OLLI FIT   

Experience the centuries-old wisdom of T’ai Chi, often referred to as "meditation in motion" or "medication in motion" by the Harvard Medical Health Publication. This hands-on course explores the principles and basic exercises of T’ai Chi Ch’uan, emphasizing its practical and participative nature. Learn how these exercises can complement medical interventions and benefit various health conditions, including balance and falls reduction, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, COPD, heart disease, depression, and schizophrenia. The course also discusses the global health care implications and daily applications of Tai Chi, supported by a growing body of evidence on its medical benefits.

A mindful and intentional movement practice designed to stretch and strengthen the body in a safe and supportive way. This class will involve standing, sitting, and lying down yoga postures presented as a way of befriending the body and bringing curiosity to the experience of movement and the mind-body connection. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome. Options and modifications will be offered to accommodate different needs throughout the class.

In traditional Chinese medicine the patient is expected to be an active participant in their own healing, and not just a victim of their disease. Strong believers in the idea that exercise is medicine Qi-gong evolved over centuries to become the primary form of exercise therapy used in traditional Chinese medicine. Medical Qi-gong exercises are considered superior to herbal medicine and acupuncture because patients learn to keep themselves healthy by using exercises designed to cultivate a strong mind and a strong body. With over 3600 psychophysiological exercises developed over centuries, medical Qi-gong provides the tools for everyone to become an active participant in their own health. This course will give students an introduction to a variety of the most popular sets of exercises in a safe and progressive way. Qi-Gong exercise modalities include therapeutic gymnastics, equipment, massage, natures treatment and recreational exercise. Learn from two of the top professors of traditional Chinese medicine here at the University of Denver and at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This class will discuss a wide range of evidence-based therapeutic exercises that you can use in your own life.

One of the foundational components of a practice in mindfulness meditation is community. This course will be a practice-based approach to meditation. Each class period will include a guided meditation, followed by community reflection and conversation. There will be time dedicated to small and large group discussion, questions, sharing from personal experience, and mindful listening to the reflections of others. The class will be an opportunity to be together in community meditation, learn, grow, and deepen our practice through group process. Beginning and experienced meditators are welcome.

The Movement, Mindfulness and Energy course focuses on experiencing different ways to move, be mindful and strategies to shift energy. Movement, Mindfulness, and Energy is a lifestyle and when we can take time to focus on these areas our health can be improved. It is a way to relieve stress and anxiety and to balance moods on a daily basis. Each week of class, you will be engaged in mindful movement that is gentle, relaxing, and simulating to the muscles for half the class. The other half of class is dedicated to meditation and developing your own practice of mindfulness and energy. Every semester of class brings something new because the focus of the course shifts and changes along with you. Come join us for this unique blend of movement, mindfulness and energy.