Strong People
The MSU Extension Strong People Strength Training Program is based on the StrongWomen™ Program created by Drs. Miriam Nelson and Rebecca Seguin both formerly of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.
Dr. Nelson (Hampshire College) https://nutrition.tufts.edu/profile/faculty/miriam-nelson is the author of the research-based Strong Women book series, and Dr. Seguin (Texas A&M)https://agriliferesearch.tamu.edu/contact/ is national program director for StrongWomen (StrongPeople in Montana). Read more about the history of this program, as well as how it has been implemented via Extension networks across the U.S.
View the interview with Jane Wolery and Michelle Grocke on Yellowstone Public Radio here:
https://www.mtpr.org/post/low-cost-classes-can-help-montana-seniors-stay-fit
Details of the MSU Extension Strong People Strength Training Program:
- What: A 12-week strength training class designed for older adults (both men and women) who want to stay fit, strong and healthy. The class meets twice per week for 1 hour.
- Where: Numerous counties across Montana hold Strong People classes. Please contact your local MSU Extension county office for more information.
- Cost: Cost for the classes depends on the instructor, though range between $0 - $25.
- Experience: No experience necessary; however, participants are asked to fill out a health questionnaire prior to enrollment and may have to acquire physician consent.
View the Strong People Program 2021 Summary Report
Would you like to become a Strong People Course Leader?
Please contact lorelyn.mayr@montana.edu and visit this page for more information on the next training opportunity and online individual course options.
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County
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Days of the Week
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Times
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Location
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Course Contact
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How to Register for the Class or Get More Information
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Anaconda/Deerlodge
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TBD
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TBD
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Please call or email Kayleen Kidwell at MSU Extension Anaconda/Deerlodge Counties
at (406) 563-4035 or kayleen.kidwell@montana.edu for more information on classes.
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Big Horn
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Mon/Thur
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8:30 am
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Contact Judy for Location
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Email judyrx.jn@gmail.com
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Chouteau
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TBD
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TBD
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For information on classes please contact Janell Barber at janellb@montana.edu or 406-622-3036
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Flathead
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TBD
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TBD
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Please contact Rick Balestri, MSU Extension Flathead County, for information on classes
at 406-758-5554 or email richard.balestri@montana.edu.
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Gallatin
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TBD
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TBD
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Bozeman Senior Center
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Senior Center
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Please call the Bozeman Senior Center at 406-586-2421 for class information.
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Glacier
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Tue/Thur
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10 am
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Cut Bank Civic Center
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Begins September 20th. Call 406-873-2239, email lterry@montana.edu
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Glacier
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Mon/Fri
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11 am
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Parkview Senior
Center, Cut Bank |
Begins October 15th. Call 406-873-2239, email lterry@montana.edu
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Lake
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TBD
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TBD
|
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Please contact MSU Extension Agent Claudia Andrade at 406-676-4271 or email claudia.andrade@montana.edu for more information on classes.
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Lewis & Clark
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TBD
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TBD
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Please call Shae Bruursema, MSU Extension Lewis & Clark County at (406) 447-8346 or email shae.bruursema@montana.edu for more information on classes.
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Madison
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TBD
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TBD
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Sheridan Senior Center
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Sheridan Senior Center
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Please call or visit or call the Sheridan Senior Center (406-842-5966) for more information on classes.
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Madison-Jefferson
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TBD
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TBD
|
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Please call or email Kaleena Miller, MSU Extension Agent for Madison/Jefferson Counties at
(406) 287-3282
kaleena.miller1@montana.edu for more information on classes.
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Pondera
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TBD
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TBD
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Please call 406-271-4054 or email MSU Extension, Pondera County Agent Wendy Wedum for information on classes in Pondera
County. wendy.wedum@montana.edu
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Richland
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TBD
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TBD
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TBD
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Call or come to the MSU Extension office for more Information
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Sanders
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Mon/Thur
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3 pm
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Clark Fork Valley Hospital
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Classes are $10 for the series; visit the Clark Fork Valley Hospital website for more information or call Janie at 406-826-4669
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Sanders
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Mon/Thur
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4:30 pm
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Clark Fork Valley Hospital
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Classes are $10 for the series; visit the Clark Fork Valley Hospital website for more information Janie at 406-826-4669
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Sanders
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Tue/Thur
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8:30-9:30 am
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Clark Fork Professional Building
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In the Clark Fork Professional Building, Thompson Falls. Please contact Jeanette Allday at Sanders County Extension for more information at
(406) 827-6934. Classes run Sept 6, 2022-Nov 22, 2022
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Sanders
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Mon/Wed
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10:30 am
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Community Congregational Church
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Cathy Mills
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Contact Cathy Mills at 661-903-5280 for more information
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Teton
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Mon/Thur
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TBD
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Choteau Baptist Church (near the school)
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Classes are Free. Call 406-466-2492, Text 406-590-2492 or email jenn.swanson@montana.edu
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Valley
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Classes begin Feb 21, 2023
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Call for more info
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Call or come to the MSU Extension office for more Information
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Yellowstone
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Tue/Thur
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9 am
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Laurel Senior Center
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Call or email Sara Fluer at the MSU Extension Yellowstone County office for more information. 406-256-2828
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These classes are on-going but may be changed or cancelled due to COVID-19. Please contact the MSU Extension agent listed above for questions or to confirm class times. No class in your area? Please contact your local MSU Extension county office to see what options are available. Contact MSU Extension Health and Wellness to request a class. 406-994-6969 or lorelyn.mayr@montana.edu.
What are the benefits of strength training?
The benefits of strength training have been studied extensively and include:
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Improved bone density and reduced risk for osteoporosis and related fractures
- Reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression, and obesity
- Improved self-confidence, sleep and vitality
More research publications on the benefits of strength training, particularly for older adults can be found on this Google Scholar page