Friday Classes   

Mindfulness is not rocket science but common sensical ways of thinking that millions of ordinary people have found to be transformative. It gets the body and brain working together, promoting health and well-being. Where science comes in is in studies showing that regular mindfulness practices are brain and body healthy: lowering stress and anxiety, strengthening the immune system, decreasing depression, and improving focus and attention with cognitive benefits.

Mindfulness is not rocket science but common sensical ways of thinking that millions of ordinary people have found to be transformative. It gets the body and brain working together, promoting health and well-being. Where science comes in is in studies showing that regular mindfulness practices are brain and body healthy: lowering stress and anxiety, strengthening the immune system, decreasing depression, and improving focus and attention with cognitive benefits.

We will watch 10 outstanding movies, noting how each movie’s story was designed and visualized for the screen. We will delve into such topics as the 3-act structure of movie plots, linear and nonlinear narratives, shot sequencing, point of view, character development, dialogue, the placement of plot points, the maticintent, mood, and the contributions of cinematography, production design, film editing, and the musical soundtrack to storytelling. The movies are an international collection. They include: a silent German expressionist masterpiece, a visually stunning tale of World War I heroism, a medieval Swedish legend retold with a modern existentialist slant, the greatest “space opera” ever filmed, a French anthology film about the vagaries of love, a sly Hitchcock thriller, and more! Take this course and gain insights into how movies tell stories.

We will watch 10 outstanding movies, noting how each movie’s story was designed and visualized for the screen. We will delve into such topics as the 3-act structure of movie plots, linear and nonlinear narratives, shot sequencing, point of view, character development, dialogue, the placement of plot points, the maticintent, mood, and the contributions of cinematography, production design, film editing, and the musical soundtrack to storytelling. The movies are an international collection. They include: a silent German expressionist masterpiece, a visually stunning tale of World War I heroism, a medieval Swedish legend retold with a modern existentialist slant, the greatest “space opera” ever filmed, a French anthology film about the vagaries of love, a sly Hitchcock thriller, and more! Take this course and gain insights into how movies tell stories.

Johnson Recreational Center (additional fee required) 430 Complex Dr, Lexington, KY 40506 https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/campus-recreation/johnson-center 

Fall schedule begins Wednesday, August 21st.

Hours of Operation (subject to change):

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Monday - Friday: 6 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

 

Alumni Gym (additional fee required) Gatton Student Center, 160 Avenue of Champions, Lexington KY 40508 https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/campus-recreation/alumni-gym **(students can check dates and times by using the link above)**

**Additional fee payable to JC/Alumni Gym; this fee allows members access to both facilities. Please visit JC/Alumni Gym website for current membership rates.

Fall schedule begins Wednesday, August 21st. Hours of Operation (subject to change):

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Monday - Friday: 6 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Corner of Complex Drive and University Drive https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/campus-recreation/lancaster-aquatic-center *(students can check dates and times by using the link above)*

Access begins September 3, 2024 Lap swim hours (Dates and times subject to change, and hours may vary due to campus events; check the website link above before visiting):

Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Monday - Thursday: 6:15 - 8:15 p.m.

Friday: 6:15 - 7:15 p.m.

Saturday: 2 - 4 p.m. Sunday: 12 - 2 p.m.

This course features aerobic and strength training to improve physical fitness, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. A typical class begins with easy-to-follow cardio for 25 to 30 minutes. Cardio is followed by weight training exercises with dumbbells. Class will always incorporate exercises for abdominals and core strength, ending with flexibility training and cool down. Depending on the class, this may be done on a mat on the floor or a chair. This class is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned exercisers. Friday classes will use chairs instead of mats for weight training exercises, core exercises and stretching.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Water bottle, weights and yoga mat. Zoom students will need a chair for Friday weight training exercises.

This course features aerobic and strength training to improve physical fitness, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. A typical class begins with easy-to-follow cardio for 25 to 30 minutes. Cardio is followed by weight training exercises with dumbbells. Class will always incorporate exercises for abdominals and core strength, ending with flexibility training and cool down. Depending on the class, this may be done on a mat on the floor or a chair. This class is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned exercisers. Friday classes will use chairs instead of mats for weight training exercises, core exercises and stretching.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Water bottle, weights and yoga mat. Zoom students will need a chair for Friday weight training exercises.

Participate in discussion of a philosophical question chosen weekly by SIG members.

For many of us, thinking plants belong in fairy tales and Disney films, hardly in adult literature. Yet, over the last decade, serious authors have published books with titles like "Planta Sapiens"; "What A Plant Knows"; "The Language of Plants"; "The Hidden Life of Trees"; "Finding the Mother Tree"; A popular biography ("Braiding Sweetgrass"), a philosophical hit ("Plant Thinking: A Philosophy of Vegetal Life"), and a Pulitzer Prize winning novel ("The Overstory") feature the sophistication of plant life. Why such interest from functional humans? The Cognitive Revolution of the last century left some scientists and philosophers skeptical that plants are merely blind chemical machines. Curiosity led to flourishing research in plant complexity. In this course, we explore some of this work for evidence of plant cognition (‘thinking’) – without attempting to persuade but rather to spark discussion, critique, and deeper inquiry. We end by considering whether, if plants are indeed cognitive, we owe them a kind of ethical duty.

This course will discuss the “street drugs” that are most prevalent now nationally and in central Kentucky. This will include fentanyl, methamphetamine, xylazine (“tranq”), cocaine, nitazines, and other new psychoactive substances. We’ll discuss the brain changes that take place in addiction (“substance use disorder”) that make it so difficult for users to stop taking the drugs. We will also have information about harm reduction programs with emphasis on those in central Kentucky. An outside speaker is planned. No science background is required.