Moving Forward - Gentle Movement Arts

This page includes suggestions for gentle movement classes in the Belmont/Watertown/Arlington/cyberspace areas.

1. Gentle Yoga with Anne Curtis in Arlington, MA
For those who seek a very gentle Iyengar-based yoga class, I highly recommend Gentle Yoga with Anne Curtis. I have known Anne for many years, have taken classes with her, and have subbed for her classes at the The Arlington Center. She is very experienced in working with seniors and others seeking gentle classes, and she offers adaptations to accommodate individual limitations. Anne is extremely knowledgeable about the body and how to work safely with students of all ages and abilities:
Gentle Yoga with Anne Curtis
In Person + Livestreaming
The Arlington Center, 369 Mass. Ave., Arlington
https://arlingtoncenter.org
Mondays 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
GENTLE YOGA approaches asana practice with postures that gently stretch, strengthen and soothe the body. Restorative poses are also presented to nurture the body's energy into balance and cultivate deep relaxation to help release stress and let the body/mind rest deeply. This is a wonderful combination for re-energizing the body and de-stressing the mind.
click here for more information

2. Yoga at Artemis Yoga in Watertown, MA
I have not taken classes at Artemis Yoga myself, but have spoken with multiple people who recommend it highly. It offers over 40 yoga classes a week including Iyengar-based classes, beginners classes, and restorative classes. One teacher who was highly recommended for those wishing a gentle class is Rahel Wasserman. See the class schedule and teacher information on the Artemis website - link below.
Artemis Yoga
639 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA
https://artemisyoga.com

3. Essentrics TV
I have been taking streaming classes on Essentrics TV for many years. It offers hundreds of streaming classes and has filters to help you find gentle or beginner classes, classes for different age groups including 70+, and classes designed for specific goals including pain relief. It is a method that seems clearly to have been influenced by yoga as well as dance and, possibly, tai chi. I recommend it highly for people of ALL abilities. The following quote is from the Essentrics website: "We believe that fitness should not be measured with an index, in miles, in muscle mass or in speed. Rather, it should be measured in one’s ability to move freely, live actively and without pain. The goal of the Essentrics Workout is to create a balanced body such that the strength in your muscles doesn’t inhibit your movement, and your mobility is enhanced by your strength. Essentrics dynamically combines strengthening and stretching to develop a strong, toned body with the complete ability of moving each joint and muscle freely and with full range of motion."
Essentrics offers a 14-day free trial. A yearly subscription is $143 and classes can be streamed on any smart TV or computer. For more information, see the Essentrics website: https://essentrics.com

4. Tree of Life Tai Chi Center in Watertown, MA
Tai chi is a wonderful discipline for those seeking a gentle way to build balance, strength, coordination, and mental calm. I have taken classes at the Tree of Life Tai Chi Center and found them to be excellent and easy, even for beginners. Peter Wayne, Ph.D., the founder and director of the Tree of Life Tai Chi Center, is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Research Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine jointly based at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Tree of Life Tai Chi Center
at the Watertown Center for the Healing Arts
17 Spring St., Watertown
https://treeoflifetaichi.com