Health Sciences through Encore
SJC offers a comprehensive range of health and fitness classes designed to cater to individuals of all ages and abilities.
Whether you're looking to improve your strength and flexibility, enhance your senior fitness, cultivate mindfulness and movement, or explore various exercise modalities such as yoga, Pilates, aqua fitness, ballet, resistance training, pickleball, tai chi, and qigong, we have the perfect class for you. Join us on a journey towards holistic well-being and a healthier, happier you.
Health Science Classes
Enjoy the physical benefits of living life to the fullest, plus the camaraderie of other seniors who have similar interests! Join this class to maintain and/or increase your strength, cardiovascular health and flexibility in a safe, fun environment. Utilize a variety of equipment provided and engage in activities to stretch and tone your body. Persons of all fitness levels are welcome. Dates may change due to the City of Bloomfield’s schedule.
Cost (including $15 facility fee):
$21.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$72.50 residents under 65, $184.50 non-residents
Bloomfield Cultural Center Gym
ALBERTA CHAPPELL earned an MS, University of North Texas; is a certified Senior Fitness Specialist, Cooper Institute, Dallas; and is a certified Group Fitness Instructor.
2024SP PHED 104 E21
1/8-3/27, MON & WED, 10-11:15 am
(no class 1/15, 2/19, 3/11 & 3/13)
2024SU PHED 104 E07 (registration begins 2/21)
4/1-6/10, MON & WED, 10-11:15 am (no class 5/27)
ROBERT (BOB) BECK has an extensive fitness instruction background with over 20 fitness certifications, including Strength & Conditioning for Seniors Consultant.
2024SP PHED 104 E18
1/16-3/28, TUE & THU, 10:30-11:45 am
(no class 3/12 & 3/14)
Enjoy the physical benefits of living life to the fullest, plus the camaraderie of other seniors who have similar interests! Join this class to maintain and/or increase your strength, cardiovascular health and flexibility in a safe, fun environment. Utilize a variety of equipment provided and engage in activities to stretch and tone your body. Persons of all fitness levels are welcome.
KATHY LUND is a former New Mexico Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year and Southwest District Teacher of the Year.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E38
1/9-3/21, TUE & THU, 2:30-3:45 pm, SJC West, Kirtland, Room W115
(no class 3/12 & 3/14)
2024SU PHED 104 E48 (registration begins 2/21)
3/26-6/11, TUE & THU, 2:30-3:45 pm, SJC West, Kirtland, Room W115
(no class 4/30, 5/2 & 5/7)
Step into the weight room—with a knowledgeable guide. Take away the mystery of machines and learn weight room etiquette and safety in a supportive and welcoming environment. Discover machines, routines and circuits that work for you to take advantage of San Juan College’s equipment and develop a personalized and effective weight training routine.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
KATHY LUND is a retired New Mexico physical education teacher who completed her BA at Adams State and received her MA from New Mexico Highlands. A former physical education teacher, she coached various sports for over 33 years in the public schools in the Four Corners Area.
2024SP PHED 104 E56
1/10-4/24, WED, 8-9:40 am, HHPC Room 55206 & Weight Room 55201
(no class 3/13)
Do yoga your way! Experience the benefits of yoga—strength, flexibility, balance and a relaxed mind and body—without twisting like a pretzel. Perform poses on a mat, use props, and modify poses for your body. Let go of any competition, any judgments and expectations, and be present with your body and breath.
ERICA RAWSON has been an avid fitness instructor since 2015, and she is ACE certified for group exercise, personal training and yoga.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E32
1/11-3/26, TUE & THU, 10:30-11:45 am,
HHPC Room 55208 (no class 3/12 & 3/14)
2024SU PHED 104 E14 (registration begins 2/21)
3/28-6/4, TUE & THU, 10:30-11:45 am, HHPC Room 55208
Ever wonder about yoga? Discover the benefits it can hold for every body with basics of yoga movement in a welcoming, supportive environment that can help create life balance and self-care. If you have a yoga
mat, please bring with you.
THERESA BJORK is a certified yoga teacher through the Breathe for Change Yoga, SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) and Wellness program, specializing in enhancing overall health and wellbeing.
2 credit hours
Cost: $13 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$115 residents under 65, $339 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E07
1/11-5/7, TUE & THU, 4:45-6:20 pm, SJC East, Aztec, Room 200
(no class 3/12 & 3/14)
1 credit hour
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non- residents
2024SU PHED 104 E01 (registration begins 2/21)
5/9-7/2, TUE & THU, 4:45-6:20 pm, SJC East, Aztec, Room 200
Are you playing to win? Become a more advanced and competitive player. Prepare for tournaments and higher-level play through drilling your way to new habits, reducing unforced errors, and learning and applying techniques and strategies. This course is for players at USAPA/DUPR level 3.0 and higher who want to further develop their competitive edge. Court shoes and protective eyewear are required; bring your own paddle.
