FLORENCE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Madison Florence County Extension, Florence County Aging and Disability Resource Center, and FoodWIse will offer the Strong Bodies program in person in the lower-level conference room at the Florence Natural Resource Center, 5628 Forestry Drive in Florence.

Strong Bodies is an exercise program for middle-aged and older adults. The program is a 10-week class that meets from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and goes through a routine of 10 exercises using provided dumbbells and ankle weights.

Classes start Thursday, Sept. 1, and extend through Thursday, Nov. 10.

The classes are free. Tierany Rugg, University of Wisconsin-Extension Human Development and Relationships educator, and Susan Arcaro, Strong Bodies leader and volunteer, are teaching this county-wide program. All instructors have been trained in the Strong Bodies program and have had personal successes participating in 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. The program is based on 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,” Nelson said. The program is appropriate for both sedentary and active adults.

To register, call 715-528-4480, ext. 1. Participants do not have to be Florence County residents.

For more information, contact Tierany Rugg at Tierany.Rugg@wisc.edu or 715-528-4480, ext. 5.