AURORA, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Extension Florence County, Florence County Aging and Disability Resource Center, and the Florence County Health Department will offer the Strong Bodies program of exercises for middle-aged and older adults.

The free eight-week classes will be offered from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays starting the week of March 23 through May 13 in the lower-level conference room of the Florence Natural Resource Center, 5628 Forestry Drive in Florence, Wis.

The hour-long sessions will run through a routine of 10 exercises using dumbbells and ankle weights that are provided.

Each class includes progressive weight training, flexibility and balance activities. Tierany Rugg, UW-Extension human development and relationships educator, will teach the programs. All instructors have been trained in the Strong Bodies program and have had personal successes participating and leading strength training.

The Strong Bodies program was developed by Miriam Nelson, an associate professor at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. It is based on years of research on how strength training and proper nutrition can improve health of all ages.

“Strength is a critical factor in living healthier, more active lives. Our research shows that a program of strength training not only improves bone density but reduces falls, improves arthritis symptoms, and increases flexibility and strength,” Nelson said.

The program is appropriate for both sedentary and active adults. Participants need not be residents of Florence County.

Registration now is open. Those interested in the Strong Bodies program can contact Sabrina Leffler at Extension Florence County for proper paperwork at 715-528-4480, ext. 1.

More information on Strong Bodies also will be available at an open house from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, March 16, in the lower-level conference room at the Florence Natural Resource Center.