The Marion Recreation Department says the beginning of May is the perfect time to sign up to the next sessions of yoga and tai chi classes.
Monday Hatha Yoga class starts May 2nd and continues through June 27th. Sue Wilhelm instructs this invigorating class. The class is located at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church next to Marion General Hospital.
Hatha yoga attempts to balance mind and body through physical poses or asanas, controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation. Asanas teach poise, balance and strength and are practiced to improve the body’s physical health.
Class runs for the 8 weeks with Memorial Day taken off (5/30/11). Cost is $48 for the 8 weeks. You can “Drop In” class for a fee of $7 per class. Class time is 5:30 to 6:45.
C.P.Y. (Cardio Power Yoga) begins Tuesday, May 3rd and continues through June 23rd. Jeannie Brewer teaches this intense, heart pumping yoga. Build strength, burn calories (about 400), and gain flexibility through this quick paced flow series.
Yoga experience is not necessary but helpful. Students should be ready to work and sweat. Classes are held at Epworth United Methodist Church at the corner of Vine and Center Streets in the fellowship hall. This class will meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Cost is $40 for the 8 week session.
For both forms of yoga, students should bring their won yoga “sticky” mat. Yoga straps and blocks are also helpful. For information or to register, please call the Recreation Department at 740-387-5446.
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that helps develop strength, flexibility, and balance. There has been research to suggest that it can also improve respiratory function, burn calories, dramatically improve balance, provide cardiovascular benefit, provide powerful stress management tools, and slow aspects of the aging process. Anyone can enjoy and gain benefit from Tai Chi, regardless of physical condition or age. Most young people focus on the martial arts aspect of Tai Chi, while older people focus on the health benefits.
Instructors Carol Nelson, Steve and Marlene Renick have numerous years of experience to share with several forms of Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 at St. Paul’s by the hospital and Saturday mornings at 10:30 at the Recreation Center downtown. Cost is $20 per month.
