WGCU

Writer/Producer: Shawn Holiday

In this great age of giving, we can overlook someone who needs your attention the most: you. Keeping one’s own spirit aloft is important as people go about saving the world and sometimes it’s fun to get together just for the laughter. Groups like the Red Hat Society are so informal there are no dues and few guidelines. Other civic groups like the Elks provide a great mixture of fun and service as people find ways to help themselves as they help others.

Resources:

Red Hatters of Naples
Mary Lou Fisher
7741 Orchard Road
Naples, FL 34109
239/514-0835

www.redhatsociety.com

Peter Cuddhy, Grand Ruler
Elks Lodge of Cape Coral
4631 SE 10 Place
Cape Coral, FL 33904
239/549-4816
www.elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?lodgenumber=2596

Writer/Producer: Chelle Koster Walton
 
Three Southwest Florida restaurants know exactly how to make you relax and fine-tune your mood by way of their pleasant, restful settings, good-for-you food, fun times, and a staff that waits on you for a change.

Resources:

Campiello, www.campiello.damico.com
Lemonia, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/NaplesGolf
Parrot Key Caribbean Grill, www.myparrotkey.com

Writer/Producer: Rosie Emery

Recent studies by the American Psychological Association indicate that forty-eight percent of Americans say they're more stressed now than they were five years ago.  "Stress continues to escalate, and it's affecting every area of people's lives," says Russ Newman, a psychologist and executive director of the APA.

While the benefits of ancient practices such as Yoga, Meditation and Tai-chi are familiar to many, there are some similar, but slightly different practices that are available here in Southwest Florida.  Laughter Yoga, Meditation in Motion and Tai Chi Chih all offer to reduce stress while initiating a peaceful sense of wellbeing.

Resources:

Isabel baeza
Isabel Baeza
Keep Shining Inc
keepshining@comcast.net
Inner Light Center
Tel: 239 352 2310
(c) 239 580 7469

The Happahatchee Center
http://weavestheweb.com/happehatchee/index.html
Tel: 239 206 4393

Gigi Filacheta
619 698 1766
gigitonaples@yahoo.com
Laughter Yoga
Cambier Park

Deb Burger
Tai-Chi Tel:
Tel: 239 498 3523
(cell) 201 247 8358

Writer/Producer: Kristy Vaughn

Explore how group exercise classes from Zumba dancing to Tai Chi mediation keep minds and bodies active while simultaneously encouraging social connections and fighting off boredom. Southwest Florida offers a variety of indoor workouts that span all fitness levels and are exciting and challenging when done in a group setting.

Resources:

The Omni Club in Fort Myers

Fitness Centers in Southwest Florida

The official Zumba website

Lee County Senior Centers

Forum Topics:

• How do you stay motivated at the gym?
• Have you found a group class that you think is interesting?

Writer/Producer: Kristy Vaughn

Discover the many tranquil and scenic opportunities for kayaking in Southwest Florida. Known nationally for its abundant waterways, the region boasts plenty of places to get eyelevel with the environment. From the Orange River to Estero Bay to the incredible Great Calusa Blueway, many great paddling adventures await.

Resources:

The Great Calusa Blueway

Collier County paddling club

Lee County paddling club

Kayaking tips

Gaea Guides

Forum Topics:

• What are your favorite kayaking spots in Southwest Florida?
• What paddling club do you belong to?

Health clubs and fitness centers have changed a whole lot over the decades…especially so in just the past few years. Join host Jim McLaughlin for a closer look at next generation gyms. From boot camp group fitness to Latin dance inspired workouts…modern fitness choices available in southwest Florida are a far cry from the old days when the term gym pretty much meant weight room. Including workouts specifically designed for seniors!

Resources:

The Omni Club in Fort Myers

Fitness Centers in Southwest Florida

The official Zumba website

Lee County Senior Centers

Forum Topics:

• How do you stay motivated at the gym?
• Have you found a group class that you think is interesting?

Writer/Producer: Kristy Vaughn

Learn how to make the most of playing tennis in Southwest Florida through community tennis organizations, clubs and classes. As a region with nearly 360 days of sunshine a year, outdoor tennis courts provide a great way to connect with others and enjoy a lively workout.

Resources:

Lee County Parks & Recreation

Court listings

USTA

Tennis tips

Forum Topics:

• Where are your favorite places to pick up a racquet?
• What makes your favorite court unique to Southwest Florida?