Senior Center of the Chathams Exercise Programs

Start off the New Year with an exercise program. The Senior Center of the Chathams offers several options to help you get into shape:  Tai Chi/Qi Gong, Tone & Flex, and “Kati’s Yoga”.  

            Tone & Flex, led by Donna Sue Dowton, works on balance, strength, and flexibility using weights, bands, and balance balls and is held Mondays Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9  – 10 am. The cost of a 12-class session is $48 or $88 for 2 sessions (24 classes).  There is also the option of doing 2 days per week or 8 classes in a session for the fee of $40. All classes are designed to accommodate any level of ability and fitness. Participants are encouraged to work at his or her own pace and use appropriate weights for their individual situation. Ms Dowton’s class is fun as well as challenging; participants receive a good workout with a variety of exercises that work and stretch all muscle groups. They have reported an improvement in their stamina, strength and flexibility and improvement in their balance. Ms. Dowton has added additional emphasis on improving posture, balance and flexibility to alleviate back and hip pain.

            Ms. Dowton is a YMCA certified instructor specializing in senior exercise and has been teaching at the Senior Center for 8 years.  She is certified in: Exercise & Arthritis and Exercise for Knee & Hip Replacement; Balance Training; and Exercise for Osteoporosis. She has recently added a few more certificates of completion –Stretching Anatomy, Yoga Prevention for Low Back Pain, Yoga Anatomy, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CE Course).

            Kati Walker RYT, a Chatham resident and Certified Yoga Instructor, leads “Kati’s Yoga” classes on Tuesdays from11:30 – 12:30 pm. Yoga will benefit those people who have limited range of motion and balance issues as well as those more active but who want to work on flexibility, relaxation, and balance.

            Ms Walker states: “We encourage the body and mind to relax into each pose with emphasis on alignment. In our poses we will address muscle strength and joint flexibility. We work towards a greater range of motion, and better balance. Yoga will also teach the student to breath deeper. Deep breathing moves more oxygen to the brain and muscles, allowing us to think clearer and have more energy.”  She believes “Yoga should never hurt.”  Research from Johns Hopkins on Yoga for people with arthritis has shown that “yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity that also has important psychological benefits due to its meditative nature. As with other forms of exercise, yoga can increase muscle strength, improve flexibility, enhance respiratory endurance, and promote balance. Yoga is also associated with increased energy and fewer bodily aches and pains.” Ms Walker adds: “Students are challenged to their individual ability. If a student needs to use a chair to help with balance and stability during the standing poses, it doesn’t mean they can’t be challenged.”

            Ms Walker has received her certificate to teach breast cancer survivors, in addition to her certifications in meditation and sleeping disorders. She also teaches at the Atlantic Integrated Medicine Center of Memorial Hospital, Studio Yoga in Madison, The Wellness Community Center of Bedminster, Summit Senior Center and Juniper Village in Chatham. She works with young children, healthy adults and those with physical disabilities. The cost is $36 for 6 classes.

            Tai Chi-Qi Gong meets on Tues. and Thurs. from 11 am – 12 and is taught by Cesar Godoy. The combination of slow movements with breathing specific to that motion, gently tones and strengthens the organs, joints, bones and muscles, relaxing mind, body and spirit. Participants also find an improvement in balance, thereby preventing falls and injuries. The cost of a 10-class session is $57 or $35 for a 5-class session.   

            Many years ago, after finishing his college studies and receiving his Architectural Degree, Mr Godoy began to train and practice Okinawan Kempo, a style of “empty hands” Martial  Art.  Shortly after this, he began studying Tai Chi.  In the late 70s, Cesar studied with William Chen in NYC.  Through the 80s, he continued practicing and teaching Tai Chi. In 1993 he relocated to Convent Station, NJ, where he met and studied for several years with a great Martial Arts teacher, Alex Kiupe, who introduced him to the practice of Qi Gong.

            Driven by his profound interest in the mysteries of the mind, Cesar pursued the study of hypnosis, becoming a certified Master Hypnotist and Hypno-Counselor, with special training in Past Life Regression, Stress Management and Parts Therapy. Additionally, he is a practitioner of meditation and a shamanic work facilitator.    

            Those interested in trying a class can do so free of charge or obligation. Participants can begin at any time during the session. Fees will be prorated accordingly. All classes are held in the Chatham Township Municipal building gym at 58 Meyersville Rd.  The Senior Center provides door-to-door bus service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 am – 2 pm, for those needing transportation.  Call the Senior Center at (973)635-4565 for information and registration. The Senior Center will be closed for the holidays from Dec 23 – Jan 2.