Hospital Continues Strength Training Program For Women

NEW MILFORD — New Milford Hospital is looking for a few good women! Starting August 16, the organization will again offer the StrongWomen, Strong Bones Program, a nationally recognized fitness program that provides seven weeks (two sessions per week) of exercise for middle-aged and older women. 

The program is appropriate for most women; however, all participants must consult with their physician before beginning this exercise program. Physician referral forms will be provided when registering for the program.

Exercise focuses on strength training to provide many potential benefits, including arthritis relief, restoration of balance and reduction of falls, strengthening of bones, proper weight maintenance, and improved glucose control.

Additionally, such exercise promotes improvements for a healthy state of mind, sleep quality, and cardiovascular health.

Sessions begin August 16 and are now offered mornings or evenings Mondays and Thursdays. Morning sessions are held from 10 to 11:15 am at the First Congregational Church of New Milford in the Chapel Room, 36 Main Street.

Evening sessions are held from 5:15 to 6:30 pm at New Milford Hospital in Robison Room B. The dates for both morning and evening sessions are as follows: August 16 & 19; August 23 & 26; August 30 & September 2; (no meetings September 6 & 9); September 13 & 16; September 20 & 23; September 27 & 30; October 4 & 7.

The series will be led by Lisa Lee, a certified yoga instructor and licensed massage therapist, who completed the Tufts University StrongWomen training in 2004, and served as a StrongWomen Program leader at Hartford Hospital for several years.

An instructor at Harmony Yoga, Ms Lee previously maintained a full-time massage therapy practice.

The StrongWomen Program was developed by Miriam Nelson, PhD, as associate professor at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.

The StrongWomen program is based upon years of research on how strength training and proper nutrition improve the health of women of all ages.

“Strength is a critical factor in living healthier, more active lifestyles,” said Dr Nelson. “Our research shows that a program of strength training not only improves bone density, but reduces falls, improves arthritis symptoms, and increases flexibility and strength.”

The fee for a seven-week session is $85. For more information and to register for Strong Women, Strong Bones sponsored by New Milford Hospital, call 800-350-1595.