Programs | Healthy Lifestyle Activities

Focus on physical and mental well-being

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Mary

I teach yoga and learn from my students each and every day. I’m always moved by their courage, strength and incredible ability to adapt.

— Mary

Yoga instructor

All in One Yoga Practice

A one-hour practice of gentle yoga poses and breathing work to prepare the body for a short meditation at the end of the class. Please have a chair available for this class.

Facilitated by: Era Pawlowski, MS, MA, Certified Yoga Instructor

BeMoved!

BeMoved shares the joy of dance with people of all movement abilities and believes that movement, expressed through dance and music, has a transformative power that enriches a person’s well-being.

BeMoved will be capped at 18 participants each session. Video participation is required. Please ensure that you register each week as a waiting room will be utilized on the Zoom session and participants will only be given entry if they are the first 18 to RSVP. Guests in the same household will only be allowed to participate if they can be seen on your camera. If we have surpassed the 18 participants, you will receive an email notifying you of your status on the waiting list.

If you register but are unable to attend, please email [email protected] to notify us. Also, note that guests must be registered in advance!

Facilitated by: Heidi Mokrzycki, Certified Elite Artistry BeMoved! Instructor

Boot Camp

Join our exercise and fitness program to improve your aerobic ability, fitness knowledge and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Facilitated by: Kathy Turney

Brain Fitness

Brain Fitness is a one-of-a-kind program focused on improving the brain’s ability to function efficiently and effectively, which will help participants adapt to constantly changing environments and physical conditions. This class uses rhythm and coordination exercises to bilaterally activate and stimulate the brain’s natural ability to form new connections, which promote neuroplasticity, creativity, focus and resilience.

Facilitated by: Mila Apostolovic

Chair Yoga with Lyndsae

Yoga practiced sitting in a chair or using a chair for support. Many of the poses are adapted from mat yoga. A great fit for beginners and those who are unable to take our mat classes.

Facilitated by: Lyndsae Rinio, Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor

Chair Yoga with Susan

Yoga practiced sitting in a chair or using a chair for support. Many of the poses are adapted from mat yoga. A great fit for beginners and those who are unable to take our mat classes.

Facilitated by Susan Wilkens, Certified Yoga Instructor

Gentle Yoga with Joan

Features gentle stretches and poses. Great for beginners. Please find a comfortable space to practice, and gather any props you might have at home

  • yoga mat
  • blankets
  • yoga bolster
  • yoga blocks
  • eye pillow

Other items to consider if you don’t have yoga props:

  • ottoman, stool
  • pillows
  • washcloth and/or scarf to cover your eyes
  • get creative!

Facilitated by: Joan Zigulich, Certified Yoga Instructor

Gentle Yoga with Mary

This class features gentle stretches and poses using resistance to help develop strength.

For class (if possible, but not limited by):

  • Strap or belt or scarf
  • Blanket to fold and sit on
  • Bolster or pillow
  • One yoga block or a hardy shoebox

Facilitated by: Mary Klonowski, Certified Yoga Instructor

Hatha Yoga with Mary

This class includes stretching and strengthening routines that emphasize the use of core muscles to improve balance and proper alignment of the spine. In these virtual classes, you will use a wall or a ledge to align the body with options to move into more challenging poses away from the wall/ledge. If you have difficulty with balance or want to improve your spinal alignment, join us for a fun exploration of these techniques.

For class (if possible, but not limited by):

  • An open wall space to support your back in a chair sit
  • If no wall space, ledge or stable chair to place hands
  • Blanket to fold and sit on

Facilitated by: Mary Klonowski, Certified Yoga Instructor

Journaling

Journal writing can be a form of meditation, stress relief and self-expression. This class incorporates drawing, mark making, collage and creative writing techniques to give participants the tools and inspiration to explore their creative side.

Facilitated by: Audra Eisin-Banazek, LCPC, ATR

Meditation with Barbara

Meditation can be a source of energy, wisdom and strength. This class will teach you basic relaxation, breath meditation and visualization.

Meditation with Lyndsae

This class will teach you basic relaxation, breath meditation and visualization.

Facilitated by: Lyndsae Rinio, Certified Yoga & Meditation Instructor

T’ai Chi

Tai Chi is often described as meditation while moving. It is low-impact and the slow, flowing moves can help aid your flexibility, strength, and balance.