MICHELLE SNAPP is a pickleball enthusiast of over eight years and is looking forward to helping others develop
their game.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SU PHED 104 E54 (registration begins 2/21)
4/5-6/14, FRI, 8:30-11 am, Farmington Rec Center, 1101 Fairgrounds Road (no class 4/12)
If you have a moderate yoga background, dive a bit deeper into a class designed to challenge and empower the participants in body, breath, and mind. Flow-style movement combined with some longer holds in poses builds resilience and endurance as well as flexibility and strength. Props can be used to accommodate different body requirements, and class time will be utilized to understand modifications for safe self-management.
ERIN BENSON has taught popular Encore yoga classes since 2017.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E28
1/16-3/28, TUE & THU, 9-10:15 am, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 3/12 & 3/14)
2024SU PHED 104 E04 (registration begins 2/21)
4/2-6/6, TUE & THU, 9-10:15 am, HHPC Room 55208
When practiced with mindfulness and precision the Pilates method supports balance, core strength, flexibility, and endurance. Learn the fundamental principles of this intelligently designed and fun movement system. Class is designed for aging bodies of all levels and abilities but students will need to get on to the floor to lay down.
Instructor: ERIN BENSON
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E25
1/16-3/28, TUE & THU, 1:30-2:45 pm, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 3/12 & 3/14)
2024SU PHED 104 E50 (registration begins 2/21)
4/2-6/6, TUE & THU, 1:30-2:45 pm, HHPC Room 55208
Strength and stretch with a focus on form and fun. Connect body and mind in this all-level class. Exercise either standing and/or sitting on a chair to develop a strong and stable core, decompress joints, and improve range of motion, balance, and coordination.
ERIN BENSON has taught popular Encore exercise classes since 2017 and this class, requested by students, brings
together her varied movement experience.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E96
1/17-4/3, MON & WED, 11:15 am-12:30 pm, HHPC Room 55203
(no class 2/19, 3/11 & 3/13)
2024SU PHED 104 E20 (registration begins 2/21)
4/8-6/17, MON & WED, 11:15 am-12:30 pm, HHPC Room 55203
(no class 5/27)
Aside from the grace and elegance this dance form offers, ballet is a total body workout and mental cleanse. Learn the basics of ballet while improving your posture, strength, flexibility and balance. Shoe requirement: ballet shoes.
SHANNAH BAUER-HULL taught credit ballet at San Juan College for four years and also teaches at her Farmington
studio, Elysian Dance Academy.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E22
1/17-3/25, MON & WED, 10:20-11:50 am, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 2/19, 3/11 & 3/13)
2024SU PHED 104 E24 (registration begins 2/21)
3/27-5/22, MON & WED, 10:20-11:50 am, HHPC Room 55208
Pilates exercises are designed to improve health, strength, coordination and flexibility through breath and core development. Discover your own power with basic knowledge of Pilates form and terminology and regular practice of Pilates exercises.
ERIN BENSON previously offered this class at the Bonnie Dallas Senior Center and is happy to have it return.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E23
1/17-4/3, MON & WED, 1:15-2:30 pm, HHPC Room 55203
(no class 2/19, 3/11 & 3/13)
2024SU PHED 104 E34 (registration begins 2/21)
4/8-6/17, MON & WED, 1:15-2:30 pm, HHPC Room 55203
(no class 5/27)
For those who already practice this art, this traditional Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) class is an opportunity to refine your skill and deepen your knowledge in Yang Cheng Fu’s 108 Movement Long Form. Class includes a basic stretching warmup and instruction in the 21-posture Taijiquan Qigong practice of the Yang Family of Taijiquan. Beginners welcome.
JANE HEMINGWAY has a black belt in Shim Gum Do, a Korean martial art, and has been studying Chinese internal martial arts since 1981.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E05
1/17-2/28, MON & WED, 3-5:05 pm, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 2/19)
2024SP PHED 104 E29
3/6-4/22, MON & WED, 3-5:05 pm, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 3/11 & 3/13)
2024SU PHED 104 E15 (registration begins 2/21)
5/1-6/12, MON & WED, 3-5:05 pm, HHPC 55208
(no class 5/27)
Now that you know the rules and structure of the game, play Pickleball with a supportive community. Expand
your knowledge of rules and terminology as you practice skills to enhance your enjoyment of the game. Court shoes required, other equipment provided; bring your own paddle, if desired, and a water bottle.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
NATE LACEY has a background in criminal justice and a passion for Pickleball that he’s happy to share with students.
