Programs | Healthy Lifestyle Activities

Thursdays | 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual

Join Romel, an ACSM-ACS Cancer Exercise Specialist, in a weekly virtual session that will guide you through gentle movements, stretches, and reflex-focused exercises to enhance mobility, balance, and overall body awareness. No equipment or previous experience is required!

Facilitator:
Romel Pryor, MS
ACSM-ACS Cancer Exercise Specialist & NASM Personal Trainer

1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Virtual & streamed live at the Downtown Clubhouse (537 N Wells)

Brain Fitness is a one-of-a-kind program focused on improving the brain’s ability to function efficiently and effectively, which will help participants adapt to constantly changing environments and physical conditions. This class uses rhythm and coordination exercises to bilaterally activate and stimulate the brain’s natural ability to form new connections, which promote neuroplasticity, creativity, focus and resilience.

Facilitator:
Mila Apostolovic

This is a virtual class. The facilitator teaches the class virtually but you are invited to join the live stream at the Downtown Clubhouse in our 4th floor yoga room.

Thursdays | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Virtual

Celtic Mindfulness is a concept created by Frank O’Connor, a meditation coach, counselor, and musician of many years. The intention is to incorporate the rich and empowering aspects of ancient Celtic practices along with chanting, music, and guided meditation.

The benefits of meditation are broad. Mayo Clinic has shared that, “Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health. And these benefits don’t end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day and may help you manage symptoms of certain medical conditions.”

Facilitator:
Frank O’Connor, C.MI.

Thursdays | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)

A strong core is important for proper posture, balance, and movement. This class will consist of low-impact exercises to not only strengthen the core but to improve balance.  All levels welcome and modifications will be introduced, if needed.

Facilitator:
Kathy Turney

Tuesdays | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)

Dial up your energy and dial down your stress response. Learn to build a stronger nervous system and meet challenges effectively. Easy, enjoyable practices using gentle movement, breathing techniques, sound, rhythm, music and meditation.

Facilitator:
Susan Wilkens

Saturday LIVE! | 4th Saturday of the Month | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)

The Gong provides a totally passive, absolutely effortless healing environment for you. You don’t have to DO anything! You simply make yourself comfortable so that you can relax, and the sound and resonance of the Gong allow your body and mind to let go of tension and move into balance and ease.

Facilitator:
Susan Wilkens

1st Tuesday of the month | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion

Mary will provide beginners-level line dancing and teach line dancing terminology and step counting. She will also provide information regarding health, fitness, wellness, and injury prevention.

Wednesdays | Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Memorial

It is important to care for yourself while you care for a loved one going through cancer treatment. Licensed massage therapist, Alfredo, provides chair massages every Wednesday exclusively for caregivers at the Lurie Cancer Center. If you are interested in a session, please email alivernasco@gildasclubchicago.org.

Facilitator:
Alfredo Jimenez

Wednesdays | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Virtual

Meditation can be a source of energy, wisdom and strength. This class will teach you basic relaxation, breath meditation and visualization.

Facilitator:
Barbara Zeman

Thursdays | Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Memorial, Prentice Women’s Hospital

Work one-on-one with a yoga instructor to integrate stretching, breathwork, and meditation, fostering harmony between your body and mind. If you are interested in a session, please email alivernasco@gildasclubchicago.org.

Facilitator:
Kali Om

Saturday LIVE! | 4th Saturday of the Month | 30-minute sessions | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy work that cleanses and balances the energy system in the body. As a result, the body’s natural self-healing mechanisms strengthen, helping to establish optimum health. During a session, the therapist will work directly with your energy field to remove blockages, detoxify your system, and restore your vital life force energy. Reiki practitioners may utilize a gentle laying on of hands or may just hover above the body to conduct the necessary energy force. The benefits of Reiki range from deep relaxation to the release of mental/emotional stress and alleviation of chronic pain. Everyone’s experience is different. Reiki is not an alternative to conventional medicine but a complementary healing modality.

Seven individual Reiki sessions will be available in 30-minute increments between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM. 

Facilitator:
Imelda Macias

Tuesdays | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Downtown Clubhouse (537 N Wells, Chicago)

Welcome to an hour of multi instrument sound bath using crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, flutes, singing, chanting, and various drums and percussion elements. Brief guided meditations are included at the beginning and end of the session to help prepare and ground you. Sound healing meditation is for everyone. No experience in meditation or specific spiritual beliefs are required. 

Facilitator:
Julian Daniell

Join our exercise and fitness program to improve your aerobic ability, fitness knowledge and commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Facilitator:
Kathy Turney

Strength, Fitness & Fun! Class Offerings

• Tuesdays | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Downtown Clubhouse (537 N Wells, Chicago)
• Thursdays | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)
• 4th Saturday of the Month (during Saturday LIVE!) | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)

Tai Chi is often described as meditation while moving. It is low-impact and the slow, flowing moves can help aid your flexibility, strength, and balance.

Facilitator:
Leon Williams, Certified T’ai Chi Fitness Instructor

T’ai Chi Class Offerings

• Mondays | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Virtual
• Wednesdays | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Virtual
• Thursdays | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)
• 3rd Tuesday of the month | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Blue Door Neighborhood Center Morgan Park (11840 S. Marshfield Ave, Chicago)
• Saturdays | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Virtual

2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Virtual and streamed live at the Downtown Clubhouse (537 N Wells)

Based on ancient Chinese wisdom, T’ai Chi Chih is 19 simple, slow gentle movements, that circulate and balance energy. It is a “moving meditation” that brings serenity and a greater sense of well-being. Movements can be done standing, seated or through visualization.

Facilitator:
Deb Sitron, Certified T’ai Chi Chih Teacher

This is a virtual class. The facilitator teaches the class virtually but you are invited to join the live stream at the Downtown Clubhouse in our 4th floor yoga room.

Gilda’s Club Chicago offers a variety of yoga classes both in-person and virtually throughout the week. While most classes are designed to fit all fitness levels, please check out our community calendar for full class descriptions.

Suggested props for most classes (props are provided at our in-person classes):

• Two blocks or a stack of books that can be used for lunges on the floor
• Strap or belt or scarf
• Blanket to fold and sit on
• Bolster or pillow
• Sticky/yoga mat
• Sturdy chair

Yoga Class Offerings

• Hatha Yoga
  Mondays | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Mary Klonowski

• Yoga for Queer Bodies
  2nd Monday of the Month | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Sierra Buffum (they/them)
• Chair Yoga
  Wednesdays | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)
  Facilitated by Susan Wilkens
• Gentle Yoga
  Wednesdays | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Hybrid – Virtual & Downtown Clubhouse (537 N Wells, Chicago)
  Facilitated by Mary Klonowski
• Yoga
  Wednesdays| 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Steve Shields

• Chair Yoga
  Thursdays | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Medicine, Prentice Women’s Hospital (250 E. Superior Street, Chicago)
  Facilitated by Kali Om

• Chair Yoga
  Thursdays | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Susan Wilkens

• All in One Yoga
  Thursdays| 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Era Pawlowski
  
• Yoga
  Fridays | 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Virtual
  Facilitated by Mary Klonowski

Get on your feet! Come be a part of this lively dance fitness program with a Latin beat!

Facilitator:
Andrea Hogan, Licensed Zumba Instructor

Zumba Class Offerings

• Tuesdays | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)
• Saturdays | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Virtual