Does anyone know of a place in the Shoals that offers yoga, pilates, or tai chi classes other than the Y? It is kinda pricey over there and when I checked yesterday the classes were on M-W-F and I would like to do a T-TH class if possible. Oh and if you know if it is Christian based that would be helpful; I would rather meditate with prayer than chants like a lot of classes do. Any help is appreciated--it needs to a night class as I work during the day. Thanks ladies!

UNA offers some continuing studies classes. I took a Tai Chi class and it was so much fun. If you can't find a Christian class, just substitute your prays for their chants quietly. No one will mind, I'm sure. You might even talk to your instructor about it before hand. Most people around here will understand.

The last I checked, the new gym downtown has Yoga classes. The one that was MAC and is now Gold's Gym, I think. It was way over priced when I checked it out, but now that it's changed maybe the prices are better. They were also a 24 hour facility so if that's still the case, I'm sure you'll find a class that fits your schedule. Good luck.

I took the yoga classes through UNA with Leah Chandler as the instructor. She is WONDERFUL!!! She is a Christian. Not all yoga classes have you chant or meditate unless you are comfortable with it. She used to teach a class at the CORE center in Muscle Shoals and did out of her house for a while, but I haven't talked to her lately. I know that UNA has extended her class time -- by popular demand.

Also, UNA has the pilates class and the Tai Chi classes. The instructor for the pilates is the same at the Y I think and she is good although she moves through the postures a little quickly for a newbie. I don't know, but she might teach at the CORE center as well.

The instructor for the Tai Chi used to be a professor at UNA -- Mueller was his last name. I'm not sure if he teaches anywhere else or if there are any other options offerred in the area.

Leah used to charge 12-15 dollars per session I think at the CORE or you could pay up front or whatever...she was easy to work with...

You might also check with South Peaks gym and see if they have any options.

Thanks Steve & Dixie--I will check out both of your suggestions. The town I live in does not offer anything in this line so unfortunately I have to drive 45 miles to Florence to take something other than the regular old exercise routines.

I know of a Thursday night excercise class in Elgin that includes Pilates--am not sure what else (I usually have a date with Gil Grissom if I'm not working). PM me if you think you'd like to join. I think they have about 6 or 7 members now, perhaps a few more some nights, but nothing judgmental!

The Florence Y has yoga. and it is wonderful. and I love it.

Pilates will just kill you. I couldn't move my leg to get out of the car the first time I did them. Never could do that lifting my butt off the floor and putting my legs to the floor behind my head (at the same time) thing.

Yoga is gradual steps. You just stretch till it begins to be uncomfortable and stop. Every day you can do more.

My Pilates instructor weighed 23 pounds and could twist like a pretzel. I would be there grunting and sweating and plotting how to just twist her leg around her throat...

Someone told me there was a Tai Chi class at the local college.
It's great for the mind and the body.

My mother takes Yoga classes over on Helton Dr (not at the Y, but I believe she does a yoga class there as well ) with a lady named Martha Smith. She was giving the classes at the new gym on Court St but they decided to make alot of changes so she now rents a space somewhere on Helton Dr, maybe Alabama Rehab or something like that. But, her classes start at 5:15pm Tuesday and Thursday and her phone number is 767-3447. She charges like $20 a month. My mom really seems to like her class.