St. Mary's County

Health Promotion Opportunities

Fitness Classes and Health Promotion Opportunities

Fitness is important to everyone, young and old alike. The Department of Aging & Human Services offers a variety of fitness classes which are described below. Some classes require a fee as the Department contracts with certified instructors in order to provide high quality, safe fitness programs. Try your first class for free, and then purchase a Fitness Card for $30.00 for 10 classes. The Fitness Card never expires, can be used at any St. Mary’s County senior activity center and breaks down to the minimal price of $3.00 per class Those participating in physical activity opportunities must first sign a waiver releasing county government from liability should the member be injured while participating. Fitness Classes Brochure

Fitness Classes

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Help relieve arthritis pain by choosing the number one treatment: Exercise. Instructors certified by the Arthritis Foundation lead classes specifically designed to improve joint range of motion, flexibility, endurance, and strength. Classes are offered at all senior activity centers. No fee.

Enhance Fitness

This evidence-based group exercise class improves balance, flexibility, bone density, endurance, coordination, strength, and decreases your risk of falling. The class includes a 20 minute cardiovascular workout of a low to moderate impact followed by strengthening, balance and flexibility exercises. Classes are available at the Garvey, Northern, and Loffler Senior Activity Centers. Fee.

Exercise Equipment

Exercise equipment is available for use by people 50 years of age and older at each senior activity center. Receive an orientation to the equipment by staff, sign a physical activity waiver, and use at your own risk. Equipment is available, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free.

Line Dance

Dancing is great exercise! Learn fundamentals and advanced steps while enjoying the latest dances all while having a wonderfully physical workout at the same time. Classes are held at the Garvey, Loffler and Northern Senior Activity Centers. No fee.

Low Impact Aerobics

This terrific workout is a great way to improve the aerobic component of a fitness program and have fun at the same time. Enjoy a cardiovascular workout through the use of various dance and walking steps that help raise the heart rate without stressing the knees. Classes are held at the Garvey Senior Activity Center. Fee.

Parkinson’s Exercise Group

Exercise will not stop Parkinson's disease from progressing; but, it will improve balance and it can prevent joint stiffening. This gentle exercise program offered at the Garvey Senior Activity on Thursdays from 1:15 – 2 p.m. is for seniors ages 50 and over and includes stretching and strengthening routines that will help to minimize the negative effects of Parkinson’s disease. There is no fee. For more information, call 301-475-4200, ext. *1050.

Strength Training

It has been shown that strength training is the most effective way to slow and possibly reverse the loss of muscle, bone density, and strength that occurs as one ages. (Strength and Power Training, Harvard Medical School, 2004). Strong muscles help utilize oxygen and nutrients from the blood. They help absorb blood sugar so the body stays sensitive to insulin, helping to prevent or control Type 2 Diabetes. Strong muscles promote weight control by increasing your metabolism. Balance, flexibility, and bone density are also improved by strengthening muscles. Arthritis pain is often reduced and self-confidence is improved. It is recommended that you participate in two to three sessions/week with at least one day in between to allow your muscles to recover. Classes are held at the Loffler, Northern, and Garvey Senior Activity Centers. A class designed just for men is available at the Garvey Senior Activity Center. A circuit training class is available at the Northern Senior Activity Center. Fee.

Tai Chi for Arthritis

Tai Chi for Arthritis consists of movements from the Sun style of Tai Chi. This style is particularly effective for those with arthritis, and the movements have higher stances, which makes it easier to learn. For a schedule of classes, call 301.475.4200, ext. 1050.

Video Aerobics

Richard Simmons is the video instructor for this group of regular exercisers. Come join the fun and improve your physical condition. No fee.

Walking Clubs

Walk at a pace and distance that’s comfortable for you. Walking is a wonderful aerobic and bone building physical activity. Don’t forget…about 2100 steps equal a mile! No fee.

Yoga

This calm and tranquil experience offers benefits for inner awareness as well as physical balance and flexibility. Improve muscle strength and tone while learning ways to reduce stress and relax. Classes are available at the Northern, Loffler, and Garvey Senior Activity Centers. Fee.

Zumba

Enjoy the rhythms of Latin music while improving fitness through a great low impact aerobic dance workout. Classes are available at the Garvey, Loffler, and Northern Senior Activity Centers. Fee.

Health Promotion

The Division of Senior Center Operations provides classes that aid in the promotion of good health. A variety of topics are offered such as the evidence-based programs: Chronic Disease Self-Management, Diabetes Self-Management, Matter of Balance; and screenings such as vision, hearing, and skin cancer. Presentations on pertinent health topics occur at the senior activity centers on a regular basis. Check the activity calendar for each center to see what's planned.

Community Programs and Outreach

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

Division of Senior Center Operations (Senior Activity Centers)

Home & Community-Based Services

Human Services

Senior Information & Assistance