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, beginning in October.

“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 eight 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, Oct. 23, and ends Dec. 20. It meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10–11 a.m. at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th St. The registration fee is $20 and may be paid at the Cottonwood Extension District – Great Bend office, 1800 12th Street, by Oct. 10. The class size is limited so please enroll soon. When you register we will schedule a time for a pre-assessment to be completed.

K-State Research & Extension has joined 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. 

Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.