This class focuses on building real-world strength through functional movement patterns using dumbbells. You'll work through full-body exercises designed to improve muscular strength, stability, mobility, and coordination. Target every muscle group and mimic natural motion—helping you move better in everyday life, prevent injury, and boost overall daily performance.  

All fitness levels welcome. Modifications and progressions are offered for beginners and advanced clients alike.

Perfect for anyone wanting a stronger, more functional body without the need for machines or heavy equipment.  Build strong, stable, and efficient movement patterns that carry over into your daily activities, sport, or active lifestyle—one dumbbell at a time!

Equipment needed: 

• Dumbbells (anywhere from 2-15 pounds),
• yoga mat,
• sneakers,
• towel,
• water bottle

Class sessions will be held on Mondays, October 6, 13, 20, 27 from 2 to 3 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

“Health is Wealth” So where and how do I start?

In this class we will focus on Health Promotion and Not Disease Treatment. How to begin making healthier food and lifestyle choices which we know it can be a challenge for us. We hear to eat this, not that. Move this way not that way. This is bad for you. You must do this and go there. Old habits die hard. So where do you begin?

We will explore:

• Nutrition & Health that is “practical” and obtainable
• Focus on healthy food options, review food groups and beverages
• Learn Steps to shape your personal plan
• Explore activities to enhance your lifestyle

You will be provided with:

• A sample day food plan
• How to do somatic shaking
• A list of suggested resources
• How to create better sleep habits
• Recipes

October's focus will be on Liver and Detoxification.

This one day class will meet on Monday, October 6 from 2 - 3 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.

A low-impact class designed to improve flexibility, range of motion, and stability through a combination of stretching exercises and balance-focused movements, to enhance overall mobility and reduce fall risk. The class incorporates various static and dynamic stretches alongside exercises that challenge balance and coordination across the body. 

Equipment needed: 

• Yoga Mat,
• yoga strap (optional)
• light dumbbells (optional)

Katie is on a mission to empower everyone with the mantra "get stronger to live longer." As an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor since 2018 she brings her passion for health and wellness to the St. Augustine community through a variety of engaging classes. Specializing in Body Pump, Indoor Cycle, Boot Camp, Core & Flexibility, and Active Older Adult Classes, Katie ensures her sessions are both enjoyable and challenging. Her journey is a testament to the adage that age is just a number, as she achieved her lifelong ambition of becoming a fitness instructor at 44.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 9 to 10 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

New to fishing or just new to fishing in Florida? 

This series you will learn:

• Know before you go - this will give you the basics
• Florida Rules and Regulations
• Learn what to keep and what to throw back
• Knot tying
• Bait selection
• When/where to fish
• What to have in your tackle box
• Proper fish handling

During this series you will learn how to fish from the beach, along the shore of the Intracoastal, or from a pier and how to catch a variety of interesting species. 

Come get schooled up and have fun! Attend all scheduled class sessions in the month for a chance to win a Rod and Reel Combo!

Class sessions will be held Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 9 to 10:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

There is a separate Fishing class on Sept. 30 from 9 to 11 that you might want to register for in order to put what you have learned in this class to use. Donna Frantz teaches that class as well.

 For ages 18 and up.

This dynamic yet gentle class is for all ages, accommodating beginners as well as those who want to deepen their practice. Using teaching demonstrations and detailed guidance, each class proceeds in a safe and slow way to instruct the basics of (Kripalu) yoga postures, breathwork and meditation. Plenty of modifications and variations will be given for different body types. 

Class is 60 minutes and include an opening centering, gentle warmups, postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and a long closing relaxation (yoga nidra). 

Please bring your own yoga mat, water bottle, and blanket or cushion to sit on.

Scott Farber, Ph.D., E-RYT 500/YACEP. Scott has been practicing yoga, meditation, and t'ai chi since the 1970s. A former college professor, with a doctorate in philosophy of education, he has traveled and taught all over the world. He now serves as a lead trainer in the Discovery Yoga School, offering a variety of yoga classes, workshops and teacher trainings.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 9:15 to 10:15 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Bienvenidos, 

In this course you will learn basic Spanish. You will also learn everyday phrases, commonly used words, colloquial words used by Spanish speakers, the history and customs of different countries, as well as “Castilian-Castellano” the language brought to this beautiful town by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles and his crew. You will be surprised of how much Spanish you already know. Don’t forget your notebook (cuaderno) and pen/pencil (bolígrafo /lápiz). 

María Teresa Martínez is a native Spanish speaker, born in Havana, Cuba. Her family ancestry is from Spain. She came to the United States in 1968 and learned English as a high school student in Dover, Delaware. She has taught from early childhood to college level Spanish.  She also served as a medical and judicial interpreter for many years as the owner of a  translation and interpretation business. Since retiring to San Augustine she has enjoyed teaching Spanish classes at the River House/COA. Her courses provide an interesting mix of learning the Spanish language while enjoying tidbits about the colonial history of our city Saint Augustine and Spain. 

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 9:15 - 10:45 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

"Come and join others as we enjoy singing beloved Christmas Carols and maybe a Thanksgiving song or two."

This class may be taken alone or as preparation for the four-session November/December Christmas Caroling class that will conclude on Tuesday, December 9th with performances of the carols at local rehabilitation and memory care centers, and a performance at the River House Winter Wonderland Expo on Wednesday, December 17th. 

No prior singing or choral experience needed. 

Bring a pencil.

Abby is a graduate of Vassar College (BA) and Columbia University (MA, M.Phil., Ph.D.), and the Mannes College Wagner Theater Program.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:15 to 11:15 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Qigong is the art of cultivating our vital energy or life force using gentle movements coordinated with breathing. It promotes health and vitality. Tai Chi is the epitome of qigong. It is a healing art, a moving meditation, and a slow graceful dance. It relaxes the body and focuses the mind. It improves balance and posture. We'll learn a variety of standing qigong methods as well as the famous Cheng Man-Ching (Yang style) Tai Chi form. Please wear loose comfortable clothing and, if possible, flat-bottomed shoes.

Scott Farber, Ph.D., has been practicing and teaching Tai Chi & Qigong for over forty years. He has studied the form, push hands and sword.  As an apprentice in the international School of Tai Chi Chuan, he completed fifteen years of intensive teacher training.  A former college professor, he now serves as a health and wellness consultant, teaching yoga, tai chi and meditation.

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28 from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine)

For ages 18 and up.