Arlington Community Education

For those new to barre workouts, learn to safely sculpt long, lean legs and flat abs using traditional ballet exercises and Pilates mat work. The major benefits of barre are improved posture, muscle definition, weight loss, increased flexibility, and reduced stress. Please note: Please have a mat ready to use throughout class.

Are you curious about hopping on your bike for commuting, everyday errands, and exercise, but not sure how to get started? You’re not alone! At this everyday biking seminar, gain the knowledge and empowerment to get you out on the roads, bike lanes, and pathways. Biking is fast, free, fun, and good for your physical and mental health—especially important these days! The experts at MassBike have honed their tips to get you over the barriers. Join us for a presentation and discussion, come with your questions and your stories, and learn along with fellow bikers. Part of tuition will support the mission of the Mass. Bike Coalition.

Introduction Tuesday, October 6 | 7:00–8:30 pm | $35 Bicycling is a great way to get around town, keep fit, and reduce your carbon footprint. And especially during this time of quarantine, going on a bike ride is a great way to keep yourself sane by clearing your head while keeping distance from others. But, along with your sanity, you've also got to maintain your bike if you want your ride to go as planned. Learn what to check so you're ready to roll. This workshop will cover how to maintain your bike to keep you riding safe and smooth. Knowledgeable instructors from MassBike will go through the basics of how to diagnose your bike's ABCs (Air, Brakes, and Chain). You'll come away with a bit of home-mechanic know-how so you can check the condition of your bike, and also fix it when things start to go awry. 2.0: Learn to Fix-a-Flat Tuesday, October 13 | 7:00–8:30 pm | $35 Learning how to change your own tires and tubes is one of the more useful skills you can learn to keep your bike rolling, but it's also one of the most challenging skills to get right! The experts at MassBike will step you through the process of diagnosing the conditions of your tires, avoiding the most common reasons for getting a flat, how to patch the holes in the tube, and tips on how to get that tire back on without so much struggle. If you have tire levers and a pump at the ready, come prepared to try at home on your own wheel. Take both Bike Maintenance classes & save | $60

One great thing about yoga is that it can be adapted to suit anyone’s needs. Chair yoga is especially beneficial for beginners, senior citizens, people with injuries, or those looking to learn how to apply yoga techniques at the office. As we practice chair yoga, our bodies relax and our minds quiet. During our time together, we will increase our self-awareness and revitalize our lives. Yoga has been proven to improve strength and flexibility as well as reduce stress and manage pain. The chair yoga postures taught in this class can be integrated throughout the day. Please note: Have a comfortable moveable chair and a belt or strap ready for each class.

Essentrics is a full-body workout that rapidly changes the shape of your body through a dynamic combination of strengthening and stretching. The technique develops lean, strong and flexible muscles with immediate changes to your posture. Ideal for physically active men and women, this program rebalances the body, prevents and treats injuries and unlocks tight joints. The Essentrics workout draws on the flowing movements of tai chi and ballet to create a balanced, flexible and pain-free body. This course moves at a faster tempo than Gentle Stretching (see above). Please note: Bring a yoga mat, towel and water.

Pamper yourself with facial yoga. Learn how to use facial yoga poses to tighten and tone facial muscles, which help to reduce wrinkles and leave your skin rejuvenated. You will also learn eye exercises to alleviate eye strain and a sequence of facial massage techniques to release sinus tension and congestion. All of these techniques can be learned either seated in a chair or lying down on a yoga mat. No prior yoga experience necessary.

Meditation is about learning to focus your thoughts, heighten your awareness and reduce your stress level. Learn how to reduce anxiety, quiet the mind, and enhance sleep. Meditation will enrich your daily life as it becomes routine. Each session will provide multiple ways to enter into a meditative state, including mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, and breathing practices. Designed for both beginner and intermediate students.

With roots in traditional Chinese medicine, qigong’s goal is to cultivate and balance our life energy, or “qi.” Qigong practice typically involves meditative, slow-flowing movement coordinated with deep rhythmic breathing to produce a calm state of mind. Part of traditional Chinese medicine, the practice is similar to tai chi, but simpler, and benefits can include improved immunity, better balance, and lower blood pressure. We will work with the Seven Precious Gestures and the Eight Brocades, as well as some basic walking and breathing practices. Flex and stretch gently and learn simple routines you can practice at home.