Augusta County Parks and Recreation offers fitness and dance opportunities for all ages. Instructional classes led by area instructors include aerobics, tai chi, yoga, ballroom dancing, belly dancing, clogging and much more … it is time to get moving and get fit!
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For more information, click here for our current program guide.
Introductory to Tai Chi - The Healing Movements of Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qigong (Chi Kung) - FREE or $16.00
An introduction to the gentle, graceful movements of Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qigong (Chi Kung) and their healing benefits. Suitable for adults of all ages; extremely beneficial for those 50 and older. This course is a requirement and is FREE for anyone registering for Tai Chi and Qigong 101. Instructed by Jennifer Hensley. AGES: 16 AND UP. Deadline to register is Wednesday prior to class. This workshop will be held on September 4 and October 2 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tai Chi and Qigong 101 - $55.00/$65.00
Tai Chi (Taiji) and Qigong (Chi Kung) are ancient Chinese healing arts which have been a part of Chinese medicine for centuries. The movements are slow, flowing and gentle but also powerful. Excellent for maintaining a good state of health, but also great for recuperating from an illness, injury or surgery or improving/slowing down the progression of degenerative or chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, CFS, fibromyalgia, and many other serious health conditions. Whether you want to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase flexibility, improve balance or just learn a wonderful health exercise, this may be just the thing for you. If you want to live longer in a more healthful state, try Tai Chi and Qigong for goodness sake! Low Impact. Instructed by Jennifer Hensley. AGES: 16 & UP. REGISTER AT ANYTIME.
Intermediate/Advanced Tai Chi and Qigong - $55.00/$65.00
In this class, you put your basics into play as you learn beautifully choreographed forms ranging in length from 8 to 108 movements. You will also learn powerful Qigong forms which move your Qi (lifeforce energy) through your meridians (pathways of energy) and nurture your internal organ systems. Low impact with sword and fan forms possible. Instructed by Jennifer Hensley. AGES: 16 & UP. REGISTER AT ANYTIME.
Tai Chi for Hip, Knee, Neck, and Back Pain Relief! - $25.00
This class is designed as a stand-alone class to learn specific techniques unique to taiji and qigong that have been proven to be helpful to many with hip, knee, neck, and back pain. We will learn standing, sitting and moving principles to change the way you approach and relieve your pain. We will also learn a short moving form in which you can apply what you have learned. This is a one-time class, however, if there is enough interest, we can incorporate it into our weekly class schedule or you may join a regular tai chi class. Either way, get your questions answered and learn pain-relieving techniques! Instructed by Jennifer Hensley. AGES: 16 & UP. Deadline to register is September 1. This workshop will be held on September 4 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ballroom for Dummies(Great for Beginners!) - $12.00
Learn something to last a lifetime! Don’t just sit the whole evening; be ready for the next dance! Learn how to Swing, Cha-Cha,Waltz and more. This class is not just fun but also great exercise. For details and to register, contact instructor Pam Diehl at 540.363.5745. AGES: ADULT. REGISTER AT ANYTIME.
Belly Dancing - $47.00
Learn the basic steps of belly dancing! Isolation moves and muscle control. Hip shimmy and hip shake, rib slides, veil work, zils and costume design. Have fun with this captivating exotic and sensual form of dance. Children to grandma’s, all shapes and sizes welcome. Instructed by Tami Barksdale. AGES: ALL. REGISTER AT ANYTIME.
Jazzercise - $36.00
Jazzercise is America’s No. 1 dance/fitness program. Each 60 minute class consists of 40 minutes of dance aerobics, followed by 20 minutes of strength training and stretch, using current music in a fun and festive atmosphere. All classes can be done with high or low impact and all fitness levels are welcome! Join us anytime! Instructed by Marti Wiener. AGES: 16 & UP. Register at anytime! Meets Tuesday and Thursday from 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. at Wilson Middle School. Six week sessions begin September 7 and October 19.
Aerobics - $26.00
Have fun and workout to upbeat music, doing a combination of floor aerobics, dance, kick boxing, toning, strengthening and stretching. This class is for beginners to intermediate levels of fitness. Please bring a mat and hand weights (recommend 2-8 lbs depending on your level of fitness). AGES: 12 & UP. Deadline to register is one week prior to start of class. AGES: 12 & UP. Deadline to register is one week prior to start of session. Six week sessions begin September 14 and November 2 at Churchville Elementary School from 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. (instructed by Donna Calhoun) and September 7 and October 26 at the Augusta County Government Center from 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. (instructed by Crystal Knott.)
Two Step - $12.00
Kick up your boots and learn country western two-step. For details and to register, contact instructor Pam Diehl at 540.363.5745. AGES: ADULT. REGISTER AT ANYTIME.
Clogging - $31.00
Clogging teaches coordination and is great exercise.
AGES: 6 & UP. Deadline to register is one week prior to start of session. The six week session with the Thunder Valley Cloggers at Stuarts Draft Elementary begins September 13 from 6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (instructed by Michelle Puffenbarger.) The six week session with the Mountain Heritage Cloggers at Crimora Community Center begins September 14 from 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. (instructed by Lisa Johnson.)
PraiseMoves - $31.00
PraiseMoves classes are a combination of the following:
1. Light aerobic warm up combined with positive affirmations from the Bible
2 Body postures that give a whole body stretch, increasing flexibility and balance combined with Bible references for each posture
3. Scripture Sequence Flow
4. A time of relaxation and meditation on Biblical Principles
This class will assist in weight loss, help injuries heal, relieve stiff and painful muscles, keep tissues healthier, improve circulation, coordination and balance and relieve stress. Visit http://www.praisemoves.com for more information. Students should bring an exercise mat, bottle of water, wear clothes you can move freely in and have shoes appropriate for the light aerobic warm up. Instructed by Crystal Cupp. AGES: 16 & UP. Deadline to register is one week prior to start of session. The six week session at Clymore Elementary School from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. begins September 14. The six week session at the Augusta County Government Center from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. begins September 17.
Full Presence Yoga - $55.00
You probably are aware that Yoga is good for your body. Did you know that it can help your brain health too? Recent developments in brain research tell us the importance of relaxation and relationship for the health of our brains. Join us for a gentle, deeply relaxing experience of honoring your body, mind and emotions through the practice of mindful stretching and breathing.
In this class you will:
• Learn ways to bring the healthful benefits of Yoga into your daily life
• Discover the power of mindfulness and how it can transform painful emotions and stress
• Explore creative ways to manage stress and face life’s challenges using stretching, breathing and mindful attention. Instructed by Mary Kay Rose. AGES: 16 and UP. Deadline to register is September 7. The six week session begins September 14 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. at the Shenandoah Valley Center for Integral Counseling.
Yoga - $31.00
This class will focus on developing greater self awareness, mental and physical, as we explore and practice basic poses and breath awareness. The asanas (yoga poses) will help you to improve posture, release chronic tension, gain flexibility, strength and balance. The practice will also help you to reduce stress and improve your energy levels. Gain self confidence and be comfortable living in your body! AGES: 12 & UP. Deadline to register is one week prior to start of session. The six week session at Augusta County Government Center from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. begins September 9 and October 28 (instructed by Joni Mitts.) The six week session at Augusta County Government Center from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. begins September 13 and November 1 (instructed by Linda Pancake.)