FLORENCE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Madison Florence County Extension, Florence County ADRC, and FoodWIse, will be offering the Strong Bodies Program in person at the Florence Natural Resource Center lower-level conference room, located at 5628 Forestry Drive, Florence, Wis.

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 for about 60 minutes and goes through a routine of 10 exercises using provided dumbbells and ankle weights.

Classes start Thursday, Sept. 1 go going through Thursday, Nov. 10.

The classes are free. Tierany Rugg, UW-Extension Human Development & 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, 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,” said Dr. Nelson. The program is appropriate for both sedentary and active adults.

To register, please call 715-528-4480 ext. 1. 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.