Iron County Public Health to host exercise programs for seniors

By ZACHARY MARANO

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Hurley – Iron County Public Health will be hosting Strong Bodies exercise programs for those in their 40s and the elderly at three locations in Iron and Gogebic counties starting Tuesday.

Program Assistant Sue Herlevi said Strong Bodies is an evidence-based exercise program for the elderly. The goal is to improve their health and well-being through a structured, safe and effective bodybuilding program. During the classes, instructors will teach exercises using a combination of dumbbells, adjustable ankle weights, and participants’ body weight.

According to Iron County Public Health, the benefits of strength training include increased muscle mass, improved bone density, and improved balance and posture. It also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and associated fractures.

The programs will take place at three locations: the Iron County Courthouse at 300 Taconite Street in Hurley, Sherman Town Hall at 3063 W. Highway 182 in Springstead, and the Seniors Center at 900 Street. Pierce in Wakefield.

The Hurley Strong Bodies program will meet from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 12 weeks, and the Wakefield program will meet from 2 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Sherman program is already underway and meets from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Herlevi said they are following the state of Wisconsin’s recommendations regarding COVID-19. Participants in the program must wear a mask and stay six feet from each other. Instructors also wipe down the equipment after use and make sure everything is safe, she said. Herlevi said that before the pandemic each program had 25 people and now has around a dozen people.

Those responsible for the Strong Bodies program are local volunteers who receive training from the Department of Health. Herlevi said the Wakefield program is reduced to one volunteer and the health department is looking for more volunteers.

For more information, call the Iron County Public Health Unit at 715-561-2191.