SANCTUARY FITNESS SERVICES
WHAT'S OFFERED: Fitness is a fundamental pillar for our community, helping to ensure that we maintain healthy bodies and the energy necessary for our teachers’ work. Experienced fitness instructors from our membership have volunteered to provide services to members through the Sanctuary Fitness Program. The classes offered are listed below. They are available via Zoom or in person at the Sanctuary, as indicated.
CONTRIBUTION: The Fitness team recommends a contribution of five dollars per class. If you wish to contribute more, a sliding scale ranging from $5 to $80 is available on the contribution page. Participation in recorded classes is completely free.
CONTACTING INSTRUCTORS: Contact any fitness instructor directly for information on classes and times.
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
BARBARA BOYAN
925-212-4192
PILATES
I studied Pilates with Ghida Heaps and the Physical Mind Institute. Pilates exercises incorporate a unique combination of strengthening, stretching, relaxation, and body awareness.
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CLASS DESCRIPTION: My Pilates mat class consists of exercises designed to build muscular strength (especially in the abs and back) and flexibility. Deep breathing and relaxation techniques are essential components of the class. Standing Pilates exercises build balance. The exercises are adaptable to a wide range of abilities. You’ll need a mat for this class.
TIME: Mondays, 5:00–5:35 p.m. Pacific / 8:00–8:35 p.m. Eastern
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WATCH THE VIDEO: Introduction to Pilates
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BONNIE FORMAN
bonnie.forman@gmail.com
925-323-2010
STRENGTH AND BALANCE
I taught fitness classes (cardio dance and strength) for twenty-six years. I was certified as a personal trainer many years ago.
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CLASS DESCRIPTION: This class focuses on moderate strength training exercises (to music) for the upper body (with free weights), and gluteal, abdominal, core, and balance exercises. The class is appropriate for people of all experience levels – come when you can!
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TIME: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8:00–8:35 a.m. Pacific/ 11:00–11:35 a.m. Eastern
LANA FARSON
lanafarson@gmail.com
510-847-6459
BHANGRA DANCE
I’ve been dancing since I was a little kid. I was invited to join the Dholrhythms Dance Company in 2007, and I performed and taught classes with them and Non-Stop Bhangra in San Francisco and Berkeley for twelve years, until 2020. Bhangra is an Indian harvest folk dance with loose and easy movements. It’s what everyone dances at Indian weddings; it’s often called a “happy dance”.
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CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Join us for Indian Bhangra dance which is from North India. We’ll do easy-to-follow choreography with imagery and references to Meher Baba’s life and work to create dances with names such as “The Manzil-E-Meem”, “The Sri Aurobindo”, “The Byramangala”, and “The Ramana Maharshi”.
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During class, we’ll do two short dance combinations, which consist of five moves each. Every move is very simple, easy for beginners with an arm component and a foot component. If needed, the class can be done sitting down, and then becomes a good arm workout.
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This is an in-person class. Drop-ins are completely fine. It's not required to attend consistently because each week is a stand alone class.
NEW TIME: Tuesdays, 4:00–4:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Sanctuary Rehearsal Room 2 (R2)
LILIANNA TAYLOR
LilaChiWell@gmail.com, 925-588-6171
ZHIENENG QIGONG
I became a certified zhineng (wisdom) qigong teacher because I’ve experienced many health benefits through the practice of this form of qigong, including a recovery from a serious concussion. I felt compelled to share this practice with others. This practice, merging several qigong traditions into one, was developed by Dr. Pang Ming, the founder of China's largest and most successful medicine-less hospital. I have studied with two of Dr. Pang’s students since 2017. This modern form of qigong is for people of all ages and physical abilities.
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CLASS DESCRIPTION: Through gentle movement, visualization, sound vibrations, and mindful meditation, this class improves your flexibility and balance. It also strengthens your immune system and activates your natural healing energy.
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CLASS MEETS: This class will begin on Thursday, May 19, at a time to be determined. The class will be on Zoom, with a monthly practice in the East Garden.
PATRICK MAGE
pmage4@gmail.com
925-214-9775
YOGA
I began studying yoga as a seven-year-old with my mother, who was an avid yoga practitioner. I continued my studies with teachers in Europe, India, and the U.S. Over the years, I’ve combined several styles into a balance between breathing, movements, and postures.
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CLASS DESCRIPTION: This class goes into postures slowly and gently, allowing the body to explore itself. Adventurous students can go as deeply into a pose as they like; others will learn to find the right balance between capability and possibility.
TIME: Saturdays, 4:00–5:00 p.m. Pacific / 7:00–8:00 p.m. Eastern
RECORDED SESSIONS:
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