Health and Fitness

Tai Chi Mornings (ON SITE)

Monday, September 21, 2020 | 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.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Seats available: 22

Hiking-Monday

Monday, September 21, 2020 | 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.

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 (ON SITE and ONLINE)

Monday, September 21, 2020 | 9:30-10:30am

MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS, 9:30 AM

THE FEE FOR STANDARD MEMBERS WILL BE $38/MONTH. (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.

Email Alex for the link to join the class.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Chair Yoga (ONLINE; ALSO ONSITE 9/14))

Monday, September 21, 2020 | 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 th class.

Open to all.

Location: Online

Balance and Stabilization (ONLINE and ON SITE)

Monday, September 21, 2020 | 11:30-12:30pm

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.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Ageless Grace (ONLINE)

Monday, September 21, 2020 | 1:00-2:00pm

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

Ageless Grace® class is now available via Zoom! To join, please contact Sheila Queen at squeen125@gmail.com

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.  

PLEASE REGISTER BELOW.

Members only.

Location: Online

Intermediate Line Dance (ONLINE)

Monday, September 21, 2020 | 6:15-8:15pm

Open to all.

Location: Online

Biking Through Belvedere (ON SITE)

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | 8:00-9:00am

Looking to enjoy a nice ride? Join Center member, Bob Lorish for an active ride through the surrounding areas of Belvedere. The ride begins at the Center’s parking lot. Ride at your own speed and take in the neighborhoods and trails around The Center. It’s BYOB (bring your own bike!) Make sure you bring some water and your love of cycling for this enjoyable biking experience!  

Members only.

Location: The Center

Senior Softball: The Retreads

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | 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

Walk the Labyrinth (ON SITE)

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | 9:00-3:00pm

Walking a labyrinth is a meditative experience designed to quiet the mind and enable reflection and contemplation. This ancient spiritual custom consists of silently walking a series of circuits leading you into and back out of the labyrinth - each walker comes away with their own personal experience. Come and walk a 7-circuit canvas labyrinth on our outdoor patio (or the auditorium if it's raining). Socks are required, and no shoes allowed on the canvas. A helpful handout on how to walk the labyrinth will be available, and volunteers will be there to monitor activity. No appointment needed, open to all.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Arthritis Exercise ON SITE

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | 10:30-11:30am

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.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Contact: Senior Center 434.974.7756

Stretch for a Safer, More Flexible Life (ON SITE)

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | 11:45-12:45pm

The weekly class will take you through gentle stretching movements that will help you to become stronger and more flexible. These stretches are appropriate for all fitness levels. Chairs and mats are available. Join Pete Cross, Center Fitness Volunteer and a personal trainer for 22 years. For Center Members. Standard Members- $25/month; Prime members- included in membership.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Beginning Line Dance

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | 1:00-3:00pm

Every Tuesday and Friday!

WIILL 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, email program leader, Celia Pfautz at least one hour prior to the start of class. 

Members only.

Location: Online

Meditation - Living Life Fully (ONLINE)

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | 2:00-3:00pm

Held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

Meditation is a practical activity that can provide tangible benefits that can improve our outlook on life. This program meets online via zoom on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, and provides an introduction to meditation - it's nature, general goals, and simple techniques. Benefits of different meditation types will be discussed and participants' experiences are invited. A very simple and gentle form of meditation will be presented that requires no physical flexibility or special capabilities. There will be a short sitting of 10-15 minutes at each program.

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. 

Join Zoom Meeting

Https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87345112031

Meeting ID: 873 4511 2031

free

Members only.

Location: Online

Move to the Rhythm (ONLINE)

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | 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 instructions on how to join in the class with ZOOM, please email Denise prior to the class time.

For Center members; please register below!

Members only.

Location: Online

Hiking-Wednesday

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 | 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.

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

Senior Fitness (ONLINE and ON SITE)

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 | 11:00-12:00pm

Senior Fitness Online and On-site

Wednesdays, 11:00 am- 12:00 pm  

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!

 Email Alex for link to join class.

Members only.

Location: The Center

Adding Life to Your Years (ON SITE)

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 | 2:00-3:00pm

Join Diane Johnson, executive director at Commonwealth Senior Living as she discusses the cultural components which lead to longer lives in the Blue Zone (A Blue Zone is a non-scientific term given to geographic regions that are home to some of the world’s oldest people). How can we create them in our communities?  

Please register below!

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Square Dancing Lessons - (ON SITE)

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 | 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, September 23, 2020 | 3:00-4:00pm

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 (ON SITE)

Thursday, September 24, 2020 | 10:30-11:30am

All levels: 10:30am - 11:30 am 

Classes will be 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.

Sign up at the Center Welcome Desk or online. 

Standard Members - $40/month

Prime Members - included in membership

Members only.

Location: The Center

NIA - Moving to Heal (ONLINE)

Thursday, September 24, 2020 | 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. For instructions on how to join in the ZOOM online class, email Sheila at squeen125@gmail.com

PLEASE REGISTER BELOW:

Members only.

Location: Online

ZUMBA Demo - NEW!

Thursday, September 24, 2020 | 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. Try it out on Sept. 17 or 24. Demos are free and open to the community but registration is required below..  

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Friday Fitness with Alex (ONLINE)

Friday, September 25, 2020 | 11:00-12:00pm

FRIDAYS, 11:00 AM (through August 14)

This class will be a hybrid of Senior Fitness and Balance and Stabilization (one of the new classes that will be taught at The Center)! Join Alex for a combination of  both aerobic strength training and exercises that are designed to develop better balance. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85305419455

Members only.

Location: Online

Flu Vaccine Clinic

Tuesday, September 29, 2020 | 1:00-3:00pm

Flu season is fast approaching! CVS Health will be at The Center on Tuesday, September 29. Please sign up for a time slot at the Welcome Desk by calling 434-974-7756 so that the pharmacy will know how many vaccines to bring. Shingles vaccines will also be available. Please make your request at time of registration. Please bring your Rx insurance card or Medicare card (part B).  Open to the community.

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Pathways to Flourishing Health Series (ON SITE)

Friday, October 2, 2020 | 12:00-1:00pm

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Move for Health with Darcy Higgins (ON SITE and ONLINE)

Thursday, October 8, 2020 | 1:00-2:00pm

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Hearing Health (ON SITE and ONLINE)

Wednesday, October 21, 2020 | 10:00-11:00am

Open to all.

Location: The Center

Building Charlottesville's Botanical Garden (ONLINE)

Thursday, October 22, 2020 | 3:00-4:00pm

Building a public botanical garden is not an easy feat. So far, McIntire Botanical Garden (MBG) has been driven by the community’s input, aspirations, insights, and desire to be a place of healing, unity, education and beauty. But the input phase of the garden design process is not complete and through reaching out to other organizations, we are hoping to gather more feedback to ensure the built garden will represent the hopes and dreams of the entire community. As a gift from the community to the community, the McIntire Botanical Garden is a very ambitious project. Jill Trischman-Marks, Executive Director of the McIntire Botanical Garden will briefly outline what has already been achieved in the process toward building this garden and will also give insight into the road map ahead.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85441952973

Meeting ID: 854 4195 2973

phone only:
        +1 646 558 8656 
        
Meeting ID: 854 4195 2973
 

Open to all.

Location: Online