September 27 “Only Leaves Should Fall” Mini Events

If you are concerned about falling or have fallen in the past, please join us on Tuesday, September 27 at the Triangle Community Ministry or Mt. Zion Baptist Church to learn about strategies to prevent a fall. These events are FREE and lunch is included. After lunch, participants will progress through a series of screenings, such as vision, blood pressure, gait, and medication to help determine one’s fall risk. Then participants will leave with information about how to prevent a fall to continue living a healthy, independent life.

We know that falls are the number one cause of injury death among our older adult population in Wisconsin. The rate of fall deaths in WI is more than twice the national average. The good news is that we can help change these sobering statistics! Falls as we age are not inevitable and when equipped with the right tools and strategies, we can prevent falls from happening in the first place.

We would like to thank all of our partners involved in these two events: The Triangle Community Ministry and Mt. Zion Baptist Church for hosting; UW-Madison Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, and Nursing programs, Madison College Occupational Therapy Assistant program, and Edgewood College Nursing program for conducting screenings and working with participants at both locations; UW Health and St. Mary’s for lunch; and the African American Health Network, the Dane County Falls Prevention Task Force, and the Community Academic Aging Research Network (CAARN) for helping to make these events possible.

For more information about either event, please call Ashley Hillman at 608-235-1957. While the events at both locations are free, we do ask that you register ahead of time by calling the following numbers:

Triangle Community Ministry: Call Nurse Carri at 608-257-8517

Mt. Zion Baptist Church: Call 608-255-5270

Unique Steppin’ – Improve your dance moves AND your balance!

Join us on Saturdays from 1-3pm starting August 20 as Safe Communities and Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) collaborate to offer Unique Steppin’ to improve balance AND dance moves. While this program is intended to improve your balance, there’s an added bonus of improving your dance moves all while having fun. Roy Jones is the Unique Steppin’ instructor and has experience with this Chicago style of dance and is gifted at teaching others about something he, himself, is so passionate about doing.

According to research, there is evidence that dance improves balance as we age. Using both the brain and the body at the same time challenges one in a way that improves our “functional capacity”.[1] Improving balance is so important in preventing a fall. As we age, we often lose strength in certain areas of our bodies that are integral to daily movement, such as sitting in a chair, standing from a chair, and stepping over a curb. When we can more safely navigate our environment, we can enjoy our environment more fully, which gives us more independence.

In addition to improving balance, this class is an opportunity to engage with others. We all know that Covid has prevented social interaction and has led to isolation in many cases. Social isolation can lead to various types of negative health outcomes. It’s important that we connect with one another. Unique Steppin’ provides people with that opportunity.

Whether you’ve never heard of Steppin’ or you’ve participated in Steppin’ competitions, all are welcome at the Unique Steppin’ class at MSCR East on Cottage Grove Rd. The only things you need are comfortable clothing and shoes, water, and a positive attitude! Roy will be there to greet you and to help you on your balance AND dance journey!

[1] Rodríguez B, Paris-Garcia F. Influence of Dance Programmes on Gait Parameters and Physical Parameters of the Lower Body in Older People: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jan 29;19(3):1547. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19031547. PMID: 35162569; PMCID: PMC8835694.

 

How do you know which exercises or activities improve balance?

By Ashley Hillman, Safe Communities’ Falls Prevention Program Manager

Did you know that there are certain types of exercise that are better for enhancing balance? Walking is great aerobic exercise for your overall health, but it’s actually not an activity that has been proven to help improve balance. However, dancing, pickleball, yoga, ping pong, and Tai Chi are examples of activities that DO improve balance, thus decreasing your risk of a fall. There are certain types of exercises that you can incorporate into your daily routine that help improve balance. Let’s explore!

Static Balance means practicing while your feet or your seat are NOT moving. An example of this may be standing on one leg (maybe try it while you brush your teeth!). While practicing, it’s always a good idea to have a surface available for you to hold onto.

Dynamic Balance means practicing while your feet or your seat ARE moving. It might be time to pull out your dancing shoes because we’ve learned that dancing improves balance. In Dane County, we have Ballroom Basics for Balance™, a super fun dance class where you might learn the East Coast Swing, Cha Cha, or Waltz all while having fun and improving balance. Another example of practicing dynamic balance is stepping over something that might be in your path.

Dual-Task Training means doing something with your body then doing something else with your body OR your brain. This can be a tricky exercise, so while you want to challenge yourself, you don’t want it to be too difficult. Some examples might include walking sideways while counting backward or following a dance routine.

