location: Online

Intro to Kayaking at Beaver Creek Reservoir (Offsite)

Thursday, May 13, 2021 | 10:00-12:00pm

Learn how to confidently paddle a kayak on a lake with an instructor from the Rivanna River Company. You will learn about the equipment, terminology, and techniques of launching, landing, and maneuvering in a sit-on-top kayak. This session is suitable for beginners and anyone else who wants to improve their paddling skills. All necessary equipment is provided. Physical distancing will be observed by the instructor and participants during this all-outdoor class. Registration required, open to all. $60.00 per person. (Min: Participants= 6 Max Participants = 14)

Registration Link:

https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/rivannarivercompany/items/298431/availability/638162226/book/?full-items=yes 

Beaver Creek Reservoir Boat Ramp Parking Directions from Charlottesville: Take State Route 250 West towards Crozet; Cross over Mechums River, take immediate right onto State Route 680 Browns Gap Turnpike; Turn left into Park on Beaver Creek Park Road and follow this road until it ends at the boat ramp parking lot.  (Apparently using the address can be misleading in google maps)

Open to all.

Location: Beaver Creek Reservoir - Off Site

Move for Health with Darcy Higgins (On site and online))

Thursday, May 13, 2021 | 1:00-2:00pm

Open to all.

Location: Online

Adopt a More Active Lifestyle (ON SITE)

Friday, May 21, 2021 | 11:00-12:00pm

If you are getting older, this program is for you! Join experienced personal trainer and fitness instructor, Pete Cross as he discusses factors of aging that we can change, physical factors that can influence brain function and much more. Learn how you can make changes that can become healthy habits. Free for members. Registration required below. Space is limited.  

Members only.

Location: The Center

Diagnostic Radiology (ONLINE)

Thursday, May 27, 2021 | 3:00-4:00pm

Diagnostic Radiology is a medical specialization that uses non-invasive imaging scans to identify illnesses or injuries. Join Dr. Ray Norby to learn more about this fascinating field of medicine. Free and open to all.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85915159369

Meeting ID: 859 1515 9369

Open to all.

Location: Online