Lifelong Learning
Adult lifelong learning topics continue to expand with quality instructors and at an affordable price. Pick up a current copy of the activity guide at any Westminster recreation center to see the entire schedule of adult programs and activities.
Early registration is encouraged for the following reasons:
- Class sizes are small for optimal learning and many classes fill quickly.
- Instructors need time to ready supplies and prepare to teach a quality class.
- If a class has low enrollment, it may be canceled. Your enrollment could be the one that allows the class to run.
Please call 303-658-2294 for more information on adult lifelong learning opportunities and adult special events.
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Inquiring Minds Continuing Education: Ages 18+
General Classes
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Functional Fitness Sessions
If you want guidance on how to feel healthier and more vital, Functional Fitness Sessions are for you. Enhance your ability to perform activities of daily living by improving balance, flexibility, and mobility; reducing the risk of falls;
maintaining bone density; and growing stronger. One-on-one sessions are held at The MAC with Laura Brieser-Smith, a Certified Exercise Physiologist. Call The MAC at 303-426-4310 to schedule. AGES: 55+ Fee: $42 per 1-hour session; $110 for three sessions.
Health & Wellness Coaching Sessions
Making lasting changes in health habits can be challenging. Having someone support and guide you can be helpful. During a Health and Wellness Coaching session, you will work with a health professional to gain knowledge and develop strategies to create the healthy lifestyle that you desire. Call The MAC at 303-426-4310 to schedule. FEE: $42 per 1-hour session; $110 for three sessions
Nutrition and Exercise
Reverse Dieting
Reverse dieting has been touted as boosting metabolism, promoting weight loss without losing muscle, and maintaining weight once it has been lost. Learn what reverse dieting is all about and whether it is right for you.
M Jan 13 1:30-2:30 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 12951-A
10 Minute Mini-Workouts
Mini-workouts are a great way to fit exercise into a busy schedule. Learn fun, quick, and effective exercise routines that you can do in 10 minutes!
W Jan 29 1:30-2:30 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 12951-B
Boost Your Energy Level
Do you ever feel like you don’t have the energy you used to? Learn some tried and true nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle methods to make you feel more energized throughout the day.
M Feb 10 1:30-2:30 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 12951-C
Let’s Have Healthy Joints
Your joints allow you to move, but they can also be a source of pain. Learn about the different types of joints in your body and specific exercises, nutrients, and supplements that help keep your joints in shape.
W Feb 19 1:30-2:30 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 12951-D
Healthy Hydration
Being well-hydrated is essential for many of our body’s functions. Learn more about the health effects, the right amount to drink each day, and the pros and cons of various beverages.
M Mar 3 1:30-2:30 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 12951-E
Exercises for Carpal Tunnel
Learn ways to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders to increase mobility and minimize carpal tunnel discomfort.
T March 11 6-7 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 12951-F
Improving Agility
Agility is the ability to switch direction of movement quickly. Having better agility can be useful for many things, from preventing falls to improving your athletic performance. Learn a variety of exercises to improve your agility.
M Apr 7 1:30-2:30 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 12951-G
All About Adaptogens
Adaptogens are herbs, roots, and other plant substances that help our bodies restore balance. Learn about common adaptogens and how they can influence your health.
T Apr 14 1:30-2:30 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 12951-H
Seminar
Denver by the Decade
Take a time machine back as we dive into Denver’s History. Each month, we will cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of each decade.
1990’s W Mar 19 2:30-3:30 p.m. $5/$7 MAC 12949-C
2000’s W Apr 16 2:30-3:30 p.m. $5/$7 MAC 12949-D
Adult Poetry & Creative Writing 101 Please make an ad for the Poetry/Creative Writing class in blue- also add: For questions, please contact the Instructor: Rick Ellsmore 720-819-2124
Poetry is woven into our lives. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow writers, immerse yourself in mindful conversations, cultivate your confidence, and build self-esteem in a supportive community.
M Feb 24- Mar 31 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $30/$35 MAC 12946-1B
T Feb 25-Apr1 6:30-8 p.m. $30/$35 MAC 12946-2B
Writing and Photography
Photography and Writing are like chocolate and peanut butter, and when combined, they come out like Reese’s. They are two mediums that complement each other. Join us as we connect, write, and share our words by mixing these powerful areas of art.
Th Feb 27- Apr 3 6-7:30 p.m. $30/$35 MAC 12947-7B
Drop-in Creative Writing Group
This is your opportunity to connect/write/share with fellow writers and immerse yourself in mindful conversations. Immerse yourself in mindful connections that cultivate your confidence and self-esteem in a supportive community. *FEE: Daily admission or FREE for Rec Pass, SilverSneakers®, Renew Active®, PRIME®, One Pass® and One Pass Commercial® members. Further info: Rick Ellsmore 720-810-2124, Instructor.
Sa Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 8, Apr 12 10 a.m-12 p.m. SFC Small Classroom
Heartsaver CPR/AED - Certification
This course trains individuals and workplaces in the lifesaving skills of CPR and how to use an AED. It is video-based and includes plenty of hands-on practice. Attendees must be 12 years old for certification.
Sa Apr 19 8-11 a.m. $65 PSC 12974-B
Heartsaver CPR/AED/First Aid - Certification
This course trains individuals and workplaces in the lifesaving skills of first aid, CPR, and using an AED. It is video-based and includes lots of hands-on practice. Please feel free to bring snacks. Attendees must be 12 years old for certification.
