A little bit of movement a day can go a long way.
Using tools like foam rollers can ease the exercising process by helping with flexibility and pain reduction.
Villagers and other residents can learn how to simplify exercise during The Enrichment Academy’s “Foam Rolling for Beginners” class.
The class is hosted by Bonnie Stein, of the Village of Poinciana, with the goal of getting residents to reduce skeletal pain and improve mobility.
Stein, who also teaches the aerobic walking and race walking TEA classes and leads the Thrill The Villages Dance group, said after learning about foam rolling 25 years ago and since using it regularly, she doesn’t need a chiropractor or physical or massage therapy.
She said the exercise tool also helps to get blood flowing to muscles and allows for easy self-massages.
“I am not recommending against any of these options,” she said. “Only saying that foam rolling has taken the place of all other treatments for any aches and pains.”
Participants are welcome to bring any size foam roller, two yoga blocks and a yoga mat to use in the class.
Stein does warn that there could be unexpected challenges with the class and using foam rollers.
One challenge may include getting up and down on the floor, though students work through different solutions during the class.
“We show the students how to use foam rollers in a chair or standing and rolling against the wall,” Stein said. “Often you need to experiment a bit with different densities (firmness or softness) of different rollers until you find the perfect firmness or softness for you.”
The class is meeting for two sessions: one runs from 2 to 3:15 p.m. Saturday and the other from 2 to 3:15 p.m. March 8 at Eisenhower Recreation, 3560 Buena Vista Blvd.Villages residents pay a class fee of $17, while nonresidents pay $23.
Those looking to receive additional guidance and instructions explaining how to get the most out of using a foam roller can roll into the next level of the exercise TEA class “Foam Rolling/ Stretching for Improved Exercise.”It is a new course with The Enrichment Academy program and is open to 25 people. Students are not required to take the beginners class first.
“This class is all on a mat on the floor,” Stein said. “It goes beyond the intro class regarding the exercises they learn, and it combines stretching with the foam roller. This class is ideal for fitness enthusiasts of any kind — walkers, runners, cyclists, dancers, pickleball, golf and others.”
The Foam Rolling/ Stretching for Improved Exercise class is from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. every Monday from now to Feb. 10 at Ezell Recreation, 769 Marilee Place.
Courses are $47 per person for residents and $53 for guests.
Whether it is the beginners course or the improved exercise course, the two TEA classes can help participants improve circulation and increase motion range by teaching tips they can take home with them.
“Bonnie is very knowledgeable and addresses individual challenges with alternatives,” said Melanie Sarakinis, recreation manager of The Enrichment Academy.For more information about the exercise classes, visit theenrichmentacademy.org.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com