Strength building in the context of improving balance focuses on your legs and core (trunk) area. The goal is to be able to move your body while minimally using your arms and hands. We use our leg and core muscles for many daily activities, such as getting up from a chair, sitting into a chair, or stepping onto a sidewalk.

Now that we know which types of specific activities improve balance, it’s helpful to know how often or long one should engage in such activities. The recommendation is 3 hours per week, but these 3 hours can be broken into “snack size” activities. You don’t need to do them all at once. Incorporate activities into your daily routine. While you’re brushing your teeth, try standing on one leg. While cooking in the kitchen and moving to get something further down the counter, walk sideways and count backwards, all the while ensuring there is a counter or sturdy surface in reach should you need it. The key is to start small and gradually increase the challenge.

There are numerous community classes that have been identified as having the key components to improve balance. These include Tai Chi, dance, yoga, and numerous others that can be found on the Safe Communities website. If you see a “b” next to a class, you’ll know that it has been given the “Balance Stamp of Approval”. And if you’re currently taking a class and would like it to be evaluated to see if it contains the key types of activities to improve balance, contact Ashley Hillman at 608-235-1957 or ahillman@safercommunity.net. We hope to see you in one of Dane County’s many balance enhancing classes soon!

Local Home Safety Resources

Elderly man and woman participating in yoga

Home Safety Resources:

Safety Checklist from the CDC (PDF)

SSM Health Medical Equipment
4639 Hammersley Road
Madison, WI 53711
(800) 924-2273
https://www.homehealthunited.org/home-medical-equipment

All our retail stores have an extensive supply of home medical equipment and supplies to assist patients and caregivers with treatments and care as well as increase mobility, safety, independence and comfort.

SSM Health Voicecare (Personal Emergency Response System)
4639 Hammersley Road
Madison, WI 53711
(855) 332-6882
https://www.ssmhealth.com/health-at-home/community-health-resources/voicecare

Subscribers wear a pendant, and in the event of a fall or other emergency, pressing the activator button will alert monitoring personnel who will contact the subscriber to ensure they are safe, or will contact other designated emergency responders as needed. VoiceCare gives subscribers and their loved ones peace of mind knowing help is available with the push of a button.

Supporting Active Independent Lives (SAIL)
Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
6209 Mineral Point Road #210
Madison, WI 53705
(608)230-4321
www.sailtoday.org

Supporting Active Independent Lives (SAIL) is a vibrant non-profit membership organization of people 55+ who reside in the Dane county area. SAIL members wish to remain active, independent, in their own homes, and socially connected, and have found that navigating the many changes brought on by age is much easier with the resources offered by SAIL. Membership includes referrals to pre-screened service providers, discounted emergency pendants, daily automated check-in service, house checks, shredding services, wellness services, social events and clubs, member-helping-member volunteer opportunities, discounts to Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) programs, Home Health United medical equipment, quarterly mattress flipping and other member perks!

William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital
(available to veterans who qualify-contact your VA physician)

Adaptive Remodeling Solutions
6200 Sylvan Ln
Monona, WI 53716
(608)234-7440

http://www.adaptiveremodelingsolutions.com

Adaptive Remodeling Solutions, LLC work to provide older adults and individuals with special needs with the home remodeling solutions that they need to remain independent. This includes remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, and other home modifications that make a home more accessible.

Accessibility Plus
125 Garnet Ln.
Madison, WI 53714
(608) 335-6779

Accessibility Plus is focused exclusively on making the home a safer place for individuals who are physically challenged due to a disability or aging. Our in-home safety assessments and home safety modification services are provided by an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA).

Project Home
3841 Kipp St.
Madison, WI 53718
(608)246-3737

http://www.projecthomewi.org

Makes home repairs, accessibility modifications and energy improvements to make homes healthier, safer and to ease the financial burden of high energy bills for people who are struggling financially.

