Essex, VT-The Champlain Valley Agency on Aging repeats the popular Tufts Strong Living Program at the Sports and Fitness Edge in Essex. This results oriented, osteoporosis prevention program, runs 12-weeks and begins September 11th, Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. There is a suggested donation for the 24 sessions of $48.

Developed by researchers at Tufts University, the Strong Living Program helps older adults maintain their independence through weight training, stretches, and balance exercises. Participants use hand and ankle weights to increase strength, muscle mass, and bone density. These weight-bearing exercises are done either seated or using a chair for support. This is not an aerobic fitness program.

Past participants’ report significant strength gains, increased flexibility, mobility and for arthritis sufferers, a greatly improved pain free range of motion. They also cite improvements in mood. “I have much more energy and generally feel happier,” says one eighty-something lady. “I get up and down the stairs easily now, and I’m less afraid of falling,” says her friend. “I have arthritis in both knees, but now my joints are much more flexible and I no longer have to pull myself up the stairs using the railing.”

To register, please call Kathy Scott, 879-7734 x 250 at the Sports and Fitness Edge. Classes are open to adults age 50 or over, but class size is limited. To enroll, participants must obtain written consent from their doctor.

This class is no longer active, for a current list of programs, click here.