Simply Stretching Stretching is one of the most valuable self-help tools for the management and prevention of musculoskeletal pain and stiffness. There is a term in physiology called "creep." It refers to the constant shrinkage of tendons and ligaments. Stretching is the only way to beat creep! Stretching classes focus on stretching for every body, regardless of size, shape or age. The emphasis in classes will be for each person to reach the comfortable limits of movement and have fun doing it. Josiah Groth will lay out practical and simple ways of incorporating head to toe stretching into daily lives. SUPPLIES REQUIRED : Yoga mat. Class limit = 20

Spring Clean Your Life Josiah Groth will help students to sift through the 'clutter' and find a path.  This course will focus on making spring cleaning a spiritual process that helps refocus and steer your life towards greater health, success, and happiness.  We will set goals, digest past experiences, and let go of ideas and possessions that are no longer helpful.  Feeling bogged down in the mundane humdrum of daily life?  This class is for you!

Yoga Put simply, yoga creates ‘good space’ in one’s body and mind by removing toxins, relaxing muscles, and bringing balance. In that space, the body has ‘room to breathe’ and thus naturally/spontaneously works to come back to balance.  When people are in a "good space" everything in life seems to flow a bit easier, from work and relationships to simply enjoying the moment.  Our yoga classes are for everyone with lots of options for different levels of strength and flexibility.  Join Josiah Groth for some exercise, relaxation, and fun. SUPPLIES REQUIRED : Yoga mat. Class limit = 25 NOTE Spencer – no class on July 3; Stratford – no class on July 5

Connecting Hearts Massage - Head & Shoulder Josiah Groth will systematically cover techniques for massaging the shoulders and head with specific attention to headache relief and relaxation.Connecting Hearts classes feature quality massage instruction in an enjoyable and relaxed format. Students delight in both giving and receiving the techniques discussed in class. Join us as we explore massage techniques that help us connect heart to heart with those we love. SUPPLIES REQUIRED : Hand towel

Connecting Hearts Massage for Couples Bring a partner and reconnect through compasionate touch in our professional and modest class.  In each class couples will reconnect as they learn.  Classes begin with discussion followed by each person giving and receiving a massage.  Our classes build upon each other until students can perform a full body relaxation massage.   Couples massage is a profoundly meaningful, healthy, and loving activity.  Enjoy the class together and learn skills for a lifetime! Note: No class on July 5

Ayurveda Josiah Groth will show participants how to look at the world through different eyes! Learn about prakriti, nature, and how ones nature makes all the difference in choosing healthy things to eat and positive activities. Learn how the environment has an affect, and how to keep the body in balance with the changes in our lives and in the seasons. This class is lecture based, with lively, interactive discussion, and take home experiments that will validate your newfound knowledge. People who have taken this class before don’t just love it, they LIVE IT!

Beginning Breath & Meditation Josiah Groth will show how simple practices of observing the breath and mind can powerfully change ones attitude, health, and energy levels. Each class will begin with some easy stretches to prepare the body for comfortable sitting followed by a discussion of various aspects of the mind and nervous system from a yogic perspective. Students will learn easy practices that can be used to bring balance back to the body and mind. SUPPLIES REQUIRED : Comfy clothes; cushion/blankets to sit on

Guts and Glutes This is a challenging class designed to work on those stubborn areas: glutes (behind!), and abdominals! Becca Rucker will provide a workout that focuses on conditioning the core muscles of the lower body including the abdominal, obliques, lower back and glutes. Fitness Level: Advanced Beginner or Intermediate. SUPPLIES REQUIRED : Hand weights; exercise mat; water NOTE: Spencer – no class on July 3

Personal Fitness Program Our Fitness Coach will develop a personal workout plan to help participants achieve their fitness goals. The coach will discuss health/ fitness goals, record weight and body measurements, and develop a personal program utilizing various pieces of equipment at the Stratford Fitness Center. Upon performing this program for 6-8 weeks, the participant will be re-evaluated and assigned a new program. NOTE: Must be a current member of the Stratford Fitness Center. SUPPLIES REQUIRED: Comfortable workout clothes

Plant A Healing Garden Plants put us in touch with the natural cycles of life and teach us that there's always a new cycle, a rebirth, a life being renewed… the purpose of a healing garden! Kathy Belgea-Zuelke will talk about her healing garden, and give a tour of her grounds.

Pond Management (for large ponds) Tom Nikolai will discuss the practical aspects of building and managing a pond. The discussion will include bank and shore structure, weed/algae control, fish habitat/food sources and aeration systems. SUPPLIES REQUIRED: insect repellent; hiking or rubber boots. NOTE: No smoking. Class limit = 9 RAIN DATE: 5/24

Planting a Deer Plot Jim Bauer will talk about deer food plot seed mixes that are developed from varieties adapted to our area, contain an array of plant species, and are price competitive.

Home Landscape Consultation Individual home planning sessions for do-it-yourselfers with Roger Schalow to discuss a specific landscape project/problem. Rates are: 1-15 miles from Marshfield $20/ hour; 15-30 miles $25/hour, and 30+ miles $30/hour. Written landscape plans and contracting services are available for an additional fee. If work is contracted through Roger, the consult is FREE

-- TO REGISTER --
Call: Linda Bauer @ 387-6293; E-mail: stratfordclasses@gmail.com