Join us for a gentle, restorative walk in the Reed Canyon (or nearby Reed grounds depending on participants' accessibility needs). A forest therapy walk (which is related, though distinct from the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku or “forest bathing”), is more than a “nature walk” in the woods. It is a guided contemplative wellness practice that invites participants to slow down, become immersed in their senses, and to cultivate reciprocal, healing relationships to the more than human world. It is a research-based framework that has demonstrated a wide array of health and wellness benefits. The practice is adaptable and accessible to all participants regardless of ability, fitness level, or experience in the outdoors. Please contact Kristy in advance if you have any accommodation concerns that could better facilitate your participation. Please come dressed comfortably for the weather, and with shoes that get along with potentially muddy terrain. (Tip- While hiking gear is unnecessary to participate, the Reed Backpack Co-op has boots and other gear that all staff, faculty and students can check out for free.) While participants are encouraged to try to stay for the full 90 min practice, opportunities will be provided for participants that need to leave earlier.

When: TBD

Meditation

Silent meditation takes place during the lunch hour under the direction of Alan Shusterman. Participation is open to all members of the Reed community and their guests. Come join us for a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of cutting-edge academic inquiry. More information for beginners and experienced meditators alike is available at Reed's meditation blog.

New to meditation? Want more information about our session? Contact Alan.

Wellness & Fitness classes: Spring 2024

For a reduced rate, all faculty, staff, and their partners are welcome to sign up for wellness and fitness classes, sponsored by the Wellness Committee. (Partners are required to sign a liability waiver.) The variety of classes include everything from relaxation and stress reduction to toning, balance, and cardio workout.

Instructors and Class Descriptions

Pilates with Vicki Ratzlaff

Mondays and Wednesdays 1–2 p.m.

Vicki's full studio training certification was completed in 2005 through Momentum Studios of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has been in the fitness instruction profession for over 20 years in the Portland area. She started out with Step Aerobic programs, added Stationary Cycling, personal trainer programs, dance programs, and taught Yoga through Yogafit International. As a Yoga instructor she fell in love with the core, strength, and balance challenge through the movement that Pilates teaches. After her Pilates certification was completed, she became an instructor and teaches at Sellwood Pilates for over 15 years. Vicki finds Pilates to be the most complete and comprehensive program in keeping your body moving. For over 20 years she has taught and helped men and women of all ages and levels to reach their goals for better balance, flexibility, posture, and mobility using the Pilates method. Each one is "strengthened from the center out."

Pilates
Joseph Pilates developed his method of physical and mental conditioning utilizing a series of mat exercises to dramatically improve strength, flexibility, coordination, posture, and muscle tone. Pilates is more than just an exercise program; it is a system that works the mind and body together. It is the original “core training” method. In Pilates, your body’s center, or core, is referred to as the “Powerhouse," and includes all of your abdominal, back, and buttocks muscles, and inner and outer thighs. It teaches a comprehensive way of body conditioning that integrates the upper and lower musculature, building a balanced body and deeply strong core. Adaptable to any level of fitness, age, or physical ability, it challenges and supports students through a systematic and progressive system of exercises, creating whole body strength and vitality. The benefits of a consistent Pilates practice will stay with you for a lifetime. Regardless of your physical ability, the Pilates method will provide you with tangible results: deep core strength, long and lean muscular toning, back pain relief, injury prevention, improved posture, increased stamina and energy, flexibility and mobility, long term functionality.

Got Balance? with Hilary Miller

Tuesdays 5:30–6:15 p.m.

Hilary has worked in Portland in social service for over 20 years—in the criminal justice field, and for the past 16 years as a mentor for Friends of Children, serving our community's most vulnerable youth as they work to overcome barriers to their success. Teaching kickboxing, boot camp and circuit classes at several Portland gyms for the past decade has been Hilary's hobby. She also is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer. In addition to helping others with their wellness goals, she loves spending time with her daughter and boxer dog.

Got Balance?
This class will include various standing balance work and core strength training. Some of the exercises will use light dumbbells. We'll also spend about 15 minutes on the mat for floor ab work and stabilization exercises.

"My first class was fantastic! It was incredibly challenging, but Hilary had a really positive approach and offered modifications." — Jennifer Corpus, professor of psychology

Power Circuit Conditioning with Hilary Miller

Thursdays 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Hilary has worked in Portland in social service for over 20 years—in the criminal justice field, and for the past 18 years as a mentor for Friends of Children, serving our community's most vulnerable youth as they work to overcome barriers to their success. Teaching kickboxing, boot camp and circuit classes at several Portland gyms for the past decade has been Hilary's hobby. She also is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified personal trainer. In addition to helping others with their wellness goals, she loves spending time with her daughter and boxer dog.

Circuit Conditioning
A calorie blasting, total body workout for all fitness levels. Build cardio and muscular endurance, core strength and agility while working through a mix of circuit intervals using weights, steps, mats, and cardio drills.

Yoga with Daniel Shaw

Fridays noon-1 p.m., PAB Performance Lab

Meet Daniel (he/him), a dedicated yoga instructor, end-of-life doula, and advocate for spiritual growth and social justice. With years of personal practice and a recent venture into teaching, Daniel brings a unique blend of expertise to his role of teaching yoga at Reed College.

Integrating the skills and wisdom gained as an end-of-life doula, Daniel infuses his yoga classes with mindfulness, breathwork, and gentle guidance. With a commitment to supporting individuals during life's transitions, his compassionate instruction fosters an atmosphere of acceptance, personal growth, and deep presence. Daniel's passion for helping others navigate death anxiety and embrace spiritual growth shines through in his heartfelt teaching.

Outside of the studio, Daniel extends his passion for yoga to the community by volunteering as a yoga instructor for Special Olympics athletes. Inspired by their resilience and dedication, he embraces the transformative power of yoga in fostering inclusivity and personal growth.

In his spare time, Daniel pursues social justice initiatives alongside his partner, dedicating his efforts to creating positive change. They find solace in their shared love for gardening and enjoy taking their pit bull for walks, embracing the simple joys of nature and the companionship of their furry friend.

Join Daniel on the mat as he guides you on a transformative journey, encouraging self-discovery, inner peace, and connection to the present moment.

Access Questions?

• All the classes accommodate different levels of experience and skill.
• We all have busy schedules. It's fine to arrive late to the classes and leave early.
• Locker room option (when at the Sports Center): Use the private changing rooms and shower facility on the top floor of the Sports Center, next to the Dance Studio.

Questions?
Contact Erica Nukaya. You may take one trial class before registering, contact Erica if interested. Also, please keep in mind that we do not allow participants to roll over unused classes to the following semester, except in cases of long term injury or illness.

To participate check off as many items as you can in the month of March. Email chambersc@reed.edu for the complete list of items. Each completed activity is an extra chance to win awesome prizes.