Penn State Extension, in collaboration with researchers at Tufts University, continues to offer strength training and nutrition classes to help women and men improve their muscle strength and bone density.

Classes are forming in McKean, Elk, Clearfield and Jefferson counties beginning mid-January 2017.

Classes are led by trained site leaders and meet twice a week for 12 weeks. Sessions last about 60 minutes and include information about health and nutrition as well as upper and lower body exercises to improve strength, balance and agility.

Organizers have suggested the classes may be useful for people over 40 experiencing difficulty taking the stairs or getting up from the floor, as strength training can benefit one’s balance and daily activities while protecting from osteoporosis.

The program has been offered locally for more than 10 years with many long-term participants who report improved health outcomes as well as enjoyment of the comradery of exercising in a non-competitive environment.

For more information, contact Extension Educator Robin Kuleck at 814-486-9359 or visit the Extension website at extension.psu.edu/strongwomen for details about the StrongWomen/Growing Stronger class. Calls received after Friday will be returned early in the new year.