UW Health Care Direct
Including Home Health & Home Medical Equipment and Supplies
1345 Deming Way
Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 203-2273

Website

Home Medical Equipment & Supplies services include:

  • Oxygen (concentrators, liquid and portables)
  • Sleep disorder evaluations and equipment
  • Home ventilators
  • Infant apnea monitors
  • Home beds and patient lifts
  • Mobility equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, canes,
    crutches, etc.)
  • Home medical supplies
  • Caregiver education programs
  • Clinical consultation and training
  • Clinical respiratory services
  • 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service

Beauty and the Beast: Winter in WI – Tips for Preventing a Fall this Winter

Person in winter boots walking on snowy street

Lately as we look out of our windows, we see the beauty of winter: glistening trees covered in ice and a white blanket of snow covering what was once green. For Wisconsinites, this particular season (while often beautiful) can pose many fall hazards to older adults. Falls are the #1 cause of injury death among adults 65+ in Wisconsin and are one of the top reasons for calls to EMS. 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Below are some tips to stay upright this winter.

Braving the cold, wintry weather to run errands, visit family, or just to get out of the house without a cell phone on your body can be detrimental and even deadly if you happen to fall outside. Always have a cell phone on your body that is easy to reach in the event you fall or are stranded and need to call for help. Waiting for someone to find you in brutal winter weather can result in not only an injury due to do a fall, but also hypothermia or frostbite.

Winters in Wisconsin are long, and with shorter days comes decreased sun exposure which could impact one’s Vitamin D levels. Talk with your doctor about Vitamin D and whether or not a supplement could be beneficial to help maintain strong bones and aid in other potential positive health outcomes.

The combination of shorter days and staying indoors due to harsh weather could lead to depression in older adults. These two factors, on top of Covid-19, have made social interaction even more difficult for our older population. We know that social interaction is key to good health – we need each other! Finding ways to engage with friends, family, and neighbors despite the weather is important, though it’s important to do so safely. Many health and fitness programs for older adults are now available over the phone or online. This may include Tai Chi, Stepping On, Ballroom Basics for Balance, yoga, and many others! Connect with your local senior center or the Aging and Disability Resource Center (608-240-7400) to find out what might be available. Set up a standing telephone or video coffee date with a friend or loved one to help stay connected.

“Drink Wisconsinbly” may be a funny tag line for a t-shirt or coffee mug, but it’s also a very real problem in our state and can lead to health issues or injuries, such as a fall. As our bodies age, we metabolize alcohol more slowly. And as older adults often take supplements and prescription medications, alcohol often does not interact favorably. Please talk with your doctor about safe alcohol consumption, and be mindful of alcohol intake, especially on those long winter nights that might be exacerbated by feelings of depression.

And be mindful of bringing potential winter hazards into your home! Health care providers recommend taking shoes off when entering your house because snow and ice might be tracked inside the house, thaw, thus creating very slippery patches of water on the floor. This can be another fall hazard.

As you’re gazing at the lovely winter scene outside, take a moment to go through a mental checklist of ways to stay safe: use yak trax or other grip devices on shoes, use a winterized cane tip, ensure sideways and driveways are clear of ice and snow, never leave home without your cell phone, keep kitty litter in your car to provide better traction on ice when getting out of the car in parking lots, institute a check-in system with a loved one or neighbor, and keep your body moving so muscles stay strong! And remember, winter will once again segue into spring.

Contact Ashley Hillman at Safe Communities for information about falls prevention activities in Dane County (608-235-1957).

Fall Prevention Classes: High Risk

Elder black man stretching in park

Referral to Physical Therapy

You may want to consider a physical therapist, preferably one with special training on older adult falls. Many physical therapists are trained to find out why you/your patient is falling, and help them with recovery solutions, such as strength and balance exercises to help reduce the chance of falling again.

Otago

One physical therapy program that has been shown to reduce falls among older adults is the Otago Falls Prevention Program (developed in New Zealand).

Fall Prevention Classes: Medium Risk

Elderly Women sitting and doing physical therapy activities with rubber rings

Stepping On™

Stepping On is an evidence-based workshop meeting once per week for seven weeks, two hours per week, with a reunion class three months later. The class is led by trained leaders who work with you and your classmates to help improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling by reviewing medications, exploring the role of vision and falls, teaching strength and balance exercises, and offering help to improve your safety at home. Members of the class support each other’s efforts to take action to prevent falls. Older adults who may have balance problems or fear of falling are the best fit for this class. According to studies, people who complete Stepping On classes see a 31% reduction in falls. A Stepping On workshop costs $35 for the seven week session and includes the reunion class.

An additional 15-30 minutes will be added to the first class of the workshop series to complete paperwork (surveys and data collection).

For research on Stepping on from the CDC, click here.

