51ÁÔÆæ’s has found a way to take all your favorite things about summer in North Iowa and bundle them with a fantastic way to stay in shape.

And yes, it’s going to be just as fun as it sounds!

Yoga is “a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India and aim to control and still the mind, recognizing a detached witness-consciousness untouched by the mind and mundane suffering.”  It is used to balance both the mind and body through exercise, meditations and breathing. 

The physical benefits of yoga aren’t the only reason it has gained so much popularity over the years.  Yes, all that bending does a fantastic job of toning your muscles, but the benefits extend well beyond the physical.  Many people have noted they sleep better, their eating habits have improved, and symptoms of depression and anxiety have decreased dramatically. 

Over the years, yoga has morphed into a variety of styles.  Even with these options, there is one common thread: they combine physical posture, breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation.

Sounds wonderful, right?

While most classes out there are meant to push you physically and mentally, some are just simply out-of-the-box experiences.

For instance…goat yoga.  These classes are much like a traditional yoga class, except with live goats.  They roam around while you strike poses and sometimes even join in the fun by climbing on participants.  

And what guy can resist a good session of Broga Yoga?  That’s right.  In an attempt to get more males onto the mat, someone created a class just for bros. 

can officially be added to that eccentric list!

Float and Yoga: River Retreat Day () will be held on August 27^th.  The day starts with the group gathering at the local outfitter.  They’ll be given river tubes, and a ride to the beginning spot of the journey. 

Once there, the group will do a 15-minutes yoga class to get into the proper frame of mind to enjoy a relaxing float down the Cedar River. 

“It’s a really great way to unwind, relax, meet new people, and practice mindfulness,” stated yoga instructor, Steve Buchanan.  “The Float and Yoga has it all and there’s even the possibility of seeing some wildlife.”

After the float toward Charles City, the group will pull their tubes ashore and do some more yoga.  A boxed lunch will be provided following the session. 

The first was held last summer and was a hit. 

I mean, how could it not?  What an epic way to spend a Sunday in August?  A hot, summer day of floating down the gorgeous Cedar River.  Feeling the cool water graze against your fingertips as you leisurely lounge on a river tube. 

Fresh air. Sunshine. And yoga!

Check out all of the offerings and sign up for the monthly E-newsletter, so you never miss a class again!

The post Float and Yoga appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

is offering a variety of kayaking and canoeing classes this summer.  Both activities are the perfect way to immerse yourself into the great outdoors.  Breathe in the fresh air, feel the gentle breeze blow gently across the water, and soak up all that spectacular Vitamin D.

In today’s society, where screens are prevalent in every aspect of life, it’s the perfect way to unplug and relax in nature.  The real question isn’t, should I take this class? 

The real question is, which class should I take?

For those not familiar with either form of water transportation, here’s the 411. 

Canoes were made and developed thousands of years ago by the Native Americans.  The first canoes were made by hallowing out large tree trunks and were solely used for hunting and fishing expeditions.

That is, until someone likely challenged their mate to a race.

Nowadays, there are local and even national competitions for canoe racing.

Kayaks were invented by the native people of Arctic North America.  We can trace the roots of kayaking as a mode of transportation to people living in this region.  The first kayaks were made from wooden frames covered in sealskin.  The fiberglass kayaks came on the scene in the 1950s and were all the rage until polyethylene plastic was invented in the 1980s. 

Now that we know a bit of the history, we can’t help but wonder… which is better?

It’s a common argument amongst outdoor enthusiasts, actually.  Each have an extensive list of pros and cons in a variety of categories.  One surefire way to know which is best for you is to try them both and then decide. 

A good question to begin with is: What is your purpose? 

Identifying your purpose for use will help decide on a kayak or canoe. Are you fishing? Racing? Going down rapids? Or out to enjoy the great outdoors on one of the fantastic waterways in North Iowa?

For those unable to give each option a shot, here is a short rundown of a few characteristics of kayaks and canoes.

Kayaks:

• Are great for beginners because they are easier to paddle.
• Track better in the water thanks to the two-headed paddle.
• Are highly versatile and can handle both calm and open/rough water with ease.
• Are typically lighter and easier to transport alone.
• Maneuver easier due to their shorter length and lower weight.
• Protect you from the elements and help you stay dry.
• Include a bit of storage.

Canoes:

• Are more stable and less likely to tip over.
• Are easier to enter and exit.
• Are capable of carrying a lot of gear.
• Give you a better view of your surroundings.
• Are comfortable and provide ample legroom.
• Can git multiple paddlers.
• Are great for traveling with kids and pets that want to get in and out of the water.

If you are a beginner, it might be a good idea to start with learning to kayak.  In fact, the beginner-friendliness is a great reason to take up the hobby.  Whether you’re looking to simply peruse the open water or get in a low-impact workout, kayaking has something to offer everyone. 

By no means does this mean you shouldn’t give canoeing a try, though. 

You just never know.  You might fall in love with them both!

Check out all of the offerings and sign up for the monthly E-newsletter, so you never miss a class again!

The post To Kayak or to Canoe – That is the Question appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

Our connection to nature is one dating back to the very beginning.  Back when we hunted for food and lived off the land.  Humans were not made to be cooped up inside for days on end.  We need sunshine and fresh air, not only for survival but for our mental well-being. 

For kids, the great outdoors can be a place of curiosity, creative play, and discovery.  It’s where they go to get their hands dirty and learn about plants and animals.  It’s where they can JUST BE KIDS!

Thankfully, the Winnebago County Conservation Board has found a way for children to connect with nature.  To teach them to love, nurture, and care for our planet.  For them, it’s about more than just getting our kids outside to play.  It’s about fostering a connection with our planet and teaching them how to care for our environment.

