Rec Center Offers Yoga Classes
Simon Ababou, fitness director with the Lititz recCenter, cares about health, especially the health of Lititz-area residents. Since the advent of COVID-19 and the resulting restrictions, Ababou has been especially concerned about the stresses related to job losses, remaining indoors, and isolation from family and friends. "It's important for people to have body and mind fitness," said Ababou.
Assessing the current situation, Ababou noted that both the virus and the safety measures employed have given rise to depression and anxiety. "The stress of not working, no jobs, and the economy ... these things create barriers for people," said Ababou. He noted the situation may be compounded by a pre-existing mental health diagnosis and added that addictive behaviors are also on the rise. He noted that lack of exercise from staying home contributes to weight gain and energy loss.
"It's not a healthy environment," concluded Ababou. "We have to find ways to relax and stay positive." Ababou recommends both yoga and tai chi for the many benefits they offer to practitioners. Among these, he listed improved sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, improved ability to focus, enhanced mood, and better flexibility and respiration.
Ababou is sold on the benefits of yoga, even teaching a Silver Yoga class to active older adults each Tuesday and Friday from 11:15 a.m. to noon. "Yoga is No. 1 for relaxation and breathing and body/mind fitness," he said. The yoga class is mostly done with participants in a sitting position. "We stretch our neck, our shoulders, our arms for 20 minutes," said Ababou, who added that class members then stand, using the chair for support to perform yoga poses that can help improve balance. "Flexibility and relaxing is key for (seniors)," noted Ababou, adding that socializing with others is also necessary.
The Lititz recCenter, 301 Maple St., Lititz, holds several yoga classes weekly, including Yin Yoga, which focuses on natural postures, on Mondays; Warm Vinyasa Yoga in a heated room on Tuesdays; pyroPILATES Yoga on Wednesdays; and Power Hour Yoga on Thursdays. The center follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, including wearing masks, social distancing, and limiting class sizes. Ababou noted that area residents may also practice at home using http://www.youtube.com videos. "It's a new routine (to develop)," explained Ababou. "We have to stay strong."
Readers who would like more information may visit http://www.lititzrec.com. Individuals who have questions may call 717-626-5096, ext. 239, or email SimonAbabou@lititzrec.com.
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