Instructor Bio: Penny Sablove

Penny Sablove just loves to move, to watch other people moving and to share physical movement with others. Most days will find her either in the pool, on a yoga mat, or working out in an Aikido dojo.  Physical therapy was a natural career choice for Penny and she specializes in helping older adults to maintain optimal mobility.

She has taught Maintaining Mobility courses through Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at San Francisco State University, conducted research projects for Kaiser Permanente on reducing fall risk and has consulted to community programs, such as Always Active, the Janet Pomeroy Center and the Golden Gate Park Senior Center.

Penny Sablove’s expertise derives from a combination of her extensive study of Aikido and her physical therapy background. From working with hundreds of groups and individuals, she has a talent for zeroing in on the one simple practice that will result in the most change.

The Japanese art of Aikido has been a major influence in the physical therapy work that Penny does.  In particular, it has taught her how to structure a program so that people can more easily stay engaged over a long period of time.  She has studied Aikido for over 32 years, holds a 4th degree black belt and is the chief instructor of Heart of San Francisco Aikido dojo.  The central principle of Aikido is harmony, and Penny draws on her background in this art to create programs that help people develop balance, power and agility.

Recently, Penny has also been studying, and experimenting, with some exciting new approaches that are being developed to address some common diseases of older adults, such as osteoporosis, arthritis and Parkinson’s.  These condition-specific therapeutic exercise protocols are helping people reduce symptoms without the side effects of medications.

As we age, we all need to engage in ongoing therapeutic exercise. And in order to stay engaged, it’s got to be fun.  Penny makes it fun.

Credentials and Qualifications:

• California Physical Therapy License
• Certified LSVT BIG Practitioner for Parkinsons
• Feldenkrais Teacher
• Aikido 4^th Degree Black Belt
• Phi Beta Kappa