Mary Wilson, a SoulCore-certified instructor, offers 45-50 minutes classes where attendees imitate her body movements. As an exercise therapist and PE teacher at St. Gabriel’s Classical Academy, Wilson believes attendees should set their own limitations.
During the class, she will often say, “Honor your body.”
When needed, she will intervene with alternative measures. “Knowing the kind of participants I’m instructing, I will say, ‘If you are two years away from post-partum, here are the modifications for you. If you have mobility issues, here are the modifications.’”
SoulCoreattendees can expect core strengthening, stretching, and functional movements. Wilson uses prayers of the rosary – combined with music, scripture, and reflection – to encourage a deeper meditation on the mysteries and virtues of this practice. This is the traditional class suited for floor/grass exercise.
Rosary Plays a Role in SoulCore
SoulCore is a Catholic model, but all may participate. Wilson clarifies, “I am the only one who speaks in the class, non-Catholics don’t need to know the rosary.”
Non-Catholics will meditate on Bible verses when The Hail Mary is said. According to Wilson, SoulCore is about prayer first. Prayer draws our body, our mind, and our soul to the whole body of Jesus.
This occurs in one of two groups: in the traditional class and chair class. By separating those who participate on the floor from those who sit, Wilson believes, “It makes it all-inclusive. This serves as a need in the retirement community. SoulCore is like a version of Silver Sneakers, a fitness program for seniors. Seniors do come with their grandchildren.” Wilson mentions, SoulCore can be another way for grandma or grandpa to guide, nurture, and encourage their grandkids—with faith and health. “It’s a great opportunity, Wilson states,” to bond through the stretching and exercises as well as through the prayers and reflections of the rosary.
All Are Welcome
Wilson teaches basic breathing during the class, allowing pulmonary patients with portable oxygen tanks to attend. Wilson can modify the exercises to individual needs, encouraging more participation and inclusion.
For an individual who attends, and finds no one else there, Wilson says. “I teach no matter who shows up.” After the class, Wilson likes to connect and share how SoulCore got started and the benefits. SoulCore is offered year-round.
Even husbands, who normally can shy away from walking into the classroom, can wade through and find a spot. Wilson shares a story about one wife who had to drag her husband into the church to attend the chair class with her.
“I think he had the misconception of a class full of women, chattering non-stop, and judging his abilities. To his pleasant surprise, the peaceful, prayerful class gave him the chance to make the class his own—to close his eyes, stretch, exercise, and pray. He is now the unofficial recruiter for the class.”
Recruited
Like the shy away husband, Wilson states, she became involved with SoulCore on the advice of a girlfriend. “A friend attended SoulCore at a class retreat. Upon her return she told me, I HAD to get certified because it was a perfect fit for me.”
Wilson, says, SoulCore allows her to share two of her passions—her Catholic faith and exercise. “To be a part of drawing others into a deeper relationship with Jesus through His mother and the rosary brings me great joy.” Wilson has been a SoulCore instructor for 7 years.
New Year’s Resolution
In 2023, our health is at the top of the list. Rather it is to move more and sit less. Or simply drink more water. While others, Wilson says, “Have the desire to spend more time in prayer or carve out moments in our week to reflect on many blessings.” SoulCore can meet all those needs in one space. “If another resolution is to be more efficient in 2023, SoulCore can help.”
Class Schedule: Second, third and fourth Tuesday of every month at 9:00 am. (Third Tuesday class is a “chair” class, perfect for people with mobility limits)
Please contact Mary Wilson for a specific location at marykmwilson@yahoo.com. Mary is available for birthday parties and retreats.
