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Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education



Fitness, Health & Wellness

Understanding How Cortisol Affects Your Body and Overall Health
Online Registration Unavailable

Understanding How Cortisol Affects Your Body and Overall Health

$20

with Amy Burtt

*The instructor for this program is no longer able to teach due to family medical issues.

Yoga Nidra

$20

with Heather Laffely

Calendar Next available session starts Dec 10, 2026 at 6 pm, runs for 1 week
2 additional sessions through Feb 25, 2027

Yoga Nidra is a meditative yoga practice, also known as "yogic sleep", that encourages a consciousness residing between sleep and awake. It is a guided meditation that focuses on relaxation and/or conscious dreaming. The class is practiced laying down, comfortable and supported with props, where the mind, body and senses are guided by the instructor into a physiological state of rest. Yoga nidra offers a break from the sensory overload often induced by busy life, screens and media. Among the many health benefits associated with yoga nidra are: improved sleep quality, stress-reduction, enhanced cognitive function, and a general sense of well-being. No previous experience necessary.

Yin Yoga w/ Heather

$98

with Heather Laffely

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 4, 2027 at 10 am, runs for 6 weeks

Yin yoga is a style of yoga where passive yoga posture(poses) are held for extended periods of time. Typically 3-5 min., sometimes longer. In these passive postures, muscle activity is minimized, with a focus on stretching connective tissues, such as fascia, ligaments and tendons. We will gently settle into postures, supported by yoga props, while deeply connecting to breath. These longer holds allow the muscles to lengthen passively and for physical releases under the skin to occur. This practice supports overall flexibility, circulation, and range of motion in the joints and ligaments. It also is a practice in mindfulness, as conscious breathing occurs, quieting the mind and supporting nervous system health. This class is for those new to yoga, as well as seasoned yogis looking for a deep stretch. Yoga blocks/bolster are encouraged if you have them, otherwise the teacher has props to use during class. *No Class: 1/18 & 2/15.

Intro to Mat Pilates

$78

with Barbara McGranahan

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 4, 2027 at 6:30 pm, runs for 6 weeks

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.

Gentle Yoga w/ Heather (Winter Sessions)

$114

with Heather Laffely

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 5, 2027 at 5:30 pm, runs for 7 weeks
1 additional session on Jan 6, 2027

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: 2/17, 2/18.

Let It Go! Fiesta

$70

with Tony Garreton

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 5, 2027 at 5:30 pm, runs for 6 weeks

This is a unique dance therapy program, led by Tony Dancer, that offers physical and mental health benefits. Not only does it help you stay physically fit and burn calories, but it also serves as a form of therapy to combat depression and anxiety. With Tony as your guide, you can dance and let go of your worries without fear of judgment. Let It Go Fiesta features a mix of Latin and multicultural music, making it enjoyable for people of all ages, genders, and body types. You can move at your own pace and have a great time. So why not join the fun with "Let it Go Fiesta" and experience the joy and freedom of dance? If you hate to workout but love to dance, this is for you! Course fee is for 6 sessions with Tony.

Young At Heart Fiesta

Free

with Tony Garreton

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 6, 2027 at 10:30 am, runs for 6 weeks
1 additional session

Loneliness and social isolation in older adults is a serious public health risk that affects a significant number of people in the US, putting them at risk for dementia and other serious conditions. For this reason, Tony Dancer, under his TDF program, has created the “Young at Heart Fiesta” Latin Fusion dance class program with low impact, low-volume music to protect hearing, easy steps to follow and lots of laughter. This program is offered free of charge with Tony Dancer, plus once a month potlucks! Adults with strong social relationships have a lower risk of major health problems, such as depression, high blood pressure, and an unhealthy body mass index. *Program is for individuals 70+ only.

Yoga All Levels

$78

with Barbara McGranahan

Calendar Next available session starts Jan 6, 2027 at 6 pm, runs for 6 weeks

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.





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