Get after your goals: Fitness testimonials from friends, neighbors
Prairie du Chien’s Hoffman Hall offers a myriad of fitness and aquatics classes over the winter. What follows is a sampling of the courses, instructors and participant testimonials about their results and experiences.
Yoga—taught by Connie Hudson, who started yoga practice in 2006 and has evolved to leading Hatha Yoga and Yin Yoga: “A Hatha flow combines breath with movement in active physical postures. A Yin flow is a gentler practice that allows us to work the deeper tissues of the body. All yoga poses can be modified so you can practice throughout your lifetime. Yoga makes me feel good and I enjoy sharing both practices.”
“Yoga class is relaxing and calming after a long day at work” – L.B.
“Besides improving my flexibility and balance, it’s given me breathing techniques that I now use when I’m having trouble sleeping or when I just need to slow down and focus. An unexpected thing I’ve learned is to listen to and respect what my body is telling me. I really like that our poses look different than other people’s because our body structures are different, and from day to day because our body’s quirks, strains or limitations vary. I really appreciate this accepting, non-judgmental aspect of our yoga class.” – J.F.
TaiChi—taught by Sally Marshall, who learned the practice from an instructor in Viroqua and studied it for three years before teaching her own classes: “I began with an exercise program I developed for older adults that focuses on balance, coordination and flexibility. I later added the Yang 37-Step Short Form, for students interested in the discipline of Tai Chi, that follows a program of graceful movements and balanced steps that have been developed for good health.”
“I’ve been a student for close to two years. I look forward to Tai Chi every Monday and Friday. The class has helped me with balance, posture, strength and confidence. We work everything from head to toe.” – C.S.
“I have been participating in the classes from the beginning. I enjoy the centering it gives me. The exercises help with flexibility and balance. The class is enthusiastic and fun.” – D.D.
“The class is good for everyone, young and old, and increasing your strength and balance.” – S.E.
Pilates—taught by Nika Niehaus: “Pilates is a unique thing to teach because it was developed specifically to take those who had little to no control of their body or the injuries sustained to their body and give them back what was lost, or never present to begin with. This methodology applies itself well to the absolute beginner, as well as the seasoned athlete, for those recovering from injuries to those who have never experienced them.”
“Pilates is an excellent workout. I was able to try some fun, new techniques and movements I hadn’t seen in my training before. The class was relaxing, welcoming and easy to follow.” -N.J.
“Pilates classes help me keep my midsection toned and help increase the strength of my arms and legs. Joining others in a low-impact class is enjoyable and I feel the benefits of improved balance and stability.” – C.H.
Dance—Natalie Langmeier, who has over 20 years experience in multiple styles of dance and dance conditioning: “My dance and aerobics classes are a mixture of my background in Latin ballroom, Soul of Calypso, hip-hop, ballet, lyrical, modern, and contemporary genres. The classes are fun, eclectic, cultural and a great workout.”
“It’s a fun and energetic way to get my morning started. It’s made it easy and modified for any level, a fun new way to exercise.” -T.D.
“The dances we were doing were fun and energetic and totally accessible for all ages and any fitness level. This class is a great way to get a good cardio workout while also having a lot of fun.” -T.D.
For more information, contact Hoffman Hall at 326-2985 and the Prairie du Chien Parks and Rec Department at 326-7207.
