Ongoing Health and Wellness Programming
Nourishing body and soul through a variety of workshops including Bone Builders class, Yoga, Chair Yoga and more.Women for Healthy Rural Living focuses on human wholeness, addressing not only physical wellness but emotional, social, and spiritual health.
Providing opportunities for physical activity and social interaction is integral to our mission.
Bone Builders, Zumba, Zumba Gold, Yoga with Geri, and Chair Yoga provide opportunities for women of all ages and abilities.
Bone Builders
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 9 am to 10 am
Cost: Free
Note: Space is limited and medical clearance is required – contact us for availability
The Bone Builders Osteoporosis Prevention and Reversal Program is an effective combination of weight bearing, balance and stretching exercises. It also includes nutritional information and support for all stages of osteoporosis. Originally developed from the Strong Living Program of Tufts University, Bone Builders is a free, ongoing program open to all those age 50 and over with a concern for osteoporosis.
When followed diligently, the Bone Builders program and exercises can help the body to increase bone density and reverse the effects of osteoporosis.
Classes meet twice weekly, once for an hour with the second class having an additional quarter-hour for education. Classes include standing and sitting exercises, utilizing hand weights and ankle weights for resistance training. Weights are provided. Class leaders receive special training. Medical clearance is required. Classes are limited to fifteen people. For more information, contact us.
Bone Builders in Action
Yoga with Geri Valentine
Fall 2024 Session: October 5th – December 7th
When: Most Thursdays
Time: 5:30 pm to 7 pm
Cost: $10 per night.
Geri’s yoga training is in Kripalu yoga and Yin yoga, with advanced certification in both traditions. Kripalu yoga is also called meditation in motion. Both standing postures, sun and moon salutation flows and floor postures and pranayama ( breath practices) are included, as well as a closing relaxation.
Yin yoga is a series of floor postures that are held for three to five minutes, designed to pull and compress connective tissue, a wonderful rejuvenating practice especially beneficial for aging bodies.
Geri accepts beginners to advanced students, elderly, people recovering from joint replacement (even organ replacement!), and chronic pain sufferers… so classes are based in safety, modification, and practicing self-compassion.
For questions, contact Geri at 207-598-5355.
Chair Yoga
When: November 9th – December 8th, with a break for Thanksgiving. Registration opening mid-October.
Time: 3:30 – 4:30 pm on Thursdays.
Cost: $10/class.
Chair yoga lets us get yoga benefits from the security of a firm chair. We still have to do the work, but we are seated on a chair or standing next to our chair with a hand on it for support. This makes the practice available to those of us who can’t easily get up and down from the floor, have had knee or hip replacements, suffer from dizziness, and struggle with balance — lots of us!
With practice, our bodies get stronger and more flexible. Our breathing slows and deepens. Our postural alignment improves. We begin to cultivate an inner field of quiet and self-compassion. All these benefits bring vitality to all of our systems and a feeling of being at home in our bodies.
Chairs are provided. Please wear comfortable clothing, in layers, for warm and cool conditions. Elastic waistbands are important so there is no breath obstruction. Sneakers are good, and shoes may stay on during practice. If you have yoga blocks, please bring them. No mat is needed.
For questions, contact Geri at 207-598-5355.
Zumba & Zumba Gold
Starting in October!
Join Akemi Segawa for weekly dance fitness classes, Zumba and Zumba Gold. Zumba is a total workout, combining all elements of fitness — cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, flexibility, and boosted energy!
Cost – $10 per class
Signup for a month in advance and receive a 25% discount!
Weekly drop-ins pay Akemi directly at the class by cash or check.
Zumba – Monday evenings at 5:00 – 5:45 pm
Perfect for active adults seeking a mixed bag of high-intensity and low-intensity calorie-burning dance fitness classes. Latin-inspired music and moves will be like exercise in disguise. Dress in comfortable active wear and comfortable sneakers. Bring water and a small towel, because we will sweat!
Zumba Gold – Friday mornings at 9:30 – 10:15 am
Perfect for active older adults as a modified Zumba class that recreates original moves at a low intensity. We will focus on balance, range of motion, and coordination while dancing to upbeat Latin-infused moves and music. Dress in comfortable active wear and comfortable sneakers. Bring water and a small towel.
About Akemi: Akemi has been teaching dance fitness for about three years and has over twenty years of experience with other dance forms. She loves that dance fitness can bring people together while they are doing something good for themselves!
Zumba Monthly Payment
Use this form to hold your spot and signup for one month with a 25% discount. Drop-in classes are paid in person to the instructor.
