Class Information

Summer 2010 Classes

Fitness

To register for a fitness class call 1-877-926-4664 or you can register online. All hour-long classes are $13 per class x 11 week session = $143. Call for pricing on prenatal five and six-week sessions.

Health Education

Pilates Mat
Pilates Mat is an exercise system that consists of stretching and strengthening exercises performed on the floor. It emphasizes body alignment and correct breathing, using a series of full body movements designed to build strength beginning with the abdomen, lower back, and hips with a focus on making the torso the power center of the body.

Older Adult Pilates Mat
An active class catering to older adults, this class teaches floor exercises to build strength in the abdomen, lower back and hips. Instructors will offer modifications for osteoporosis/osteopenia. If you have a chronic health condition or have been sedentary, ask if this class is appropriate for you.

Strength and Balance for Older Adults
Strength training is a great way to improve functionality and increase energy levels. The class incorporates breathing and relaxation, core exercises, a short aerobic warm-up and resistance exercises using body weight and resistance cords. Exercises are performed standing, sitting and/or on the floor. Modifications are made for mobility-impaired individuals. Gym shoes required.

Low-impact Aerobics for Older Adults
This class improves cardiovascular health while working on coordination and mobility. It also incorporates some simple dance steps. Appropriate warm-up, cool down, and stretching are included. There are core exercises towards the end of class.

Nia
Nia is a low impact aerobic exercise format that combines movements from Tao Kwon Do, Tai Chi, Yoga, and modern dance. The benefits include increased strength, improves flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and please be advised a water bottle and gym shoes are recommended. A signed physician's consent form is required for this class due to the cardiovascular nature of the format.

Tai Chi
Slow, steady movements encourage the flow of "Chi," or vital energy. Performed in a standing position, Tai Chi helps reduce tension and builds strength and balance. It is ideal for those with arthritis or joint pain.

Yoga
Hatha Yoga is the physical practice of postures. It offers many benefits including improved stamina, flexibility, cardiovascular performance, muscle tone, circulation and respiration. Classes incorporate breathing and relaxation. Poses are performed standing, sitting and lying on the floor. Participants must be able to rise from the floor repeatedly. A yoga mat is required.

Fuller Figure Yoga
A gentle yet active Iyengar Yoga class taught at a comfortable pace with individual consideration. Props are used to make the poses more accessible. Poses help develop strength, coordination, balance and flexibility, which aids in greater mobility.

*Iyengar Yoga

Yoga for Osteoporosis
This Yoga caters to the special needs of adults with osteoporosis or osteopenia. Poses help develop strength, coordination, balance and flexibility, which aids in achieving greater mobility.

Older Adult or Gentle Yoga
This yoga caters to the special needs of older adults and those needing a class more gentle than level I. Poses help develop strength, coordination, balance and flexibility, which aids in achieving greater mobility.

PRENATAL CLASSES

Prenatal Aerobics
This is cardiovascular builds strength and stamina for labor.

Prenatal Yoga
Learn techniques to alleviate lower back pain, leg pain and slumping posture. Also includes breathing techniques and relaxation to help prepare for your childbirth experience.

Mind Body Syndrome Course
The four-week course begins with an introductory lecture that gives up-to-date information on the research into mind-body medicine. The rest of the course is spent completing writing exercises and reflecting exercises that help patients understand the link between emotions and pain. As that understanding develops, patients learn how to use that knowledge to diminish and eventually eliminate the chronic pain symptoms.

Each participant is given nightly homework assignments that include journal writing and meditation exercises. Weekly discussions allow patients to process their successes and work through any difficulties they may be experiencing.

For those interested in a new approach to healing chronic pain and deepening their self-exploration and self-understanding, this course can be life changing. Dr. Stracks can be reached at 312-926-DOCS (3627). Interested patients should ask to schedule a 60-minute mind-body pain evaluation.

Spring Detoxification Group Class
The Detoxification Group Class is presented by John Stracks, MD and Judy Fulop, ND, FABNO, from the Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness. This two week detoxification program provides safe, effective and clear information on how to manage an effective detoxification. The class meets four times with the doctors as a group before, during and after the detoxification program. Participants learn how to use medical foods and supplements to make the detoxification safer, easier and more effective. Dr. John Stracks and Judy Fulop, ND, FABNO, have extensive experience in this area of healthcare. For more information or to register, call 312-926-8400.

Benefits of Northwestern Memorial Exercise Programs
Jill Stein, coordinator of the Fitness Class Program at Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group’s (NMPG) Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness, will discuss the health benefits of various exercise programs offered at Northwestern Memorial. See demonstrations of the types of exercises offered and decide which one might be best for you to start a new exercise program or to add to your existing program. For more information or to register, call 312-926-8400.

A Light in the Darkness: Alternative Methods for Treating Depression
John Stracks, MD, a family physician at NMPG’s Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness and assistant professor of Clinical Family and Community Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, will discuss non-pharmaceutical strategies for treating depression. This discussion will include information on how diet, exercise, stress reduction, supplements, herbs, hormones, therapy and lifestyle choices can have a beneficial impact on one’s psychological health. For more information or to register, call 312-926-8400.

Live Your Best Life Every Day
Is there a behavior that is having a negative consequence on your health that you would like to change? Catherine Cheng, MD, FACP, an internist in primary care at NMPG’s Center for Integrative Medicine and Wellness and instructor of Clinical Medicine at Feinberg, will discuss positive health behavior change using motivational interviewing and coaching. She will take the participants through a thought process of reframing a behavior or pattern they want to change, and in an interactive way, help individuals envision a goal and to start moving toward it. For more information or to register, call 312-926-8400.