Joe Pinella
Marlene Diskin
Living at SBR we’re so lucky to have easy access to a variety of affordable fitness classes. As we’re aging, many of us are encountering some physical challenges and looking for ways in which to live happily and healthfully and combat the changes we’re experiencing. So if you’re thinking about the best way to get into shape this spring, there’s no one better to show you how than Chi Gong instructor Joe Pinella. Joe got back into great shape after a devastating accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. His doctors told him he would never walk again. But by using time-tested techniques from Chi Gong, Joe is now remarkably fit and healthy. He developed a program called Healing Movement Chi Gong and Tai Chi that he teaches right here are SBR and SaddleBrooke!
Joe’s seven-year journey healing from a broken neck and back gives him a unique perspective on fitness for people over 50. His teachings begin with the assumption that we all have some physical challenges after this age, be it arthritis, aches and pains, old injuries, major illness, surgeries or the effects of long-term inactivity. He believes that these issues need to be addressed first if you want to stay healthy and get fit. “If you want to excel in activities like golf, tennis, softball and pickleball, you need to repair first and only after that can you rebuild. Otherwise you run a greater risk of injury,” Joe says.
There are now two different Healing Movements classes offered at the Ranch…give one a try.
Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday’s Chi Gong class is called “Chi Fitness.” This class is designed for loosening up stiff joints, increasing circulation, improving breathing and feeling energized all over. It is great for people who want to take their health and fitness to a whole new level and play any vigorous sport better…and who doesn’t want that?
Thurdays at 8:00 a.m. Thursday’s classes are called “Strength and Balance” and work on improving balance, increasing leg strength and improving endurance. Fall prevention is critical to our well-being and this class helps maintain our balance.
Joe also does private lessons for people who have difficulty walking or moving due to serious injury, stroke and other issues. He can be contacted at 520-343-3523.