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, golf, 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
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.
ROBERT (BOB) BECK has an extensive fitness instruction background with over 20 fitness certifications, including Strength & Conditioning for Seniors Consultant.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E01
1/8-3/10, M/W/F, 9-10 am, HHPC Room 55208 (no class 1/20 & 2/17)
2025SU PHED 104 E05 (registration begins 2/18)
3/24-5/19, M/W/F, 9-10 am, HHPC Room 55208
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.
2025SU PHED 104 E36 (registration begins 2/18)
3/26-8/6, WED, 10:30-11:45 am, Bonnie Dallas Senior Center
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)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E30
1/8-3/10, M/W/F, 10-11 am, HHPC Room 55201B
(no class 1/20 & 2/17)
2025SU PHED 104 E32 (registration begins 2/18)
3/24-5/19, M/W/F, 10-11 am, HHPC Room 55201B
Drills are a great way to improve your shots and consistency, solidify good habits, and enhance muscle memory to ensure you make your best shots while playing the game. If you are an intermediate to advanced player or have already taken “Competitive Pickleball”, this class is for you! Court shoes required, protective eyewear highly recommended; bring your own paddle and water bottle.
MICHELLE SNAPP is a pickleball enthusiast of over 10 years who enjoys helping others develop their game.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours), $62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E41
1/6-4/28, MON, 2:20-4 pm, HHPC Gym (no class 1/20, 2/17 & 4/7)
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 B.A. at Adams State and received her M.A. from New Mexico Highlands.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E36
1/7-3/13, TUE & THU, 9:45-11 am,
Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Activity Center
2025SU PHED 104 E38 (registration begins 2/18)
3/25-5/29, TUE & THU, 9:45-11 am,
Bonnie Dallas Senior Center Activity Center
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)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E74
1/7-3/13 TUE & THU, 2:30-3:45 pm, SJC West, Kirtland, Room W111
2025SU PHED 104 E48 (registration begins 2/18)
3/25-5/29 TUE & THU, 2:30-3:45 pm, SJC West, Kirtland, Room W111
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. Ballet shoes required.
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)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E22
1/8-3/12, MON & WED, 10:20-11:50 am, HHPC Room 55208 (no class 1/20, 2/17)
2025SU PHED 104 E42 (registration begins 2/18)
3/31-5/28, MON & WED, 10:20-11:50 am, HHPC Room 55208 (no class 5/26)
Are you playing to win? Become a more advanced and competitive pickleball 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 who have experience playing the game and want to further develop their competitive edge. Court shoes required, protective eyewear highly recommended; bring your own paddle and water bottle.
MICHELLE SNAPP is a pickleball enthusiast of over nine years who very much enjoys helping others develop their game.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $169.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E52
1/6-4/28, MON, 12:30-2:10 pm, HHPC Gym
(no class 1/20, 2/17 & 4/7)
Meet your individual fitness goals through your strength training workout. Discover how you can use machines to achieve your fitness goals using a variety of circuits, with an emphasis on safety in a supportive and welcoming environment. Take advantage of San Juan College’s equipment and develop a personalized and effective strength training routine.
KATHY LUND is a former physical education teacher who 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)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
1/8-5/7, WED, 8:25-9:55 am, HHPC Room 55201B & Weight Room 55201 (no class 3/19)
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)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E32
1/9-3/25, TUE & THU, 10:30-11:45 am, HHPC Room 55208 (no class 3/18 & 3/20)
2025SU PHED 104 E14 (registration begins 2/18)
3/27-6/3, TUE & THU, 10:30-11:45 am, HHPC Room 55208
No longer a beginner, you would like a little more Pickleball play and practice before heading in to open play. Gain confidence in your game in a supportive environment. Review rules, scoring and body position through playing the game. Together we will advance our skills and knowledge and be ready for open play. Appropriate for players with a DUPR skill level at 2.8 or lower.
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)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E62
1/10-3/14, FRI, 8:30-11 am, Farmington Rec Center - 1101 Fairgrounds Road
2025SU PHED 104 E52 (registration begins 2/18)
3/28-5/30, FRI, 8:30-11 am, Farmington Rec Center - 1101 Fairgrounds Road
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)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E12
1/13-4/21, MON & WED, 9-10 am, Farmington Aquatic Center (no classes 1/20, 2/17, 3/17, 3/19)
2025SU PHED 104 E74 (registration begins 2/18)
4/23-7/21, MON & WED, 10-11 am, Farmington Aquatic Center, (no class 5/26)
Instructor: DENA CAMP
2025SP PHED 104 E60
1/14-4/15, TUE & THU, 9-10 am, Farmington Aquatic Center
2025SU PHED 104 E70 (registration begins 2/18)
4/17-7/15, TUE & THU, 10-11 am, Farmington Aquatic Center
Strengthen 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)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E23
1/13-4/7, MON & WED, 11:15 am-12:30 pm,
HHPC Room 55203 (no class 1/20, 2/17, 2/19, 3/17, 3/19)
2025SU PHED 104 E20 (registration begins 2/18)
4/14-6/25, MON & WED, 11:15 am-12:30 pm,
HHPC Room 55203 (no class 4/21, 5/26)
The Pilates method can support core strength, balance, and flexibility. Learn the fundamental Principles of this fun and functional movement system. Slow down to learn key concepts, then put them into play in flowing, rhythmic movements which are powerful, yet simple.
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)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E25
1/13-4/7, MON & WED, 1-2:15 pm, HHPC Room 55203
(no class 1/20, 2/17, 2/19, 3/17, 3/19)
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)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E28
1/14-3/27, TUE & THU, 1-2:15 pm, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 3/18, 3/20)
2025SU PHED 104 E04 (registration begins 2/18)
4/1-6/5, TUE & THU, 1-2:15 pm, HHPC Room 55208
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
1/15-3/3, MON & WED, 3-5:05 pm, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 1/20, 2/17)
2025SP PHED 104 E29
3/10-4/23, MON & WED, 3-5:05 pm, HHPC Room 55208 (no classes 3/17, 3/19)
2025SU PHED 104 E15 (registration begins 2/18)
4/30-6/11, MON & WED, 3-5:05 pm, HHPC Room 55208 (no class 5/26)
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.
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.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours),
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SP PHED 104 E21
1/22-4/9, MON & WED, 10-11:15 am, Bloomfield Cultural Center Gym
(no class, 2/17, 3/17 & 3/19)
2025SU PHED 104 E07 (registration begins 2/18)
4/14-6/23, MON & WED, 10-11:15 am, Bloomfield Cultural Center Gym
(no class 5/26)
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 (BOB) BECK
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SU PHED 104 E75 (registration begins 2/18)
2/10-6/2, MON, 1-2:45 pm, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 2/17, 3/17)
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 plan to 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.
2025SP PHED 104 E35
2/11-4/24, TUE & THU, 4-5:10 pm, HHPC Room 55208
(no class 3/18, 3/20)
Machines can be intimidating. 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 your own effective weight training routine.
CYNTHIA DUNNAHOO has taught physical education classes at SJC for over 10 years.
Cost: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
22025SU PHED 104 E26 (registration begins 2/18)
3/26-5/30, WED & FRI, 1-2:15 pm, HHPC Room 55206 & Weight Room 55201
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: $6.50 residents 65 and older (first 10 credit hours)
$62.50 residents under 65, $196.50 non-residents
2025SU PHED 104 E58 (registration begins 2/18)
4/2-6/4, WED, 2-4:30 pm, Piñon Hills Golf Course/Civitan Golf Course
