Benefits

Main Content

MOBILITY - All of the classes presented by Serenity in Movement have the goal of maintaining and, where possible, improving mobility. As we age, movement becomes much more important. "use it or lose it" is a real thing when you reach middle age and beyond. For some of us, as we age our energy and desire to get up early to exercise decreases, just when we need it the most. If you don't have a regular routine, more aches and pains will be the result over time. The good news is... it's never too late to start that routine and it doesn't need to be overly intrusive to be effective. I know from first hand experience that even a couple of sessions a week can improve problem areas.

FLEXIBILITY - Depending on your body goals, our classes give you the opportunity to maintain or improve your flexibility. Flexibility in the muscles that provide movement will decrease joint pain and increase range of motion provided there is not some disease or dysfunction. Even if you have a degenerative condition, working your range of motion as much as possible may slow progression and allow you more pain-free time. You will be surprised how quickly you can develop and improve your flexibility with regular practice, even if you have been sedentary for years.

STRENGTH - This is a necessary compliment to flexibility to stabilize joints and prevent injury from doing the activities in life that we enjoy. This is one reason we are using martial arts movements to exercise our bodies at Serenity in Movement. The actions you will practice with us, will work large and small muscle groups. Even without working hard to get in "fighting shape", performing these movements on a regular basis will improve the strength of many muscles you may not even be aware of.

BALANCE - By improving strength and flexibility, balance will be a natural result. This in turn, supports mobility and prevents possible injury as we get older and older. Even though there are many factors that can affect physical balance, this practice will also improve some of the physiological and cognitive factors.

SLEEP - Regular physical exercise will improve sleep if that is a problem. Part of our practice will be focus and emtying the mind to let the movements flow. This self-control and self-discipline will make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep. We use movement as a form of meditation and always provide a relaxation routine to practice giving the right signals to the brain, which controls all aspects of our lives.

MINDFULNESS - The process of learning new physicaal movements, remembering set routines, and creating your own combinations keeps your physical and mental focus aligned. This aspect of the martial arts inspired training is very powerful and is a natural progression from self-control and disciplne into something where you are master of your own person. You know your talents and limitations and can put them to best use with confidence.

CONFIDENCE - Even if you have extensive experience at life, everyone has their weaknesses. We do not live long enough to perfect everything. The confidence we will help develop has less to do with fighting acumen and more to do with knowing your own abilities and limitations. You will learn fighting skills in order to identify a situation, make your best decision whether or not to get involved, and to what extent.

HEALING - Our bodies have an amazing ability to heal themselves, but it's not always the overnight process it was in our 20's. Injury and recovery takes longer as we age and understanding this process will help us improve patience and encourage supporting these natural healing processes. Our classes will improve those functions that help the body heal, such as circulation of blood and lymph as well as reducing pain and elevating mood. Our classes are completely adaptable to your changing abilities as you heal and recover. We will never push you to "play through the pain" or keep up with anyone else if you are not able on any given day.