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 two locations this spring. Classes start Monday and Tuesday. Program leaders Sue Arcaro, left, and Rhonda Lindstrom get ready for class. (Contributed photo)

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 — a free, in-person strength training class for adults — at two locations this spring.

Classes will be from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays starting next week through May 27 in the lower-level conference room of the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center, 5628 Forestry Drive in Florence, Wis.

The second option will be from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting next week through May 28 at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, 2030 Calvary Drive in Aurora, Wis.

Strong Bodies is an evidence-based strength-training program for middle-aged and older adults. The eight-week program meets twice a week and includes a routine of 10 exercises using dumbbells and ankle weights, which are provided.

Participants may register for one site only.

Strong Bodies classes are free and are twice weekly. Each class includes progressive weight training, flexibility and balance exercises.

The program is taught by Tierany Rugg and Alyssa Miller, UW-Extension educators; and Susan Arcaro and Rhonda Lindstrom, Strong Bodies leaders and volunteers. All instructors are trained in the Strong Bodies curriculum and bring personal experience and success with strength training.

The Strong Bodies program was developed by Miriam Nelson, Ph.D., at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. Built on decades of research, the program demonstrates that strength training improves bone density, reduces falls, improves arthritis symptoms and increases flexibility and overall strength. It is appropriate for both sedentary and active adults.

To register, call Jane Lindow at 715-5284480, ext. 1. Florence County residents will be given priority, and class sizes are limited, so early registration is encouraged.