Bone Builders, Tai Chi, and Yoga offer fitness and focus at The Hub.
Fall is a good time for people of all ages to give some thought to health and fitness, with an eye to reducing stress, gaining strength and balance, and developing focus. A variety of classes offered at The Andover Community Hub teach these skills in a variety of ways.
Bone Builders
Bone Builders is an ongoing, twice-weekly strength and balance class aimed at preventing or reducing osteoporosis. It’s beginning again on Monday, September 13, following a COVID hiatus. This class meets Mondays and Thursdays, year-round, is open to men and women, and is aimed primarily at those age 55 and older at all levels of physical ability.
New participants are welcome to join anytime and are asked to contact TheAndoverHub@nullgmail.com or 735-5509 for more information. Bone Builders classes are free, although a small donation is suggested.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese movement developed originally for self-defense that has evolved into a quiet, slow-moving form of exercise that’s now used by teens to seniors for stress reduction, improving balance and immune function, and strengthening legs, back and abdomen.
This eight-week series will begin on Thursday, September 30, from 4 to 5 PM, and will be taught by Bill Halacy of Concord, who began his study of tai chi, acupuncture, and Asian medicine following his retirement as Concord’s Chief of Police. As Halacy says, “If you can sit, stand, and shrug your shoulders, you can do tai chi.” Beginners and those with some experience welcome.
Pre-registration is required by contacting TheAndoverHub@nullgmail.com or 735-5509. Payment is requested ahead of time and can be mailed to The Hub at PO Box 157, Andover NH 03216.
Yoga
Yoga classes at The Hub are gentle-flow classes with an emphasis on breathing, inner focus, and strengthening the body for balance and function. Beginners as well as those with experience are welcome. A six-week early evening class begins on Wednesday, September 15, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM, taught by Andover resident Shawna Otis. She can be reached at 455-6413 or Shawna_Otis@nullyahoo.com for information and to register; the fee for the series is $70.
A six-week morning series will begin on Friday, September 17, from 8:30 to 9:30 AM; $55 for the series, $10 per session to drop in. There will be a Zoom option for those who are pre-registered. The class is taught by Salisbury resident and personal trainer Maris Wofsy, who can be reached at Maris.Wofsy@nullgmail.com for information and to register.
Karate
Karate has been available at The Hub for several years for both adults and kids six and older. The current schedule of classes is still unclear due to COVID, but potential students are urged to call or text Tiger Mountain Shotokan and Gayle Fleming at 477-3174 for further information.
Instructors Wanted
Zumba and Dance: The Hub is looking for a Zumba teacher and dance instructors for both adults and children and asks readers to contact TheAndoverHub@nullgmail.com if they are, or know of, someone who might be interested in teaching either. Suggestions for other classes are welcome as well.
All classes will abide by relevant CDC public health COVID-19 protocols at the time they begin.