While we remain stuck indoors juggling work, school, and family, it’s easier than ever to forget to take time for self-care and exercise. But with rising stress levels thanks to, well, everything, it’s more important than ever to carve out time for our health. Enter virtual physical education (P.E.) classes.
“This isn’t the P.E. you remember from elementary school,” said Megan Toney, Associate Faculty in P.E. “From mindfulness to weight loss to exercise, we offer thoughtfully-designed, goal-oriented classes that help people remember to take time for themselves and their overall health.” And since all of this summer’s offerings are virtual, you can do them from the comfort of your own home.
Toney is especially excited about this summer’s offering of Tai Chi. “It’s a calming form of movement that can be practiced indoors or out so you’re not dependent on good weather. But when it is sunny, there’s nothing more soothing than working through the movements in this ancient Chinese practice. Sometimes referred to as meditation in motion, Tai Chi is perfect to center yourself during these challenging times.”
What sets Shoreline’s programs apart from other online exercise classes is that they’re designed and led by instructors who are educated and licensed experts in their field and are available to help you meet individual needs.
Most online exercise classes only offer pre-recorded sessions, meaning you don’t have access to the instructor for feedback or questions. “With Shoreline’s P.E. classes, you’re getting exercise, coursework that helps you understand some of the science behind the moves you’re doing, and instructor access,” said Toney. “It’s a more holistic approach and experience and you leave with a better understanding of exercise and wellness overall, not just a set of moves you rinse and repeat.”
If you don’t have any exercise equipment at home, Weight Training and Cardio Fitness is another great option for getting some exercise back into your routine. “What’s cool about this class is we show you how to use everyday household objects as weights, so there’s literally no equipment needed,” said Toney. “The class offers a personal training level of support for safe and effective virtual home/park workouts tailored to your unique goals.”
Exercise is proven to reduce stress, improve overall physical and mental health, improve mood, and boost the immune system, making now the perfect time to give exercise the focus it’s due.
In addition to Tai Chi and Weight Training and Cardio Fitness, this summer’s P.E. offerings include, among others: Active Weight Management, which explores strategies and techniques for achieving optimal weight with an individualized plan, Active Mindfulness, which focuses on mindfulness factors that contribute to optimal weight and wellness, and Yoga, which increases balance, strength, flexibility, and stability in the body’s core.
“Self-care through exercise is very important during these times of change,” said Toney. “We can enhance your current exercise program to be more fun, rewarding, and motivating. We can also help you build a new exercise plan for your specific needs.”
View the full schedule of summer quarter P.E. classes. Summer quarter starts June 29.