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Empowering Veterans: Weekly Online Movement Classes with Gail Pickens‑Barger

Empowering Veterans: Weekly Online Movement Classes with Gail Pickens‑Barger

Join me on the Veterans Yoga Project Online Studio, via the WellnessLiving platform, for free weekly classes designed to enhance strength, flexibility, balance, and resilience. These accessible sessions offer physical, emotional, and mental support for Veterans across the nation. In 2024, 76% of participants reported decreased distress, and 72% saw reduced pain.

Chair Tai Chi with a Splash of Yoga with Gail PB
Chair Tai Chi with a Splash of Yoga with Gail PB

📅 Wednesdays — Alternating: Chair Tai Chi & Gentle Yoga for Back Care

Every other Wednesday (1:00 PM CST / 12:00 PM PST), I alternate two foundational classes:

🔹 Chair Tai Chi for Beginners

A 45 to 60-minute seated class that blends:

  • Yang-style Tai Chi forms, Shaolin muscle-sinew exercises
  • Qigong detox movements, mobility drills for fingers, hands, eyes
  • Acupressure and gratitude-based breathwork relaxation

Benefits:

  • Helps relieve chronic pain
  • Enhances posture, balance, strength, and sleep
  • Boosts circulation, lymph flow, digestion, and emotional regulation

Gear needed: Just one sturdy chair

Beginner Friendly Gentle Yoga for Back Care class online through Veterans Yoga Project
Gentle Yoga for Back Care Beginners Class on Veterans Yoga Project Online Studio

🔹 Gentle Yoga for Back Care

This 60-minute class is designed for all levels and especially beneficial for people with back pain, arthritis, or joint limitations.

What to Expect:

  • Gentle yoga stretches and flows, either seated or on the mat
  • Tools and techniques that support spinal alignment and mobility
  • Breathing practices for stress relief and better circulation

Helpful Props:

  • Yoga strap, block, mat or chair
  • Optional: blanket, wall, or table for support
Fall Prevention Yoga Class using Two Chairs, Yoga Strap and Blocks for Improving Strength and Balance
Fall Prevention Yoga Class. Using Two Chairs, Yoga Strap and Block for Improving Strength and Balance

✅ Fridays — Chair Yoga for Fall Prevention

Join me every Friday at 1:00 PM CST / 11:00 AM PST for this energizing 60-minute session designed to improve balance, body awareness, and strength in a safe and supportive way.

Key Features:

  • Chair-supported balance exercises
  • Strength-building movements to reduce fall risk
  • No floor work required—great for people with limited mobility
  • Mindful breathing and body awareness to calm the nervous system

What You’ll Need:

  • Two chairs (one for movement, one for support)
  • Strap, yoga block
  • Optional: TheraBand, blanket, wall

💬 Side Note: Recent Student Reviews

Here’s what students are saying about these life-changing classes:

⭐ “I was experiencing level 6 pain in my hip and leg… After Gail’s class, my pain dropped to level 1. So grateful!”
— JA, July 25, 2025 – Fall Prevention Chair Yoga

⭐ “Gail PB is amazing! I’ve had two knee replacements and still get a great workout.”
— RM, July 24, 2025 – Gentle Yoga for Back Care

⭐ “Fantastic teacher! The practices make me feel better after class. The 3-step is really helpful—thanks Gail!”
— LC, July 12, 2025 – Fall Prevention

⭐ “Gail’s Chair Tai Chi is wonderful—good for both body and mind. Would love to see even more of these classes!”
— NW, July 16, 2025 – Chair Tai Chi

⭐ “I love Gail’s classes. They challenge me to get stronger and improve my balance. I’m thankful these are free.”
— DA, multiple reviews from June–July 2025

⭐ “Gail’s knowledge is deep, and she presents with humor and warmth. Her Chair Yoga is one of my weekly must-do’s!”
— DL, July 2, 2025 – Chair Tai Chi

🧘 Why These Classes Matter

  • Free for Veterans: Sponsored through the Veterans Yoga Project & VA partnership
  • Accessible and inclusive: No need to get on the floor
  • Safe and effective: Gentle movements adapted to your body’s needs
  • Whole Health support: Stress relief, pain reduction, emotional balance

📋 Weekly Snapshot

DayClassDurationFocus Area
Wednesday (alternating)Chair Tai Chi45 minMind-body connection, mobility
Wednesday (alternating)Gentle Yoga for Back Care60 minBack pain relief, strength & stretch
FridayChair Yoga for Fall Prevention60 minBalance, fall risk reduction

📝 How to Join

  1. Visit VeteransYogaProject.org
  2. Register for a free account on the WellnessLiving platform
  3. Reserve your spot for the class—and let’s move, breathe, and heal together

Let’s make mindful movement a part of your weekly wellness!
Reach out anytime if you have questions or need help getting started.

Supporting Our Veterans Through Movement: My 2025 Fundraiser for Veterans Gratitude Week

I’m excited to share that I’ve officially set up my fundraising page for Veterans Gratitude Week 2025 — and I’d love your support!

Each year, Veterans Yoga Project hosts this special week-long event, bringing together movement teachers from around the world to offer donation-based classes in support of veterans, active duty service members, and their families. It’s the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, and it’s always an honor to be a part of it.

This year, I’ll be teaching two unique class offerings leading up to and during Veterans Gratitude Week:

🌀 Beginner Yang 12 Short Form Tai Chi – 6-Week Series – Online Class

If you’ve ever wanted to try Tai Chi, this is a great place to start!
This beginner-friendly series introduces you to the fundamentals of the Yang 12 Short Form. It’s gentle, flowing, and perfect for building balance, strength, and mindfulness — no experience needed.

🪑 Seated Chair Tai Chi BALL Qigong – Online Class

This fun and accessible class can be done right from your chair!
We’ll use a small, soft ball (or even a stuffed toy or sports ball) to enhance the practice. Great for all mobility levels, and especially helpful for those looking for a gentle way to connect breath and movement.

These classes are offered by donation, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Veterans Yoga Project to support their mission of empowering veterans through mindful resilience-building practices.

How You Can Help:

✅ Join a class
✅ Make a donation
✅ Share the fundraiser with your community

Here’s the link to my official fundraising page:
👉 Gail Pickens-Barger – Veterans Gratitude Week Fundraiser 2025

Whether you join me on the mat (or chair!) or donate to the cause, your support means so much.

Let’s move with purpose, honor our veterans, and give back through gratitude. 💙🇺🇸

#VeteransGratitudeWeek2025 #VeteransYogaProject #TaiChi #ChairTaiChi #Qigong #SupportVeterans #GratitudeInAction #MindfulMovement #Fundraiser

Gail Pickens-Barger Veterans Gratitude Week Fundraiser 2025

🍂 New Fall Beginners Tai Chi Series – 6 Weeks to Balance & Calm

Six Week Series – Beginners Tai Chi with Gail PB

Beginners Six Week Series - Tai Chi with Gail PB

🍂 New Fall Beginners Tai Chi Series – 6 Weeks to Balance & Calm

As the seasons shift and we move into fall, it’s the perfect time to ground ourselves, slow down, and discover the gentle power of Tai Chi. I’m excited to announce a brand-new 6-Week Beginners Tai Chi Series, designed especially for those who are curious about Tai Chi or just starting out.

✨ What to Expect

This series will introduce you to the foundations of Yang Style Tai Chi, including:

  • Gentle, flowing movements to improve balance and coordination
  • Breathing practices to release stress and promote calm
  • Simple routines that build strength and flexibility without strain
  • A welcoming, supportive space for beginners of all ages

📅 Series Details

  • Length: 6 weeks
  • Format: Step-by-step instruction, building each week
  • Perfect for: Beginners, seniors, veterans, and anyone looking for mindful movement this fall

💡 Why Try Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is often called “meditation in motion.” With regular practice, many people notice:

  • Better balance and stability
  • Reduced stiffness and joint discomfort
  • Improved energy flow
  • A greater sense of inner peace

🍁 Join Us This Fall

Take this season as an opportunity to begin something new for your health and wellbeing. By the end of the 6 weeks, you’ll feel more confident with the movements and have simple practices you can use every day.

➡️ Registration is now open! [ Email: Yogawithgaileee@gmail.com ]

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot soon. I can’t wait to share this beautiful practice with you!

🪑 Find Your Flow: The Gentle Power of Chair Tai Chi with Gail P-B

🪑 Find Your Flow: The Gentle Power of Chair Tai Chi with Gail P-B

In today’s busy world, wellness doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. With Chair Tai Chi with Gail P-B, you’re invited into a gentle, healing practice that meets you right where you are, seated, supported, and fully present.

Whether you’re easing back into movement, managing pain, or simply seeking calm, Chair Tai Chi offers a graceful way to reconnect with your body, breath, and inner balance.

🌿 What is Chair Tai Chi?

Chair Tai Chi brings the calming, flowing movements of traditional Tai Chi into a fully seated format. It’s ideal for anyone who wants the benefits of mindful movement without the need to stand or balance.

