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Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education



Fitness, Health & Wellness

HandBasics Presents: Self-care for Osteoarthritis

$50

with Mary Woodbury

Calendar Next available session starts Aug 18, 2026 at 3 pm, runs for 1 week

If you, or someone you know, suffers from Osteoarthritis pain in the hands, wrists, elbows or shoulders, please join Mary Woodbury, OTR/L CHT for a discussion about self-care and easy-to-perform techniques to ease discomfort in the hands and upper extremities. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 32.5 million adults in America with osteoarthritis woke up in pain today. Come learn about techniques, devices, and splints, to balance daily activities and exercises with pain management. Self-care is conservative care and often the first line of care prescribed by Occupational Therapists.

Yoga All Levels

$78

with Barbara McGranahan

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 9, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 6 weeks
1 additional session on Jan 6, 2027

Yoga is one of the oldest "holistic" health-care systems in existence, focusing on both the mind and body. Through the practice of yoga postures and breath work, you can connect with your body and mind and discover your spirit; yoga is the art of listening to all parts of your Self. Hatha yoga postures linked with the breath have a powerful effect on all systems of the body providing the energy to age gracefully, stay fit, improve circulation and posture, loosen and lengthen knotty muscles, reduce stress, increase bone density, and promote relaxation at the end of the day. Please bring a yoga mat. Recommended props include a cushion and/or yoga blanket, blocks, bolster, and strap. **Please bring your own mat.

Pilates All Levels

$78

with Barbara McGranahan

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 9, 2026 at 7 pm, runs for 6 weeks
1 additional session on Jan 6, 2027

If you are familiar with the principles of Pilates and/or have completed the Intro to Mat Pilates w/ Barbara offering you are ready to get down to some practical work. A brief review of basic techniques that underpin all Pilates exercises and then on to foundation exercises and progressive exercises. Joseph Pilates said: "In 10 sessions you'll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you'll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you'll have a whole new body." Let's continue to work toward your postural, musculoskeletal alignment and development,and safe movement. ***Please bring your own mat.

Intro to Mat Pilates

$78

with Barbara McGranahan

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 14, 2026 at 6:30 pm, runs for 6 weeks
1 additional session on Jan 4, 2027

Beginner mat classes are for people who have never tried Pilates before, those who’ve had a substantial break from the practice, and for many of us whose bodies might have their fair share of quirks yet don’t require individual postural correction. With a focus on the breath and flow, Pilates exercises relieve stress and soothe aches and pains. With all the hunching, sitting, and planning we tend to do, the cues and corrections of each class will increase your postural and muscular awareness, both during class and the minute you step out of class. ***Please bring your own mat.

Tai Chi for Balance, Flexibility and Strength: Beginning Level

$220

with Carlos Collado

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 15, 2026 at 8:30 am, runs for 22 weeks

This 22 week course is designed as an entry level course. Easy, safe and effective to learn. It enhances the body's energetic system thus practicing the form improves almost all aspects of health. Over 10 scientific studies show it relieves pain, maintains and improves health and the overall quality of life. Almost anyone of any physical condition can begin and continue to progress regardless of age. Practicing this form will help to improve your balance, flexibility, serenity and enhance your mind-body connection. *There is a $20 cancellation fee if you register for this program and then need to cancel for whatever reason.

Tai Chi for Balance, Flexibility and Strength: Intermediate Level

$220

with Carlos Collado

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 15, 2026 at 9:45 am, runs for 22 weeks

This 22 week course is designed as an intermediate level course. Participants should have completed set 1 course or have prior Tai Chi experience. This class will pick up on extending set 1 course to include more advanced challenging movements which comprise the this second set. Easy, safe and effective to learn. It enhances the body's energetic system thus practicing the form improves almost all aspects of health. Over 10 scientific studies show it relieves pain, maintains and improves health and the overall quality of life. Almost anyone of any physical condition can begin and continue to progress regardless of age. Practicing this form will help to improve your balance, flexibility, serenity and enhance your mind-body connection. *There is a $20 cancellation fee if you register for this program and then need to cancel for whatever reason.

Taiji Qigong Shibashi System for Body, Breath and Mind Connection

$220

with Carlos Collado

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 15, 2026 at 11 am, runs for 22 weeks

This 22 week course will explore Shibashi's second Set / Connecting to Earth. Easy and and safe to learn, Taiji Qigong Shibashi is an effective exercise system blending the gentle and fluid art of of Taiji with the strength of Qigong producing potent health benefits. The wavelike, fluid motions of the form stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood throughout the entire body. In this course we will explore how anatomical alignment facilitates deeper breathing and a meditative mindset. Practicing Shibashi will balance you Qi, improve your wellbeing and the quality of your life. No prior experience required. *There is a $20 cancellation fee if you register for this program and then need to cancel for whatever reason.

Gentle Yoga w/ Heather (Tuesday Sessions)

$98

with Heather Laffely

Calendar Next available session starts Sep 15, 2026 at 5:30 pm, runs for 6 weeks
1 additional session on Nov 3, 2026

This gentle class is for those looking to stretch, connect to the breath and practice traditional yoga postures, at a slow pace. We gently and safely encourage our muscle tissues to deeply lengthen and stretch, increasing range of motion and flexibility. Conscious intention and awareness are given to the breath, strengthening the nervous system and deepening the connection to mind and body. This class is designed for new, as well as, seasoned yogis looking for a mindful, gentle practice. *No Class: 10/6, 11/24.





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