Available Workshops: 

IN-PERSON – Stoughton Senior Center

248 W. Main St., Stoughton

Wednesdays, July 12 – August 23 from 9:30am – 11:30am

To register, contact the Stoughton Senior Center at 608-873-8585

Cost: $0

IN-PERSON – Monona Senior Center

1011 Nichols Rd., Monona

Tuesdays, September 5 – October 17 from 12:30pm – 2:30pm

To register, contact the Monona Senior Center at 608-222-3415

Cost: $0

IN-PERSON – Harbor Athletic Club

2529 Allen, Blvd., Middleton

Mondays, September 11 – October 23 from 10:15am – 12:15pm

To register, contact the Harbor Athletic Club at 608-831-6500

Cost: $0

IN-PERSON – Fitchburg Senior Center

5510 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg

Mondays, September 11 – October 23

To register, contact the Fitchburg Senior Center at 608-270-4290

Cost: $0

IN-PERSON – Our Lady Queen of Peace

401 S. Owen Dr., Madison

Tuesdays, September 12 – October 24 (3rd week class will be on Wed., Sept. 27) from 9:30am – 11:30am

To register, contact Crystal at 608-231-4614

Cost: $0

IN-PERSON – St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church

5313 Flad Ave., Madison

Fridays, September 15 – November 3 (no class Sept. 29) from 12:00pm – 2:00pm

To register, contact St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church at 608-271-7421

Cost: $0

IN-PERSON – Talamore Senior Living

275 N. City Station Dr., Sun Prairie

Tuesdays, October 3 – November 14 from 1:30pm – 3:30pm

To register, contact Talamore Senior Living at 608-834-2800

Cost: $0

Tai Chi Fundamentals™

Available Classes:

Madison Senior Center –

Participants encouraged to take Goodman Community Center’s Virtual Tai Chi Class (call 608-241-1574 for information)

Goodman Community Center: Tai Chi Fundamental Form –

Please call Goodman Community Center for information about virtual Tai Chi (608) 241-1574

Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR): Tai Chi-Multiple Styles

Contact MSCR for program guide and information about Goodman Rotary 50+ Classes: 608-204-3023

Fall Prevention Classes: Mild Risk

Older man and women doing tai chi in the park in spring

Parkinson’s Exercise Program – Fall 2023

UW Health

This class is specifically for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson Disease. Class content is based on current research focusing on improving mobility. It consists of multi-directional treadmill walking and floor exercises emphasizing trunk mobility. Additional strengthening exercise with resistance equipment may be given on an individual basis. All new participants must present a physician’s authorized screening prior to participation.   

Tues/Thurs, September 5 – December 14, 2023 (no class 11/23); 12:05 – 1:25 (Divided into class times of 12:05-12:55 or 12:35-1:25)

UW Health Fitness Center, Science Drive Medical Center, 621 Science Dr., Madison                       

Cost: $441 (some discounts available)                                                                         

Call 608-263-7936 to schedule a screening before enrolling                             

Visit www.uwhealth.org/PEP for more information

Living Falls Free

Living Falls Free is a practical falls risk reduction exercise class. Course content includes learning the exercises of the as well as learning falls reduction strategies specific for your life. Class includes a take-home exercise program and pre/post performance testing. This is a moderate level class with walking, rocker boards, strength work and exercise at standing, chair and floor level. Gait dynamics and movement technique are emphasized.

Wednesdays, September 27 – November 29, 2023 from 10:45am – 11:45am

UW Health Fitness Center, Science Drive Medical Center, 621 Science Dr., Madison                       

Cost: $156 (some discounts available)                                                                           

Call 608-263-7936 to schedule a screening before enrolling                                                                     

Visit www.uwhealth.org/LFF for more information    

Balancing Act

This program is designed to increase balance and decrease the risk of falling by using tai chi movements and principles. Standing and chair-based exercises are adapted to individual needs. Classes are held at Madison School & Community Recreation locations.  Click here to visit the MSCR website for more details.

Available Classes: Call 608-204-3023 

Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR)

MSCR offers multiple classes which can improve balance and help prevent falls. The “B” (for balance) symbol identifies exercise classes that help prevent falls in older adults. The “B” classes incorporate both balance and strength training. Scientific literature has shown balance training to be the best exercise for fall prevention.
https://www.mscr.org/our-programs/50-fitness-programs

Fall Prevention Classes: Low Risk

Two older white haired men bowling

Balancing and Strength Exercises

Research shows that to reduce chances of falling, people must include balance and strength exercises that are progressive (get more challenging over time), and that are practiced for at least 50 hours over 15 weeks. Anyone interested in preventing falls should add these activities to their daily and weekly routine. And it’s important to keep going – any improvements to balance can be lost quickly if we don’t keep it up. And keep walking, swimming, stretching – or moving any way you like – it’s worth it!

Movement Starters for Adults

Are you looking for new ways to learn how to move more easily while having fun? We just may have the answer. We are a group of four local instructors who focus on the movement arts for adults. We are offering a different intro movement workshop, one per month, from August thru November. Each workshop runs from 10:30am – 11:45am and takes place at Madison Circus Space (2082 Winnebago St., Madison, WI). Cost is $10 per person per workshop, cash, or check, payable at the workshop. To register for one or more workshops and for more information, please email hildybee@gmail.com. Minimum 5 people registered to hold the workshop. 
Below are the workshop dates and a brief description of the class and the instructor:
Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023 – How to Fall – The goal of this class is to safely practice falling and getting back up without injury, using thick mats. Barb Brown is an A.C.E. certified personal trainer and a practitioner and a teacher of the martial art Aikido, at Aikido of Madison, where she has been falling and getting up since 1984.
Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 – Parkour, Only Soft Landings – Parkour is about moving from one place to another in a fluid, efficient, and creative manner, using your environment as your gym. The curriculum is informed by PK Silver, the world’s first and only evidence-based parkour program for older adults. Susan Frikken, a physical therapist in private practice in Madison, is also a certified facilitator of Stepping On, an evidence-based falls reduction program, and co-creator of Ballroom Basics for Balance™.
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 – Recovery – This nurturing class will guide you through the gentle movement of the Feldenkrais Method. Your joints and muscles will thank you! Catrina Choate-Heretoiu is a somatic educator and ballet teacher who works toward improving the quality of movement to improve the quality of life. She is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais practitioner and offers Awareness Through Movement classes.
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023 – Single-Point Low-Flying Trapeze – This class will offer you the opportunity to apply your movement skills and muscles while using a low trapeze bar as your dance partner. Hildy Feen has been studying and performing aerial dance for over 20 years, and has been teaching low-flying trapeze for over 10 years. 

Ballroom Basics for Balance™

Challenge your balance and make it better with basic moves of ballroom dance!  Research shows that dance is one way to improve balance and reduce falls. This class is for you if:

  • You want to get better at walking or moving around on various surfaces, both inside and outside (like carpets, grass, and snowy walkways).
  • You have had at least one fall in the past year or have a fear of falling.
  • You are able to participate in medium-difficult activity without major health symptoms (like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness).
  • You are able to move about on your own with or without a device to help you.
  • You can hear and see well enough to participate in a group class.
  • You are interested in having fun!

You will learn basic movements of traditional smooth and Latin style ballroom dances with and without music; you can practice on your own or with a partner in this group class.  We will learn to dance while learning about improving balance.  No experience or partner needed! Taught by physical therapists and other health care professionals.

Available Classes: Virtual and Outdoor Classes Now Available!! Check the website for additional information:  https://www.ballroombasicsforbalance.org

To register for the summer 2023 session at Yahara Place Park, click HERE!

 Middleton Senior Center Ballroom Basics for Balance

Middleton Senior Center, 7448 Hubbard Ave., Middleton
Wednesdays, September 13 – October 25, 2023 from 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Instructor: Krista Spiro 
Cost: $42 (7 weeks)
For more information, visit www.cityofmiddleton.us/109/Senior-Center or call 608-831-2373 
 

 Black Power Dance

Madison Circus Space, 2082 Winnebago St., Madison
Instructor: Francis Medrano
Cost: Varies
For more information, email francismedranot@yahoo.es; Facebook Page: Black Power Dance
 

 Graham Beginning Adult

Kanopy Dance Studio, 329 W. Mifflin St., Madison
Instructor: Robert Cleary
Cost: Varies based on tuition period
For more information, email info@kanopydance.org or call 608-255-2211
 

 Low Flying Trapeze for Older Adults

Madison Circus Space, 2082 Winnebago St., Madison
Instructor: Hildy Bee
Cost: Varies 
For more information, email hildybee@gmail.com or visit www.madisoncircusspace.com  
 

 Basics of Aikido

Aikido of Madison, 2219 Atwood Ave., Madison
Instructor: Barb Brown
Cost: Varies 
For more information, visit www.aikidoofmadison.com or call 608-231-3935
 

