The importance of physical activity to the health and well-being of older adults cannot be overstated. Cannot. Be. Overstated. Study after study, research upon research (not to mention our own intuitive certainty) all demonstrate over and over the simple truth: use it or lose it.
 
And yet what a struggle it is for most of us. Exercise. Yuck. So Lincoln Park Village has created several programs that are actually fun, will get you moving and could pass for something other than exercise: dance, sport, enjoying nature, exploring eastern culture. We trust you'll find something that appeals to you.
 
T'AI CHI
 
T'ai Chi is done by performing a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next. It is non-competitive and self-paced. Because it emphasizes technique over strength and is low impact, t'ai chi is particularly good for older adults.
 

T'ai Chi is an ancient art, but has only recently been studied for its benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, preliminary evidence suggests that T'ai Chi helps with reducing anxiety and depression; improving balance, flexibility and strength; reducing falls; improving sleep quality; lowering blood pressure; improving cardiovascular fitness; relieving chronic pain and increasing energy, endurance and agility. The New England Journal of Medicine reported recently that after 12 weeks of T'ai Chi, patients suffering from fibromyalgia experienced relief from symptoms including pain. Who knows? May be it can help what ails you!

 
"T'ai Chi has been extremely helpful to me in figuring out my sense of balance and improving my coordination."  .... Luigi Mumford, member, T'ai Chi participant
 
T'AI CHI
Mondays, beginning September 13, with a free introductory class
Continuing for 8 weeks starting September 20
10-11AM
WHOLE FOODS - 1550 N. Kingsbury
$40/8-week session. $15/class.
 
WALKING THE NORTH POND
 
Walking is a gentle, low-impact activity that can ease you into a higher level of fitness. It is one of your body's most natural forms of movement. It's safe and simple. Again, according to the Mayo Clinic, walking can help lower LDL ("bad" cholesterol); raise HDL ("good" cholesterol); lower blood pressure; reduce the risk of or manage Type 2 diabetes; manage weight; improve mood; improve overall fitness.
 
Our member Myrna Knepler is coordinating a walking group that will walk around the North Pond twice weekly. Walking with companions is a good way to get started - you get to chatting, and the next thing you know, you've walked a mile!
 
"I'm a relatively new member of Lincoln Park Village and I thought sharing my love of walking would be a good way to make myself part of the Village. We are fortunate to live near such a wonderful park - it's an easy and pleasant place to walk." ... Myrna Knepler, member, walking group leader
 
WALKING WITH MYRNA KNEPLER
Mondays and Wednesdays
9 AM
Beginning September 1
Meet at North Pond Restaurant
Members and guests free
 
 
QI GONG
(Pronounced "chee gung")
 
Qi Gong (and T'ai Chi) are the self-care components of China's age-old health care system. The words qi gong mean "cultivating energy" and it is practiced for health maintenance and self-healing and to increase vitality.
 
"If you want to be healthy and live to 100, do Qi Gong. Qi Gong reverses the aging process." ... Dr. Mehmet Oz
 
There are thousands of styles of Qi Gong, but they all have three things in common: physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intentions. Qi Gong methods activate the body's innate self-healing energy.
 
"Qi Gong is an amazing remedy for pain and imbalance and it's a powerful coping mechanism for physical or emotional stress." ... Gail Galivan, Qi Gong instructor
 
And just think what an interestingand exotic response you could have to the question, What do you do for exercise?
 
Qi Gong
Mondays, beginning September 13, with a free introductory class
Continuing for 8 weeks starting September 20
5:30-6:30 PM
Church of the Three Crosses, 333 W. Wisconsin
$40/8-week session. $15/class.
 
 
NIA
 
"Watch out - this could change your life!" ... Carlos Rosas, Nia co-founder
 
Nia is a way to condition, heal and express yourself through movement and sensation. It uses a blend of dance arts, martial arts and healing arts, balancing technical precision with free-form expression Nia brings the body, mind and emotions to optimum health through music, movement and self-expression guided by the sensation of pleasure. Nia can be done by anybody - it is adaptable to any age and fitness level. 
 
"As a head-centered guy, I find Nia is a way for me to connect with my body. It's easy to get into - and yet it's challenging. And I love the music and the instructor." ... Will Pearson, member, NIA participant
 
NIA
Thursdays, beginning September 9, with a free introductory class
Continuing for 8 weeks starting September 16
10:30-11:30 AM
Church of the Three Crosses, 333 W. Wisconsin
$40/8-week session. $15/class.

WATER AEROBICS
 
Aquatic exercise is a low-impact activity that takes the pressure off your bones, joints and muscles. Water offers natural resistance, which helps strengthen your muscles, and the mitigation of gravity places less stress on the joints. You can do aquatic exercise even if you don't know how to swim.
 
Water aerobic workouts usually combine a variety of techniques from land aerobics including walking or running backward and forward, jumping jacks, mimicking cross-country skiing along with various arm movements. The workout also may incorporate equipment such as flotation belts, specialized water aerobics shoes, flotation devices, and ankle and wrist weights.
 
"I have arthritis and I can do things in the water that I can't do on earth - like jump! In water aerobics I do movements that help lubricate my joints and that are actually fun." ... Estelle Spector, member, water aerobics participant
 
EXPLORE WATER AEROBICS
Friday, September 24
10-11:45 AM (includes tour)
XSport Fitness, 230 W. North Avenue
Members and guests free
 
KAYAKING AND SCULLING
The rhythmic motion of rowing is an extremely efficient form of exercise as it works your whole body: arms, legs, chest, back, abs - even your mind. It is also low impact, a high calorie burner, and good for joint health and cardiovascular fitness.

Now you are invited to learn about the joys of kayaking and sculling, plus you'll be introduced to one of Chicago's hidden treasures - the century-old Lincoln Park Boat Club boathouse.
 
There are dozens of single and double, very stable kayaks to try; you will pick up the knack in minutes. There will also be a demonstration of high-performance racing shells.

As a participant in the Lincoln Park Boat Club paddling and rowing event, you will receive a week free at RowFit Chicago (www.rowfitchicago.com), where you can row indoors this Fall and Winter for the same cardiovascular benefits, but without the elements to worry about. 
 
"Most were kayaking for the first time. It was as if they had discovered a whole new world." ...  Tom Hall, member and event organizer, commenting on a previous event at the Boat Club
 
PADDLE, ROW AND BARBECUE AT THE LINCOLN PARK BOAT CLUB
Sunday, September 26
3-6 PM
On the lagoon at 2241 N. Cannon Drive
Members $15. Guests $20. Includes barbecue.
 
 
SAVE ON HEALTH CLUB MEMBERSHIP AT XSPORT FITNESS
 
Lincoln Park Village has negotiated a special membership rate at these fine facilities, beginning October 1. We are especially pleased that their Piper's Alley location offers a 25-meter, chlorine-free pool and water aerobics classes. XSport Fitness offers:
 

• A variety of amenities and classes - from cycling to yoga

• Convenient hours - open 24/7

• Convenient locations: Piper's Alley (free parking); 3240 N. Ashland plus others

• Membership good at all locations, nationally

• Only $35 per month - no initiation fee - cancelable with 30 day notice

 
Try it out! To obtain a 7-day complimentary guest pass (some restrictions apply) contact Sean Clark at sean.clark@xsportmail.comor call 312-932-9100.