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 Wednesdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24 from 2:45 to 3:45 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

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, September 4, 11, 18 (no class session on Sept. 25) from 9:00 - 10:00 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

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, September 11, 18, 25 (Sept. 4 has been cancelled) from 9:30 - 10:30 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Tai Chi Easy™ for Health and Vitality is a simplified method of Tai Chi. If you have tried other tai chi forms and couldn’t stick with it give this one a try. It is readily accessible and adaptable for anyone, even those who are dealing with chronic pain and other conditions. Developed by Dr. Roger Jahnke, O.M.D., Tai Chi Easy™ incorporates elements of both Tai Chi and Qigong. This method is easy to learn. There is no need to spend years learning the 108 traditional movements of long form Tai Chi to reap the benefits of the practice.

Key Principles: Do the practices as best you can. Have fun. Practice in your personal comfort zone. Modify and adapt for your body’s needs. Practice the “Three Intentful Corrections” of body, breath, & mind: Posture & Movement Breath Mindful awareness, Meditation and Massage.

Dress comfortably and wear sneakers or any rubber sole shoe and bring a water bottle.

Sharon Infante is Medical Qigong Practitioner (MQP), an IIQTC and UHT certified in Tai Chi, Qigong, Daoyin Yoga, meditation and Sound Frequency. She has been teaching for more than 20 years. She enjoys bringing Tai Chi Gong and Sound Healing Meditation to communities, hospitals, schools, health festivals so that they may benefit from the combined benefits of the body, mind, spirit connection.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, September 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10:30 to 11:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine)

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, September 11, 18, 25 (Sept. 4 has been cancelled) from 10:45 to 11:45 at the River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

This class is open to students at all skill levels. Instruction will consist of watercolor techniques and studies in landscapes, portraits, and intuitive painting. Students are welcome to bring their own references for study. First Class will consist of some color theory. 

Supplies needed:

• Set of pan or tube watercolor paints. 
• Brushes – mop brush or large round, several sizes of round and flat brushes, a fan brush.
• Paper- 140lb or higher watercolor paper, hot or cold press
• Liquid resist
• 2 water containers

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, September 4, 11, 18, 25 from 11 to 1 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

This class is designed to improve cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength without increasing risk. Energizing and easy-to-follow movements promote heart-healthy, total-body conditioning to increase balance, cardiovascular, and muscular endurance. Follow along with engaging music as we alternate between low impact aerobics conditioning and upper body strength training using dumbbells. 

The final 30 mins will be devoted to stretching the entire body to increase flexibility and mobility

Equipment needed:

• water
• towel
• dumbbells or a band
• athletic shoes

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 Thursdays, September 4, 11, 18, 25 from noon to 1:30 at River House (179 Marine St.  St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.

Unhappy with the way things are going?

Know you need to break out of a routine?

This class will help you learn how to change the chatter in your head. A change in your mindset can lead to big changes in your life if you are open to thinking differently.

Class sessions will be held on Thursdays, September 4, 11, 25 (no class session on Sept. 18) from 12:30 to 1:30 at River House (179 Marine Street, St. Augustine 32084)

For ages 18 and up.