 Middleton Senior Center Chair Yoga

Middleton Senior Center, 7448 Hubbard Ave., Middleton
Instructor: Susan Martin & Leora Weitzman 
Cost: Varies 
For more information, visit www.cityofmiddleton.us/109/Senior-Center or call 608-831-2373 
 

 Middleton Senior Center Strength & Flexibility

Middleton Senior Center, 7448 Hubbard Ave., Middleton
Instructor: Paul Novak
Cost: Varies 
For more information, visit www.cityofmiddleton.us/109/Senior-Center or call 608-831-2373 
 

 Virtual Senior Strength and Stretch – Hosted by Newbridge

Mondays and Wednesdays, ongoing
9:00am – 9:45am (except public holidays)
$20/month to access all Monday/Wednesday classes
Contact Becky Otte-Ford to sign up at 608-215-4119 or raonine@gmail.com

 Parkour Senior: Only Soft Landings! 

Travel through your world with joy and creativity! Learn balance and coordination, work on preventing falls, find more flexibility in your body and more movement options for your life! The curriculum is informed by PK Silver, the world’s first and only evidence-based parkour program for older adults. 

Check back for available classes!

Ageless Balance – Virtual

Regain your balance with simple and safe seated and standing exercises that can be modified for any fitness level. Information will be provided about how to prevent falls. This class is designed to improve balance, as well as strength, endurance, and flexibility, while increasing muscle mass and bone density. Free exercise equipment provided when you register.

Virtual classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:30pm – 2:15pm.

Click here to register and for more information: https://agelessbalance.com/class-registration/

Cost: $25/month

Tai Chi with Jody Curley

Jody Curley, M.A., has been a Tai Chi student since 1983 and a Tai Chi teacher since 1988. She worked as a dementia care specialist for forty years and found that adapting Tai Chi principles of movement combined with self-awareness was extremely helpful in caring for others, as well as for herself. She now focuses on teaching both traditional and adapted Tai Chi movements to older adults (like herself!) for balance and care of body, mind, and spirit, with a particular emphasis on trying easy instead of trying hard. Please see available classes below:
 
Verona Senior Center Cup of Chi (Zoom)

Instructor – Jody Curley
Tuesdays, 11:30am – 12:15pm
Ongoing from January 10, 2023
For registration information, contact Jody Curley – jodycurley@gmail.com
$5 per class

Website: Tai Chi Peace Zoom Studio

Monona Senior Center Cup of Chi (Zoom)

Instructor – Jody Curley
Thursdays, 11:30am – 12:15pm
Ongoing from January 12, 2023
For registration information, contact Jody Curley – jodycurley@gmail.com
$5 per class

Website: Tai Chi Peace Zoom Studio

Monona Senior Center Tai Chi Ease (Zoom)

Instructor – Jody Curley
Mondays, 11:00am – 12:00pm
Ongoing from January 9, 2023 (skip 1/16/23 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
For registration information, contact Jody Curley – jodycurley@gmail.com
$5 per class

Website: Tai Chi Peace Zoom Studio

 Tai Chi Chuan Short Form and Long Form (Zoom)

Instructor – Jody Curley
Saturdays, 10:00am – 11:00am William CC Chen 60 Movements Short Form

Saturdays, 11:15am – 12:00pm 132 Movement Yang Style Long Form Review

Ongoing from January 7, 2023
For registration information, contact Jody Curley at jodycurley@gmail.com

Website: Tai Chi Peace Zoom Studio 

$10 per class

Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention Class

This gentle Tai Chi class is designed to improve balance and the symptoms of arthritis. Adults
who are independently mobile with or without an assistive device will benefit from this class.
Even those who don’t have arthritis or balance challenges enjoy this class.
 
Amy Stoddard, Certified TCAFP Instructor
When: Thursdays, 10:30am – 11:30am drop in and ongoing; donations accepted
Where: Balancing Meridians, 136 Owen Rd., Monona
Email Amy Stoddard at taichiamystoddard@gmail.com for questions or to attend.
 

