Strong Women Programs will begin September 8 in Stevensville and Wyalusing. Offered by Penn State Cooperative Extension, Strong Women was designed for women over the age of 40. Men can take part too. Participants learn how to do strength training exercises correctly and safely.

Strength training helps improve bone and muscle strength and balance. It benefits overall physical and mental health and improves energy level. Many people with arthritis find their joint pain reduced by strength training. Diabetics have seen improvements in their blood sugar control.

The Program includes an introductory meeting and sixteen exercise classes. Each exercise class includes a warm-up, 8-10 exercises, and cool down. There is no age limit or level of fitness required. Past participants have ranged in age from 41 to 91. You exercise at your own pace led by a certified instructor.

The Stevensville program will meet at the Community Hall from 10 to 11:15 a.m. The introductory meeting will be on September 8. Exercise classes will meet Mondays and Wednesdays, September 20 to November 10.

The Wyalusing program is offered this fall as part of the Wyalusing Adult School. It will be held at the Wyalusing High School from 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. The introductory meeting is September 8. Exercise classes are Mondays and Wednesdays, September 15 to November 8.

Advance sign-up is required by Monday, September 6. Class size is limited. Sign-up will be taken on a first come first served basis. Contact the Bradford County Extension Office to register at (570) 265-2896 or toll-free 1-866-796-3954.

Cost for the Strong Women program is $80. Small hand weights and ankle weights are needed. Information about types of weights needed and where to find them will be given at the introductory meeting.

As an incentive to participate, the Area Agency on Aging has offered to pay half the class fee for the first 10 people, age 60 or older, who sign-up for each class. Ask for this offer when signing up for the program. The funds are available from the Prime Time Health Program.

Scholarships are also available for the class fee and weights. They are offered through a grant from the PA Dept. of Health.

Contact Cathy Guffey, extension educator, at one of the above numbers to learn more about the Strong Women Program or to request financial support.