The Strong Living Exercise Program was, at its inseption, an official research project at Tufts University and served as a national model for a successful group exercise program for seniors. Created in 1995, the community-based program was designed to promote an opportunity for increased physical activity for older adults. Held twice a week for twelve weeks, the classes last one hour per session and offer a unique opportunity for participants to improve in levels of strength, balance and fitness. Currently, classes are held each Tuesday and Thusday mornings at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in South Hero. The "early bird" class starts at 9:00 AM and is taught by Judy Stacey while Carol Miller leads the 10:15 class. All instructors are trained and certified. The program is currently supported by Northeastern University in Boston.
The total cost of the program is $48.00 or $2.00 per session and is the bargain of a lifetime for our older population. Class size is limited to twelve persons and everyone must have a medical clearence in order to participate. A thirty-second pre and post assessment is given to all persons who enroll in the class for the first time. Participants keep individual progress logs throughout each course and learn to perform each exercise to perfection. The key to the program is the setting of individual goals and accomplishing those goals over time. Four sessions are conducted each year and most seniors reenroll after each twelve week session. A one week break is given between each full session and medical clearence is required every two years in order to continue the program.
The core of the Strong Living Program 1s the element of weight resistance training through the use of ankle weights and dumbbells. Each class consists of a five minute warm up period, 45 minutes devoted to strength and balance training with free and ankle weights and a five minute cool down period following the exercises. Participants are required to wear athletic shoes and appropriate exercise clothing. Each person is encouraged to bring his or her own water bottle to each class session.
Research shows that adults enrolled in the course improve in areas of health, fitness, strength, balance, flexibility and can experience a decrease in pain. The progressive exercise regime is consistent with the guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine for muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. During each class, there is time for fellowship and fun among members of the group. Exercises are carefully selected and presented in order to provide the most benefit to each participant.
Participants throughout Vermont range in age from 40 to 100 years! If you haven't been part of a Strong Living Program, do yourself a favor for life and health and sign up for the next session. Your friends are there waiting for you.
Additional information about "Strong Living" is available from Jennifer Layne at Tufts University.