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.

Fit and Fearless blends Adaptive Martial Arts and Safe Falling and Recovery skills to both improve your balance and reduce your risk of injury from falls. Class is co-taught by Dr. Katie Wadland, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, Owner of Healthy Aging Physical Therapy, and Dave Lyons, Defensive Edge Head Muay Thai Coach and HAPT Personal Trainer. Class is offered in both 1:1 Intensive format and in a small group Foundations series at the Defensive Edge martial arts studio in Wakefield. No previous martial arts experience is required. You can learn more about this program, and register for class, by visiting our Fit and Fearless page.

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. You can learn more about our Power over Parkinson’s Program here.

Zumba with Toning is a slower-paced beginner Zumba class with toning using light weights, and chair modifications available. This class combines the fun and engaging elements of Zumba with light resistance training to help you stay active, improve your strength, and enhance your cardiovascular health. With chair modifications available, this class is perfect for all fitness levels, ensuring a safe and enjoyable workout for everyone.

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.