The strength-training portion focuses on the muscle strength needed for everyday activities such as lifting groceries, carrying objects, standing from a chair, climbing stairs, and maintaining good posture. Exercises target all major muscle groups and can be modified for a variety of fitness levels.

The stretching portion is designed to increase flexibility, improve joint range of motion, reduce stiffness, and promote relaxation.

Benefits:

• Increased functional strength
• Improved posture and body mechanics
• Enhanced flexibility and mobility
• Better performance of daily activities
• Support for bone and joint health
• Reduced risk of injury
• Greater confidence and independence

All classes are designed specifically for older adults and can be modified to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels, ensuring participants are both challenged and successful in a safe, supportive environment.

Equipment needed: 

• Dumbbells,
• Supportive Athletic Shoes,
• Yoga Mat and strap (optional - all stretching can be done from a chair),
• water bottle,
• towel

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, Nov. 4, 18 and Dec. 9 from 1:30 - 3 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 11, 25 and Dec. 2, 16, 23, 30

For ages 18 and up.

For the experienced tap dancer with a good command of tap technique and vocabulary this intermediate level class emphasizes choreography. Practice includes a variety of time steps, more syncopated rhythms, developing speed with clarity, and performance quality. Choreography includes new work and some dances from the Matanzas Tap performance repertory.

Class sessions will be held on Wednesdays, Nov. 4, 18 and Dec. 2, 9 from 1:30 to 3:00 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084).

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 11, 25 and Dec. 16, 23, 30.

For ages 18 and up.

All are welcome but because of the popularity of this group pre-registration to attend is required.

The River House Book Club meets once a month to discuss a pre-chosen book. The chosen book for November's meeting is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.

The facilitator for this group is Peter Gaspar.

This group will meet on Wednesday, November 4 from 2 to 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St.)

For ages 18 and up.

Discover a yoga practice that has therapeutic benefits for seniors who may not be able to stand for long periods of time or may be uncomfortable seated on the floor.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12 and Dec. 3, 10 from 9:00 - 10:00 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 19, 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31.

For ages 18 and up.

Welcome to Level 2 Belly Dance, the next step in your dance journey with Gina! This class is specifically designed for students who have successfully completed Gina's Level 1 Belly Dance class and are ready to build on their foundational skills. Please check class requirements for additional requirements.

In Level 2, we will shift our focus towards learning to perform choreography, integrating the movements and techniques you have mastered into beautiful, fluid routines.

What You'll Learn:

• Choreography Integration: Learn to combine various bellydance movements into seamless choreography.
• Performance Techniques: Discover how to enhance your dance with expressive gestures, emotional engagement, and stage presence.
• Group Dynamics: Practice dancing in synchrony with a group, honing your ability to perform in unison with others.

Class Structure:

• Warm-Up: Gentle stretching and conditioning to prepare your body for dance.
• Technique Review: Quick recap of key movements from Level 1 to ensure a strong foundation.
• Choreography Breakdown: Step-by-step instruction on new dance routines, with a focus on mastering each section before moving on.
• Drills and Repetition: Practice sequences to build muscle memory and precision.
• Performance Practice: Opportunities to perform the learned choreography, with constructive feedback from Gina.

Requirements:

• Completion of Gina's Level 1 Belly Dance class or equivalent experience.
• Comfortable dance attire and a willingness to explore and express through movement.

Barefoot or dance shoes. No sneakers. Comfortable clothing such as yoga wear or something you can move freely in. A coin belt or hip scarf is fun to wear if you have one.

Gina Marie is Director of Blue Lotus World Dance and is a certified SharQui Belly Dance Fitness Instructor.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10 from 9:30 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31

For ages 18 and up.

Welcome to the Level One Bellydance class, designed for participants of all ages and skill levels! This class focuses on low-impact movements that promote improved flexibility while ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience in bellydance, this class is perfect for you.

Throughout the session you'll learn foundational bellydance movements such as hip drops, shimmies, and graceful arm patterns. These movements are taught at a comfortable pace, allowing you to master each step while also improving your overall flexibility and core strength.

At its core this class is about enjoying the art of bellydance, embracing the music, and expressing yourself through movement. It's a welcoming environment where participants can come together to learn, dance, and have a great time.

Join us for a delightful journey into the world of bellydance, where every step brings you closer to improved flexibility, increased confidence, and a whole lot of fun!

Barefoot or dance shoes. No sneakers. Comfortable clothing such as yoga wear or something you can move freely in. A coin belt or hip scarf is fun to wear if you have one.

Gina Marie is certified in Sharqui Bellydance Fitness has been teaching for more than two decades. She will guide you through gentle warm-up exercises to prepare your body for the movements ahead. As you progress through the class, you'll also have the opportunity to practice combinations and sequences that blend seamlessly into a fluid dance routine.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10 from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31

For ages 18 and up.

Watercolor/doodle class is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to learn about, and experiment with, two fascinating art forms: watercolor painting and doodling. Through a combination of hands-on instruction, group discussions, and individual feedback, students will develop their own unique style and gain the skills and confidence needed to express themselves creatively. 

 Supplies needed:

• Watercolor paints - tube or pan paint sets
• Extra-Fine black line markers (i.e. Sharpie black)
• Small set of color markers (dual tips)
• 140lb watercolor paper (hot or cold press -ok)
• Mechanical pencil
• White gel pen
• Gold gel pen
• Eraser
• Paper towels
• 2 Water containers
• Paint brushes - 4, 6, 8 rounds; 1 inch flat brush; rigger brush
• Color wheel

Class sessions take place on Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10 from 11 - 1 at the River House, 179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31

For ages 18 and up

Coach Joe Monaco will instruct a beginner golf program that will enable participants to learn the fundamentals of golf and begin to play.

Students will be using a putter, pitching wedge, 7 iron and Driver. Balls will be provided. You can bring your own clubs, or they will be provided during the sessions.

Joe Monaco is a retired teacher (middle and high school) who has extensive experience in coaching a variety of sports including football, wrestling, track, and golf at high school and junior college levels. He also has experience in running recreation programs and a variety of volunteer programs.

Joe has been playing golf for decades and looks forward to teaching the game.

Class sessions will be held Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10 from 12:00 to 2:00  at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084).

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Nov. 26 and Dec. 17, 24, 31.

For ages 18 and up