Westfield Area Y Offers Project Healthy Bones

By Westfield Area Y

The Westfield Area Y is proud to announce that a new session of “Project Healthy Bones” classes will begin this September. The class is offered twice a week throughout the year for 16-week sessions in both Westfield and Mountainside locations.

Project Healthy Bones is for men and women who want to maintain their bone health and strength as the aging process sets in and bones begin losing density. Individuals reach their peak bone mass around the age of 30. With hormonal changes, bones start slowly becoming less dense. Heredity and life style factors such as diet, lack of physical activity and certain medications can speed up the demineralization of the bones which starts earlier in women than in men.

The class is a high intensity low impact strength training exercise program with small weights to improve or increase strength, flexibility and balance. These skills are transferable to all daily activities as well as other types of sports.

Project Healthy Bones is an osteoporosis prevention, exercise, and education program for adults in New Jersey. In 1991, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) began osteoporosis prevention activities. New Jersey was one of two states to receive funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for this purpose.

This class is free to Y members and open to non-members for a minimal fee. Registration is going on now online or at the Welcome Center at the Main Y Facility. Please contact Jean White at (908) 233-2700 x246 or e-mail jwhite@westfieldynj.org with questions or for more information.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Visit westfieldynj.org to learn more about Westfield Area Y programs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Pictured here: Participants enjoying a Project Healthy Bones class.