La Voz

Students from all ages, genders and races can be found in PE 15, stretching their way to relaxation, while increasing body flexibility on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

This course, taught by Professor Coleen Lee-Wheat, is one of the three offered this quarter at De Anza College. Lee-Wheat has been teaching the class for 15 years.

The class includes techniques associated with yoga, tai chi and somatics, which help athletes and non-athletes avoid injury.

Lee-Wheat said that the stretching class is about increasing or maintaining functional flexibility. Her goal is to help introduce students to basic strengthening exercises for their core mussles that will also decrease back pain and increase their functional posture. The course also ephasizes balance.

Students who have taken the class before return because they realize how helpful it is and how relatively quiet the atmosphere is, said Lee-Wheat. They are also able to focus and relax. Student Sue Macintosh said she feels her best after her stretching classes and says that the class is wonderful.

"I think [the class is] a good idea and it helps keep me in shape," said student Jack Creedon, 82. Other students see it as an opportunity to exercise because they might not have any other time to do so. The stretching class is highly recommend by the instructor as well as the students. Student Emilia Krznarich said that the class is "very relaxing."

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