BELLE GLADE — Healthier Glades, a Palm Health Foundation Healthier Together initiative, has been helping residents stretch their bodies and their wellness goals through a successful chair yoga program that is part of the Let’s Move 365 initiative and funded by a Healthier Glades mini-grant. From Jan. 28, through June 26, community members gathered every Tuesday and Thursday for one-hour sessions designed to support physical activity, relaxation, and overall well-being. Held at St. John First Missionary Baptist Church in Belle Glade, the classes attracted a wide range of participants, ages 18 to 80, many of whom were seeking a gentle and accessible way to improve their health.

The initiative began in 2022, when BeWellPBC awarded Bettye Lawson of Glades Faith Health Educators a mini-grant to create a chair yoga program for improving the brain health of older adults. After the grant ended, Healthier Glades continued to support the program, facilitated by class instructor and mini-grant recipient Milton Olen. Olen focuses on enhancing Glades residents’ mobility, strength, and mental well-being while encouraging storytelling among participants to build a supportive community atmosphere.

“Chair yoga has been a game-changer,” said one participant. “It’s low-impact, but it helps with flexibility, balance, and stress. And it’s been a great way to connect with neighbors.”

Held at St. John First Missionary Baptist Church in Belle Glade, the chair yoga classes attracted a wide range of participants, ages 18 to 80.

Courtesy photo

Chair yoga is suitable for people of all ages and abilities, including those who find traditional yoga challenging due to health conditions or mobility limitations. According to an article by Brown University, chair yoga health benefits may include improved strength, leading to better balance and lower risk of falls; reduced stress, promoting relaxation and mental clarity; and improved pain management.

Let’s Move 365 is part of a broader collaboration between Digital Vibez, Inc., Healthier Glades, and other local partners to provide consistent, year-round opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged in healthy living. Chair yoga classes will resume on August 5, and will continue every Tuesday and Thursday from 4 – 5 p.m. at St. John First Missionary Baptist Church, 600 SW Eighth St, Belle Glade, FL 33430.

All sessions are free and open to the public, and no prior yoga experience is required. Whether you’re looking to improve your mobility, ease chronic pain, or enjoy a mindful hour with your community, chair yoga offers a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

For more information about chair yoga and other wellness programs, contact Healthier Glades at annie.glades@htpbc.org or call-text 561-685-4829, or visit their Facebook and Instagram social media pages @healthierglades.

About Healthier Glades
Healthier Glades, a Palm Health Foundation Healthier Together initiative, launched in 2017 to focus on behavioral health in Palm Beach County’s western rural communities, including Belle Glade, Pahokee, South Bay, and the unincorporated community of Canal Point. The initiative’s motto is “unlocking our strengths,” aimed at unleashing the region’s rich assets so residents can thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually.