Movement   

The Brain Agility Lab is based on brain training developed by Ryann Glatt at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Southern California. Designed for a social rather than clinical setting, the challenging games and activities make it fun, and the benefits multiply. Dual-tasking in the form of partner and group games supports increased neuroplasticity, creating new neurons and synapses by using different parts of the brain at the same time. Think of bouncing a ball while counting backward from 100 by threes. The goal isn’t to do it correctly; it’s to struggle and have fun.

NOTE: Students should be able to walk without assistance, turn their head without getting dizzy and be able to do light activity consisting of standing and walking for an hour. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

This course is an introduction to practicing yoga with an emphasis on compassion. It is a therapeutic approach to yoga, which gives students insight and awareness into how they breathe, how their bodies move and where they compensate. Students are invited to listen to their bodies during warm-up movements and poses and to avoid discomfort or pain. Each body is unique, and each person has different areas of discomfort. With compassionate awareness and being gentle with oneself, movement can improve and compensation patterns can change. This often results in better function and feeling better overall. Participants need to bring a yoga mat and be able to get on and off the floor.

NOTE: Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Students will learn and practice dances of England, France and Italy that date from the Renaissance and Baroque periods and the late 18th century. At each class, participants will actively engage in a physical warm-up and targeted dance techniques. They will have ample time to practice the dances’ movements as they are taught. The warm-up is to prepare the body to move and dance. The techniques will break down the steps and movements needed to perform each dance and note how those steps evolved over time. Different dances will be taught than in previous versions of this course. No partner or prior dance background is required to participate.

NOTE: This is an active, physical class and we will be on our feet 90 minutes. Know your limitations. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

From lyrical to lively, silly to sublime, English country dance dates from the 1600s. Discover dances of Jane Austen’s time as well as newly composed dances. Learn about the cultural aspects and history of this joyful living tradition as you enjoy moving to beautiful music. This is an on- your-feet and social class. No partner is necessary. 

NOTE: Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Come to this class ready to move your feet to a swing beat! We will have fun exploring East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop with music by Count Basie and other swing musicians. These are partner dances, but you do not need a partner to attend. We will all be partners for one another. Solo jazz dance and styling will be sprinkled in as class warm-ups. Join us for all the benefits that social dance has to offer — mental and physical exercise, socializing and fun! No prior dance experience is needed.

NOTE: Signed liability waiver required to participate.

This course explores the structure and primary movements of the shoulders, arms and hands, and how they are connected to the entire skeletal system. Each class features a lesson involving gentle movements, done slowly with minimal effort while paying attention to one’s own personal experience. Students will be guided through easy, novel movement sequences, exploring and discovering ways of moving that activate the neuroplasticity of the brain. The lessons are safe, fun puzzles for the nervous system and brain, and are designed to create new patterns of behavior. Benefits may include less neck and shoulder pain and enhanced rib and spine mobility for ease in turning, reaching and breathing. It is beneficial to repeat this course. 

NOTE: Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Learn a complete tai chi form for health and longevity that can be done anywhere and is adaptable for all ages, body types and abilities. No previous experience is necessary. Reduce pain and stress, improve balance, increase focus and find comfortable ways to move while gaining benefits from a 3,000-year-old Chinese movement form. When students finish the course, they will have three tools for dealing with change, transition and life in general. These tools include the Tai Chi 17 Form (movements from a Yang short form), a martial arts sequence called Finished the Form, and a basic knowledge of tai chi and the martial arts. Each time students repeat this course, a deeper understanding of this lifelong practice can be gained. 

NOTE: Signed liability waiver required to participate.

This course is an introduction to qigong and simple stretching patterns. Movements will be taught both as physical, energetic exercises and as methods for improving present moment awareness and mindfulness of subtle perceptions. No special clothing or experience is required. Participants should come as they are, ready to have fun with others! Although qigong can be studied for a lifetime, this brief series will give you a taste of the practices. Students will learn a set of simple movements that can be integrated into their daily routine. Students will also have access to videos on the instructor’s YouTube channel, and a DVD and digital material are available for purchase. The exercises will challenge and enhance flexibility, balance, and coordination. 

NOTE: This is an active class, and students need to be able to move comfortably in a home space. Students need to be able to lie down on and get up from the floor. Since this course is online, students must be prepared to take complete responsibility for their own physical well- being. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Shen Yun Lung Qigong, “spirit of the eternal dragon,” is a nine-posture Yin form composed of slow, soft movements designed to increase the body’s flow of energy. Qigong is a combination of breath, movement and meditation. It is a gentle practice that helps tonify the nervous system, tranquilize the mind and enhance blood flow. This introductory course will include Taoist warm- ups and breath work techniques to relieve tension in the mind and body. These are longevity practices that can be done occasionally or daily, if desired, and are designed for a lifetime. There will be handouts and visual aids to facilitate independent practice.

NOTE: Signed liability waiver required to participate.

Come join fellow OLLI members and friendly local guides for relaxed weekly walks through some of Ashland’s most beautiful places. Each 90-minute outing follows easy routes that have little elevation gain, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, watch birds, notice the changing seasons and get to know one another. A different guide will lead each walk, sharing stories and insights about the area’s history, plants, wildlife and other local treasures. Afterward, those who wish can continue the conversation over coffee or tea at a nearby cafe. Possible destinations include Lithia Park, Hargadine Cemetery, Ashland Pond and North Mountain Park. Participants will receive weekly directions and meeting details by email. Come explore Ashland with us!

NOTE: The walks are not intended to be aerobic; however, it is important that participants be reasonably fit and have good balance. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing! This class offers an opportunity to reawaken your inner child, reduce your stress level, exercise your body, sharpen your mental and physical reflexes and laugh a lot! Drawing on games from childhood, theater, new games and movement game sources, this is a time to have fun through interactive playful movement. Use your creativity, wit and voice; stimulate your brain with quick-thinking mind challenges; and sharpen your ability to respond quickly. All this helps to keep our brains sharp. Time for improvisation through skits, mime and comedy will be included — with no competition and no judgment — just taking time to laugh, play and have fun, knowing that play and laughter are healing. It’s recess again! 

NOTE: Good health and the ability to move well and to get up and down are requirements for this class, which will involve a lot of movement and some spurts of running. No experience is necessary. To build class connection, full attendance is appreciated for the seven weeks. Signed liability waiver required to participate.

The ballet barre is how professional dancers start their day. Often referred to as a “warm-up,” it brings blood flow to the small and large muscles of the body. A simple ballet barre, including stretches, will bring students to a new level of wellness, body awareness and confidence. During the four sessions, participants will learn about the eight progressive elements of barre work, including ballet stretches focusing on posture, strength, flexibility and artistry using household items as a ballet barre. While we are practicing the ballet stretches, the instructor will share notions specific to ballet, including those of French ballet from the Opéra de Paris, discuss ballet history of the Romantic ballet era (1830-1850) and share techniques in the art of ballet from around the world. 

NOTE: Participants should be able to stand on their feet for one hour. Bring a mat or blanket for floor stretches. All students are encouraged to practice at their own pace. No prior experience is necessary. Signed liability waiver required to participate.