Strong Women Growing Stronger

AdminApril 3, 2014Last Updated: April 3, 2014

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Laurie Welch, right, and intern Libby Lurwick lead a Strong Women Growing Stronger weight lifting class for Renovo area women currently under way at Bucktail Medical Center. The program is sponsored by Penn State Extension. Record photo – Barbara Mastriania

by Barbara Mastriania

SOUTH RENOVO – Each Tuesday and Thursday morning a group of area women meet at nine o’clock in the Great Room at Bucktail Medical to lift weights. They are participating in the program Strong Women Growing Stronger, a strength training program sponsored by Penn State Extension and led by Penn State educator Laurie Welch.

For the class participants the program is an investment in their health. Research shows that as women age they lose muscle and strength. They decrease their activities. Some fall into a sedentary life style and sometimes become dependent on others

It need not be that way. Strength training can help women stay strong and independent throughout their lifetime. And according to information in a pamphlet from Penn State Extension a dy research study indicated that after a year of strength training twice a week, women’s bodies were fifteen to twenty years more youthful. Women participated in the program regained bone and muscle while losing fat. They became stronger, energized and more active.

The benefits of strength training for older women have been studied extensively and include:

• Increased muscle mass and strength

• Improved bone density and reduced risk for osteoporosis and related fractures

• Reduced risk for diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression, and obesity

• Improved self-confidence, sleep and vitality

The Bucktail class is one of two in Clinton County currently. Welch said the program is a safe, simple and highly effective strength training for women (and men) 40 years of age and older who are interested in improving their health, vitality and well being.

The classes include a five minute warm-up prior to the strength training exercises and a five minute cool down afterward. The exercises include leg, arm and wrist exercises with weights, and flexibility and posture exercises and stretching.

Two women in the class at Bucktail plan to take training in order to continue the program her. For more information about the program contact Welch at 570-726-or law27@psu.edu