The Center for Active Seniors Inc. (CASI) is one of the top hubs in the Quad Cities for older adults to find friends, activities, and a wide variety of engagement to keep them mentally and physically well. One of the best things about being a member at the Center for Active Seniors Inc. (CASI) is the wide array of fitness classes that are open to individuals of all strength and stamina levels. Hearing the word “fitness” often turns off many older adults, simply because they are scared, not confident, and unsure what to do. Center for Active Seniors Inc. (CASI) tries to help break down some of these barriers with the wide array of senior classes.
What do they offer?
The Center for Active Seniors Inc. (CASI) surely has a health and fitness activity for you. These are the current lineup of classes offered to members, with occasional “pop-up” classes added week to week. The Center for Active Seniors Inc. (CASI) offers the following senior fitness classes and activities which will be described below:
- Tai Chi
- Low Impact Exercise
- Chair Yoga
- Step Into Balance
- Line Dancing
- Zumba Gold
- Walking Club
Center for Active Seniors Inc. (CASI) Exercise Class Descriptions
T’ai Chi Ch’un
If you have not heard of T’ai Chi Ch’un, then you aren’t alone. I first heard of this class when I taught exercise at a senior living community in another city. T’ai Chi Ch’un is a slow, low impact exercise class that has you working in numerous positions to help with flexibility, balance, and even stability. It’s slow and methodical pace is perfect for older adults, as it allows you to practice your balance and stability in a controlled and gentle manner. Don’t let the name of the class turn you off, as this is a great class to become steadier on your feet, and improve your overall confidence when moving. T’ai Chi Ch’un at CASI is done in a 6 week block, for $24 a block. Contact the CASI front desk to see if there is space and a current block going on for you to join in on!
Low Impact Exercise
Low impact exercise is by far one of the most attended and popular classes at the Center for Active Seniors Inc. (CASI). Low impact exercise is taught by a long time member of Center for Active Seniors Inc. (CASI), Jan Dorgan, who has had numerous years of experience teaching exercise to older adults. Her class focus’ on completing a full body exercise class that will work your muscles, stamina, and even a little bit of balance, all in a low impact and pain-free way. It is noted that most of the class is seated, however there may be opportunity to do exercises from a standing position occasionally. Low Impact Exercise is taught from 9-10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 11-12p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The cost of the class is $2 per class, with advanced registration recommended.
Chair Yoga
If you are looking for a class that combines mobility exercises, deep breathing, and stress relief, then Chair Yoga is for you. Chair yoga, is a low impact exercise class that works you through a wide variety of flexibility, and strength exercises in a slow and controlled manner. The class also takes a portion of focus on mental health, by practicing deep breathing, mindfulness, and other stress reducing techniques. If you are looking for a beginner and looking for a gentle exercise class, all done in a chair, this class is a great place to start. Chair Yoga is taught by Logan Anderson, owner of All Strong Fitness LLC, and runs from 2-2:30 p.m. every Tuesday. The price of class is $3, but if you take Chair Yoga, and Step into Balance, both classes are $5 combined. (These two classes Logan teaches right after each other.)
Step Into Balance
Trouble staying steady on your feet? Afraid of falling? Step into balance is a great way for you to test your balance, strength, and stability. Step into balance focus’ on working numerous aspects of steadiness on your feet. These include leg strength, core stability, agility or quickness, audio and visual cues, and both dynamic and static balance. The class will have you on your feet for about half of the time, with the first portion of class offering a warmup in a seated position. If you are looking to challenge your balance, and improve your confidence on your feet, this is a great choice for you! Step Into Balance is taught by Logan Anderson, owner of All Strong Fitness LLC, and runs from 1-1:30 p.m. every Tuesday. The price of class is $3, but if you take Step Into Balance and Chair Yoga, both classes are $5 combined. (These two classes Logan teaches right after each other.
Line Dancing
Did you ever rock square dancing class during high school? Line dancing will put you right back in your glory days! Line dancing runs every Tuesday from 10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m. and is $2 per class. Line dancing at CASI will have you throwing down with good music, new friends, and a fun way to practice your balance and stability. If you enjoy putting on your dancing shoes and moving to a beat, come join others alike for line dancing.
Zumba Toning and Zumba Gold
Calling all cardio loves! Zumba Gold and Zumba toning offers a low impact, calorie burning workout that will get your heart rate up in no time. These two classes will work a wide variety of muscles in your body, in addition to honing in on your skills to keep on beat with the fast paced music. Zumba Gold is ran on Thursdays, from 9-10 a.m., and Fridays from 10:15-11:15 a.m. Zumba Toning is on Mondays from 10:15-11:15 a.m. All of the classes are $3 to participate in. If weight loss is your goal, or finding other seniors who enjoy a good sweat, come join a Zumba class!
Walking Club
If you are a walker, and enjoy social time with others, then the walking club is for you. The walking club at CASI takes advantage of the high quality walking track that is built within the building. This makes it a great activity rain or shine. The walking club is FREE for all CASI members, and meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8-9 a.m, and 4-5p.m. on Tuesday and Thursdays.
All in all, the Center for Active Seniors Inc. (CASI) has numerous different low impact exercise class opportunities to help you keep moving, and stay fit, regardless of your age and current abilities. In addition to this, the Center for Active Seniors Inc. (CASI) also has a fitness center that you can use, if you choose to pay the monthly fee. For more information on all of the Center for Active Seniors Inc. (CASI) happenings, or to contact them directly, check out their website here.
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