According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day.
February is American Heart Month, and unfortunately, most of us know someone who has had heart disease or stroke. An organization like the American Heart Association hosts events throughout the year to bring light and raise fund for the disease. Since 2004, the Go Red for Women campaign has sponsored National Wear Red Day to dispel the myth that only elderly men were at risk of a heart attack.
The instructors at the Middletown Arts Center are joining the crusade to help Middletown get heart healthy by offering residents convenient and affordable classes and events. Located in the heart of Middletown at 36 Church Street, there are many classes to help you de-stress and exercise. From ballroom dance to yoga to Argentine Tango to Zumba, there are many ways to celebrate your love for the arts and get fit.
Call the Middletown Arts Center at (732) 706-4100 to preregister for any of the events and classes highlighted below. For a full menu of classes offered, visit www.middletownarts.org. Classes are prorated, so students are encouraged to join at any time.
Discover Your Radiant Heart Through Yoga, Starting, February 13th, Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.This February, it’s all about mind, body and heart health as students learn about the power and importance of the Heart Chakra in the MAC’s Gentle Yoga class with Cornelia Mazza. Students will learn to tune into this area of the body to find increased energy and love for themselves and for those around them. Drawing from ancient yogic teachings as well as present-day practices, let Cornelia guide you in exploring the different facets of your radiant heart center. Students will also learn relaxation, breathing, and stretching to benefit mind-body health. All levels may join this slow moving classical yoga. Each class ends with a guided relaxation meditation. Please bring a yoga mat and towel to class. Cost to attend for the month of four sessions is $44 for MAC members and $48 for non-members.
Pump Up Your Heart at Zumba, February 24th, 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Join MAC Zumba Instructor Joanna Shearer for an exciting 90-minute Zumba Fitness Class with Zumba Jammer from Paris, Knzo Mendy. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. The event is open to the public and space is limited.
Relax Your Heart with the Ancient Art of Tai Chi Chuan, Mondays 6:00-7:00 p.m. and/or Fridays 9:00-10:00 a.m.Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient art that embodies China’s most profound concepts and principles of health and movement. Practiced at a slow and even speed, Tai Chi promotes relaxation, posture and balance. These simple movements are widely acknowledged to help calm the emotions, focus the mind and strengthen the immune system. A simple 1-2-3 method of the popular Yang-style (24 poses) is taught, along with simple exercises that relax and rejuvenate. Cost to attend 12 sessions is $180 for MAC members and $200 for non-members.
Art for the Mind, Body and Soul, Mondays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Relax and unwind in this enjoyable class that will guide you through the process of making your own special vision board, creating a mandala, designing a zen garden and more. Let go of stress as you take time out to be imaginative and creative. Cost to attend eight sessions is $120 for MAC members and $132 for non-members.
