FLORENCE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Madison Florence County Extension, Florence County ADRC, and Foodwise, will be offering the Strong Bodies Program virtually. Strong Bodies is an exercise program for middle-aged and older adults.

The program is an eight-week class that meets Mondays and Wednesdays online for about 60 minutes and goes through a routine of 10 exercises using dumbbells and ankle weights , which are provided. There will be an optional nutrition and/or mental health lesson after class.

Strong Bodies classes will be offered online starting the week of Jan. 11. Class is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. There will be an orientation/ technology check at 9 a.m. Monday.

Each class includes progressive weight training, flexibility, balance activities. Tierany Rugg, UW-Extension Human Development & Relationships Educator and Jeanne Richard, Florence County Foodwise are teaching this county-wide program. 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, Ph.D., an associate professor at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. The Strong Bodies Program is based upon years of research on how strength training and proper nutrition improve the 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,” states Dr. Nelson. The program is appropriate for both sedentary and active adults.

To register, please go online to https://go.wisc.edu/zsc108 or follow them on Facebook at ExtensionFlorenceCounty. You do not have to be a resident of Florence County to participate.

For more information please contact Tierany Rugg at Tierany.Rugg@wisc.edu or 715-528-4480 ext. 5 or Jeanne Richard at jmrichard@wisc.edu or 715-528-4480 ext.4.