Feeling Fabulous at 40

As a part of its 40th anniversary celebration, John Tyler Community College debuted Feeling Fabulous at 40, a wellness program for faculty and staff. The spring schedule of activities is full of diverse and fun events lead by a variety of the College’s employees and special guests. All classes and activities are free for employees. Age-appropriate family members or friends may participate for a small fee if there is space available.

Schedule of Events – Spring 2007

JTCC’s Biggest Loser Contest
Team Leader: Barbara Deets
January 16 – April 16, 2007
All sites

Imagine hearing, “You lost ___ pounds. Congratulations – YOU are the biggest loser!” It’s never too late to take charge of your life. Drop weight and change your life. Complete the assessment and form a team, or join as an individual.

Deadline to sign up: January 31, 2007.

Team Tyler @ Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K
Walking Team Leaders: Lil Heisey, Mara Hilliar and Linda Luebke
Running Team Leaders: Kerrigan Sullivan and Joanne Horton
Chester and Midlothian, training times will vary

Train with fellow John Tyler employees for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K, and then join the Tyler team for the big event on March 31, 2007! We’ll train during the ten weeks leading up the event, and there will be training groups for two levels: walkers and novice runners.

Deadline to sign up: January 19, 2007.

Beginning Yoga
Leader: Carolyn Lawrence
January 22, 29, February 12, 19, 26, March 5, 19, 26, 2007
Midlothian, A317
5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.

What is yoga? Yoga means “yoke” or “union” in Sanskrit. It is an ancient Indian practice designed to integrate mind, body and spirit using postures, breath awareness and relaxation. The benefits of practicing yoga include releasing stiffness and tension, increasing the flexibility of the spine and joints, strengthening and toning the body, and increasing energy while at the same time relieving stress and calming the mind. The class will be designed with the beginning student in mind; however, students at any level are encouraged to participate. This class is being led by Carolyn Lawrence, a certified yoga instructor registered with Yoga Alliance. Carolyn currently teaches at Glenmore Yoga and Wellness Center in Richmond. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Mats may be used but are not necessary.

Maximum participants: 16.
Deadline to sign up is the Friday before each class.

Rock Chester (Aerobics)
Leader: Gilbert Menefield
January 25, February 1, 15, 22, March 1, 8, April 12, 19, 2007
Chester, Nicholas 102
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Open to the community

Rock Chester is a low-impact aerobics class where individuals are encouraged to have fun and exercise at their own pace. Because moves are explained, the class is great for beginners, but new moves are added throughout the class to keep things interesting for all skill levels. The class also incorporates resistance training to build strength. Most importantly, there is high-energy music and an AFAA-certified group exercise instructor focused on keeping the class interesting, beneficial, safe and fun. Join us on Thursdays and Rock Chester!

Participants should bring:

• Plenty of water in a plastic container.
• An exercise mat, towel or blanket to use on the floor.
• Light hand weights (2-5 pounds), if available.

Maximum participants: 75.
Deadline to sign up is the Wednesday before each class.

A New Year and a New You (lecture & food sampling)
Leader: Ukrop’s Nutritionist
January 16, 2007, Midlothian, A115, 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. (deadline to sign up 1/12)
January 18, 2007, Chester, B132, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (deadline to sign up 1/16)

Diet and lifestyle changes are often at the top of the new year’s resolution list. Let us make it easier for you by providing a simplified plan focusing on the most significant changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle that will stick!

Maximum participants: 50 each session.

Team Tyler Bowling Night
Team Leaders: Kathy Comer & Dianne Bosher
January 18, 2007, King Pin Lanes, Midlothian
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Form a bowling team for a night of fun and friendly competition. Faculty versus staff? College Relations versus ITSC? Teams of four are needed; however, individuals should contact Kathy for assistance in combining groups. And, don’t forget to think of a fun name for your team.

Maximum participants: 50.
Deadline to sign up: January 12.

Intro to Resistance Training
Leader: Steve Fritton
January 30, 2007, Chester, N104, 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. (deadline to sign-up 1/29)
February 5, 2007, Chester, N104, 5:30 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. (deadline to sign-up 2/1)
February 20, 2007, Chester, N104, 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. (deadline to sign-up 2/16)

Learn how to best develop strength and endurance for health and fitness with Coach Steve Fritton.

Maximum participants: 20 each session.

Love Your Heart (lecture & food sampling)
Leader: Ukrop’s Nutritionist
February 6, 2007, Midlothian, A115, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (deadline to sign up 2/2)
February 13, 2007, Chester, B132, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (deadline to sign up 2/9)

It’s never too late to tune up your heart – just like an engine in a car needs tuning, so do we! Is your cholesterol, blood pressure or even weight on the way up? Try diet and lifestyle changes first! Come listen to an easy approach to a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Maximum participants: 50 each session.

