The best way to maintain or recover our quality of life as the years wear on is to keep moving! Whatever your level of activity, here are five fun ways to get or stay functional and feeling good.
1. Tai Chi | Lehigh Valley Martial Arts
Various area locations | 855.586.2669 | lvmanow.com
From Fogelsville to Palmer, Lehigh Valley Martial Arts locations are scattered across the area, and they don't just offer self-defense and kids' karate. Tai chi is an ancient practice available to everybody, great for balance, flexibility and peace. Don't be surprised if aches, pains and anxiety start to diminish as the dedicated and knowledgeable instructors at LVMA guide you through meditative movement.
2. Pilates | Mindful Movement
3434 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown | 484.350.4632 | center4mindfulmovement.com
Low impact and focused on strong, healthy posture, Pilates is amazing for building muscle and bone strength to stave off the aches and pains that can come with a sedentary lifestyle and old injuries. At Mindful Movement in Allentown, balance and stability gets special attention with the Buff Bones® class, just one of many Pilates offerings.
3. Somatic Yoga | West End Yoga Center
2313 W. Highland St., Allentown | 484.860.3044 | weyogacenter.com
Who among us can say we're not carrying unresolved pain and tension in our bodies? With gentle, repetitive movements, this Yin yoga practice at West End Yoga Center is all about melting away chronic pain and stress, priming the body for safe, healthy movement. The warm and supportive aid of two blankets is suggested for this class.
4. Arthritis Aquatics | Rodale Aquatic Center
100 College Dr., Allentown | 610.606.4670 | cedarcrest.edu/rac
Aquatic exercise takes the impact off your body while providing added resistance for joint-friendly and effective movement. While the Rodale Aquatic Center has cardio and Pilates in the pool, there are also specific classes to boost flexibility and range of motion for those dealing with arthritis. Strap on some aquatic shoes and soothe stiffness in the warm embrace of water!
5. Birding | Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Rd., Bethlehem | 610.861.4175 | northampton.edu/noncredit
Walking, hiking and briskly roving our world is great exercise, but if you're one of those people who wants to feel like there's a point to it, birding may be your ticket to sustainable activity and a stronger relationship with the wild. At Northampton Community College, an online primer sets you up for a spring full of birding excursions. Before you know it, you're covering miles in search of the gray-crowned rosy-finch.
Published as "5 Things" in the March 2022 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