Strength Stretch Balance – Virtual

Exercise class done standing and sitting with an emphasis on resistance exercise, mobility and range of motion, and balance (no getting down on the floor)

Instructor: Marlene Storms

  • Mon: 11:00am – 11:50am
  • Tues: 10:30am – 11:30am
  • Wed: 9:00am – 9:50am
  • Thurs: 10:30am – 11:30am

Supplies Needed: armless chair, hand weights, towel or small ball (larger than a tennis ball, smaller than a soccer ball), water; optional: ankle weights

Cost: $50/month per household (includes Plank/Floor classes)

To register, contact Marlene Storms at thedailyfitwithmarlene@outlook.com

Plank/Floor – Virtual

More intense exercise class with emphasis on resistance exercise, mobility and range of motion, and balance

Instructor: Marlene Storms

  • Mon: 9:00am – 9:50am
  • Thurs: 9:30am – 10:20am

Supplies Needed: yoga mat, hand weights, water

Cost: $50/month per household (includes Strength Stretch Balance classes)

To register, contact Marlene Storms at thedailyfitwithmarlene@outlook.com

Mindful Movement

Program designed for seniors but open to any adult interested. Contact Venus Washington for information.

Get Movin: A gentle exercise program for every fitness level. Contact Venus Washington for information.

Instructor: Venus Washington

Website: Venus Washington | Welcome to my Health Coach Site

Madison Circus Space’s Beginning German Wheel

A circus art that uses the wheel, an apparatus made of metal hoops connected with spokes. Completely supervised, this is a fun and totally different way to be active and fit! Check website for class schedule.

Instructor: Carly Schuna

Website: https://madisoncircusspace.com

Tai Chi Center of Madison

Tai Chi Fundamentals – The Tai Chi Fundamentals Program offers a clear system for mastering the basics of tai chi while retaining the integrity of traditional Yang Style tai chi (Cheng Man Ch’ing lineage). This program is designed to make tai chi clear and accessible for beginners with a wide range of abilities, and for experienced practitioners wishing to refine essential groundwork.

ROM Dance/Gentle Exercise- The ROM Dance is a gentle mind/body exercise and relaxation program designed especially for people with pain and other physical conditions which may limit movement. “ROM” stands for Range-Of-Motion exercises recommended by doctors and therapists to help keep the joints flexible. The ROM Dance incorporates these movements with basic mind/body principles from tai chi, and is accompanied by quiet music and a verse that evokes light, warmth and well being.

Instructor: Rachel Sandretto

Websites: http://taichicenterofmadison.com/fund.shtml   http://taichicenterofmadison.com/rom.shtml

*Please call for information about in-person and virtual classes 608-663-8299

Yang (Cheng Man Ch’ing/Taiwan Form) All Levels – Tai chi is a form of qigong (energy cultivation). Based in martial arts movements, tai chi provides training in proper body mechanics and natural alignment. It fosters a relaxed body and a peaceful state of mind, which are essential ingredients for cultivating healthy energy or qi.

Instructor: Doug Brown

Website: http://taichicenterofmadison.com/yang.shtml#cheng

*Please call for information about in-person and virtual classes 608-663-8299

Yang 1 Beginner Tai Chi

Yang 2 – 3 Intermediate Tai Chi

Tai chi is a form of qigong (energy cultivation). Based in martial arts movements, tai chi provides training in proper body mechanics and natural alignment. It fosters a relaxed body and a peaceful state of mind, which are essential ingredients for cultivating healthy energy or qi.

Instructor: Bruce Aunet

Website: http://taichicenterofmadison.com/yang.shtml

*Please call for information about in-person and virtual classes 608-663-8299

 

Start Exercising: Local Exercising Resources

Elderly man and woman participating in yoga

Safe Communities

2453 Atwood Ave., Ste 210
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (608) 441-3060
Fall Prevention Classes | Safe Communities Madison, WI (safercommunity.net)
Learn about community resources and classes (both evidence-based and evidence-informed) that could help prevent a fall. Classes include Stepping On, Living Falls Free, Tai Chi Fundamentals, Moving for Better Balance, Ballroom Basics for Balance, and many more!

 

UW Health Faint and Fall Clinic

University Hospital
600 Highland Ave.
Madison, WI 53792
(608) 890-8400
Faint and Fall Clinic Website

The Mobility and Falls Clinic is for our older adults who may be at risk for losing independence, who are experiencing:

  • Recurrent falls with or without physical injury
  • Fear of falling with functional consequences
  • Declining mobility and function

 

Madison School & Community Recreation 50+ Programs

(608) 204-3023
http://www.mscr.org/our-programs/50-fitness-programs

MSCR 50+ programs include aqua exercise, strength training, low impact fitness, yoga, Tai Chi, golf, walking clubs and many more at affordable prices.