Sat., Feb 21, 28 and Mar 6 and 13, 2004 (weather cancellation day Mar 20):

10:30 AM – 12:00 noon

Location: Courtside Racquet and Fitness, 380 Pine Tree Rd., Ithaca, NY

Pre-registration required: please call 607 277-0200

Many older women suffer from debilitating bone loss. Osteoporosis (severe bone loss) and osteopenia (moderate bone loss) are silent diseases. Many women don’t know they have a problem until they’ve suffered irreversible damage. Bone density is of special concern to women at midlife and older, but low bone density is becoming epidemic in younger women due to inadequate nutrition, severe dieting, too little or too much exercise, and cigarette smoking.

Fortunately, low bone density is preventable or reversible at any age with a well-designed exercise and nutrition program. The same program that increases your bone strength will also improve your general health and promote healthy aging. This class, designed for women of all ages and all fitness levels, will help you develop strong bones for life.

The class will emphasize the following:

Designing an exercise program that improves bone density and balance
Using nutrition and nutritional supplements to increase bone density
Strength training and weight-bearing exercise appropriate to your level of fitness
Instruction in exercises that focus on hip, spine, and wrist bones
Understanding risk factors for osteoporisis and osteopenia
Understanding testing: bone scans, bone resorption, vitamin D, and calcium metabolism

$60 for the series for Courtside members, $80 for nonmembers

Resources: Strong Women, Strong Bones, Dr. Miriam Nelson

Better Bones, Better Body, Dr. Susan E. Brown

Elaine Mansfield, a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer, has been a nutrition and health care counselor for twenty-five years. She teaches nutrition and exercise courses in the Colgate University Faculty and Staff Wellness Program and works with private clients in the Ithaca area. Learn more about her background and approach by visiting her website: www.elainemansfield.com.