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!
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!
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
Unique Steppin’ with Roy Jones (in partnership with Madison School & Community Recreation)
Instructor: Roy Jones
Location: Madison School & Community Recreation (4620 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison)
When: Saturdays, January 14 – March 25, 2023 from 1-3pm
The class is free (donations accepted), but registration is required. Call MSCR at 608-204-3000 or visit www.mscr.org.
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.
Instructors: Susan Frikken and Darcie Olson
Location: Warner Park at the entrance to the Mallards Stadium (2930 N. Sherman Ave., Madison)
When: Fridays, May 26 – August 4 from 9:30am – 10:45am
Cost: $70 (or $60 if paying with cash or check); Sliding Scale Available
To register, Click Here!
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
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
Olbrich Botanical Gardens Tai Chi Meditation (Zoom)
Instructor – Jody Curley
Mondays, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Three 6-week winter/spring sessions
January 23 – February 27; March 6 – April 10; April 17 – May 22
For registration information, contact Olbrich Botanical Gardens at www.olbrich.org or 608-246-4550
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
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@
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@
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
