COMMENTS

34 responses to “Meet the Trainer: Cas Castro”

1. My, what a quality teacher and person Cas is. I have just started the morning stretch in December of 2025. He is so well prepared with many items to share. I like the format of the class, the mixture of meditation, mindfulness, gratitude and affirmations as part of the different every day motion class. At the end of EVERY class, I am guaranteed to feel better than when I started. I am grateful for his training, background and demeanor.

   Reply to Elaine Kovac

2. What style of Tai Chi do you teach?

   Reply to Carol Simmons

3. Cas is great teacher, did not know why he was playing disco until I learned he was a little older then me, it’s funny I thought I was older them him, lol He looks very young. Cas is from my old neighborhood in Far Rockaway, sadly we never met until I started taking the classes online. Would have enjoyed being one of his students at a younger age. I enjoy his fit fusion class and have done a little Tai chi also with him. He really cares about people and leads by example, thank you cas.

   Reply to Ed

4. Great article to spotlight a wonderful teacher! I look forward to Morning Stretch and the group of friends that gather each day to connect before and after class. Cas brings us all together to start our day and provides balance of physical and mindful fitness. thank you Cas for your dedication and for hosting daily visits with the community!

   Reply to Elia A

5. Hello,
   My name is Aletta Seales. I have been watching Morning Stretch on Senior Planet for more than two years now. I participate at least four days a week in morning stretch with Cas. It is a great program and Cas is a wonderful teacher. He has knowledge, humor and empathy. I look forward to the daily program and enriching conversation after exercise!

   Reply to Aletta Seales

6. Thank you, Cas for being such a intuitive and knowledgeable teacher. Because of Morning Stretch, I have been able to recover from my shoulder replacement surgery faster and in a less painful manner. Plus, introducing me to Meditation has been truly wonderful. Blessings and deep thanks for you!

   Reply to Martha Dackowski

7. Bravo to the best exercise instructor I have ever had. Cas is a marvel. I read the comments above and I can concur with them all. Cas brings something special to his students. As strange as it is to rely on a computer for exercise, the tech aspect enhances rather than distracts from the hour. His innate kindness and humanity shine through and we, his students are ever grateful.
   Happy Thanksgiving Cas and to all of you.

   Reply to Barbara Fennell

8. Cas seamlessly creates the uniqueness of the class.
   He is the opposite of the Gym teacher some of us grew up with. lol.
   We have the best time ever in class! He teaches us things about the human body we did not know we needed to know.

   I have read somewhere that the body needs to stretch daily and Motion is the Lotion. Cas imparts his wisdom and skills in movement, meditation and everyday well-being. The photo of him in Nature is so befitting.
   Thank you Cas you are so appreciated

   Reply to Victoria G.

9. I echo all of the wonderful (and accurate) comments made about Cas Castro! I discovered Senior Planet during “Covid lockdown” and started with Cas’ Tai Chi class. I participate in Tai Chi and Fit Fusion weekly, and Dance Party when I can, but have recently added Morning Stretch to my daily routine. It’s truly a great way to start the day. Thank you Senior Planet for all of the programs and instructors, but especially for the gift of Cas and his remarkable commitment to improving our lives.

   Reply to Yvonne Brown

10. Cas is a great teacher of tai ch. He is patient, persistent, and encouraging.He does not lower his expectations because we are seniors. Even though it’s online he knows what movements we do wrong and how to correct it. Looking forward to advanced classes to continue learning more beautiful , relaxing and health promoting routines.

    Reply to Betty F

11. Cas inspires all of us with his teaching, encouragement, warmth, humor, and genuine care for everyone. Every day people thank him for their improved physical, mental, and emotional health. People say he saved their lives – literally. We are family. I have not missed one of his classes since I discovered Senior Planet more than a year ago. Not only his Morning and Afternoon Stretch, but Fit Fusion, Tai Chi, Holistic Wellness, and Meditation. Cas is a great blessing to all. Special beyond measure!

    Reply to Nancy Horner

12. “Who dares to teach much never cease to learn.”
    Cas should be twins. He is a treasure to Senior Planet.

    Reply to Jan

13. I wanna thank all the members of Senior Planet for your kind words and support. Its truly gratifying to read all these wonderful stories. God bless you all with health, wealth and wisdom for year’s to come. Love & Light Cas

    Reply to Castulo Castro

    1. I feel so blessed to have found you and your classes. You are by far the best instructor that I’ve ever had. You seem like a kind, gentle human and your energy is contagious. Bless you!!

       Reply to Jan Roan

14. I have done 2 of Cas’s fit fusion classes and they are really good. However, both times I needed different equipment, I do not have room in my small condo for an at home gym (or even places to store much), so I would like to know what is essential equipment . So far I have a stick, weights, a stretch band. Also used (which I do not have) were a step stool and a pilates ring (had no idea what this is). Is there other equipment that is essential? Are the classes are repeated each week?

    Reply to Lois

15. I find that Cas ‘s morning stretch class is great. Cas is very motivational. He has a
    soothing voice when he start’s his morning stretch class. Cas is phenomental to me and awesome instructor. Cas continue doing what you love best. Fantastic Video

    Reply to florence

16. My husband and I participate in Morning Stretch every day, together. We have seen friends exercising and continue to spread the news about Cas and the program to many other “oldsters” like us. As a former YMCA exerciser and board member (our Y has unfortunately closed), I am delighted to learn that Cas started teaching there. As a former teacher and professor, I recognize great teaching. Every day we are better people, thanks to the program. Thanks!
    Diane Yerkes, from S. California.

