You can recognize an EnhanceFitness class by the relaxed atmosphere and the laughter in the room. A full hour of fun, EnhanceFitness focuses on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance, and flexibility — everything older adults need to maintain health and function as they age.   View the program brochure here. 

Class Locations and Schedules:
Ann Arbor YMCA (Washington St, Ann Arbor): Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

ENHANCEFITNESS

EnhanceFitness is an evidence-based group exercise program that helps older adults at all levels of fitness become more active, energized, and empowered to sustain independent lives. EnhanceFitness is proven to increase cardiovascular health, muscular strength, flexibility and balance. Participants can either sit or stand during the class.

EnhanceFitness classes use wrist/ankle weights and sturdy chairs; dumbbells are available, too. A certified instructor, who has completed the EnhanceFitness training, will safely lead the class through an hour of dynamic exercises at a pace that’s right for the participants.  There are lots of opportunities for participants to make new friends and acquaintances.

A typical class is made up of:

  • A 5-minute warm-up to get the blood flowing to the muscles
  • A 20-minute aerobics workout that gets participants moving, or a walking workout to lively music that the class chooses
  • A 5-minute cool-down
  • A 20-minute strength training workout with soft ankle and wrist weights (0 up to 20 pounds)
  • A 10-minute stretching workout to keep the muscles flexible
  • Balance exercises throughout the class

ARTHRITIS WATER EXERCISE

Developing a regular exercise routine is extremely important when you have arthritis — it preserves strength and flexibility, and in people who are also overweight, physical activity can help shed pounds and reduce pain. Activities like walking and running can be too jarring on joints, but water therapy, is a great way to stay active while actually protecting joints.

“Being in the water ‘unweights’ your joints, which is really great for people who have a lot of pain,” says Patience White, MD, vice president of public health at the Arthritis Foundation and a professor of medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. People with either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can benefit, she adds.

A warm water class utilizing arthritis water exercises to increase range of motion and strength.  Register here or in person; for more information please contact Becky Epstein at 734-661-8020 or bepstein@annarborymca.org.