06/02/2026
My name is Alice Miller, and I live with my husband of almost 60 years plus a quirky dog named Petey. Exercise has always been part of my life, from volleyball, basketball, and tennis to step aerobics, Zumba classes, strength training, and walking. My fitness journey with the Williams County YMCA started in 2011 when I started attending Silver Sneakers (chair) Yoga and Water Aerobics. Then and now, my focus is on movement I can do safely.
Little did I know when I became a member, that I would be an instructor, motivating others on their wellness path. In 2013, when the instructor of the Silver Sneakers Yoga program quit, I approached the YMCA personnel and asked if I could instruct the classes. After completing Silver Sneakers Yoga instructor training in Cleveland, I took over as a volunteer instructor. In 2016, I was offered to be paid as an instructor.
Silver Sneakers Yoga has physical and mental benefits, especially for older adults. The class is done with chairs (as a prop when needed), sitting or sometimes standing. It is done silently, concentrating on the stretching and breathing and how your body feels. I guide participants through different poses and stretches that are designed to improve one’s flexibility, balance, muscular endurance, and to help alleviate stiffness in the body. In conjunction with the poses, is breathing - bringing the breath down to the abdomen. Studies show deeper breathing creates positive effects such as lowering blood pressure and boosting the immune system. In addition, yoga can be effective in alleviating depression as well as tame stress, reduce pain, improve quality of sleep, and make one sharper mentally.
The YMCA must have been satisfied with my chair yoga instruction because in 2016, I was asked to lead Tai Chi classes. I had to do some research because I had never done Tai Chi and knew nothing about the many forms of Tai Chi. Tai Chi has all the benefits of yoga but just a different form. I finally settled on Tai Chi for Arthritis and Balance by Dr. Paul Lam. Dr. Lam was diagnosed with arthritis as a teenager, and later in life developed Tai Chi that could help alleviate the pain of arthritis. I purchased CDs and studied the forms (movements) and then attended classes in Toledo to be trained by a Master Trainer to become certified to teach.
The form of Tai Chi that I teach, which is Sung - pronounced “Soon” - Style is a moving meditation. It is usually performed standing but can be done sitting. It takes time to learn the forms and movement, but it is well worth it. Tai Chi is an internal art which stresses the integration and balance of mind and body. It calms the mind and loosens and relaxes joints and ligaments.
There have been some challenges with teaching at the YMCA. When their renovation happened, I had to lead the Silver Sneakers yoga classes in the gym, moving around to find space. Being in the gym was challenging because it was very difficult to relax and enjoy the class with the loud noise within this space. It was such a blessing to have the construction over so we could move into quieter, calmer spaces.
In 2020, of course, the YMCA was closed for a period of time. When classes resumed, often I only had one or two people in my classes, but we persevered. One of my favorite attendees during this time, and often the only one, had Parkinson’s Disease, and he attended faithfully with his mask, walker, and determination to keep moving as much as possible. He inspired me to continue teaching and helping people. It took several months before attendance started to rise.
Not only do I lead in-person classes, but there are now opportunities for members to participate in programs from their homes. The YMCA along with Parkview has sponsored a 360 Application that can be downloaded to a cell phone, computer, or Roku TV. I supervise one of these classes called Silver Combo. It is moderate impact with light weights. Additionally, there is Yoga, Tai Chi, and higher impact programs which are all good exercise and geared toward your level of fitness.
I really enjoy instructing at the Williams County YMCA. Not only have I worked toward my fitness goals, but I have also made some very good friends over the last fifteen years. I believe we need to move to stay healthy and to be able to take care of ourselves, and the YMCA is the best place to do it.
Chair Yoga | Monday & Wednesday 8-8:45am
Tai Chi | Monday & Wednesday 9-9:45am
Silver Circuit with Alice & YMCA360
Monday & Wednesday 10am-11am
YMCA360 app for use at home:
wcymca.org/ymca360
Sign up for YMCA group fitness classes at the front desk or online:
https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5205/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc
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