Sa Mar 15 8 a.m.-1 p.m. $75 PSC 12975-B
Cooking
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
There’s no better way to end a meal than with a delicious dessert. Learn about modifications to reduce the fat, cholesterol, and sugar in desserts without sacrificing the flavor. Come prepared to taste some delicious desserts!
T Mar 4 6-7 p.m. $17/$19 MAC 12952-B
Meatless Meals from Around the World
Many cuisines worldwide have their roots in flavorful, nutritious plant foods. Learn about a variety of ethnic cuisines and their traditional meatless dishes. Recipes and samples will be provided!
T Apr 1 6-7 p.m. $17/$19 MAC 12952-C
Pet Nutrition
Nutritional Supplements for Pets
Many vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements are on the market for pets, but is it necessary to use them to keep your pet healthy? Learn about a variety of common pet supplements, including information about safety and effectiveness.
T Mar 25 6-7 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 12953-B
Gardening
Planning Your Vegetable Garden
Like with any project, good planning is essential to ensure a bountiful harvest down the road. In this introductory class, learn about soil, planting for sun and shade, and how to choose the right type of vegetables for your location.
T Jan 28 6-7 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 12954-A
Starting Vegetables from Seed
Starting your vegetables from seeds indoors is an exciting way to begin the gardening season. Learn all about equipment and lighting needs, when and how to start seeds, and how to harden off your seedlings before they go into the ground.
T Feb 4 6-7 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 12954-B
It’s Time to Plant!
This class will get you ready to do some vegetable and flower planting. Topics include soil preparation, transplanting seedlings and direct sowing of seeds, fertilizers, watering, and natural pest control.
T Apr 8 6-7 p.m. $13/$15 MAC 12954-C
Dance Classes: Ages 18+
Drop-in Dance
No partner or experience is needed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for dancing. FEE: Daily admission fee applies or FREE for passholders, SilverSneakers®, Renew Active®, PRIME®, One Pass®, One Pass Commercial®, and Silver&Fit® Members.
Line Dance
Learn a variety of popular line dances. No partner or experience is needed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for dancing. This ongoing class meets every Monday. FEE: Daily admission fee applies or FREE for pass holders, SilverSneakers®, Renew Active®, PRIME®, One Pass®, and One Pass Commercial® Members.
M Jan 6-Apr 14 8:30-9 a.m. Improver Level MAC
M Jan 6-Apr 14 9-10 a.m. Beginner Level MAC
T Jan 7-Apr 29 1:15-2:45 p.m. Intermediate Level WV
W Jan 8-Apr 16 1-2 p.m. Intermediate MAC
*Th Jan 9-Apr 17 5-5:30 p.m. Absolute Beginner Level MAC
*Th Jan 9-Apr 17 5:30-6:30 p.m. Beginner Level MAC
F Jan 10-Apr 18 8:30-10 a.m. Intermediate MAC
Couples Dance Classes
Learn a variety of ballroom dance moves and patterns. No experience is necessary. Beginners learn basic steps while more experienced dancers refine their skills. A partner is required and must register individually. Register three working days in advance of the class start date.
Adult Ballet Beginner
Perfect for an introduction to ballet or a return after years away! The class follows a traditional ballet structure to build balance and coordination skills. NO CLASS: March 17-22 AGES: 18+ PUNCH CARD OPTION: $12/$16 per class
M Apr 22-May 19 6:30-7:30 pm $60/$80 CP 13779-2A
F Apr 25-May 23 12:45-1:45 pm $60/$80 CP 13779-2B
Adult Hip Hop
A fun and energetic style of dance that will allow you to add your own personal style and expression to dancing. Get ready to move your feet and jam out with friends! NO CLASS: March 17-22 AGES: 18+ PUNCH CARD OPTION: $12/$16 per class
T Apr 22-May 20 12:30-1:30 pm $60/$80 CP 13780-2A
Tap Class
Brush up on your skills and learn more intricate steps. Previous tap experience is helpful and tap shoes are required. Private Dance Lessons
Intermediate/Advanced Tap:
T Jan 7-28 9:15-10:15 a.m. $45 MAC 12964-A
T Feb 4-25 9:15-10:15 a.m. $45 MAC 12964-B
T Mar 4-25 9:15-10:15 a.m. $45 MAC 12964-C
T Apr 1-15 9:15-10:15 a.m. $34 MAC 12964-D
Beginning Tap:
Th Jan 9-30 9:15-10:15 a.m. $45 MAC 12965-A
Th Feb 6-27 9:15-10:15 a.m. $45 MAC 12965-B
Th Mar 6-27 9:15-10:15 a.m. $45 MAC 12965-C
Th Apr 3-17 9:15-10:15 a.m. $34 MAC 12965-D
Private Dance Lessons
Take a private/semi-private dance lesson and work on your choice of dance steps or learn a dance for your wedding or other event. QUESTIONS: Call 303-658-2294 to schedule. $60/hr
Benefits
The Westminster Recreation Department offers a wide range of educational seminars, classes, and special events for adult learning, to entertain, and enrich the lives of adults in the Westminster community.
Benefits of Participation in Adult Lifelong Learning Programs:
- opens the mind and gives new perspectives
- opportunity to make new friends and establish valuable relationships
- stay on top of changing technology
- increases knowledge base on wellness topics
- feel more connected to the Westminster community