Nate Lacey’s classes are for 2.5 USAPA rated pickleball players and above (those who have limited experience and can sustain a short rally).
2024SP PHED 104 E41
1/22-5/6, MON, 9-10:50 am, Farmington Rec Center, 1101 Fairgrounds Road
(no class 2/19 & 3/11)
TIM ULRICH is a former tennis player and coach who discovered Pickleball and loves sharing his passion for the game. He already teaches at San Juan College, as a full-time faculty at the School of Energy.
Tim Ulrich’s class is for DUPR 3.0 level rated pickleball players and above; visit usapickleball.org/tournaments/tournament-player-ratings/player-skill-ratingdefinitions/.
2024SP PHED 104 E04
2/20-5/7, TUE & THU, 12:30-1:45 pm, HHPC Gymnasium (55112S)
(no class 3/12, 3/14 & 3 /21)
Discover strategies to meet challenges of aging with relevant resources and useful tools for approaching the new demands found in older age. Learn about the importance of advance directive creation, approaches to advocating for better health care with your doctor and in the hospital, home safety for seniors, safe medication management, how to determine when it’s time for a senior living facility, approaches to common health issues, the “slow medicine” approach to aging, identifying ageism and more. You will have a useful notebook filled with tips and news you can
use and you’ll be asked to participate in lively ethical discussions. Bring your questions and concerns, your experiences and your what-ifs. This course is based on support and compassion.
DELTA WATERS, RN, has been a nurse for 20 years, focusing on geriatrics and end-of-life care. She is the owner of RiverWalk Foot Care, LLC, and is also a professional writer and a certified death doula. She lives in Aztec.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP HLTH 104 E08
1/29-4/1, MON, 1-3 pm, 30th Street Education Center Room 208
(no class 2/19 & 3/11)
Feel the rhythm; create a smile. Tap dancing is a great way to exercise and have fun! It may bring back childhood memories or might be something that you always wanted to try but never did. Beginners are welcome, as well as more experienced tappers, and we’ll likely perform in an end-of-semester dance revue. Tuesday’s class will focus on beginning steps and will be a good refresher for more experienced tappers, while Thursday’s class will explore choreography. Shoe requirement: tap shoes (options available online; please discuss at the first class if desired).
MARILEE HERMAN studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and even hula in her childhood and incorporates elements from all kinds of dancing into her tap classes. She has taught tap at San Juan College for over 10 years.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E35
1/30-4/11, TUE & THU, 4-5:10 pm, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 3/12 & 3/14)
Common principles underlie Tai Chi and Qigong. As the Tai Chi classics state, “One part moves, all parts move”—muscle, skeletal-fascia, and nervous system work together to generate Chi (energy). Gain a solid theoretical and physical foundation and apply these in selected Tai Chi and Qigong movements that actively regulate body alignment, posture, and mental focus. Specific exercises to build the physical foundation and awaken the energetic body include whole-body loosening, proper opening of joints, stretching fascia and tendons, and releasing muscle tension. Class
includes both theory and movement and is suitable both for beginners and those with some prior Tai Chi experience.
Instructor: ROBERT BECK
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E30
2/5-5/6, MON, 1-2:45 pm, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 2/19 & 3/11)
By popular request, you’ll get to sit down while you exercise! Cultivate strength and flexibility in order to engage in fun exercises designed for aging bodies of all levels and abilities.
KATHY LUND is a retired New Mexico physical education teacher who completed her BA at Adams State and received her MA from New Mexico Highlands. A former physical education teacher, she coached various sports for over 33 years in the public schools in the Four Corners Area.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E36
2/13-4/25, TUE & THU, 9:45-11 am, Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Activity Center
(no class 3/12 & 3/14)
2024SU PHED 104 E38 (registration begins 2/21)
5/14-7/23, TUE & THU, 9:45-11 am, Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Activity Center
(no class 7/4)
Work out with water for cardio, muscle building, balance work, and stretching, with some laughter thrown in! Pool entrance fee payable to the Farmington Aquatic Center (either per class or with a pool pass).
