Given by Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy

Wednesday, March 19th at 1:30 pm

and once a month thereafter

Click here for more information

This class is designed to improve posture, increase lean muscle and define the body. While challenging muscles and mind, standing and seated, we will work to improve balance and strengthen
the core.

     Research has shown that strengthening exercises are both safe and effective for women and men of all ages, including those who are not in perfect health. In fact, people with heart concerns - including heart disease or arthritis - often benefit the most from an exercise program that includes lifting weights a few times each week.  
    Strength training regularly can be very powerful in reducing the signs and symptoms of numerous diseases and chronic conditions. Three good reasons to strength train are to relieve arthritis pain, aid balance to prevent falls, and strengthen bones.

     Tufts University recently completed a strength-training program with older men and women with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. The results of this 16 week program showed that strength training decreased pain by 43%, increased muscle strength and general physical performance, improved the clinical signs and symptoms of the disease, and decreased disability.

     The effectiveness of strength training to ease the pain of osteoarthritis was just as potent, if not more potent, as medications. Similar effects of strength training have been seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.  

     As people age, poor balance and flexibility contribute to falls and broken bones. These fractures can result in significant disability and in some cases, fatal complications. Strengthening exercises, when done properly and through full range of motion, increase a person's flexibility and balance, which decreases the likelihood and severity of falls. One study in New Zealand in women 80 years of age and older showed a 40% reduction in falls with simple strength and balance training.  

     Post-menopausal women can lose 1 - 2% of their bone mass annually. A 12- month study conducted on postmenopausal women at Tufts University demonstrated 1% gains in hip and spine bone density, 75% increases in strength and 13% increases in dynamic balance with just two days per week of progressive strength training.

    This information has been provided by the International Council on Active Aging. Please contact Pam Barker for more information.