Resolutions – Learning As A Lifestyle

New Years is like no other holiday. It makes us want to celebrate the opportunity that a new year brings – it gives us hope for change. Every New Year about 45% of Americans will make a resolution. Sometimes that plan is a small one – be nicer in the New Year or have more fun. Sometimes that plan is a big one – go back to school, lose weight, save money, or pay off debt. Whatever your plans are for the New Year, the Center for Lifelong Learning can help.

Are you looking for inexpensive fun this year? The Center will host several special events. The first is the All Shook Up Kick-Off Party. This is a party to introduce our Swing Dance classes that will start in February. Jump, Jive and Learn great moves as instructor Dwain Cooper leads an “All Shook Up” dance class. Learn about the Lindy, Jive, and the East Coast or West Coast Swing. The King will not leave the building until he judges the best Elvis impersonator, so put on your blue suede shoes and you may win a free dance class admission! Whether you plan to attend dance classes or not, put on your best Elvis impersonation and come to the party. The event is Friday, January 25, from 6:00-8:00 pm in the lobby of the Center. There is no charge for this event.

Do you want to get your finances in order? Try Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. Class is led by John Carwile who is a graduate of the program. The last two classes offered at the Center paid off more than $25,000 in debt during the classes. The new class will be January 17-March 21, from 6:30-8:30 pm, at the Center. The fee is $119 for couples or singles.

Are you trying to lose weight? The Center offers several classes. Gentle Yoga is a beginning yoga class that starts in a chair or on a mat. It is a great way to get back into an exercise program. Class is scheduled Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:00-9:00 am, January 7-February 1, in the mezzanine at the Center. The Fee is $35 for 3-days per week, $29 for 2-days per week.

There is also a beginner-intermediate Yoga class which is a combination of yoga and Pilates. Floor stretches are designed to build stamina and balance. Class is scheduled on Tuesdays only from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, January 8-29, in the mezzanine at the Center. Fee is $20.

Retrobics Dance Fitness is a new class at the Center. This is a fun, high energy aerobic class that will keep you smiling while you sweat. Easy to follow format includes simple dance moves and strength-training for a total body workout in just 60 minutes. No dance experience is required and high and low impact movements are demonstrated so that you can work at your own pace. Class is offered Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 – 10:00 am, January 22 – February 14 at the Carter Gym on Pryor Street. The Fee is $30/person. No class February 7.

The Lunch and Learn Series: Losing it! will start off with Lifestyle Change – a class focusing on setting goals, finding a support system, and overcoming obstacles. Class is scheduled Wednesday, January 30, from 12:00-1:00 pm. Fee is $5.

For more information check out the website – athens.edu/CLL – or call us at 256-233-8260. The best changes come from learning, and learning is a lifestyle at the Center for Lifelong Learning.