Senior Exercise Programs

Makoto-Do offers classes to Seniors through area Council on Aging Centers in Bellingham, Medfield, Medway, and Foxborough, MA, for very low fees. (Some programs are graciously available to non-seniors as well.)

All of our classes are gentle and safe. Accommodations can be made for those with existing injuries and medical conditions.

The older we get, the more important it becomes for us to maintain balance, strength, and flexibility. ("If you don't use it, you lose it".) All of this can be accomplished through regular practice of gentle forms of exercise with an experienced Instructor.

We also tend to develop a justified fear of falling as we age.  Regular exercise has been shown to decrease incidents of falling. Exercise also helps to decrease stress and create a calm feeling in both our minds and bodies.

Participating in group exercise in itself is beneficial in many ways. Not only do we become invigorated by the energy of the group, but the group members help to motivate and encourage us as well!

We currently offer the following programs:

Core Balance  (All levels)

Core Balance classes offered at the Medway & Medfield COAs, are ideal for those who want to improve their strength and balance. Participants can do the entire class sitting or part sitting and part standing. Walkers are available for those who are not comfortable with balance walking exercises.

Tai Chi / Qigong (Standing one hour)

Tai Chi is one of the best balance exercises for seniors who are comfortable doing standing exercise for an hour. In addition to improving balance, Tai Chi is also very beneficial for brain cell enhancement.

Chair Yoga (All levels)

Held at the Foxborough, MA COA, this class is for students who want to do yoga, but are not comfortable (or able) to get up and down off of the floor. The movements are very gentle and can be done by anyone.

Getting up from a Fall Program  (All levels)

Jeanne designed this workshop to demonstrate:     

Ways to avoid falling

How to safely get up from a fall

How to land safely to avoid injury when you do fall

How to get help when you can't get up from a fall

*Please see Schedule for times and locations. 

 

"I am 84 years old and Chi Gong is part of my life. I tell everyone about it and most people don't know what it is. For many years I have watched the people of China do their exercises out in the parks and many of them are old people.  I think of myself and how good I feel. Some mornings I don't feel too well and I feel like skipping them but I talk myself out of feeling sorry for myself and I put in the tape. The music calms me and I get to work. I have not mastered the deep breathing yet.  I know that when you breath deeply your brain gets more oxygen and that helps you think more clearly...... 

 

We in America are all out of shape. Most workers just sit at a desk all day. .....

 

I think industry should lay aside some time for a little workout to change the positions and breath new life into our robotic souls.

 

Chi Gong could be taught in schools in the Gym class. When I think of it I looked forward to Gym and I always got an "A". One of the very few that I got.

 

Now I am busy nearly every day and I tell my friends that I keep moving so the Grim Reaper won't know where I am.

 

These are my thoughts that are written here. They may not be of any value but just a few words to let you know how I feel and to thank you for giving me the privilege to strengthen my body."  L.D.