Community Fitness Classes

1 in 4 Older Adults falls each year and 1 in 5 of these falls causes serious injury or death. Once you’ve experienced a fall, the chances of experiencing a second increases significantly. Using the CDC STEADI Initiative (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries) as a framework, this class is designed to not only encourage Fall Prevention but promote Fall Preparedness. This class combines Functional Strength, Static and Dynamic Balance Exercises and has participants practice the Reactive Balance strategies critical to prevent falls. Going one step further than most balance classes, this class also teaches safe falling skills, floor recovery techniques and provides participants with the tools needed to keep them safe in the event of a fall that they cannot recover from independently.

POWER over Parkinson’s combines PWR! Moves, with Functional Strength, Core Stability, Balance and Breathwork, for a well-rounded hour of exercise and education each week. PWR! Moves are a series of four movement patterns performed in all different postures, that promote BIG and POWERFUL movement in the functional planes we move around in throughout the day. Exercises are performed sitting, standing, walking and do involve getting on and off of the floor. Though modifications will always be provided, participants should be able to safely participate in these activities without direct supervision, but are welcome to attend if they do need assistance, if they can bring a care partner along with them.

Our OsteoHour class is designed to be SAFE for people with osteopenia and osteoporosis, and EFFECTIVE at building bone density, reducing fracture risk and improving your strength and balance. Classes mix aerobic exercise, functional strength training, balance and flexibility to improve bone density and reduce your risk of falls and fractures. Exercises are performed in seated, standing and the ground. Long loop bands, mini bands and a variety of weights are recommended. OsteoHour is offered virtually through our Club HAPT website.

FUN-ctional Fitness is a blend of both FUN and FUNCTIONAL strength and balance training designed specifically to help older adults build RESILIENCE. Resilience is the key to building the physical reserves we need to not only stay independent as we age, but to prevent, and better manage, the chronic disease and illness often associated with aging. Basically, FUN-ctional Fitness is ALL THE THINGS I wish I could have told my patients to do BEFORE they ended up as my patients. As a Physical Therapist, I see people AFTER they’ve been injured or ill, and too often, these declines are due to inactivity, fear of movement and depleted reserves. FUN-ctional Fitness will give you the tools you need to prevent disease and disability, before it happens.

Yoga vs Osteoporosis mixes Dr. Fishman’s 12-Pose Yoga series with other strength, core and balance-focused exercises to strengthen your bones, improve your posture and maximize your balance. This class is designed to be accessible to participants at all levels with or without yoga experience, and is safe for people with Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. This class is taught by Katie Wadland, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, who is a certified Yoga vs. Osteoporosis instructor.

WalkFit is our OUTDOOR hour of walking drills, aerobic intervals and body weight strength training utilizing the outdoor Fitness Court at Moulton Playground, 14 Harrington Court, Wakefield, MA. In case of rain or extreme heat, we will meet the Wakefield Council on Aging and will substitute similar exercises and aerobic training. This class is ideal for active community members, as independent walking over uneven terrain will be required to access the Fitness Court.