If you like your exercise classes slow and relaxed, or if you’d rather have it packed full of high energy, the Don Sjogren Community YMCA in Holdrege has something for you.
Two new classes, chair yoga and a trampoline class, are giving members a variety of exercise possibilities.
Michelle Mel Mcnierney is a recent newcomer to the area and has been teaching chair yoga for about four years, among other classes. She brought a new class, chair yoga, to the YMCA on Wednesdays at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Between 3-8 people ranging in age from 30-75 have been attending the classes.
“The participants are people who also enjoy doing the water aerobics classes,” Michelle said. “They are people who are recovering from an injury and need to take it a little bit slower. They are also seniors who just don’t move as fast as they used to and feel stiff. It’s also people who are struggling with their balance and people who haven’t worked out in a while. It’s a good medium to get you to a full-body workout goal.”
The 30-minute class is done all while sitting in a chair and includes breathing and relaxation, stretching and muscle toning. Participants move their arms, wrists, ankles, shoulders and torso.
“This movement for 30 minutes also greatly improves your posture your blood flow and your muscle strength,” Michelle said.
Michelle said the benefits of the class include giving the mind and body a chance to calm down and be still and improved balance and mental clarity.
Participants said they like how the class is slow and relaxing. It can also serve as a great warmup for a swim or other exercise.
Michelle recently moved to the area from Colorado and has a background in restorative and trauma-informed yoga.
“I love teaching yoga to anybody who will give it a try because of the benefits it brings to every aspect of your whole body and your life,” she said.
If you are seeking a faster-paced exercise class, the new 30-minute trampoline class is a fun way to switch up your exercise routine.
Bounce N Fit is offered at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays with instructor Tabatha Thorell, and Bounce is offered on Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m. with Amanda Gonzalez Miranda.
This class includes 20 or so minutes of jumping on a mini personal trampoline (with a handlebar for balance) to fun upbeat music followed by stretching or toning.
This class is for those in the intermediate exercise range who are looking for a cardio workout along with muscle toning. The trampoline class rids participants’ bodies of toxins by shaking up the lymph system and increases bone mass and improves balance and coordination all while putting no pressure on the legs and feet. And it’s great aerobic exercise for the heart.
“Plus, it just makes you feel good,” one participant said.
These two classes along with most other YMCA group exercise classes are included FREE along with your membership. Find a schedule at your branch today at www.ymcaoftheprairie.org/schedules.
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