Wellness is a core part of our Waterford Place programming. Nutrition, movement and yoga help to build strong bodies to aid in the recovery during and following treatment. Our programs emphasize a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity and plant-based nutrition.

All movement programs are live virtual classes. No experience necessary. To register, please call (331) 301-5280.

Tai Chi/Moving Meditation

Mondays • 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.
Kristi Niedzwiecki, ACE Certified Fitness Instructor
Center yourself as you become aware of your own energy, while relaxing and strengthening your body without injury or strain. Tai chi is an ancient form of meditative exercise that helps to harmonize mind and body. A simplified routine is taught with traditional postures and slow soft movements. 

Gentle Movement: Level 1

Mondays • 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Judy Siek, 500 eCYT, Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor 
Designed for those who are newly diagnosed with cancer or in active treatment, this class will help you feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. Physical activity can reduce fatigue, increase endurance, boost energy levels and improve mood. With the use of bands, light weights and other props, you will build or rebuild strength and stamina.

Gentle Movement: Level 2

Mondays • 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Judy Siek, 500 eCYT, Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor 
Designed for those who have completed treatment, this class offers a mix of exercise, yoga and Pilates to help you gain or regain strength, mobility and endurance. Compared to other classes at Waterford Place, this class is a step above in intensity. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, this class will help you establish a regular exercise routine.

Gentle Yoga

Tuesdays • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Mary Keane, RYT200, Certified Yoga Instructor
Achieve a higher state of mindfulness while building strength and balance. This gentle yoga class will help you manage cancer by tapping into your mind-body connection to improve overall wellness. Modifications are offered so everyone can participate safely.

Gentle Pilates

Wednesdays • 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Judy Siek, 500 eCYT, Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor
Low impact Pilates is a series of exercises that develop the body’s strength, flexibility and control.

Lymphedema-Focused Movement

Wednesdays • 11 to 11:45 a.m.
Judy Siek, 500 eCYT, Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor
This class will address cancer-related lymphedema through gentle movement and stretches for both the upper and lower body. Modifications are offered so that everyone can participate safely. A yoga mat is recommended. 

Restorative Yoga

Wednesdays • 5 to 6 p.m.
Chitra Singh, Certified Yoga Instructor 
Restorative yoga is a gentle, calming, therapeutic yoga that cultivates relaxation and balance and uses props to support the body. Each restorative pose will be held for five to six minutes to release tension and deepen relaxation.

Chair Yoga and Mobility

Thursdays • 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
Judy Siek, 500 eCYT, Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor
This all-level class includes breathwork, meditation and gentle movement to enhance mobility and strengthen muscles and bones.
 

Nutrition Consultations

By Appointment Only
Michelle Cordes, MS, RD, LDN, Rush Copley Medical Center
Nutrition consultations are available for anyone diagnosed with cancer at any stage of diagnosis. Our registered dietitian will discuss basic meal preparation and current diet trends and help you manage treatment-related side effects and choose healthier foods.

Healing Kitchen: Italian Series

Carly Smitherman, MS, RDN, LDN
If you’re trying to incorporate healthier dishes into your meal rotation and love Italian food, this cooking series of veggie-packed, Italian-inspired dishes is for you! Our instructor will transform traditional Italian dishes into nutrient-dense, plant forward meals filled with health benefits and an abundance of flavor.

Spaghetti and Veggie “Meatballs”
Thursday, April 13 • 6 to 7 p.m.
This dish will have you wanting to ditch the meat in meatballs. Learn how to make a vegetarian version that is tender, flavorful and filled with more nutrients than traditional meatballs.

Lentil Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles
Thursday, May 11 • 6 to 7 p.m.
We’re swapping out pasta and meat for veggies to add a more complete set of nutrients to your dinner. This recipe will fill your plate with vitamins A and C and other nutrients that can’t be found in spaghetti noodles or meat.

Roasted Garlic and Kale Spaghetti Squash with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Thursday, June 8 • 6 to 7 p.m.
Learn all about spaghetti squash and how to use it in a variety of dishes. Available year-round, spaghetti squash is a great source of vitamins and fiber. Use it to add variety and extra nutrition to your pasta dishes.

Waterford Gardening Club

First and Third Wednesdays: June 7 and 21, July 5 and 19, August 2 and 16, September 6 and 20, October 4 • 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Join the Garden Club to sow and reap the benefits and joys of growing your own vegetables with other Waterford Place participants. Learn to grow your own food, decrease your stress and build community and support with others. Harvested produce will be available to share with the entire Waterford Place community.