Designed to help older adults improve stability, coordination, and confidence in everyday movement. Using dumbbells and bodyweight exercises, participants perform balance drills and functional movement training that support safe, efficient movement throughout daily life.

Activities focus on strengthening the muscles that contribute to balance, improving mobility, enhancing body awareness, and practicing movement patterns such as stepping, reaching, turning, bending, and transitioning from sitting to standing.

Benefits

• Improved balance and stability
• Enhanced mobility and flexibility
• Better coordination and reaction time
• Increased confidence with daily activities
• Reduced risk of falls
• Improved functional movement and independence
• Greater overall quality of life

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. 2, 9 from 12 - 1 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.

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.

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.

Step into the evocative world of Zambra Mora, a soulful fusion of Spanish Romani expression and deep Arabic influence. This Level One foundations class is designed for absolute beginners and curious dancers who want to explore the earthy, emotional, and rhythmic heart of this historic style. 

In this class, students will learn:

• Fundamental posture and movement vocabulary
• Slow, serpentine movements that emphasize breath, groundedness, and expression intention
• Fast rhythmic accents drawn from traditional Zambra phrasing
• Hipwork, arm pathways, and traveling steps that build confidence and fluidity
• Cultural context and lineage, honoring the dance’s roots while building a modern, accessible foundation

The pace is welcoming and supportive, with plenty of breakdowns, repetition, and guided practice. No prior dance experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to explore a dance form that is both fiery and deeply poetic.

By the end of the series, students will feel grounded in the essential shapes, rhythms, and emotional textures of Zambra Mora, ready to continue into more layered technique and choreography.

Barefoot or dance shoes preferred, wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in.

With years of teaching and performance experience, Gina brings her expertise, warmth, and energy to every class. Whether you’re new to Zambra Mora or looking to expand your repertoire, this class offers a fun, supportive environment to grow your skills and enjoy the beauty of dance.  

Class sessions will be on Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10 from noon to 1 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine).

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

For ages 18 and up.

A dynamic total-body workout that alternates between low-impact cardio intervals and dumbbell-based strength training to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and endurance.

Participants move through alternating rounds of easy-to-follow aerobic exercise and full-body strength training. The low-impact format minimizes stress on the joints while still providing an effective workout suitable for active older adults.

Benefits:

• Improved cardiovascular endurance
• Increased muscular strength and endurance
• Enhanced balance and coordination
• Better functional fitness for everyday activities
• Support for healthy bones and joints
• Increased energy and vitality
• Fun, social, and motivating exercise experience

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,
• water bottle,
• towel

Class sessions will be on Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 10 from 2:30 - 3:30 at River House (179 Marine St. in St. Augustine).

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

For ages 18 and up.

This class focuses on those who may need assistance while engaging in Pilates based movement activities focused on gaining balace, strength and bodily alignment. The chair as a prop allows the individual to gain confidence, engaging muscles without the fear of falling, getting up and down off the floor or being in uncomfortable positions.

Wear comfortable clothing. 

Cynthia Domino is not only a certified classically trained Pilates instructor, but she also brings more than 33 years of experience as an Artistic Director and arts educator. She considers it a privelege to teach Pilates to continue the work in which she has dedicated her life while also contributing to our community. 

Class sessions will be held on Tuesdays, Nov. 10, 17 and Dec. 1, 8 from 9:00 to 10:00 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084).

NO CLASS SESSIONS on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 24 and Dec. 15, 22, 29.

For ages 18 and up