Strength Training Opportunity for Older Adults
Ashley Svaty- Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent
The loss of
muscle mass can slip up on us without warning. At some point we realize we can’t
do the things we used to, but also don’t know how to counter the process. K-State
Research and Extension has launched Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, a strength training program to help older
adults (60+) regain strength and improve balance and flexibility and overall
health in the process.
Adults start
to lose muscle mass, even as early as our 30s. And in our 50s it really starts
to accelerate. But older adults are sometimes reluctant to start strengthening
activities to counter the effects of aging on their bodies. The idea of going
to a gym or not knowing the proper exercises to do at home can keep people from
starting.
Participants
in Stay Strong, Stay Healthy meet for one-hour sessions, twice a week for eight
weeks. Activities include warm-up exercises, strengthening exercises with and
without weights, and cool-down stretches. Class members are encouraged to do
the exercises on their own once more per week. All equipment is provided on
site.
There are
many potential benefits to strength training including a decrease in arthritis
pain, weight maintenance, and a reduction in the risk of diabetes, heart
disease and depression. Stress management and improvement in sleep quality and
overall physical vitality are other potential benefits. Learn more about this
program at our Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Program site.
Registration
is now open for strength training classes in Beloit and Mankato beginning
February 21st and going through April 18th. To sign up
for these classes please visit our upcoming events pagehttp://www.postrock.k-state.edu/events/ or call our office in Beloit (785) 738-3597
or Mankato (785) 378-3174.
