Asahi - an Evergreening Experience at Any Age

Lois wasn't sure Asahi was working until she noticed how much her leg strength and endurance improved. Her star pupil is her 99-yr old father.

After retiring as Director of the Chemistry Learning Center at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI, Lois Blau found a new form of education that has been of great benefit to herself, to her community and especially to her star student, her 99-year-old father. In this blogpost Lois tells the story from her first encounter with Asahi through training to become a Beginning and then an Advanced level Asahi instructor: [Check out this blogpost about one of the oldest and youngest Asahi practitioners from Finland] Lois writes:

"My journey with Asahi has been a surprising but positive one. Two summers ago when at “Evergreen” camp (for those 55+) at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp near Crystal Falls, MI, it was announced that there would be Asahi classes. Asahi teacher trainer Carol Curtis led a class one day and the next day the class was led by Margaret Vainio, Asahi head trainer for the US.

Lois (third from the right) at the Fortune Lake Evergreen Camp in Crystal Falls, MI in July 2024, practicing with Asahi teacher trainer Carol Curtis (on the right).

Even though the movements seemed fairly simple, I couldn’t help but notice I was a little challenged by them. Asahi has the important challenge of maintaining balance while in motion, not just balancing in a static position. Margaret gave me a brochure for Series One and I attempted learning from time to time. I was a little skeptical because I didn’t feel like I was actually doing very much and it didn’t seem like it would be very effective. So, I went along practicing from time to time when I thought of it.

And then for a big surprise. I had taken an extended trip to Norway and Denmark in late November, returning home on January 3. Some friends wanted to meet at the Michigan Tech trails to cross country ski. I’m an experienced skier but hadn’t been out yet. I was able to ski for 2 hours and could have kept on for more! And I wasn’t out of breath, even on the hills! Could it be the Asahi? My legs felt very strong and stable. I also noticed that I felt very calm and peaceful for days. The small but continuous pumping motions in Asahi had built strength in my legs without me even realizing it. I was getting more convinced.

Lois studied to become a beginning Asahi teacher using the online course material, but when Lois and her father visited Asahi teacher trainer Sue Schaefer's class in Milwaukee, Sue organized a "live" graduation ceremony for Lois.

Then an opportunity arose for me to take training to become a teacher. Even though Margaret had suggested it at camp, I couldn’t really see myself as a teacher. I could see myself practicing Asahi but not teaching. Nevertheless, I completed the training by receiving scholarship from a City of Marquette grant through the Superior Health Foundation. The goal of this grant was to train Asahi teachers in underserved areas of five counties in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I studied Asahi following the videos for the online teacher training program and received C Level certification for Series One and Two.

Lois teaching Asahi at the Pasty Festival in Calumet, MI, July 2025.

A friend suggested that I consider teaching Asahi to some of her friends outdoors at her farm during the summer. I agreed to do a 3 part series on Monday afternoons. I remember the moment of standing in front of the group in a beautiful setting wondering - am I going to enjoy teaching? Then another surprise - I did enjoy teaching! So then I quickly signed up for the Level B Certification Training in Duluth leading up to FinnFest USA. What a glorious time of learning along with a group of others who shared our common interest. It was very inspiring.

Lois receiving her Asahi Advanced Instructor Diploma at FinnFest 2025 in Duluth.

I now teach a regular class, every Monday afternoon. What has brought me so much joy is teaching it to my father - who will be 100 in April! He practices every day and we practice together when he comes to visit. He has been a “star” when he comes to my class. He feels it really helps with balance and flexibility and is both easy and fun to do. 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. I’ve had fun visiting the classes of other Asahi teachers in the Upper Peninsula and Milwaukee to practice and learn. And I have to wonder - what might be next?"

Lois and the whole graduating class of Beginning and Advanced Asahi Teachers at FinnFest 2025 in Duluth, MI.

Categories: : Asahi as Physical Rehab, Asahi keeps you young, Asahi Nordic for a lifetime, Asahi Nordic for All, Asahi teachers' close-ups