Exercise is not only good for building cardio and muscular strength; it’s a great way to help prevent osteoporosis. Besides all of that, it’s also fun to work out with a group of people who are likeminded. at left, a group works out at Birch Grove Community Center in Tofte. Photo courtesy of Nancy Frischmann
It’s been almost one year since Bone Builders began in Tofte at the Birch Grove Community Center under the leadership of Ginny (Virginia) Cooley, director of fitness for W.E Connect, and Nancy Koloski. This fun, effective and free class welcomes participants of all ages and ability levels.
Bone Builders is a nationally-praised exercise program started by Tufts University in 1995, designed to help prevent osteoporosis, improve bone mass and strength, and improve balance. The goal is to help seniors feel stronger, maintain their independence and quality of life and provide an opportunity to socialize.
The Tofte class meets twice weekly, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Ginny and Nancy have seen many positive outcomes from their classes. Deonn Cicak, one of the Tofte class members shared the following:
“After an hour session of Bone Builders, I feel relaxed, rejuvenated, empowered, and strong! The exercises focus on maintaining and building muscle strength (but not bulging muscles), and increasing balance, enhanced by the benefits of social connections. The exercises are low-impact, but include warm-up exercises to get your heart rate up and loosen muscles.
“They are not ‘old lady’ or ‘old man’ exercises….they can give you a burn, they can stretch out tight muscles, and they have been proven to maintain healthy bone density. Working out with a group on a regular schedule makes it easier to maintain these benefits, preventing ‘slacking off.’ Everyone is encouraged to participate, as they are able, with modifications as necessary.
“Besides….we crank up the music and have fun! I highly recommend Bone Builders to everyone!”
The wonderful part of Bone Builders is it is a free, entirely volunteer-led program. The Lake and Cook county programs have grown from two classes with two leaders held only in Two Harbors, to numerous classes with over 125 participants in Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Finland and Tofte.
The program benefits even those who are lucky enough to have not had broken bones or who do not have concerns with osteoporosis. Research from the National Osteoporosis Foundation shows that 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men age 50 and older will have an osteoporosis related fracture in their lifetime.
As the executive director of the foundation, Judith Cranford states, “It is important for all individuals – regardless of age – to take steps to protect their bones. What good are strong minds and hearts if our bones are fragile and crumbling?”
The Tofte classes meet twice weekly at the Birch Grove Community Center on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 until 11 a.m.
Questions? Call Nancy at 226-8809.
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