    Reply to Diane Yerkes

17. Love Morning Stretch with Cas. A few years ago, I had a couple of friends tell me about the class. I had a series of health challenges that was making it difficult and painful to move. This class has help me get moving again. I can not say enough about it. Mediation, varying types of movement, and an awesome teacher. I often recommend the class to others. Thanks Cas!

    Reply to Linda Aarons

18. I am a Cas regular every morning – a wonderful way to start the day. Always interesting and varied. I’ve learned so much about a variety of Eastern approaches to wholeness. Also the stretches – particularly spinal twists and shoulder rotations – are really important – I have osteoarthritis.

    I am a contributor and “recruiter.” I have told lots of friends about Senior Planet and particularly about Cas. Sally is also a favorite.

    THANK YOU!

    Reply to BARBARA CLAPMAN

19. If the senior stretch class still being taught? If so when, is it on zoom, is there a cost? Thanks

    Reply to Cheryl Bentley

    1. Morning Stretch is still being taught 5 mornings a week on Zoom. Find it here It’s free!

       Reply to Senior Planet

20. I try to watch Morning Stretch every morning. Love your program Cas. I like the variety in your program. You make it fun and interesting. I can’t always do each exercise as i have some limits but i appreciate your patience and understanding for some of us who do the best we can.
    Thank you Cas for all you do to make your class interesting and challenging

    Reply to Ethel Toner

21. The mornings I take time to warm up, I have had arthritis for ages. Now, it seems I have breast cancer.It is important to keep moving. Cas is very pleasant, I really enjoy starting my day with him and his way of getting us going, gentle but very clear in all that he does. Thank you, Cas..

    Reply to Nancy Ferro

22. I enjoy Cas’s classes so much that I encouraged my sisters, one in Canada and one in the Caribbean to watch the classes on youtube. We are all having a blaze doing the excersise, stretches, and dance.

    Reply to Delyse Brown

23. Cas is my Hero !! He gets me up & active each morning and helps the rest of my day to be great as a result of doing Morning Stretch ! When I have to miss because of an appointment or other commitment, it disrupts my day’s balance. I really really thank Cas with all my heart ! I also attend Fit Fusion & hate if I must miss. Fit Fusion & Morning Stretch are always my top priority of my days. And I’ve come to think of the other regulars as Family !! <3 I Love You Cas !! Susan – Florida

    Reply to Susan Smith (Susan - Florida)

    1. Cas really is an excellent teacher. I have attended many classes in my life and their routine is just that a routine. Cas brings an interest that keeps you coming back especially to his weekly Meditation session. I am so happy that I discovered this part of AARP.
       After leaving a high stress engineering job for over 40 years.
       THANKS

       Reply to Louise Akins

24. I love Morning Stretch and if I miss it I try to catch Cas’ Afternoon Stretch.
    I love opening and closing with meditation and the variety of movements and principles.

    Reply to safiya bandele

25. Cas was a Lifeline during year one of Covid! An excellent teacher, able to translate physical movement, breathing , mental and spiritual actions to all of us different people, cultures and abilities. Thank you Cas and keep on going!

    Reply to Ann C.

26. I do Morning stretch with Cas most mornings just to get going for the day. I am so stiff when I first get up and need to stretch to get going . I feel so good after his class. The meditation and spiritual prayers also are a good start to the day.

    Reply to Pamela Walker

27. Senior Planet has become an essential part of my day – the various classes, the instructors as well as the community of participants have enriched my senior life. Since Covid, I have not returned to any classes – thank you Senior Planet for being here!

    Reply to Betty

28. I found Morning Stretch during the covid lockdowns too and have been enjoying it most every day and some afternoons ever since. It has helped to increase my flexibility and range of motion. It’s a great way to kick start the day and Cas keeps it interesting by varying the class everyday. He has a charming personality that makes class fun to do and the sense of community in the group is almost as important as the exercises. Stay after class and listen to the discussions.

    Reply to Pat Granholm

29. Cas Class was a life saver for me during the first 2 years of Covid, when staying indoors, do miss it, but can now do U-Tube as well and Thankyou Cas and Senior Planet:))

    Great Video of a wonderful life;)

    Grace n Peace ~2All

    Reply to Lucy

30. Began Morning Stretch during the COVID 19 shut-in. A chance message via work e-mail a timely act of God. I sort this class due to work related stress tense muscles. Thus, working from home and an early break, here I am years later. I deem Mr. Castro my personal trainer, with a good heart and unexpected healing moves.
    A missed class feels; graded absent. Keen to attend class, ask questions when in doubt and get an immediate response. Blessings – his other classes, teaching technique and songs.

    Reply to Ms. M. Cook

31. I am loving the morning stretch with Cas and how it incorporates many types of fitness and relaxation practices. The group camaraderie is just super and there are so many participants who are also grateful. Thanks to Senior Planet and the teachers for keeping us moving and smiling!

    Reply to Kathy Monteverde