Hike on the Wild Side of the James River
Guide: Ralph White
March 3, 2007
James River Park, Richmond
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Join us on a truly scenic hike. We’ll go up hills, through the woods, and along the river bank for this eleven-mile adventure on the James River Park North Bank/Buttermilk Trail loop. See historical quarries, natural wildlife, and scenic vistas – all within Richmond’s city limits.

Maximum participants: 50.
Deadline to sign up: February 22.

Pills Gone Wild! (lecture)
Leader: Linda Mueller
March 6, 2007, Midlothian, A115, 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. (deadline to sign up 3/2)
March 8, 2007, Chester, B132, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (deadline to sign up 3/6)

An exposé of the secret life of vitamins, pills and interactions. Bring your lunch and come explore what's happening when you take vitamins and pills together. Are you ready for the real story?

Maximum participants: 50 each session.

Cooking Light (demo and lecture)
Leader: Chef Martin Gravely
March 7, 2007, Chester, M136, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Delicious cooking doesn’t have to mean lots of heavy foods or tons of time in the kitchen. This class will focus on making tasty, lighter fare using professional techniques that aren’t difficult to master and will yield terrific results!

Maximum participants: 25.
Deadline to sign-up: February 7.

Food and Mood (lecture & food sampling)
Leader: Ukrop’s Nutritionist
March 20, 2007, Midlothian, A115, 12:15p.m. – 1:15 p.m. (deadline to sign up 3/16)
March 22, 2007, Chester, B132, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (deadline to sign up 3/19)

What is it about caffeine that makes you feel more alert and energized? Why does eating sugar make some people crave more? To learn more about how food impacts your mood, join us for a fun and eye-opening wellness class. We’ll explain the mysteries behind food cravings, including carbohydrates and fat, and learn key eating strategies that will help you feel better, think better and sleep better.

Maximum participants: 50 each session.

Music and Wellness (lecture)
Leader: Leigh Baxter
March 27, 2007, Midlothian, A101, 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. (deadline to sign up 3/23, max 40)
March 28, 2007, Chester, M136, 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. (deadline to sign up 3/26, max 24)

Explore the connection between music and the mind, body and spirit, from the ancient Greeks to the latest medical research. Find out how music can make you healthier, and possibly even live longer. Can Mozart really make your kids smarter? Would you be happier as a drummer? What should you listen to during your next massage? Does it have to include singing monks or loons on a lake?

Emotions, Attitudes, Spirituality and More (lecture)
Leader: Deborah Ulmer
April 11, 2007, Midlothian, 115, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
April 12, 2007, Chester, B132, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Each and every day is a gift to be treasured. In fact, James Taylor recorded a song that says, “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” Do you rush through every moment of every day and forget that life is about balance and joy and the journey? Come explore emotions, attitudes, spirituality and some Eastern concepts that you may want to consider for yourself.

Biking at Pocahontas State Park
Leader: Chris Pfautz
April 14, 2007, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (deadline to sign up 4/6)
June 1, 2007, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (deadline to sign up 5/24)

Enjoy a peaceful bike ride through the forest of Pocahontas State Park followed by a picnic at the lake. The ride is on dirt and gravel forest roads with just enough ups and downs to make things interesting. This is an easy outing for riders of all ability levels. You must provide your own bike and helmet.

Maximum participants: 15 for each session.

Maintain, Don’t Gain (lecture)
Leader: Deborah Ulmer
April 16, 2007, Midlothian, A101, 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. (deadline to sign up 4/12, max 40)
April 23, 2007, Chester, M134, 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. (deadline to sign up 4/19, max 30)

You have lost your weight, met your goal, learned about and maybe tried some healthy lifestyle changes, now what? This is a time to focus on making the changes a permanent part of your life. In this session we will discuss ways to manage your weight within normal fluctuations so that you can continue to experience the positive benefits of good health.

Beginning & Intermediate Tennis
Leader: Steve Fritton
May 14, 21, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 2007
Chester Tennis Courts
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

This special class is for faculty and staff only. We will cover forehand, backhand, serve, and volley. Basic rules and strategies for both singles and doubles tennis will also be reviewed.

Maximum participants: 25.
Deadline to sign up: May 4.

Hike Old Rag Mountain
Leaders: John Koch and Joanne Horton
May 20, 2007
North of Charlottesville
All-day activity, departure and arrival times to be determined

Old Rag Mountain is described as the most spectacular mountain in the northern Virginia Blue Ridge. Views extend in all directions. Plan to see many spring blooms and wild flowers. This is a seven mile, strenuous hike that will take 5-7 hours roundtrip. There is no rock climbing or cliff scaling, but a part of the hike will be a whole body experience involving pulling ourselves over, down, and between boulders. Join us for this amazing day!

Maximum participants: 20.
Deadline to sign up: May 4.

If you have suggestions, please contact Joanne Horton at jhorton@jtcc.edu or 804-594-1569.