The natural aging process offers challenges to many people. While we know from listening to the news and our personal experiences, staying active is a key component in maintaining or regaining health. But if you have noticed that your strength, flexibility or balance isn’t what it used to be you may want to consider signing up for a strength training program I will be offering this spring.
“Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” is designed to increase an aging adult’s access to a safe, structured, and effective strength training program. Over 8 weeks, participants learn exercises to improve their strength, flexibility, and balance. During each session, a prescribed set of 8 upper and lower body strengthening exercises are done along with warm-ups and cool-down stretches. Participants are made to feel comfortable regardless of their current fitness level so they can safely participate and gradually build the strength beneficial to health.
The 8 week program is set to begin Tuesday, March 22nd and ends May 12th. It meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 – 11 a.m. at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th Street. The registration fee is $20 and may be paid at the Barton County Extension Office by March 15th. The class size is limited to please enroll soon.
In order to help you decide if this workshop is right for you I am offering a free program Friday, February 26th at 1 p.m. at the Great Bend Senior Center. I will show you many of the exercises so you will have an idea if the workshop would work for you.
K-State Research & Extension has partnered with Missouri Cooperative Extension to bring the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program to our state. I am excited that the Great Bend Recreation Commission is allowing us to use their facilities and weights for these classes.
Call me if you have any questions about the “Stay Strong, Stay Healthy” workshop. Better yet, plan to join me on Friday at the Great Bend Senior Center and learn how this program could help you!
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Barton County. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu