Movement Programming
Nourishing body and soul through a variety of workshops including Bone Builders, 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, Yoga with Geri, Chair Yoga, and Tai Chi provide opportunities for people 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 55 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
When: Most Thursdays–Returning in March 2025
Time: 5:30 pm to 7 pm
Cost: $10 per night – walk-in, no pre-registration required
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: Wednesdays in Session
Time: 4:00-5:00 pm
Cost: $50 for a five-week session, prepaid (see below for upcoming sessions)
Pre-registration and pre-payment required.
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.
Returning in March 2025
Winter Chair Yoga 1 Session Begins
Winter Chair Yoga 1 Session Begins
When: Wednesdays, January 15 - February 12 (5 sessions)
Time: 4:00-5:00 pm
Cost: $10 per session (paid in advance)
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.
Tai Chi for Heart Health
Tai Chi for Heart Health Begins
Tai Chi for Heart Health Begins
Eight-week session: January 6 through February 28
Join our community partner, Healthy Acadia, for a tai chi series to help empower people to improve their health and well-being through slow, smooth, and continuous mind-body exercises. This short tai chi set introduces movements from the three most popular tai chi styles: Sun, Yang and Chen. It is designed to help prevent, or improve heart conditions, as well as increase balance, immunity and relaxation. Tai Chi practice can help:
- Alleviate Pain
- Reduce stress
- Increase strength, flexibility, and balance
- Improve cognitive function and coordination
Course instructor: Lisa Schaefer
Lisa is a retired Pharmacist who lives in Jonesboro with her family. She enjoys practicing tai chi, yoga, knitting, quilting, and exploring Downeast Maine. Lisa loves the way the practice of tai Chi helps improve balance, mindfulness, and self-confidence. She is committed to life-long learning and to improving health through mindful movement.
Pre-registration is required. Once your registration is complete, you will receive the confirmation via the email address you provided. While all classes are free, donations are suggested. Contact Nina Zeldin at (207) 479-1206 for more information.
