LEWISTON – Central Maine Medical Center’s Health and Wellness Services is offering the following programs beginning on Feb. 26:

Beginner’s Belly Dancing: A cardiovascular exercise class led by Lisa Cummings, aka. Imari, who has more than 13 years of experience. No prior belly dance experience is required. The six-week program is suitable for all ages and body types. Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

Fit-n-Fun: The exercise class is designed for the over-55 crowd and focuses on helping participants improve aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Functional Fitness: Learn to increase core and upper body strength and improve the stability of abdominal and low back muscles. Participants will discover how to prevent injury due to improper body mechanics and repetitive motion. Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday from noon to 12:30 p.m.

“Happy Hearts”: A class designed for people with a “cardiac event” history – including angioplasty, stents, heart attack, cardiac arrest, valve surgery, coronary artery bypass, stable angina and transplants – who have completed a cardiac rehabilitation program and are looking for a maintenance program. The class includes general supervision and individual, independent cardiovascular and strength training. It also incorporates group weight training and self-safety skills. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Intermediate Tai Chi: Balance and harmony are stressed through physical activities that can improve stamina, muscle tone, agility, flexibility and cardiovascular function. For individuals with some tai chi experience. Tuesdays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

Personal Fitness: Begins with a one-on-one evaluation and program development session with a personal health counselor, then progresses to a structured group exercise plan. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 9 a.m., 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.

Personal Training: A personal trainer can help an individual safely start and maintain an effective exercise program, understand and achieve fitness goals.

Pilates: A blend of Eastern and Western techniques teaches practitioners about breathing with movement, balance, coordination, body positioning, strength and flexibility. Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Qigong: An ancient Chinese exercise that uses breathwork, body movement and mental training to develop natural energy. Qigong includes a variety of practices, including simple movements, breathing techniques, visualization and meditation that result in health benefits such as flexibility, strength, vigor and stamina, better posture and relaxation. Tuesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.

Step Aerobics: A heart-pumping, muscle-moving and grooving workout. Alternates step with muscle work using weights, tubing. The cardio workout is a head-to-toe body strengthener. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.

Total Body Strengthening: A functional strength training class designed to improve coordination and overall muscle tone. Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m.

Wellness for Life: A special exercise and wellness class for people with cancer, whether currently in treatment or post-treatment. A personal health counselor instructs the class while participants work in a low-key fashion to increase range of motion, flexibility and energy levels. Sessions include 30 minutes of group exercise and 30 minutes of instruction in a variety of mind-body-spirit techniques, including nutrition, meditation, stress management. Spouses, caregivers and family members are welcome to participate in the class, which features a supportive, non-competitive group atmosphere. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.

Yoga: Participants will be introduced to the world of relaxation and rejuvenation through yoga. Skills learned through the six-week series will include centering and balancing through poses, breathing exercise, meditation and relaxation. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Zumba: The six-week program combines a fusion of Latin and international music with a dance theme to create a dynamic fitness system. It employs principles of aerobic/fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning and total body toning. Mondays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. or Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m.

All programs are offered in the CMMC Health and Wellness Center, 12 High Street Medical Office Building.

Fees are assessed for the programs and must be paid prior to beginning the program. Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 795-2473 to register or to obtain more information. Information also available through the events calendar at www.cmmc.org.

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