One of the best ways to keep your mind and body functioning at its best is to exercise. When I worked with small children we always used to say, “the best exercise for the brain is exercise!” The same holds true as we age.
Exercise produces a wide range of benefits for not only our physical health, but also mental health. Regular participation in strengthening exercises can help you build muscle and increase bone density. It can also help relieve stress and reduce depression symptoms. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program focuses on improving the health and well being of older adults. The goal of the program is to provide safe, structured and effective strength training for older adults. No one is too inactive to participate. Strength training promotes quality of life and independence, especially for adults over age 60. Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is an evidence-based program that has been shown to increase strength, balance, and flexibility.
You might be asking yourself, “I wonder what we’ll do?” It is an eight-week program that meets twice a week for one-hour. We will do warm up exercises, easy strengthening exercises, with or without weights, based on your preference, and finish with cool-down stretches. The best part is there is no membership fees like at a gym and there is no special clothes or equipment needed. We will have weights available if you want to use them. You will work at your own pace and progress as you are able. There are modifications to the exercises based on your own fitness level.
If you would like more information before signing up, I will hold an orientation class which will introduce the program and exercises. The orientation class will be Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 10:00am at our office in Hays, located at 601 Main Street.
Regular classes will begin Feb. 7 and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am for eight weeks. All classes will be held at our office in Hays located at 601 Main. There will be a one-time fee of $20 to participate in the eight-week program. Please call the office if you have any questions or email Monique at [email protected]
Come join me for some fun and get healthier and stronger in 2023!
Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or [email protected]