Perfect for:

  • Seniors
  • Veterans
  • People with limited mobility, balance challenges, or chronic pain
  • Beginners seeking a supportive and accessible practice

💚 Benefits You Can Feel

Chair Tai Chi gently supports your wellness journey:

  • Boosts circulation and flexibility
  • Improves posture and joint mobility
  • Reduces stress and anxiety through breathwork
  • Builds core stability to support fall prevention
  • Promotes a sense of calm, clarity, and inner peace

🎥 Practice with Me: Chair Tai Chi with Gail P-B

🌟
In this session, I’ll guide you through simple, flowing movements designed to help release tension, improve balance, and support your well-being—no standing required.

All you need is a comfortable, sturdy chair and a few moments to reconnect with your breath and body.

🌸 A Wellness Practice You Can Stick With

I believe movement should feel empowering, joyful, and accessible. Chair Tai Chi offers that and more, bringing relaxation, strength, and self-awareness into your daily life without strain.

Whether you’re just beginning or returning to movement after time away, this practice is here for you.

🧘‍♀️ Join me for Chair Tai Chi in person or online!
I teach this calming and accessible class in person every Wednesday at 11:00 AM Central Time at the Lakeside Center in Beaumont, Texas. Come early for your first time to register at the front desk.

Prefer online practice? I also offer Chair Tai Chi every other Wednesday through Veterans Yoga Project’s Wellness Living platform.
👉 https://veteransyogaproject.org/vyp-classes

Come move with me and discover how Chair Tai Chi can gently uplift your day—one breath, one movement at a time.

Stay tuned for more videos and sessions designed especially for you.

Upgrading My Computer to Windows 11 Using FlyBy11 + Post-Upgrade AV Testing

🖥️ Upgrading My Computer to Windows 11 Using FlyBy11 + Post-Upgrade AV Testing

After years of running smoothly on Windows 10, I decided it was time to upgrade to Windows 11—even though my PC wasn’t on Microsoft’s supported hardware list. Thanks to the FlyBy11 method, I was able to complete the upgrade without a hitch. Here’s a quick overview of my upgrade experience and how I verified my audio and video systems afterward.

✅ Step-by-Step: How I Upgraded Using FlyBy11

I followed the instructions in a video guide that walked through upgrading unsupported PCs to Windows 11 using the FlyBy11 script. This method bypasses Microsoft’s hardware checks in a safe and controlled way.

Here’s a quick summary of the process:

  1. Backed up important files.
    Always a must before any major upgrade.
  2. Downloaded the FlyBy11 script from GitHub.
    (It automates bypassing the TPM, Secure Boot, and CPU checks.)
  3. Ran the script and initiated the upgrade.
    I used a Windows 11 ISO downloaded directly from Microsoft.
  4. The install process was smooth—no hiccups or compatibility warnings.
  5. After reboot, I had a fresh Windows 11 desktop with all my apps and settings intact.

🔊🎥 Post-Upgrade Testing: Audio & Video

After the upgrade, I made it a priority to test everything related to my workflow—especially audio and video, since I use my computer to teach yoga and chair tai chi both online and in person.

Here’s what I tested and verified:

🎤 Audio Tests

  • ✅ Microphone detection in Zoom, OBS, and Audacity
  • ✅ No latency issues or audio dropouts
  • ✅ Speakers and Bluetooth earbuds connected without trouble

🎥 Video Tests

  • ✅ Webcam recognized in Zoom, OBS, and Camera app
  • ✅ Background blur and virtual backgrounds worked smoothly
  • ✅ OBS Studio scene switching and virtual cam all functioned as before

All audio/video settings and customizations I had on Windows 10 carried over without needing reconfiguration. I did though have an HP printer notification pop up during a recording LIVE on YouTube, so I’ll need to check into suppressing notifications.

Here’s one of the “Live” videos I did to test both the audio and video after the upgrade!

🧘‍♀️ Why This Matters for My Work

I teach Chair Yoga, Tai Chi, and Guided Meditation virtually, so reliable audio/video is crucial. The upgrade allowed me to enjoy the sleeker interface of Windows 11 and improved multi-window features, without sacrificing stability in my teaching platforms.

If you’re a fellow wellness educator, you’ll appreciate the importance of:

  • Smooth streaming (no lag)
  • Clear voice capture for cues and instruction
  • Visual clarity for demonstrations

So far, Windows 11 is delivering.

📌 Final Thoughts

If you’re still running Windows 10 on an older machine and wondering whether an upgrade is possible, FlyBy11 is a viable solution—just be sure to back up and follow each step carefully.

💡Pro Tip: After upgrading, take the time to recheck every tool you rely on—especially audio and video apps—to ensure everything transitioned properly.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried this method, or if you’re considering upgrading and have questions!