Maple Grove Seniors Find Exercise, Connection Through Yoga
Some group fitness classes, like EZ Yoga for seniors 55-plus, are back in person in Maple Grove. Seniors say they enjoy the exercise, but they also enjoy the connection.
“Yoga is whole body and mind health. The more we move the better it is for our brain. Yoga slows us down gets us very in tune with our body. It incorporates breathing and as we breathe, it helps us to remain calm. It helps us navigate life when life gets stressful,” says Dee James.
James leads EZ yoga at the Four Seasons in Maple Grove to the 55-plus community. She has been teaching yoga for 17 years, but says there’s something special about this format.
“This is geared toward seniors so we slow it down a bit, we modify poses, we use chairs, blocks and straps,” said James.
James says she enjoys the genuine appreciation of her students as well as their social butterfly tendencies. She enjoys seeing them move and flow without judgment.
Deb Stock is one of her students who makes yoga a priority in her schedule.
“We can feel successful instead of a failure on our yoga mat,” Stock says.
The format is for all ages and anyone who wants to stay active, but it’s also about connecting within and with others.
Liz Faust leads the 55-plus programming for Maple Grove’s Parks and Recreation programming and wants everyone to know the programs are for anyone interested in exercise even though its geared toward the older population.
“I think it’s really great seeing the community come together to socialize, to work on their wellness and their health. I think especially as we age it’s great to stay connected with the community. There’s so many connections people make within these programs and how they just blossom with their friendships and their activities throughout their community, and how they’re engaged and involved with everything,” said Faust.
This yoga class is a part of the 55 Forward Senior Programs with Maple Grove Parks and Recreation offered through the city of Maple Grove.
You do not need to be a resident of Maple Grove to join.
