*The location has been updated to the cafeteria at the Loranger Memorial School in Old Orchard Beach*

Tai Chi is a gentle, beautiful, meditative form of expression that is also a true martial art with defensive application. Each session begins with basic Qigong to create focus and relaxation, followed by gentle strength training using chairs and balls. The second half of each class entails learning Tai Chi postures and, as the class progresses each week, working on putting the postures into forms. Designed with balance in mind and including modifications where necessary, this course is the perfect exercise, encompassing balance, relaxation, focus, strength, stretching, cognitive stimulation, and discipline. Everyone can do some variation of Tai Chi! No class 1/20 and 2/17. Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.

Laurie Huenteo received her Tai Chi certification through the Functional Aging Institute/Open Door Tai Chi. She has been practicing Yang-style Tai Chi and Qigong for 14+ years and teaching for the last five. She is passionate about teaching Tai Chi.

Learn basic pilates mat exercises designed to strengthen and lengthen the body in a safe and efficient way. Pilates is a wonderful way to strengthen your entire body and increase flexibility, mobility, balance, and coordination. No experience is necessary and exercises can be modified to suit everyone's personal needs. Pilates is commonly used as a form of rehabilitation and is a great way to decrease pain! Please bring a yoga mat, and wear something comfortable to move in.

Morgan Sanborn is a member of City Ballet of Boston and freelance artist with extensive background training and performing in multiple styles of dance and 25+ years of teaching experience. She is currently an American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum® Fellowship Instructor, certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, Pilates Academy International Mat, and working toward completing a comprehensive Pilates Apparatus Certification.

*In-Person Location Change: Now scheduled in the cafeteria at the Loranger Memorial School in Old Orchard Beach*

Have fun and get fit for FREE! This simple, adaptable dance fitness class is focused on body awareness, acceptance, and appreciation. All are welcome! Just show up and dance along, or join us via Zoom from the comfort of your home. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring water. No class 2/18. When in-person classes are canceled due to the weather, class will still be held via Zoom. 

Amanda Carter’s lifelong love of dance led her to become a Zumba instructor in 2022. She has been teaching and developing dance fitness classes ever since!

*The location has been updated to the cafeteria at the Loranger Memorial School in Old Orchard Beach*

Strengthen and deepen your Tai Chi practice by expanding your basic exercises while putting moves together to create a form. Some meditation practices may be included as an aid to further relaxation, stress reduction, and pain management. Chairs will be available for those that need them. Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes. Prerequisite: Beginner Tai Chi Level I. Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.

Laurie Huenteo received her Tai Chi certification through the Functional Aging Institute/Open Door Tai Chi. She has been practicing Yang-style Tai Chi and Qigong for 14+ years and teaching for the last five. She is passionate about teaching Tai Chi.

Classes in aerial yoga include flips, tricks and inversions. By keeping the swing at hip height, it transforms into a hammock that supports you during backbends and inversions and offers a unique way to build core, arm, and leg strength. You'll flow and fly in your aerial swing during these 50-minute lessons, fusing the grace of yoga with the freedom of flight. Wear comfortable workout-type clothes but nothing too loose, and be prepared to go barefoot. No class 1/31.

Ashley Jolly is certified in both barre and aerial yoga. Her main focuses are on strength, stability, and flexibility, as she finds these to be the trifecta of great fitness.

Take your yoga off the mat and onto the couch! Feeling unmotivated or too embarrassed to exercise in public? Join other beginners for this introductory workshop and learn basic yoga positions and breathing practices to add some exercise and movement into your day. Enjoy these short, easy yoga exercises and discover the simple changes you can make to adapt each pose to fit your body's needs. Practicing yoga has many benefits including increased blood flow, improved strength and flexibility. And the added mental health boost isn't a bad thing, either! Join us and start your journey to better health! Wear comfortable clothing and have a couch handy!

Jessy Lynn Ostara, a 500-hour Certified Yoga Instructor, has years of experience teaching several movement modalities. Her concentration is in meditative belly dance, yin, hatha and chair yoga. She is also a certified meditation teacher through the ShivaShakti School of Yoga and Healing Arts.

*Location Change: Now scheduled in the cafeteria at the Loranger Memorial School in Old Orchard Beach*

The Art of Peace

This ancient Japanese martial art emphasizes compassion for oneself and others, awareness, and relaxation. The Japanese chant "Masakatsue, Agutsu, Katsu ha ya bi" translates to "true victory, self victory, let that day arrive right here, right now." Learn to blend and harmonize with the attacker to bring conflict to a peaceful resolution. The goal is to be able to do the same for ourselves, knowing that, at times, we can be our own worst enemies. Discover coping skills to enable yourself to become more intimate and loving toward yourself and others. While there are major throws to the mat in traditional Aikido, we will instead examine the movements without the throws. Aikido is for everyone - if you can walk, you can do Aikido. Come and enjoy. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing; bring water and a towel. No class on 2/20

Ron Houle, a licensed social worker, is 5th Dan in Aikido. He has been practicing and teaching for 35 years. He teaches at Portland Aikido. He developed a program called Clinical Martial Arts.

Classes in aerial yoga include flips, tricks and inversions. By keeping the swing at hip height, it transforms into a hammock that supports you during backbends and inversions and offers a unique way to build core, arm, and leg strength. You'll flow and fly in your aerial swing during these 50-minute lessons, fusing the grace of yoga with the freedom of flight. Wear comfortable workout-type clothes but nothing too loose, and be prepared to go barefoot. No class 1/31.

Ashley Jolly is certified in both barre and aerial yoga. Her main focuses are on strength, stability, and flexibility, as she finds these to be the trifecta of great fitness.