Grantee Spotlight: Lois Blau Helping Others Find Balance Through Asahi.

Lois Blau wasn't convinced Asahi was working. That is until she went cross-country skiing.

After learning the simple balance movements two summers ago when at “Evergreen” camp (for those 55+), the retired Michigan Tech Director practiced at home, skeptical the gentle exercises made any difference. Then she skied for two hours without getting out of breath. "My legs felt very strong and stable," she remarked. "The small but continuous pumping motions in Asahi had built strength in my legs without me even realizing it.".

Lois earned her certification and now teaches weekly classes. Her star student is her 99-year-old father, who practices daily and joins her classes when he visits.

Lois praises the practice saying “It’s gratifying to see students improving or mention that they sleep better, feel calmer, etc. Asahi has been a blessing for me and hopefully for others.” For many, the practice offers an accessible way to maintain mobility and independence.

Superior Health Foundation supported a City of Marquette grant to expand access to Asahi Nordic, a Finnish program combining balance, strength, stretching, and mental mindfulness, by certifying instructors who could lead classes in their own communities. Ten new instructors were trained including Lois and each led at least 10 classes across Marquette, Chocolay Township, Ishpeming, Houghton, Big Bay, Ontonagon, and Baraga. In total, the program reached 134 participants and logged 983 class check-ins. Offered in partnership with UPCAP, classes are designed to be accessible to seniors, Native communities, individuals with disabilities, and those facing mental health and substance use challenges

Read Lois's full story, as told by Margaret Vainio on Asahi World, about discovering Asahi.