Fitness is focus of Southwestern courses in Curry County

Southwestern Oregon Community College will be catering to a variety of health and fitness needs with four exercise oriented classes scheduled for Winter Term in Curry County.

Osteoporosis Prevention is an introduction to “Better Bones and Balance,” an exercise program designed to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and falling. Based on research of the Bone Research Laboratory at Oregon State University, this exercise program utilizes a weighted vest exercise program to protect bone by halting bone loss and reduce fall risk by improving balance, muscle strength and power. The class meets from 10 to 10:50 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the St. Mathews Episcopal Church in Gold Beach. Cost is $34.

Yoga for Health is an introduction to the Hatha physical yoga and includes the background, safety precautions and value of yoga. Stretching postures, proper breathing techniques and stress reduction will be emphasized. Sessions are scheduled from 5 to 6:20 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Driftwood Elementary School in Port Orford and from 12:30 to 1:50 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at St. Mathews Episcopal Church in Gold Beach. Two different Brookings location yoga packages also are available. The cost of the class is $34.

Southwestern’s Tai Chi course offers a gentle, relaxed non-sweat personal exercise for any age or gender. The course is non-competitive and starts with the basics. Then individuals progress at their own rate. The class meets from 8:30 to 9:50 a.m. on Fridays at the Port Orford Senior Center and from 7:30 to 8:50 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at Riley Creek Elementary School in Gold Beach. Cost in Port Orford is $28 and $34 in Gold Beach.

The Aerobic Fitness course is designed to help participants improve their cardiovascular system, muscle strength, body composition and flexibility while burning fat and calories in this low-impact aerobics class. This is a non-competitive class where students are encouraged to work at their own fitness levels and modify moves for their fitness needs. Students should bring mats or blankets for floor exercises. Classes are scheduled from 8:15 to 9:05 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Brookings Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Brookings and from 9 to 9:50 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Langlois Lions Hall. The cost for either class is $34.

For more information or to register, those interested can call the Southwestern Port Orford Center at (541) 332-3023, Gold Beach Center at (541) 247-2741 or Brookings Center at (541) 469-5017.

Press Release Date: January 4, 2007