I mean, they are our future leaders, right?

RIGHT!

Now is the time to shape their mindset into one of respect for our planet, so they grow into adults who care for it and keep it clean.

For Lisa Ralls, Naturalist at Thorpe Park in Forest City, the goal is to help kids experience and learn about nature.  Her hope is that when kids are provided this type of experience, they will gain a lifelong love of the outdoors. 

“If we foster kids’ love for nature at a young age, they are more likely, when they are adults, to enjoy hobbies like camping, fishing, and birdwatching which will enrich their lives and encourage them to conserve the natural resources that have become important to them.”

Lisa Ralls

Her plan to achieve this goal?

Kids can enjoy this 3-day camp by diving deep into the wonderful world of insects, making a plaster of animal track casts, and watching their peers turn into bugs right before their eyes!  This incredible opportunity will help kids connect with nature and grow and explore their love for the outdoors.

Not only is the science aspect important for kids to learn and expand their knowledge of nature, but it gets them outside, away from screens and technology.  Kids can be active and moving as they experience the great outdoors. 

Plus, Mother Nature is a pretty great teacher!

Researchers have studied the benefits of outdoor activities and play in children for decades.  According to Sanford Health, there are five key benefits to shutting down the screens and getting outside.

1.  Build physically healthier children.  What better place to run, jump, throw a ball, catch, lift things and carry heavy objects than the great outdoors?!  All these actions require motor skills and balance which will improve with practice.  Plus, kids can get aerobic exercise from playing on outdoor equipment, which strengthens bones and muscles.  And the sunshine?  Well, that gives those kids a healthy dose of Vitamin D.
2. Contribute to cognitive and social/emotional development.  Unstructured outdoor play helps kids learn to take turns, share, and develop other behavioral skills.  When they explore and learn, their attention span increases and they learn to use their own abilities instead of expecting adults to take care of everything. 
3. Improve sensory skills.  Young children, in particular, learn so many new things about their senses when they play outdoors.  Plus… it’s better for your eyes to be outdoors than it is to be glued to a tiny screen where your vision is strained.
4. Increase attention spans.  Let’s face it, people these days have the attention span the size of a gnat!  When kids are outdoors they become curious and filled with wonder, which means they’ll likely stay focused on a task for longer. 
5. Grow in happiness and immunity.  Outdoor light stimulates the pineal gland which is vital to keeping our immune system strong and making us feel happy.  Especially after being cooped up inside for the long, cold winter. 

If you’re looking for ways to get your kiddos engaged in the great outdoors,   Tell your friends.  Tell your neighbors.  Take this opportunity to spend some time in the fresh air and become one with nature.

Check out all of the offerings and sign up for the monthly E-newsletter, so you never miss a class again!

The post Critter Day Camp: Fostering Kids’ Love for Nature appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Veterans Day, proclaimed by President Eisenhower in 1954, historically includes parades, memorial ceremonies and feature speakers honoring all veterans annually on November 11.

ollege recognizes and honors military veterans, including our very own employees and students.

Tomorrow, November 11 from 2:30 – 4:30, 51ÁÔÆæ’s Lifelong Learning Institute is hosting a free public Veterans Day Presentation titled The Spanish American War. The objective of the presentation is to honor the service and sacrifice of all of our veterans on this Veterans Day and to educate the public regarding this important historical event.

Presenter, Bennet Smith, will discuss the dramatic consequences of the Spanish-American War and the future course of the ‘great powers’ in the twentieth century, which gave rise to the legend of Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders.

Honoring United States veterans continues into next week as well. Dennis Marsh presents on Tuesday, November 15 from 2 – 3:00 p.m. Marsh who has visited many overseas cemeteries will share historical information about the more than 520,000 American soldiers lost their lives in Europe and the Pacific area during World War I and II.

The presentations are free and will take place in the forum on the second floor of the Beem Center at 51ÁÔÆæ. No Lifelong Learning Membership or registration required – just join us!

Lifelong Learning Memberships are available for next semester – get yours today!

The post Public Honoring of Veterans Day at 51ÁÔÆæ appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

The Japanese language, Barbra Streisand, the Salem Witch Trials, podcasting—these are just a handful of classes offered through the Lifelong Learning Institute, a division of 51ÁÔÆæ’s Continuing Education DiscoverU that focuses on enriching the lives of North Iowans.

The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) is a membership organization comprised of a community of adults who simply learn for the joy of learning.

Members join for a $59 fee per semester which allows them a laundry list of benefits including passes to 51ÁÔÆæ athletic events, use of the campus library, performing arts previews and of course a full semester of classes designed with the adult learner in mind—and even more!

“One of the hidden advantages of the Lifelong Learning program is the friendships that develop between class members. The classes provide opportunities to learn, to meet new people, to have fun and to stay in touch with one another,” John Skipper, a Lifelong Learning Institute Advisory Board member said.

This year, Dyan Childress, LLI coordinator said she has planned membership registration events in Mason City on August 30, and Forest City on August 31, and Charles City on September 1; all from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

“We will have all hands-on deck helping register members,” Childress said, adding, “members will also have a chance to watch video introductions of the LLI instructors that include snapshots of the topics they are teaching for the fall semester.”

Those interested in joining the Lifelong Learning Institute should RSVP for one of the registration events online at ; search Lifelong Learning Institute Fall Kick off Coffee. Registrations are also accepted via phone at 641-422-4358

Wendi Coen-Ward, Dyan Childress, and Ashley Kraus sat down with Jay Brooks to answer questions about the Lifelong Learning Institute.

The post Lifelong Learning Institute Fall Kickoff Dates Announced appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.