Classic classes draw in Longboat fitness fans

Returning snowbirds will find their favorite classes at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center and the Education Center of Longboat Key. There are some new options and some new instructors at the latter.
Dance fans have a new choice in “Dance Fiesta” at the Education Center. This low-impact aerobic class teaches five Latin dances (rhumba, salsa, cha-cha, samba and merengue) plus swing, each to its own music. The class is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Katherine Woodward (formerly Katherine Pipko) is the teacher, and the class is held at 5:15 p.m. Mondays. Cost is $10 per session; call for availability.

Steven Roensch teaches another new Education Center class, “Qi Gong for Energy and Longevity,” at 9 a.m. Thursdays. Qi gong and tai qi are the main forms of exercise therapy in traditional Chinese medicine that nourish the qi, or life force. Roensch comes to the Education Center via the East-West School of Holistic Medicine and has 40 years of teaching experience. This class is also $10 per session; call for availability.

There are two, new fitness-related Saturday seminars. SwinGolf is indoor swinging with golf balls, including putting and a tournament player’s swing. This method promises to reduce fatigue and make golf easier for those with arthritis or joint problems. Teacher Les Bolland is a 30-plus-year member of the British Professional Golfers Association and a veteran of the European Tournament Player’s Circuit. There are two sessions to be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 29 and Feb. 26. Cost is $35 for each session.

“The Joy of Aging Mindfully” teaches simple, proven techniques that can help make your life more meaningful and happy as you age. Instructor Ruth Fishel is a nationally known author and meditation teacher. This seminar takes place March 5. Cost is $25.

Advance registration is required for Education Center classes and seminars.

The schedule of classes and the instructors at the town’s Bayfront Park Recreation Center are consistent with prior years. Sherry Fideler teaches “Muscles & More,” “Tai Chi” and “Young at Heart.” Barbara Anderson teaches “Burn-n-Build Aerobics” and “Power Hour Plus.” Gail Condrick’s Nia classes are now at 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays and at 10 a.m. Saturdays. I continue to teach classic mat Pilates and “Joy of Stretch Yoga.” Rec center classes are available from $8 to $10 each for members and $13 to $15 each for non-members. Membership is $25 a year for individuals. Classes are “walk in” — no reservations required.

IF YOU GO
Bayfront Park Recreation Center
4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive
316-1980
www.longboatkey.org

Longboat Key Education Center
5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive
383-8811
www.lbkeducationcenter.org

Molly Schechter is an ACE-certified personal trainer with a specialty in older adult fitness plus YogaFit Instructor Training, SCF Yoga Fundamentals and Power Pilates™ Mat Certifications. She teaches classes at the Bayfront Park Recreation Center and the Longboat Key Club. E-mail her at [email protected].