All of us know the benefits of regular exercise. Books, magazines, newspapers, radio, TV and the Internet crackle with enthusiasm about the good things accomplished with vigorous exercise. But a lot of people can’t face working out with formidable machinery, riding a bike going nowhere or vigorous dancing to hip-hop music.

Maybe if they could find a worthwhile exercise that could be done sitting down, well, this sounds interesting.

It’s called Gyrokinesis. It can be done sitting on a stool, lying down on a yoga mat or even standing up. It has a kinship with yoga, Pilates and other body-flexing exercises. But there’s a difference with Gyrokinesis in that it concentrates on the spine, the most important bone in your body.

Classes in Gyrokinesis are part of Rohnert Park’s Recreation Department’s program. Starting with five-week sessions of Wednesday evening classes Jan. 6, Feb. 10 and March 17. They’re taught by Siena McCarthy of Cotati, who’s had more than two decades of teaching in this specialized field.

“Gyrokinesis works the whole body through seven natural  elements of spinal movement,” said McCarthy, 54. “The system gently works the joints and muscles through rhythmic and undulating exercises.

“Fluidity is the key. Postures are not held for long periods of time. Instead, postures are smoothly and harmonious connected with the use of breath, making exercises appear and feel more like a dance than traditional yoga.”

McCarthy added, “The rhythmic pace, the undulation and flexing of the spine is like moving in water... it just flows, for every movement you do comes from the spine.”

Classes start with “Engaging the spine and the pelvis through ‘awakening’ exercises while seated,” she said. “It’s a series of arching, curling, bending and twisting to stimulate the nervous system and open up energy pathways... it can be done by both young and mature participants.”

An 18-year resident of Cotati, McCarthy was born and raised in Marin County, graduated from Marin Catholic HS and College of Marin. “I had ambitions to be a ballet dancer, then became fascinated with photography which I still enjoy.”

After college, McCarthy turned to what she calls “body work,” massage, alternative healing and their allies. She has five brothers and one sister and “all of us loved sports.” She’s divorced and has two daughters, Jeanne, 25, and Bridget, 19.

For information on her three 5-week sets of classes in the RP Community Center, call 588-3456. They’re held Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.  Fees are $47 each of the five or $40 for RP residents.