Facilitated by: Leon Williams, Certified T’ai Chi Fitness Instructor

T’ai Chi Chih with Deb

Based on ancient Chinese wisdom, T’ai Chi Chih is 19 simple, slow gentle movements, that circulate and balance energy. It is a “moving meditation” that brings serenity and a greater sense of well-being. Movements can be done standing, seated or through visualization.

Facilitated by: Deb Sitron, Certified T’ai Chi Chih Teacher

T’ai Chi with Leon

Tai Chi is often described as meditation while moving. It is low-impact and the slow, flowing moves can help aid your flexibility, strength, and balance.

Facilitated by: Leon Williams, Certified T’ai Chi Fitness Instructor

Team Gilda Run Club in partnership with The Cause Crew

Team Gilda Run Club includes:

  • Running session led by RRCA Certified Running Coach, cancer survivor and fellow Gilda’s Club member, Mary Connolly (aka The Cause Coach, www.thecausecoach.net)
  • Training plans that will have participants ready to represent Team Gilda in a race (5K through half marathon depending on starting point) and/or ready to join in on the marathon training program at a later date. There are different schedules for a variety of running experience levels.

Advance sign-up is required!

RSVP directly with The Cause Crew:  and scroll down to “Gilda’s *Run* Club”

The Kitchen Table

Gather every month for a new recipe. We will share the recipe and ingredients ahead of time so you can prepare!

Yoga en espanol

En la clase de yoga en español, vincularás tu respiración con posturas de yoga. Aprenderá cómo mover su cuerpo cómodamente mientras se cuida de las lesiones, cirugías o síntomas que tenga actualmente. Esta clase está diseñada para construir comunidad, confianza, así como comodidad y tranquilidad en todo su cuerpo. El aprendizaje de técnicas de respiración ayuda a controlar los temores que puede traer el cáncer. La clase se lleva a cabo en la comodidad de su hogar, dentro de un espacio seguro y tendrá accesorios de yoga a mano como apoyo durante su práctica de yoga. Gran parte de la clase se llevará a cabo en una silla, pero a veces haremos poses de pie con el apoyo de la pared o una silla.

Yoga Nidra en Espanol con CSCAZ

Acompaña nuestros amigos del Cancer Support Community en Arizona para un noche de relajo. La Yoga Nidra trabaja para brindar equilibrio, armonía y facilidad al sistema cuerpo / mente en muchos niveles, tales como; liberando tensiones, pensamientos, retira el equilibrio del sistema nervioso, reduce el estrés, fortalece el sistema inmunológico, aumenta la respuesta de curación … y más.

Yoga with Mary

Mat yoga class including stretching, deep breathing, balancing, functional strength and relaxation. Stretch your body and mind.

For class:

  • Two blocks or a stack of books that can be used for lunges on the floor
  • Strap or belt or scarf
  • Blanket to fold and sit on
  • Bolster or pillow
  • Sticky/yoga mat

Facilitated by: Mary Klonowski, Certified Yoga Instructor

Yoga with Steve

End your day with yoga!

Facilitated by: Steve Shields – Steve has been a yoga practitioner since 1996 and teaches Healing Yoga classes. He is also a Certified Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master

Zumba

Get on your feet! Come be a part of this lively dance fitness program with a Latin beat!

Facilitated by: Andrea Hogan, Licensed Zumba Instructor

Continuing Education

Social Workers and Professional Counselors may obtain free CEUs for attending educational offerings at the downtown Clubhouse on Wells Street. For additional information or to register for CEUs, please contact Shannon Zaleski, LCSW, OSW-C, Associate Director Clubhouse Programs.

Reservations

If you plan to attend any of our activities, it is best to check our calendar for the most updated information and to register. Virtual programming requires registration on our website, preferably at least 24 hours in advance. In-person programming that requires a reservation, will be noted on the website calendar. For these programs, please complete the online RSVP or call the Clubhouse to sign up at least 24 hours in advance. Please note that if less than 5 people are registered 24 hours in advance, the program may be canceled.

Supervised Play for Kids

We’re happy to entertain kids during our programs, but we need to know you’re coming. Please call 312-464-9900 or email at least 48 hours in advance with your children’s names and ages so we can have a Noogieland volunteer available for Supervised Play.