Susan Arcaro, Strong Bodies leader and volunteer, left, and Tierany Rugg UW-Extension educator, will teach the Strong Bodies Community Strength Training program for men and women.

FLORENCE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Madison Florence County Extension, Florence County Aging and Disability Resource Center and the Florence County Health Department will offer the Strong Bodies Program in person at the Natural Resource Center, 5628 Forestry Drive in Florence.

Strong Bodies is an exercise program for middle-aged and older adults. The 10-week class meets twice a week for about 60 minutes and goes through a routine of 10 exercises using dumbbells and ankle weights, which are provided.

Strong Bodies classes start Tuesday, Sept. 10, and run through Thursday, Nov. 14, from 10 to 11:15 a.m. in the lower level conference room.

The classes are free. Classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and each class includes progressive weight training, flexibility, and balance activities.

Tierany Rugg, UW-Extension educator, and Susan Arcaro, Strong Bodies leader and volunteer, teach this county-wide program. All instructors have been trained in the Strong Bodies program and have had personal success 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 Strong Bodies 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,” states Dr. Nelson. The program is appropriate for both sedentary and active adults.

To register, call Jane Lindow at 715-528-4480, ext. 1. While participants do not have to be a resident of Florence County, Florence County residents will be given priority.

Class size is limited. The registration deadline is Friday, Sept. 6.