Health & Wellness Programs

The Champaign Park District offers many programs for self improvement. Below are just a few. Please see our latest Funformation Program Guide for our current offerings.

Aerobics

• Low Impact Aerobics - Get a great aerobic workout without stress and strain on the joints. This class, led by a nationally certified instructor, includes cardiovascular exercises plus “floor exercises” to tighten and tone the hips, legs, abdomen, and buttocks. Exercise balls may also be used.
  
• Cardio Salsa - Cardio Salsa is a lighthearted, easy to follow, rhythmic, dance-based fitness class. This class promotes cardiovascular strengthening and endurance through fun Latin dance variations. You’ll learn the basics from dances including merengue, salsa, bachata, cha cha and cumbia. No dance experience or partner necessary.  Just come and let the dancing begin!
• Kickboxing - Get your week started with POW! WHAM! POP! Kickboxing is NOT for the faint of heart! This class will encourage participants to engage their entire body as they kick and punch their way towards stronger muscles and improved coordination. It's great exercise for everyone, from the beginner to the seasoned pro!
• Core & More - This beginner/intermediate level class will use Pilates-based movements to stretch and strengthen core muscles (abs and back) as well as legs and glutes. Stability balls will occasionally be incorporated to add resistance and improve balance.

Alexander Technique

Back or Neck Pain? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Headaches, Insomnia or Depression? Many chronic ailments such as these are the result of years of unhealthy stress we put on ourselves through poor habits of movement and posture. As children, we all had a natural ease of lightness and posture. The Alexander Technique is a practical method for learning to restore this natural coordination. In this class, the instructor will use hands-on and verbal instruction to gently guide you in everyday movements. You will be surprised how light, free and easy you can feel, as you shed your old unconscious habits of movement.

Falun Gong

Falun Gong is a powerful ancient exercise that improves health, reduces stress, and increases energy. The practice involves slow gentle movements of the body, while it teaches the principles of truthfulness, benevolence, and forebearance. Falun Gong is easy to learn, enjoyable to practice, and enhancing spiritually, mentally and physically.

Karate

• Isshin-Ryu Karate - Develop street awareness, practical self defense, coordination and situational alertness from a 4th degree blackbelt. You may begin classes at the beginning of any of the sessions.
• Tae Kwon Do - Lear the noncmpetitive art of Tae Kwon Do. Master new skills, increase your strength, flexibility, discipline, and self-esteem.

Yoga

• Beginning Yoga - Learn the fundamental yoga postures to develop stamina, balance, and concentration, while easing various ailments and stress. You do not need to be flexible or “in-shape” to do yoga.
  
• Continuing Yoga - Develop a more detailed practice of standing poses, inversions and restoratives. This class builds on the fundamental yoga postures learned in Beginning Yoga. No beginners, please.