CHERYL SITTON has taught aqua fitness for over 11 years and enjoys adjusting workouts to varying abilities.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SU PHED 104 E12 (registration begins 2/21)
2/26-5/15, MON & WED; 3/8, 3/22 & 4/19, FRI, 9-10 am, Farmington Aquatic Center
(no class 3/11 & 3/13)
2024SU PHED 104 E74 (registration begins 2/21)
5/20-8/7, MON & WED; 5/31, 6/14, FRI, 9-10 am, Farmington Aquatic Center
(no class 5/27)
Increase your fitness with this low impact exercise class designed for seniors emphasizing range of motion activities, agility and flexibility training with balancing skills. All exercises can be performed either standing or seated in a chair. Physical participation is required and participants work at their own pace.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
ROBERT (BOB) BECK has an extensive fitness instruction background with over 20 fitness certifications, including Strength & Conditioning for Seniors Consultant.
2024SP PHED 104 E01
2/26-4/29, M/W/F, 9:15-10:15 am, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 3/11, 3/13 & 3/15)
2024SU PHED 104 E05 (registration begins 2/21)
5/1-6/28, M/W/F, 9:15-10:15 am, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 5/27)
SUE CHRISTENSEN has been a San Juan College instructor for over 25 years and loves the congeniality of the Bonnie Dallas Senior Fitness class.
2024SU PHED 104 E80 (registration begins 2/21)
3/4-5/17, MON & FRI, 10:30-11:45 am, Bonnie Dallas Senior Center
(no class 3/11 & 3/15)
2024SU PHED 104 E84 (registration begins 2/21)
5/20-8/2, MON & FRI, 10:30-11:45 am, Bonnie Dallas Senior Center
(no class 5/27 & 7/5)
Yoga, Tai Chi, and Strength Conditioning all benefit the body and mind. Experience a class that draws from these diverse traditions for whole body exercise. With regular practice, you will progress safely and quickly to a stronger, more flexible body and a more relaxed state of being. Drawing from his background in music and martial arts, Robert Beck has created original exercises that stimulate and enrich the mind, body, and spirit and are appropriate for a wide range of ages.
Instructor: ROBERT (BOB) BECK
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SP PHED 104 E54
2/26-4/29, M/W/F, 10:20-11:20 am, HHPC Room 55201B
(no class 3/11, 3/13 & 3/15)
2024SU PHED 104 E60 (registration begins 2/21)
5/1-6/28, M/W/F, 10:20-11:20 am, HHPC Room 55201B
(no class 5/27)
Try your hand—literally—at a new sport. Pickleball is a game with a paddle, whiffle ball and a tennis high net played in the gym on a court smaller than a tennis court. Learn the rules and how to score to get started with this popular game. Court shoes required; wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.
CYNTHIA DUNNAHOO has taught both Encore Pickleball and credit physical education classes at SJC for over 10 years.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SU PHED 104 E52 (registration begins 2/21)
3/18-5/22, MON & WED, 11 am-12:15 pm, HHPC Room 55206 and Gymnasium (55112S)
Integrate more plant-based ingredients into your daily life. In a hands-on experience, learn how exciting—and easy—plant-based cooking can be. Be armed with the tools and techniques needed to live and eat a plant-strong diet—from basic knife skills to basic nutrition to learning how to convert or substitute recipes. $100 supply fee payable at registration to cover food expenses, with food preparation in each class. Additional kitchen items, such as containers to take food home in, will be discussed at the first class. Register by 3/28 for planning purposes.
JILL MAYER taught Family and Consumer Science and additional culinary classes for over 20 years and is thrilled to share her culinary knowledge and passion for food with the San Juan College Community. She is completing a certificate in plant-based cuisine from Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
Cost (including supply fee):
$106.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$157.50 residents under 65, $269.50 non-residents
2024SU HLTH 104 E10 (registration begins 2/21)
4/15-5/21, MON & TUE, 2-4:05 pm, HHPC Room 55336
2024SU HLTH 104 E15 (registration begins 2/21)
4/15-5/21, MON & TUE, 6-8:05 pm, HHPC Room 55336
Golf is a great game to build relationships, spend time outside, socialize with friends, and engage in recreational activity. Learn basic techniques, such as putting, chipping, approaching the green, and working on your drives off the tee box. Understand the etiquette of the game with hands-on instruction and two play dates scheduled during the class. $30 fee payable to Piñon Hills Golf Course at the first class for a limited number of range balls. Bring to the first day of class a notebook and pencil, comfortable athletic shoes, layered clothing, sunscreen, water bottle, hat or visor, and clubs if you have them.
KATHY LUND is a retired New Mexico physical education teacher who teaches golf with First Tee.
Cost (including climbing fee):
$66.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$57.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2024SU PHED 104 E58
5/14-6/13, TUE & THU, 11:30-2, Piñon Hills Golf Course/Civitan Golf Course
